Modern Vespa

Hi There

Hope you are all well. I am contemplating doing a ride from my home to the NJ SHORE to visit my family. The ride is basically 90 miles on the Garden State Parkway. Seems daunting, but perhaps fun. Not sure if this is crazy or something I should consider.

I often ride 70 miles in one day when I ride from my home in Rockland to Manhattan and then back later in the day but it's NEVER on a very long stretch that's more than 15 miles and it's never a parkway. Actually, there is an option for me to take a parkway to nyc
But I choose not to…….I do that 70 miles - 35 to and from all the time, but I avoid highways……but doing that down to shore will take way too long.

Anyway - thoughts???

Just do it - you're quite capable, the bike's quite capable. It'll could be boring, but being on a PTW instead of in a car means you'll be alert to all around you.

It should be fun!

I agree with Jim, I would be more concerned if you had said the Jersey Turnpike.

Your GTS is perfectly capable of going 90 miles on any road in the US. While not my preference I've done a few hundred on various interstates around the US on a GTS 250-300. Heck, I've even ridden I-95 in Florida and I-10 in Texas. Boring other than watching out for other vehicles that may not notice you when changing lanes but if I need to make tracks I'll ride them.

Edit, when I say a few hundred, I meant at a time not total. I've done thousands on interstates on GTS in the US. A coupe hundred on M roads in the UK While oi prefer backroads sometime there are reasons that make taking an interstate the correct choice, usually time related.

As a Jersey driver, I disagree. Even in the car, I hate the GSP. It's like a longer, better paved version of the FDR. On the turnpike, the exits are fewer, and far more spaced out. -Same goes for the lanes.
The GSP is known for being windy, fast, and having (I think) too many lanes for what feels safe. Be careful and mindful on the GSP. People love to fly. The road is rarely straightaway on there. When you approach more southern part of NJ (closer to Raritan), there's a huge overpass with a LOT of lanes. There will be a split. Make sure you know if you're on the right or left side to exit. You'll want to get ready there.

Your bike can handle it, but be aware of aggressive drivers. That being said; if you're trying to go to the shore on a nice weekend day during the summer, you'll be more likely to hit a bit of traffic.

Good luck!

I agree with you - as a test I did a ride this AM from the GWB to exit 7 on the Pallisades Parkway (which is way smaller and more scenic then the GSP) and I didn't enjoy it……so I will be taking my car! LOL. I enjoy my long rides often, but not on roads like GSP

The bike can handle those types of roads, but it boils down to a personal choice based on other traffic and road conditions.

I dislike riding on heavily travelled interstates, parkways and turnpikes. Particularly if the traffic in general is moving at 75+ MPH and includes a lot of large tractor trailers. And it's pretty boring.

My closest dealer is 40 miles south on I-75 between Dayton and Cincinnati. The traffic typically is zipping along at 70-75 mph and there are a lot of exits with merging cars and trucks. A modest sized hole in the road, vehicle debris from accidents or tire segments and road kill at this speed is a significant hazard on a scooter. I ride this road occasionally if needed, but it's not my 1st choice.

See, and I don't mind the PIP in my car, OR my scooter, but I also have bigger wheels on my scoot than you have on yours. Regardless, given the option of taking 9W or PIP, I choose 9W every time if I'm riding alone. With a group, PIP no problem.

Glad you sorted it out! I'm with you; I don't love highway driving. I will say the West Side Highway/Henry Hudson Parkway/9A is an absolute joy, especially on a weekend morning with ZERO traffic.

Your scooter is more than capable of riding on any road in the US.

But you don't feel comfortable.

I agree with you on your decision.

Take the car..

Bill

To the OP and Bill: You said it, Bill! When I first got my bike I was afraid of taking highways, bridges, any road I wasn't used to on two wheels.
Got a buddy, and we went over the George Washington Bridge together, via back roads. I felt more confident with another rider with me (2 easier to see than 1). Went on a group ride that took highways. Was scared, but felt better with more numbers. Now I can do all the things I was scared of before.

Practice builds confidence. Good luck! Maybe one day on the GSP or NJTPK (It's not that bad, but I swear by bigger wheels).

I am comfortable anywhere on my small wheeled Vespas.

More than 200,000 miles on them in 18 years, including crossing the country three times.

I fully agree that it takes time to get comfortable in different situations.

But when someone says that they are not ready, and says that they will drive instead, I support that.

He will ride when it feels right.

Bill

I've done a little time on the GSP on my 250, usually 35 miles down to Asbury Park. I wouldn't say it's pleasant riding but you get some strange looks from people, especially when you pass them. After the Driscoll bridge I'd stick to the local lanes instead of express. If you want a better route and have the time go through the pine barrens on 537/539. Really amazing, like Deliverance in NJ.

w.

That's the route I always took to go to Ocean City. Much less stress than riding on the Parkway.

Got a route to Cape May too if you want it.

w.

Originally, I was going to avoid the highways and do that. However, I ended up having to work, so didn't have enough time to get down here……hence my post. The 3.5hr ride avoiding highways would have been fun…..next time for sure

Took the car, and immediately was happy I did…….

I really don't know the area where you want to ride to, but may I suggest something else? I use Google maps and after I enter my destination, I add the "avoid highways" option, then see how it lays out the trip. I'm like Bill, I'll ride anywhere, but unless I need to get somewhere in a hurry, I try to avoid highways. I am enjoying the backroads more as time goes by.

There you go. Try it when you are well rested, feel more confident and aren't in a hurry.

That pretty much sums up my position as well. First time I rode an interstate it was deep breath as I entered the on-ramp but I chose early on a Sunday morning with little traffic for my first foray. Doing it with someone else is another good way as Karisbadd said to help you feel more comfortable about it.

Hey!! Absolutely. I was in a rush because I had to unexpectedly work. If I had more time, I would've done the avoid highways route and not think twice about doing it.

There is a time and place for a PTW and a time and place for a car. We all make those decisions.

This time, you made the right decision for you.

I frequently do ride the Vespa on the Garden State Parkway, I-278, I-95, I-78 and other area big slab ways. So yes, it can be done and no, it isn't crazy me thinks. Your Vespa for sure is capable of keeping up in those situations.

That being said, even though I enjoy it, that might not be for you. The rides do occasionally take nerves of steel and you often have to move along at a furious speed to keep up with the traffic around you.

If that's your thing, give it a try. If not, there are mellower ways to get through the Garden State. Don't do it if you are not a 100% comfortable, because then it wouldn't be much fun.

I agree with everyone else that the Vespa is more than capable to travel those roads.

But in my neck of the woods, I95 and 495 (beltway) are just too dangerous especially 495 (I refuse to ride my motorcycle on that road unless I am with 1 or more motorcycles). I like to ride behind or in front of the traffic, which on those roads require a quick blast to 85-90 to gain separation sometimes, and thats where it gets dicey on the Vespa when traffic is gaining on you including 18 wheelers, people like to pass slower traffic using part of your lane and there is nothing you can do. So if I was forced to do it for a few exits, but 90 miles would just be such a nerve racking ride I'd rather find a nice back road take my time, smile, and smell the roses.....

I think it all comes down to a famous movie quote.

"A man has to know his limitations."

Good choice to not do something you're not sure you want to do. At least work up to it.

I've also found that really any time I'm on a freeway, interstate, expressway, turnpike, dual carriageway, autobahn, parkway, limited-access highway, slab, or any such thing by any other name, I feel cut off from the feeling that I like about riding. Even on wide open stretches out here in the West, as soon as you get off and onto a smaller rode, the feeling comes back. They have their place, those big roads, but they're never much fun for me.

I've use ride Harley race bike a bunch of big bikes all over the country. It's been rough no matter what bike I was on people don't see you or choose not to see you. Your 300 is more than capable of doing that ride like most have said. Maybe one day you will do it I would be more worried about the bipolar weather we been having in NY NJ.