Modern Vespa

Many years ago I began posting here. I had a blue Fly 150. I really enjoyed it until it died. I replaced it with a blue Vespa Primavera which I enjoyed for three years. Unfortunately on Sept. 9th a Buick made a left turn and T-boned me. Five surgeries later I'm OK. My scooter days are over after 14 years.

Be careful everyone, Neal

Ouch, so sorry to hear that. Glad to hear you're recovered, though I'm sure it's a long hard road.

We wish you the best in your future endeavors. Also, we would be happy to overlook the fact that you're not actually riding a Vespa anymore, should you want to stick around.

Really glad you're OK Neal. I've been riding on two wheels since the mid 80's. It's always been my way of staying sane. I've seen lots of crazy things over the years. It definitely can be hazardous. I don't trust anyone on the road. Hope you stick with MV.

Could you give more details on your accident? Was it daytime, night time, clear weather, bad weather, 2 or 4 lane highway, heavy or light traffic, city or country road? Were you tired, had a drink or two before, going over or near the speed limit which was what? Why didn't you see him? Was something blocking your field of vision?

You kinda have to say that.

nothing to say but have a hug 🤗

Bugger 💩, but great to know you are recovering. Stick around, there's plenty of good clean entertainment here.

Daytime Sept 9, wearing a helmet and doing under 30 mph which was the speed limit. The Buick was making a left turn to get on the highway. I didn't see him as he hit me from the side. I woke up as they were lifting me off of the street onto the strecher. The Scooter was totaled. The reimbursement for the scooter was about 90% of what it cost me new. Apparently Vespas hold their value very well. I had 4 broken ribs, a shattered left ankle (lots of hardware), a right broken toe, left broken thumb, right fracture in the hand. I got off of bedrest on Nov 7. I still walk with a cane. Thank God I am retired and on Medicare. I have time and Medicare cuts the hospital bill quite a bit. The Buick Driver's insurance and the police gave the fault to him. The insurance companies were giving me the runaround until I got a Lawyer. Minnesota is a "no fault state" but not for motorcycles. Thanks Legislators.

4 lane road, 10:00 am, sunny, city street. I was approaching a red light with a center island. He was making a left turn onto a highway entrance. Speed limit 30 mph. No drinks involved except coffee. I was under the speed limit as I was approaching the red light.

There are risks involved with riding, no doubt and while there are ways to diminish these somewhat, some still remain. Cities are the worse place to ride and intersections are where most of the accidents occur. But as this is a Vespa forum, it's where most members ride. I'm really sorry this has happened to you, Nealaustin, And I an retired too, so I know you are in for a long healing period.. I would like to request that you post about your recovery and stay around. Life experiences are worth sharing, and different points of view are worth presenting. Heal up brother, there are more goo things coming up.

NealAustin,

Best to you and your recovery. I live one suburb over from you in Eden Prairie. Even though I am an old fart, I am still working and have a 23 mile one way commute on the freeway. To minimize injury exposure, I stopped commuting on my Vespa 300. I do still love to scoot. I do think before every spin on the Vespa - is this the ride I get smacked?

Again, best to you. I expect I am one bounce off the road to stop riding.

Bob Copeland

Mr. Austin,
The good news is that you survived. I tell ya, left turns, by either scooters or cages, could get us all. Most of my "close shaves" involve them.
Mark

Can you explain in a bit more detail what you say here?

This is like asking a rape victim, "what were you wearing?"

Damnit, Neal, it seems almost trite to say "I feel your pain", but in my case, it's quite literal; I'm largely healed from my offensive tackle by a stop-sign-running Jeep Wrangler driver last February, and like you I wasn't doing anything wrong…which, of course, makes everything sting all the more. Also had multiple surgeries (right femur, which was badly mangled), plus both wrists, which made my year pretty much a mess. Hoping your healing process goes with as few complications as possible.

I'm not giving up on riding - yet - but it might be another year before I'm back in the saddle. (Le Wife is somewhere between "please don't" and "fine, but no more Winter riding", depending on the week, hence my taking my time.) Fully understand your deciding to stop.

Please do stick around these MV parts, if you can.