Modern Vespa

Maybe you should have someone drop her off in the middle of nowhere and then behold along comes you on your heroic scooter(to save the day of course), so it's either hop on or walk

see I have the exact opposite of your problem. My G/f wants to get on and drive it and well some people know that didn't go to well for me the first time I tried that. Try having your new scoot for 1.5 days and then BAM, being dropped. meh.

I've got about 10000 miles of 2 wheel experience right now with an et4 outside with 7000 on it.

Probably 50% of the miles on the et4 are 2-up. My g/f weighs only 85# and when she gets on that little et (same frame as yours, basically) I have to make substantial adjustments to my riding, handling, braking, etc. Think about how you would feel if you had an accident you walked away from and she didn't.

Take your time, you're not ready to ride 2-up except in a parking lot.

+1
And why do you want to force her to do something she doesn't want to do? Maybe she will one day, maybe she won't. Let her be.

Get the test done first mate, then get out and about on your scoot... weather changing now.. so expect it will be into next year anyway before you do the test....I also need to do it... dont forget to get it all done before the new laws come in, around march.... my girlfriend also a bit unsure of riding two up....But think we will get round it... or im still off out on it..leave her at home.... sure she will come round... And no she is'nt allowed to have her own bike......Also think she dos'nt like the thought of sleeping.in a two man tent.. ..so it will have to be a B + B.....um.

OUCH!

Hahahaha...

I think there is an argument. My dad was exactly like your gf's dad. He lost a friend to a bike accident and had another one nearly have a new leg put on (harley davidson)
he would not hear of it, but I had to change his mind because I wanted it and wanted him to be cool with it.
my winning argument is (hope it helps you): there are plenty of other dangerous things people do and have no prejudice of, my favourite mentions are:
- horseback riding!!! all very lovely horsey horsey, but people DO break bones from falls and also go crippled from it. any bad press? no, lovely horsey. I find it worse actually, because a horse can do what he likes (i.e. go on a rampage with you on it), the bike only does with you tell it to!
- skiing, my God, honestly, I won't ski to save my life, the thing is dangerous and the amount of stories I've heard of people breaking all sorts of bones, not to mention the very possible event of falling of the cliffs! but no no, it's a sport! leisure!
- cycling: seriously, I hate cyclists all the same, but it is also in my opinion MORE dangerous than scoots because they're in the corner, don't have the speed to get out of trouble and don't wear any gear. That helmet they wear is only good if they fall flat upside down on their heads. If that because it's just plain rubbish foam. But this is healthy, sport, etc. I don't reckon!

so anyway, I'm sure her dad wouldn't mind her horseback riding, skiing or cycling, so really, with the right gear and with a prudent good safe rider, she's in no greater danger.

plus people get hit by cars and get stabbed in buses, she's free from those dangers whilst on your back.

and lastly, here's a pic (not really riding) of me cuddling my man (it's very romantic) on his Scarabeo
hope it encourages her a bit more

My wife also refuses to ride as a passenger.

She insists on riding by herself, which means that when we ride together, I have to ride the Ducati (which she's not comfortable with outside of parking lots).

I would not want to ride with a frightened or unwilling passenger. For one thing, I want my passenger looking and leaning, not fighting the bike. For another, accidents can and do happen and I don't want to put up with a lifetime of "I told you so."

yes, true, actually I know a couple of friends who were riding a vespa in india (they don't own or normally ride) and the girl at the back was so frightened she poked him driving so bad because she saw an old man and they came off the bike from it hehe
they didn't get hurt or anything, but her insecurity and fear played the part there.

I used to be a bit petrified as well but purely for being a control freak. I get like that on a passenger seat in cars as well. I always think the driver/rider isn't seeing what I am.
So I have to always tell myself - if something happens, there is NOTHING really I can do to make it better but be relaxed. I have my seatbelt on/helmet/jacket/boots and that's all I can really do, but enjoy the ride
I'm enjoying the ride and the rider is enjoying riding it without me poking!


don't forget to tell us how she gets on on her first ride as your pillion!

You have a girlfriend who won't ride on your scooter? My god, you've won the lottery. My girlfriend won't get off of mine. Last week I caught her sleeping on it. I'm tempted to offer you a straight out girlfriend trade but I suppose I should see a picture first.

Seriously.

Sounds like it will be awhile before you will be taking your test. Spend that time seeing if this is a relationship you even want to pursue w/o making the scooter issue part of the equation. By the time the weather improves enough and you have ditched the L, you may not even be together. If you are, then is the time to again approach the two-up issue. In the meantime, you can send her over to Scooter Divas to lurk for awhile. Maybe she will see what fun we have riding our own, and be willing to give it a try.

I say, drop the subject for now, focus on the other parts of your relationship, and see where it goes over the next few months until Spring. And work on your skills.

Dee