Modern Vespa

The most attention I ever got was while riding from Prince George to Hyder for the start of the 2014 Scooter Cannonball Run with my friend Mike (LM15)

When people saw two Florida tagged scooters so far from home, they had to ask questions.

We gladly entertained them and moved on after our answers were exhausted.

I don't get into many conversations on my usual rides.

The few that have questions usually want to know the following...

How much does it cost?
How fast will it run?
How many miles per gallon?

Then they head back to their cars.

It never bothers me.

Bill

I did choose the one that I genuinely want to ride but after owning it for a year I realise that owning it involves having to be sociable with people that I wouldn't choose to be sociable with. Especially when I don't ride to be sociable.

This is probably the reason why I don't involve myself with group rides as many others do.

I'm not a miserable bastard but I do tend to ride for myself, not to be part of something greater. Also many others don't ride fast enough in groups.

If I was using it as a tool to draw attention to myself to make up for a lack of charisma or a deficit in my personality then it's my doing, but when I'm not initiating conversations or directing people's attention towards it it's passive ability to draw in the crowds becomes a bit of a drag.

I think it's a simple case of either accepting the level of attention the bike brings then plastering on a fake smile as I plough though this unwelcome bullshit with a smile on my face one more time for the uninvited masses or sell it to avoid issue.

I'm pretty certain that it's going to have to go. I may have already said that

It was fun while it lasted.

As for the Ural idea - I already have a 20 year old Boxer so I don't need another one.

Group rides are only as good as the weakest rider anyway. Like you said, they can uncomfortably slow. I'd rather meet everyone at the finish line... if I'm still there when they make it. That's a whole other subject though. Best we don't get off topic or the two of us will get ejected again for reasons I'm not too clear on lol.

Group rides are better when I'm not in them.

It's gotta be worse if you're a pretty girl

I was actually pulled over by a cop while on my TGB Laser 150 many years ago. I was over the speed limit and the bike did not have a tag as it looked identical to the 50cc version(for which no tag is needed in GA) so I never registered it. As I stopped and got off the bike, the officer said "I am not pulling you over for an infraction, I just wanted to ask you about your bike..." I was a bit pissed.

I do get frequent "how fast does it go?" questions and always have on my scooters over the years. I certainly raise eyebrows with my BV when I say "about 90MPH".

Wish I could spell bologna.......

O.S.

Could be the cigar.....

Imagine being so incredibly good looking that people can't stop staring at you.

It could be worse I guess

The mobility scooter really puts the tire in retirees.

Yes, but over here we use them because we can no longer walk, where as over there they use them when they can't be bothered.

I always enjoy meeting and chatting about my Vespa with others. The culture here in Chattanooga is very friendly .

Over 55 years of riding I'd say the most questions or comments came because of my '01 Bonneville. Since this was the reintroduction year that was to be expected. I've had three Vespas and those would be number two. That comes from people who rode one in Italy, Bermuda etc. Of course all motorscooters are "Vespa"

I've had some really unique Harleys over the years. Not to many people want to talk to Harley riders. A buddy has a Ural. He can't go anywhere without being stopped. Which is OK I guess, the bike doesn't really go to far or fast anyway.

Isn't it amazing how different we all are! Terrific!

I saw a guy riding an immaculate Vincent a few days back.

We acknowledged each other with a respectful nod.

That's more than enough for me.

You're probably going to the wrong gas stations.

The Vespa does attract attention, but I've not found it to be a problem. I'm retired - almost always have time for a short chat. In the 4 years I've owned Vespas, I haven't had an unpleasant encounter at the gas pump or when gearing up at the bike. I think people admire the lovely design.

What really surprised me is the number of people who will roll down their window when alongside at a stoplight and say, "That sure looks like fun"... I think it makes them think "what if?"

For the record, this happens more in smaller population areas than when in a bigger city (currently in the Phoenix area).

When I was in first grade I remember my teacher sitting me in the corner with tape over my mouth because she couldn't get me to stop talking. My parents thought it was funny. In hindsight, it really is. Probably couldn't get away with that now.

I've outgrown that. Some. Sorry to hear. The Enfields are a beautiful bike. I've said before if I ever cross over into the MC world, it will be an Enfield. They are what drew me to 2-wheelers to begin with.

Maybe you just have a kindly face?


I've had differing degrees. The P200 got a lot of looks and some conversation. The Aprilia almost never. Of the bikes I've had, though, the Chinese bike got the most comments and conversation. It was pretty.

The only time I really mind it is sitting at a red light when they want to roll down their window and ask me the history of the bike as well as the specs and my thoughts on "Easy Rider" and did I see that episode of "American Pickers" and now people are honking.

In a parking lot I'll talk all day. In traffic a smile and a thumbs up will suffice.

The interactions are never unpleasant. They have just become too numerous to become welcome and too intrusive not for me to feel a bit resentful.

The one that capped was the guy feeling the need to engage so much I don't think he understood that there is a time and a place.

Try to think of going to a supermarket and every time you bought salmon someone would spark up a conversation about the salmon that you have in your basket because one day they also had salmon.

Introvert and extrovert are not bad or good. Just different. Extroverts get energy from talking with others. It takes energy from introverts to talk to others. Shy people can look unfriendly when usually they are just shy. A room full of strangers is work for some and a treat for others. Vive la difference!

I'm telling you, old men who used to own Triumphs just materialize out of thin air when you get to a gas station. I'm dating an engineer who is the most rational, most logical, the most non-religious, non-spiritual, non-horoscope'ish, non-believing-in-anything woman, ever.

For those who watch star trek, think sexy vulcan babe.

She'll tell you, the only one thing she believes in, in the entire universe is old white men will materialize out of thin air to tell you about a bike they used to have any time you take a vintage-redo motorcycle to a stop.

beam me up Scotty

[quote="adri"]

For those who watch star trek, think sexy vulcan babe.



Pictures please or your bragging don't mean Jack Schitt

This happened to me on, wait for it Chickdr, Buford Highway- in Doraville GA in 2007. The cop actually stopped me for having a flashlight taped to the ass-end of my P125. After pointing out the obvious, he went on for about 15 minutes about the All State he ordered from a Sears catalog in the sixties, how it showed up and needed assembly blah blah. No ticket though, just asked me not to get killed till I crossed over into Chamblee.

I towards the last part of my career worked all over the country with a lot of other construction types that also worked all over the country. As a topic of discussion the subject of friendliest state came up and for quite a few it was Tennessee.

That is funny and abusive at the same time but funny. I have had many similar experiences where me voicing my opinion was discouraged. Unfortunately after serving in the USMC and swearing an oath to protect and defend the constitution against all enemies...and the first amendment to the constitution being freedom of speech well sometimes depending on the circumstances you can't get me to shut up. Under Roberts rules of order it takes a 2/3rds majority to suspend debate on an issue and is to be decided by a division of the house, so there's that.

As time goes by I have begun to realize that not everyone appreciates extroverted outgoing people and some sense of when it is not appreciated. I have no desire to impose on people and like to show respect for human dignity. If you can read that they don't want to be bothered leave them alone for chrissakes!

I served in the military myself. I don't remember discussion generally, and who called the shots in particular, being controlled in that way.

My GTV with Inder trailer garnered attention everywhere I went. Once, an older man waved me into the break-down lane on a freeway where the speed limit was 65 mph. He wanted to tell me that my trailer was weaving. Once I told him it was normal, he then proceeded to tell me about the bike he had and whipped out his phone to show pictures, in the break-down lane!! I smiled and moved on pretty quickly.
Miguel

This thread is getting a lot of attention for someone who doesn't like it....

I keep telling her she should start an Only Fans.
I'll put you on the waiting list.

If you served in the United States military you took the oath, everybody did.

Make no mistake there was no freedom of speech while in the military but the oath you took to defend the constitution, and the first amendment of the constitution guarantees that right to freedom of speech.

So after military service being a citizen and knowing that right depending on the circumstances... I am not likely to be quiet just because someone tells me to be quiet as I have the right to voice my opinion. As a union member even more so which is where Robert's rules come into play.

Under Robert's rules which is also stated as under parliament it requires a two thirds majority to suspend debate. So there may be some at the union meeting that don't like what you have to say or agree with you but they can't stop you from debating your point unless two thirds of the group assembled say you are done.

I took the BMW back to the same spot yesterday just for a laugh.

Yup, it was totally ignored.

Oh, with exception to two Harley owners who nodded on arrival.

Ah, where did that bobber come from? I am an admirer of the V9 myself. If you rode up on that bike, I'd probably come over and chat you up.

I've only had my Himalayan since mid-January. And most of my riding has been in sparsely populated areas. Only once did someone comment on it. My friend and I were stopped along a road to take a couple pictures. A guy in a truck stopped to see if we needed help. He saw the Himalayan and said he had a couple Enfields. Rifles. He started to talk about his motorcycles. My friend engaged him. I didn't.

Over the years I've seldom had anyone approach me regardless of what I ride. I just assumed no one likes me.

Perhaps this explains why "You Have A Friend In Pennsylvania" is no longer a license-plate slogan?

And yet you seem very likeable and laid back in the videos? From watching the videos I can't imagine you not replying politely to any question or comment.

I'm pretty certain that I've solved this little issue.

I visited my local dealer dealer yesterday and he offered me what I paid for the Royal Enfield a year ago against a 2019 Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber that I've been eyeing up for the past 3 months.

I rode it home and it passed the gas station test with flying colours.

Maybe it does! And since I'm not riding a Honda, I'm not meeting the nicest people either!

.

I'm always polite when asked questions. Being accosted in public doesn't register on my frustration meter. But if it happened all the time then I might feel differently. Even then, I can't imagine being bothered by anyone asking questions. The few times I've been approached while gassing up the scooter have pretty much been the same:

How fast does that thing go?
What kind of gas mileage do you get?
Is that a Vespa?
How much do they cost?

Hardly frustration producing questions for me. I don't get frustrated when religious people confront me either. Or sales people on the phone. Something must be wrong with me. Where's my "Git off my land!!!" response??

Congrats on the new toy!! Quite the upgrade too. I was never crazy about the REs.

Chatty Cathy nuisance aside, do you miss it?