Modern Vespa

Some of you know that I sort of obsessively photograph and post about my Vespa on Scooter in the Sticks. I've been doing this for a number of years now and the fascination has not worn off. I simply love the scooter.

But I recently entered into an arrangement with the local Vespa dealer (they also sell Triumphs, Ducati's, Genuine Scooters, Kawasaki, CanAM, Piaggio, Aprilia) where they will give me whatever I want, whenever I want, to ride and see what I think. After months of thought I finally said, "Sure, why not".

So I am going to cheat on the Vespa. I already have in fact this past weekend with a 2009 Triumph Bonneville. The affair lasted 200+ miles.

I've been a one machine man and now I feel like I have a fleet. I returned to the GTS today and must say it retains it's special attraction.

My wife worries I am going to "move up" to a motorcycle. My friends insist once I start riding motorcycles the scooter will feel "inadequate".

And of course once I get I motorcycle I'll proceed to kill myself. That goes without saying.

I'm sort of excited to see how my Vespa desire stands up to siren songs from a lot of new machines. I am anxious to take the MP3-400 for awhile and one of the Genuine Rattler scooters too.

And of course the Vespa 300. And the Triumph Scrambler. Oh, and a Kawasaki KLR. And the Ducati GT1000 Classic looks nice.

I think my brain is going to explode.

Any ideas on how to keep things simple?

Welcome, Steve. We're all suffering from the same disease here, you're among friends.

Focus on what makes you happy. I've been flirting with motorcycles for a couple of years now, even buying one and test riding as many as I can get my dirty mitts on. While I've enjoyed most of them, I keep coming back to the scooter. I'm just personally more comfortable on it, even while longing for more power.

Your mileage may vary. But you're definitely not alone.

Love the Vespa for what it can do, and learn to love the others for what they can do anew for you. Think of the machines as your children, which you can have as many as you can "handle" (just like real children) and you love them all! So that's not cheating!

For me, when I want my "lowest stress" ride, for running errands and for just "tooling around"...even if it's on a long ride....out comes the GT.

When I feel I want to engage with more of the mechanics of the ride, and feel the effect of more power in and thru curves, then I take my Vulcan.

When I want to travel out where the main roads might end suddenly and want to not have to worry if I can't keep going ahead on unimproved roads, then I pull out the Dual Sport.

Each has it's place in the world and it's fun for us to discover what those are.

But I can believe that at some distant point in the future, when I won't be able to have/ride any of these machines any more.. the last one that will leave my garage will be the scooter.

Don't Worry... Be Happy... Just Ride

My partner has been riding motorbikes and scooters for the past 20 years. He has a sportsbike, and recently decided to get a gts to ride with me on the country roads.

I think that the Vespa can make you smile in a certain way which no motorbike can - it's like a special friend. Nothing can replace it.

Just my opinon.

8)

Steve,

I enjoy both...a Vespa GTS 300 and a Triumph Bonneville T100. I enjoy riding both for their unique riding experiences.

Sometimes you feel like a scoot. Sometimes you don't.

You have a great opportunity to ride a lot of different bikes. Enjoy it and I'm sure there will be something that catches your fancy. If not, you know that the scooter is the choice for you.

Keep sharing those photos!

Hi Steve,
I purchased both my scooters from Kissell Motorsports. Great place!
Do you know of any scooter clubs in central PA? I have not been able to find anything closer than Harrisburg.

I have been alternating riding an HD Street-Glide and my P200 to work every other day. Sometimes, I will drop one off at home and get right on the other. My poor Ninja 650 has been left in the corner neglected for the last month though. Nail in the tire and no time or money to get it fixed right now.

So my point really is... Ask your friends that if riding a scooter would make them feel inadequate, what is it they are compensating for? (I'm a dick like that, even to my friends)

What's not to like? Just enjoy them all. I sincerely doubt you'll lose your love of Vepsas, but even if you did, and fell for other things, it's all good. There are so many fantastic machines to ride and enjoy now, I'm not sure how anyone can pick just one.

Ride what moves you. I have 5 bikes and they're all different and they're all fun.

What a great opportunity. Who wouldn't cheat when presented with that temptation?

The GTS is a high-minded machine. It won't get jealous.

Cheater. I've said it in a few other posts, if Harley had a T-n-G I'd be very tempted.

It;s good to cheat now and then and besides it keeps the other 2 wheeled vehicles on their toes Enjoy

Flirting with motorcycles is a accurate description. I've been doing that since the 1970s. When I finally decided to purchase a motorcycle I was sidetracked to a Vespa. I had every intention of buying a Triumph T100.

Like you I find the Vespa extremely comfortable. It's a plush ride.

The Triumph definitely gives the feeling of power compared with the Vespa. And that power is pretty seductive...

Mike, I definitely feel fortunate to be in this situation. When the owner told me to take what I want and ride it like it was mine I was sort of thunderstruck. My prediction is that I won't find much I don't like.

If I just had a bigger garage. And wallet..

love the one you ride

No scooter clubs around that I know of. There used to be the Top Secret Scooter Club in State College but it went away as people moved away. the only thing I know of is the Nittany Road Riders. Not sure how scooters would be embraced but it is an eclectic bunch.

I hope so. I have to leave it all alone at the dealer when I take out a motorcycle.

And ride the one you Love!!
Sounds like your going to have lots of fun on the different bikes, just remember not to try to ride them line the GTS... Keep safe and enjoy the hell out of this great opportunity!!! The GTS is not a Human Female; she will not get jealous.

I LOVE my triumph Bonneville. Sounds like you made an excellent choice of which motorcycle to take them up on.



Heres my 2005.

GORGEOUS!

What an opportunity! Even though you've already ordered, you can still look at the menu.

I love that color and I like the straight Bonneville better than the T100. The 2009 is fuel injected but still has the look of those carbs.

I recently looked at a Motto Guzzi Breva 1200. Beautiful bike. I have had motorcycles and love the difference in scooting and moto'ing. big difference. Both unique and fun.