Modern Vespa

Hello, my name is Gie and I am 67 years old. After more than forty years of riding motorcycles—for practical purposes between home and work in Antwerp and for leisure and travel—I was forced to stop riding traditional motorcycles due to numerous physical problems. What started with a Honda dirt bike, moved on to Yamaha and Honda, then back to Yamaha Bulldog, and finally ended up with the Yamaha MT-01 in 2005. That was the perfect motorcycle for me. It was my third one, which I unfortunately sold recently. In order to remain mobile, I looked for a (motor) scooter because of its different seating position and greater comfort, and ended up with the legendary Vespa 300. I went for a test drive and looked for a nice second-hand one. I agreed with my wife that I would not spend more than the amount I got for my 2008 MT-01. If you take your time and look around, you'll always find something, no rush. And yes, now there's a beautiful shiny black Vespa GTS 300 from 2023 in my garage. And I have to say, it drives great. So far, the switch has been a success, and the pain of saying goodbye is now fading.
In terms of work, I am a retired graphic designer at ING Belgium and I also run an advertising agency (for over 25 years now) and provide professional PC support. I also enjoy going to the movies and (as a former DJ and musician) I am still very involved with music (from all eras). We have two children and one grandson and live in Belgium.

Welcome to MV Gieke!

Welcome to MV and congrats on the GTS. Your situation sounds like a number of us on the forum.

Hello Gie and welcome!
You're not the only one who switched from motorcycles to scooters for health reasons; choosing a Vespa is a choice of pleasure.
Désolé pour les fautes causées par Google traduction...

Welcome!

Hey Gieke!!!!
You still young and wet behind the ears. What took you so long?
Funny thing is, I switch to Vespa at your age too.
Only wished I'd done it earlier.

Ok, you old enough to know, PICS or it didn't happen......

Welcome to MV.

We love pictures.

Scooters are more fun anyway.

Thank you for the warm welcome. I have now driven almost 1,500 km and I am really enjoying it. I have virtually no shoulder or neck pain during and after driving. So far, the switch from motorcycle to scooter has been a success. Winter is coming, bringing cold and wet weather, so my trips will be shorter and less frequent. I wish it were spring/summer again already.

Riding the scooter is indeed relaxing.
I also live in Belgium.
I do not take a winter break.
When weather in winter is fine in the weekend, meaning dry and not freezing, I take the scooter for a ride.
I bought heated gloves, with a battery, and they keep my hands warm, and I keep the battery of the scooter in good condition with a trickle charger (druppellader).
I have the scooter now 6 years and thusfar maximum standstill in winter was for some 4 weeks.

Welcome Gie and great choice on keeping mobile on 2 wheels!
A few more posts and you'll be able to post pics of your Vespa and your travels.

Enjoy and Ride Safe......