Modern Vespa

So wife and I finished the MSF course this weekend and we were really pumped to start riding the S.

So wife took the S to work today on a 50 mile roundtrip commute up and down the coast on the 101. When she comes home from her maiden voyage, I am there to greet her and to take some pictures and to do the home coming greeting thing.

So she takes off the helmet and the first words out of her mouth were "...lets get a motorcycle..."

I was not really surprised as she was really excited about riding the bikes at the MSF and being able to kick through the gears and all. She of all people was always dead set against motorcycles and that is why we bought the Vespa but now this change of heart. I really am not going to put up a fight because I agree. I am just laughing inside and shaking my head because I don't know why, but I knew something like this was inevitable as I always end up doing things twice. Live and learn.

So gist of the story is that somebody in San Diego is probably going to get a really mint white Vespa S with under 100 miles.

Haha.

My wife is confusing, regarding shifting. She demands that her car has a manual transmission. The real kind of manual, with three pedals and a stick, not a mambypamby shift-o-matic, auto-manual contraption that's becoming common. She needs to feel "in control" of the car. On the flipside, she will not get on a motorcycle because she doesn't want to be bothered to shift.

It's funny, because operating a stick-shift car requires alot of work, with one foot required to go from brake pedal to accelerator pedal and a hand to go from steering wheel to shifter. Contrary, a motorcyle doesn't require an appendage to move from control to control.

driving the motorcycle takes a lot of coordination as both hands and both feet have to work together. In addition, the 2 hands also have to steer the bike whereas with the car, 1 hand is dedicated to steering.

either way, manual cars and bikes are fun.

We might keep it the S as we are in love with its styling and legacy. Wish we had a bigger garage

I did the same exact thing after I completed the MSF course. Within 2 weeks, I had a 2300-mile '02 Honda CB750 Nighthawk in my garage. A little over a month and a half and 400 miles later, it was gone - just couldn't compare to my little LX150.

What can I say? I guess I truly love scooters after all....

I know the feeling. Don't get me wrong, I love my GTS and would never get rid of it. But the allure of riding a motorcycle is hard to beat. The MSF course did exactly what the motorcycle industry wanted...to get us hooked! I think there's room in my life for both. AND I won't get all weird and call it cheating on my scooter.

I just completed the MSF course this last weekend and had the same exact feeling. But I see it as an excuse to get another toy

I take start my course this Friday...I hope I don't catch the bug! LOL.

Put another 200 or 300 miles on the S. If you still want a motorcycle, go for it.

I think you'll be back.

/owns a motorcycle too
//doesn't ride it

+1 We have the two Vespas and one Harley. The Harley was first, Vespas Second. The two Vespas get the garage while the Harley is outside. The GTS gets rode everyday, I can't remember the last time my boyfriend took the Harley out. Plus I for one will not get on a motorcycle, Vespa yes, motorcycle no. So we are selling the Harley.

I enjoyed the exposure to motorcycles during my MSF course, even though I rode my GTS on it. I particularly enjoyed my exposure to one of the other student's flat black V-Rod (what a beauty!). But I also realized that if I'm going to be on a manual shift, I prefer the handle shifting found on scooters to the foot shifting on motorcycles.

I'm happy with what I have.

Battledragon....ever ride a GTS? 8) ....and that 300 is coming at some point

you guys/gals are not making this easy...I love my toys...I want them all...

I don't even care about cars anymore...LOL...I just want nice 2 wheelers now.

.....Sorry to hear Mate..........im kinda with Jess, hold onto it for another 200-300 miles......either way, with prices and the fever today....you'll get what you paid or more for it !

godoggo

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We have two motorcycles and a scooter, all get ridden. Follow your bliss.

I find the experiences completely different and complementary. The motorcycles are great for long distances, heart-pounding twisties and getting somewhere quickly at rush hour in the Bay Area.

The scooter (just back into the game again, thanks Nicky!) allows me to relax, smile and think much less about what I'm doing and more that I'm doing it. The PX especially brings the experience home - compared with the motorcycles, it just can't match the speed, so I find myself slowing down and enjoying the ride.

I can't imagine life without either, and if if keeps me out of the cage, so much the better.

JC

The girl wants a moto, get her a moto. Not sure why people argue and tell you do this, do that. You didn't have to ask her, she told you. She's got the bug for a bike. It won't go away. Go and rent a motoc and she will decide for herself without anyones input. Sounds like she knows what she wants.

i left MSF and knew i wanted a scooter more than anything. i did not like the instructors, or their attitude and perception of the scooter.
the mental and social aspect is completely different for me.

I agree with JC (jvcinsc).
I've had 2 Harley's and now own the GT.
They do provide different rides and different road experiences but both are two wheels and lots of fun.
The Harley's I sold to get ready for kids (and one income). They are great for a cruise or long distance high speed commute. Or just getting out and being free. Though, I wouldn't want to deal with a clanky shifter for a short commute or traffic.
The GT I just bought (used) because after 8yrs of buying toys for someone else I deserved it. Not to mention I said I would buy one when gas went to $3.00 (I know I'm missed it by a buck, but at least I paid cash ). I have a short commute and love it! It's easy to ride, the seating position makes me feel more conscious of ridding, which makes me feel "safer". I'm capable of hitting the highway when needed and running errands. I gladly go to the store for milk .

Regarding auto's and transmissions: I dread the day when I can't buy a standard (manual) transmission, I also dislike the auto-sticks.

I've been riding for about 4 years now. I started off with an Aprilia Mojito Custom 50. I absolutely LOVED it, but, like your wife, I got the bug to go faster and further.

After about a year, I got my first motorcycle, a Honda Rebel 250. Once I got on the freeway, I quickly realized that I STILL needed more power!

So, this past October, I sold both my bikes (I still miss my lil scooter ) and upgraded to my Scarabeo 500. I love my new scooter, it's absolutely my dream bike.

I say give your wife some more time on the scooter and see if she can test out different motorcycles or maxi-scooters, it took me over 3 years to finally get it right.

Can't go wrong with either one. Bought a GT200 last year before taking the MSF course. Never had a motorcycle or scooter before. The class was great. About a month after the class bought a used Suzuki V-Strom to go with the GT. Both are so much fun. Ride them both about 50% of the time. Have 6,600 miles on the Vespa and 10,000 on the Suzuki (Couple of Long Trips up the coast towards Oregon) in the past year. Wish I could get my fiance` to take the class. If I had to choose not sure which one I could part with.

...so we got the moto. Now we have a Vespa S and Honda Rebel...garage is getting tight with all these toys

Ooh a Rebel! Those are fun.

What kind of mpg does the Rebel get?

60 to 70's depending on driving habits.

For a parallel-twin 234cc engine, that is pretty good.

Congrats on the Rebel!! I considered one after my MSF course as well. What fun!