Modern Vespa

I realized I had to put down the deposit now. After looking into the availabilities, I had to secure the scooter or lose it for Lord knows how long. I've read and re-read the postings, searched the net for gear and taken all the advise I could get find.
I won't have my licenses until the first week in September. The MSF classes are full and the waiting list is getting longer here. But in about 2 weeks I'll join you guys and be riding.
I hope to find other MP3 riders in Austin who will generously give of their time and knowledge. Prehaps someone will accompany me on my first few rides. I've never owned a bike or scooter, so I'll be grateful for the help and company I can get. So glad to be one you. I have been jumping out of my skin to get one of these. Thank you all for sharing your knowledge and experience.
BTW Vespa Austin have the most amazing folks. Jimmy, Thovas and Marci are three of the nicest people I've ever met.
I can't wait to be ridin.
Cheers jacq Oh yeah...I'm a 58 year old woman who survived my foolish youth to live to buy an MP3 250...wooo hooo.[/b]

Good girl!

Listen to all the advice you get in person from your helpful dealership - it's in their interests as well as their personal ambition to have you a happy safe rider.

Jacq, welcome to the forum! And congrats on your MP3. You are joining several of us here in the 50+ age group, myself included, who've purchased MP3s.

While many might say its a midlife crisis kind of thing, I think it's more a rite of passage ... life gets shorter, so we begin to seek out things that make us feel good and to have fun. Enter the MP3!

I'll look forward to your posts. Keep in mind many of us started just where you have - never having ridden before, getting through the MSF course, then on to having a blast. Don't hesitate to ask questions on anything - you'll get very helpful responses and lots of support from the great folks here.

You go girl....

Thanks ya'll. It means alot to me to read your welcomes. As soon as I get my little baby, I take a pic to show you. I know you've seen hundreds of MP3 photos, but this one will MINE. I am so excited.
I misspoke when I insinuated I'd be riding before I took the course. I would never disrespect my new baby, you guys or most of myself by doing that. I'm just so glad to lock in one of only two Silvers in Central and South Texas available. There maybe more, but I didn't find any more.
BTW I'm little more than disturbed, though, to see I've labeled a LURKER. I'd rather be HOOKED. Hmmm, how do I get that changed?
Cheers jacq

Wooo hooo to yooo tooo!

Welcome jacq, lots of scooter activity in Austin, I trust you will do fine there;
I typed "scooter, austin" in my search and crashed google server (don't do it! )

They don't call us "Baby-Boomers" for nuttin'

p.s. we're all Lurkers at heart, I know you'll get Hooked
https://modernvespa.com/forum/faq.php

Jacq, there's absolutely nothing wrong with tooling around your neighborhood streets with your new baby before you're licensed. It helps you get familiar with it, and learn to work with the weight and tilting suspension. Take it out on the street in front of your house and flat foot it around a bit if you need to. Give it a bit of throttle and skooch along until you feel comfy enough to put up your feet. Play with start and stop. Etc. It helps build your confidence.

I have a deadend street the next street over that is a large 4 lane wide and six lanes long. I thought I could go over there and do ovals and circles to get the handling down. The bonus is there is a motorcycle rider two doors down who works at home. So if I tump the thing he can help me.
I have quick reflexs and I'm still strong. I'm proud my health is good. So I believe I can handle this. I'll look for riding groups around here. Safety in numbers. Plus I want what everybody else has....Knowledge. Experience will come. I don't years to get it all. I have to have ya'll tell me what I need to know.
I've been reading this site for awhile and I think the world of you guys and gals. Thanks
Cheers.....jacq

That sounds like the perfect street for you to practice on.

As for dumping the MP3 - do a search on Google or go to youtube and do a search on videos that show you how to "pick up a motorcycle". Having that knowledge beforehand is a blessing in disguise. There's always a chance that someone isn't going to be around to help you lift the bike up, and it's much easier to do than you think. Body weight and muscles aren't prerequisites - it's all about leverage, just as you will use body leverage to put the MP3 up on its center stand (the dealer should show you that part).

There is nothing wrong with having your feet dragging or ready to support you until you get more aware of how it leans (falls).

Example: there is a greater risk of it leaning too far and falling during a slow sharp turn or circle, drag your feet until this becomes natural.

Going too slow on a 2 or 3 wheeler has a higher chance of not balancing, you have to keep it moving and as you know you are stopping, lower your landing gear.

As you take off, accelerate (confidently) feet down and dragging, as you begin to fly, raise your landing gear.

You won't fall. But if you do, dust yourself off, give 'em that BIG Texas grin, and say, "I'm alright" ang get back on and leave 'em gawking
http://www.pinkribbonrides.com/dropped.html

Perfect video! Jacq, watch this over and over until it's seared into your brain. It may come in handy one day.

Thanks to my buddy "Charlie" here for the video, and great site choice, as well.

Great video. I think I'll have to use option two. Lay on the ground, play possum and hook me a do gooder. Great video. I'll watch that one over and over.
Cheers jacq

"A woman who rides a motorcycle is in tune with the universe, a candidate for high adventure." Celestine Sibley

Before ya know, it'll be here! Keep an eye on "Jenmom's" post. To have the same type of people w/in the same area on the same on the same discussion board is pretty cool...heck, she's in just south of ya in in SA!!!

I know the feeling of getting the MSF class (I took it too) and you'll find that this forums helps alot of us that are new to scooters/motorcycle. If you want to join a group (Austin TX) just go to meetup.com and you find that there are a few scooterist in the area. There will be a meeting this Sun (07/27) at frans burgers (S. Congress). Just check out the meetup group and you get more details.

Cheers from another Austinite!

EMEPETRES Hi...Fantastic...I know where that Frans is. Great Burgers...I will go to meetup.com. I hope I find the info. I really want to get together with our MP3ers. Of course, I'm waiting on mine to be uncrated in SA. My baby is still in the box. Thanks for the info....BTW I'll be driving a Blue Rav4 with plates that read TXRIO...(from my Kayaking days.) Thanks again and hope to see you....Cheers jacq

EMEPETRES I found the site and the Austin Piston Broke Scooter Club meeting. The photos look like so much fun. I am even more excited now that I know how to find others to ride with....Thanks so much. I will be riding with ya when my baby and I are legal.
Thanks again... Cheers jacq

Jacq, I am so excited for you. Your posts make me smile. I can't wait to see what you post when you get started riding. Bless your heart!

I'm in Dallas with my 500 but I plan Austin and the hill country as my first road trip (might not get there until Sept). Post your meeting times and I'll try to visit when I get there.

I just took delivery on the 500 yesterday - loving it.

Jerry...you bet. I'll contact you...or you can email when you will be Austin. [/b]I take the class on Sept 4, 5 and the 6th too, I think. But whatever, I'll take the written ASAP after that...
Ya know, I've got that same feeling I did when I was 12. Mom and Dad surprised me with my first bicycle. Christmas morning I jumped out of bed and raced around the corner and saw it in front of the tree. The christmas lights were all on and sat the bike sparkling with all the colored lights. I gasped so hard I almost lost my breath. Lots of wonderful things have happen to me, but I've only had the feeling one time until the other day when I saw the MP3 for the first time. I just stood there with my mouth gapping open. I couldn't move and didn't speak when Thovas walked over and said, "Hi." Finally, I squeaked out, "Please tell me it's an automatic." Bang, boys...I was in love and it's just getting stronger. I just can't wait.
Right now I love everybody and everything. It's wonderful world when you're in love. Oh man I get it bad.
Cheers jacq

Sounds like a scene from Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life" with Jimmie Stewart. Congrats on your MP3.

Congrats girl! Your newby enthusiasm inspires and causes nostalgia in us all. Good luck and keep three down!