Modern Vespa

My BV was knocked over (and no one copped to it) end of July. I was able to get it into the shop 8/15. Spoke to John at the repair place and parts aren't due in for possibly another 2-4 weeks (from then). Withdrawal symptoms are so bad I dreamt I was riding last night. The gorgeous weather that took months to get to the east coast has finally arrived and my bike is a sitting duck.

Torture.

That's why everyone needs at least two scooters for situations such as your's 😊

I am always accepting donations!


But in all seriousness, when I stop and think about the day my BV no longer works, and what other bike I would replace it with, I can't come up with anything other than another BV (unless the Yamaha T-Max ever comes here)!

Of course Mopedlar was talking about a backup rather than a replacement. Have you ever considered an X-Max? Somewhat similar to a BV. Even an S-Max or a Liberty could be a backup.

This resonates.

Over here the good riding season is short. On an average year around 5 months, sometimes less, sometimes more.

This year I had a bit of injury in April. Lost my right hand for awhile.

So....rode my bike 15 km from a winter storage with one hand in May (don't ask...), took a few short spins in August and returned it to the winter storage

My other summer hobby, gardening was equally out. Tried to do something with my left hand, but as I have a bad left shoulder (...), this was not much.


Still, I was alive. Enjoying summer days walking and sitting outside was actually not so bad either. Went to see more outdoors music gigs and plays than in years.

But yeah, took some mental adjustment.

Then that's the thing to do. Another BV. Equip them a little different and enjoy.

I've had simultaneously:

2x Vespa GTS250i
2x Harley-Davidson V-Rod
2x Harley-Davidson Sportster
2x BMW G650GS

I've had several other bikes multiple times over, but those were just the ones I had doubles of at the same time.

Each one was set differently...

In the case of my GTS, one had protection and was used in winter, it also had uglier wheels, and no top case, so I could pick up bigger items on the back rack, like wheels/tires/pizza boxes/fenders/typical bikelife stuff.

The other GTS has pretty wheels, top case, is pampered, never sees snow, never used to see rain, etc.

Imagine a world with no waiting on service, no waiting on parts, where backorder is a typo and not a word... You can have it all!

I have THREE scoots and they all spent the last 1 1/2 months in varying states of disrepair. My big Vespa picked up a nail in her tire and probably also needs a new ABS sensor, my C3 had a cracked valve stem and thus needed work, and my Liberty was in the shop for almost a month for a stalling issue (that they could not find or fix) covered under warranty. I got the Liberty back a couple weeks ago and have been riding it a bit, but it is in desperate need of new tires as well as its 6k service, so I'm not trying to add a whole lot of miles to it. The C3 is up and running again too, but being only a 50cc, is mainly just for fun short local rides... It's gonna take a while for me to save up the scratch for the Vespa's and Liberty's service needs which I'm planning to have done early in the spring, so my riding season is pretty much over for the year.

I feel you. Fortunately one of my three held up this summer, but between an engine repair and a speedo cable/front shock project I've done far more wrenching/waiting than riding. So much for bragging about having backup scooters.

I think the key here is to have different machines, but also from different manufacturers.

I still feel for you, Karlsbadd. Unless it is a common item, it takes a week to even get a part on something even like a newer Honda. Meanwhile could you have ridden the scoot while waiting for the parts to come in?

I was window shopping scooters recently, and I don't believe either the X-Max or S-Max come in anything but 100% flat black. I sold a perfectly good scooter once just because it was flat black. I thought I could live with it. I was wrong. I got more disgusted every time I looked at it. I have 4 motorcycles, 2 scooters, and 2 pedal mopeds. None of them black. So if one or more break down, I still have something to ride. The weather is starting to cool down here in AZ, after a straight 2 1/2 months of 112 degrees F every day. I'm hoping to rack up at least 15,000 miles this winter, between all of my bikes.

Hey Tierney,
I drove it home from NYC to NJ after it had been knocked over. It was okay, but the left brake handle left a bit to be desired. For me it was more of a peace of mind issue. After I parked it, I felt uncomfortable driving it with the left brake lever so wonky. It worked, but I just didn't want to take my chances.

Yeah, I just don't have the kind of money, wrenching, or space capacity for multiple bikes. I really love the T Max. I don't think I would go with a smaller bike. I am kind of hoping that by the time I need a new bike, the T-Max is back here. I also happen to love that it's a little bit lower seat wise than my BV.

If I had another bike, I feel like one would just sit, and that posese its own problems as I understand it.

Then again... if Honda ever comes out with the ADV or literally anything else in a larger engine, I would probably abandon all other rides for a Honda. Boring, maybe, but RELIABLE.

I have repaired many bent brake handles. With the right amount of heat and a little patience, you can make them good as new.

Not much of a wrencher so I don't know that I would trust my skills there. But yeah, maybe it's time to learn.

UPDATE:

Bike still in the shop, still waiting on parts. Learning to despise Piaggio. My wife asked me how long I intend to keep this bike, what would I do when it's time to give it up (for another)... New eta is Jan 11; I am not optimistic.

I have to say this experience, plus what I've read about the wonky nature of the new keyless BVs makes me NOT long for another. I don't want a smaller engine that what I've got. Maybe Piaggio will come to its senses.

As for how long I will hang onto this bike: I'm hoping to have it at least 10 years. If the shop can still get parts (ideally FASTER than this), and the kinks get sorted, maybe. I've also been looking at the BMWs, but I understand they are a pretty penny to repair. #thoughtsandprayers

What part are they waiting on?

Now this is an interesting, straightforward question. Initially I was told the holdup was the front faring. Then, I was told it was the handlebar cover. I'm headed over there today to sign a check from insurance to get them moving. And, while the bike has been sitting, I asked them to check EVERYTHING ELSE, (brakes are starting to wear, tyres, etc.), so that I don't have to turn right back around in March/April, because it needs any kind of tune up. #brutal

Is there a reason to keep the scooter off the street waiting for cosmetic parts? If she runs, let 'er rip. Riding ugly > not riding

Well, Juan, you're not wrong, but the brake in particular was so bent that it left me feeling very uneasy. I'd rather ride with full peace of mind than ride wondering the whole time if I'm ok. I'm not mechanically savvy, so other than a grotesque sounding noise or the bike really hobbling along I wouldn't know if something is amiss. The season's over for me, but I just returned from the shop and sounds like bike will be delivered back to my door around end of January. With any luck, early to mid-March I can get back out there.

Dooglas,

Fine looking scooters. Tough to decide which one to ride.

Bob Copeland
Minnesota (No Snow but Cold)

So it's just a bent brake lever that's stopped you from considering riding it for nearly six months? They can be treated as consumables, as they invariably get bent even if the bike falls over 'gracefully'. I keep at least a pair spare!

I'm sure Motovista could source one for you in days.

Winter is here, so my ride is idle. I really miss riding, as I don't ride if the temp is below 60ºF. So, I'm waiting somewhat impatiently for spring to arrive.
Some years ago, I did ride on New Year's Day, as the temp was quite balmy. No such luck this year, I expect.
I've done my 625 mile checks and oil change, so I'm ready to go.
C'mon Spring!

Thanks, Jim. Yes, well the parts of the bike were bent quite a bit (specifically the front faring) as well. The whole thing kind of got smooshed a bit. Regardless, I've taken the hit already. Looking forward to it all being done with pretty soon.

Was it rideable before it went into shop, if so pre-ordered parts would have been a nice option.
Also could it have been or can it be made ridable now while waiting on cosmetic bits?
Can't imagine many parked and knock overs would render a BV or Vespa unridable.
Also did you cross check backordered parts at scooterwest, perhaps your mechanic is not in as big as a hurry as you?

OH MY, didn't see this until after my post, what a crying shame, would have had that lever in a vice, some ice water and cold set that baby back in ridable shape in no time.

To clarify: The brake is the thing that spooked me. The body still had damage in numerous places. All this to say, while I (now know) I could have driven or possibly managed the brake situation, the bike still would have had to go in for the other repairs. Lesson learned either way, I suppose. Thanks for the support, guys!

Vice and ice water?

I'm 0 for 4 straightening bent brake handles using a vise and propane flame, so I just buy new ones now.

Apparently I've been doing it all wrong. Which vice? My go-to is Sloth.

I have straightened many with a simple gas torch with the lever in a bench vice. As it heats up, you can gently try to bend it with some padded pliers as not to mar the aluminum. Eventually, it will bend quite easily, you just have to be patient. Also, and old trick: if you have some castile soap around, you can rub a bit on before heating. When the soap turns black, the temperature is right for bending.

Any vice, I don't go for perfection just ride-ability.
Also was a golden opportunity for some nice aftermarket adjustable levers for the original poster, not impressed with his repair shop.

Glad I like to wrench and got the coolest Italian owned Vespa repair shop not too far away for tires and big repairs as well as Robot 60 miles away

What's the draw with adjustable levers? My bike is mostly stock; not much for modding.

Adjustable levers are really nice when you have smaller or larger hands than average.

Brake lever is a universal type part. That could have been replaced quickly though I'd replace both at the same time if I went with something other than OEM. Heck, I had the brake lever changed before I even received my 2018 GTSs because I wanted black not silver. Then you are just looking at the cosmetics and that while annoying isn't a big deal. You might also have been able to get color matched panels from SIP as they often have them in stock. We were able to get a replacement red fender for my husbands GTS from them shipped day after we placed the order. AF1 showed 6 weeks to get it.

Availability?

Thought I'd leave this here:

Neat trick, thanks for sharing