Modern Vespa

Is it my imagination, or does it seem that starting from a stop WITHOUT the tilt-lock enabled seems smoother and more powerful than taking off WITH it enabled?

Has anyone else made this crazy observation, or is it just me?


(I prefer to not use the lock at each stop, unless I have a passenger, in which case I still plant both feet but also utilize the tilt-lock to aid in keeping the whole Maryann upright)

Hmm I don't know but I'll test it out. One difference could be that you can give the bike a bit of throttle to raise the rpm's while holding it with the brakes until you are ready to go. Can't do that with the tilt-lock enabled.

I don't use the tilt-lock during rides. At a light, I give it throttle, put my feet up and go. I feel more in control than with the tilt-control (which I tried once and didn't like the feeling).

I also only use the tilt lock when parking. I very rarely will use it at a light that I know I'm sitting at a long time.

I'm the opposite, I like to use the tilt-lock at stop signs. Not that I see any advantage and at 6' tall I have no problems flat-footing it if needed. I guess it's just a feature of the bike that I like to use most of the time.

It makes absolutely zero difference to take-off acceleration. It might to stability according to how sensible the rider was when setting the tilt-lock.

I've noticed that sometimes when I lock at a stop that I'm not 100% level. If its really off, I reset it to something more comfortable. A minor lean (1-3 degrees) is not big deal. I just take off, and If I'm leaned a touch, I just level out in the first 15 feet of travel or so.

Hey Matt, I know what you mean, even if it's not real, it feels as if there is a governor regulating throttle when it's locked, until it beeps free.
Could be psychological condition since we're adjusting to blinks beeps farts...
I do try this now... you know when you came up to a stop on 2 wheels and you steer back and forth trying to balance (like cyclist do).
Well as my comfort experience zone grows, I am now balancing my 500 at stops... no lock... no feet...

More of a "shudder" to me...I wasn't sure if the software when taking off with lock, has different acceleration mapping or something than without. The whole world's run by software anymore

I've just gotten to the point where I can engage the tilt lock without planting at stops, BUT I agree, and I don't think its imagination. There is definitely a difference in power when you take off from locks. And I've tried without any throttle with feet planted, so I don't think its revving up thats making the difference. It's probably a minor safety feature of some sort so that you don't go rocketing off when the tilt lock just happens to malfunction on that go. Gives you enough time to figure out its not going to unlock and you're in a pickle.

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very cute!

The only problem I've had is not being vertical enough with the tiltlock engaged and veering sharply to the right when I roll the throttle.

I too like to coast up to a light and engage the lock without putting my feet down...mostly because of the looks it gets But lately and only occasionally when i first take off in the morning and come to a stop at a light the lock will not engage...even when completely stopped. Then of course the looks are even funnier watching me act like a noob catching mystelf lol.

I have to "reboot" by shutting it down then restarting. That always works. It has only happened a couple times and will have my mechanic look at it. Anyone else experience this?