Modern Vespa

Hi all,

Been lurking on these forums for ages and made the decision to get a Vespa (coming from high-performance Japanese bikes).

Got me a black (nero) 2007 Gts250ie (6500 miles) with Akropovic exhaust; aptly naming him "il Padrino" - "The Godfather.

Some odd scratches, dents and reflectors that need some attention; but in all, the new addition is in pretty good shape. I'll be looking to make this my own in the coming months and also replace/fix missing and old bits.

As I'm new to the U.S. and San Fran (Bay Area), I'm looking forward to exploring the area and meeting new people on this gem.

Wish us well!

- il Padrino

Welcome to the forum and the scooter world. In San Fran you should be able to find other scooterists to ride with.

Thanks man! I'm hoping so - the community here seems really great.

Meeting people for rides would be great to get used to how the road/traffic dynamics are here. It's all a bit weird riding on the "wrong" side of the road... Not like South Africa and the UK!

If you ever get tired of sitting in the same place, you could replace the GTV seat you have with the one-piece GTS seat your scoot came with new.

I've thought about it and might do it in future. It's a top quality leather seat (albeit faded) - I'll try restore it a little and see how it does. I'm 6ft 3 and it wasn't much of a pain on the 45min ride home from the dealer. But only time will tell!

Well nothing like looking at some motorcycle maps to start off with:

Butler Motorcycle Maps
https://www.butlermaps.com/

and especially this one:

Northern California G1 Map 3rd Edition
https://butlermaps.com/motorcycle-road-maps/northern-california-map/

Since you are new to our style of driving where people will run you off the road because you are on it, you would be well advised to take a safety course no matter how experienced a rider you are:

http://motorcycle-skills.com/MTC.html

In addition to acquainting you with our habits, it makes obtaining the motorcycle endorsement easier too.

This is great! Thanks a mil. I'll definitely look into it - the Vespa is nowhere near as loud as my Z1000, so learning your (U.S.) driver dynamics can only be of benefit.

Quick question before I forget: Are there any recommendations for Vespa too notch servicing in the San Mateo area? The scooter just went through the major 6k service, but it'll be good to know of great dealers in the area should things go awry (just until I get my hands on a decent set of tools and kit to do my own basic fixes and servicing).

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Incident: 12/24/20 05:42 AM : Ukiah : 15300 Caspar Rd :
Time Detail
Dec 24 2020 5:43AM 1039 CDF
Dec 24 2020 5:55AM VEH VS MC
Dec 24 2020 6:29AM SHOOTING and 245 VEH
Dec 24 2020 6:32AM PER 18-1 - VICT IS DETAINED IN HIS PATROL VEH and WAS BEING SHOT AT
Dec 24 2020 6:32AM 18-1 LOCATED THE FIREARM and THEIR ARE SHELL CASINGS/BULLETS IN THE VEH
Dec 24 2020 6:54AM PER 18-S4 - CASPAR RD CLOSED BTWN SR1 and PACIFICA DR

Bay Area CHP Motorcycle Incidents
http://www.genepilot.com/CHP/showIncidents.php

About two thirds of the world drives on the correct side of the road, the rest of them have the steering wheel on the right and now, with the lockdowns, should really consider scheduling their own Dagen H so Americans don't get run over when we visit and try to cross the street.