Modern Vespa

I'm taking my own Vespa to the riding course... what should I expect and does anyone have any tips? More so, I'm wondering if it's a positive experience riding your vespa at a motorcycle safety program?

Been riding for almost a year with my permit so I'm a pretty good rider and have no intentions of learning to ride a motorcycle hence I'm taking my vespa, aka my daily commuter.

OK, if I'm being honest, I'm just a little worried I'll look like a wuss with my yellow vespa lol

Thanks in advanced (and I tried search but it was acting up)...

Not certain what the response will be at the MC course...locally the MSF doesn't allow your own scoots / MC.

Regarding DMV Motrocycling Licensing Test...the smaller cc scoot was not looked down upon...in fact the expression was "Why didn't I think about using a smaller cc bike to take the test?" Those giving the test even pointed out that it might be better to use a scoot to pass the test...however keeping in mind that that just gives you license to ride (see examples below)...you still need to continually hone your skills.

Examples:

Son's aquaintance used wife's Honda Metro to pass...he rides a 600cc Sport bike...he got his share of high fives when he successfully completed his test...it didn't matter he used the Metro. He probably could have passed on his sportbike...but the issue was to secure his MC license.

Wife used her Metro to pass...out of three that showed up for the test...she was the only one who passed...two others on sportbikes failed. Issue was to secure MC license .

Per O.P....it really shouldn't matter...we're all on two wheeled vechicles, attempting to learn how to ride safely. Just go there with a positive attitude and have fun!

I was thinking of bringing my scoot to the course but at the last minute decided against it. There were no other scooters there and while it's not an issue to bring one, you might be a little bored (especially if your sccot's an automatic) because you practice getting your bike into 1st, 2nd, etc...

My understanding is that if you are taking the Basic Rider Course (BRC) you must use their bikes. I am sure it partially has to do with their insurance and partially in their desire to teach riding a 'motorcycle'. Riding a geared bike means you understand how a clutch works and how to shift. These are concepts they teach. One of the things (skills) they focus on is moving slowly and carefully in the "friction zone" of the clutch. Without a clutch, they can't teach you the same way as the others in the class.

You could look at it this way.. you get to learn on a bike you can dump over and pick up and not worry about your nice sheet metal getting all f*ed up.

They do offer scooter focused classes at some locations and their experienced rider class (ERC) is (or can be) on your bike/scooter.

It varies by the location you take you class at. Call your location and ask what your options are before you show up and get frustrated by your limited options.

edit

I am 100% certain you can use your own scooter (in this class) as long as it passes their 150cc inspection, it is insured and registered. I made certain of that before I signed up for the course.

My reasons for signing up was to learn safety measurements while on two wheels and at the same time, lower insurance and obtain an M1 endorsement. Done with the in class portion, and while it was long, there was a ton of useful information.

I thought about using their motorcycle, but honestly, I have no desire to ride a manual bike. I commute 3 miles to work on a gas efficient and eco friendly scooter and that's all I intend to do so I've ruled out learning on a manual.

I also understand it might be boring in the first few hours of them learning gears, but most people in my group seemed to know how to ride... I also think that practicing swerving, emergency stops, etc. with trained professionals will be good.

I just thought I'd see if there were people that took these courses with their scoot and how the experience was

Took MSF and I share same...Class Room portion great...learned a lot about safety.

However, they didn't really spend that much time reviewing gearing which I would have appreciated a more detailed coverage of shifting.

Instead it was out on the course and going through exercises...could have done a little better job in focusing / explanation on the finer points of slow turns (directional steering) and counter steering. If this is not covered to your satisfaction...I'd recommend renting "Ride like a Pro" (SmartFlix...you may have to wait it's always rented) and Proficient Motorcycling, D. Hough.

I took the MSF in Texas 2 weeks ago on a scooter. It was their scooter. I was a little bored for the first half. Some things are harder on a scooter, because there is not clutch. I think the slow, tight turns would be easier with a clutch. Got some good scooter specific advice though, particularly concerning placement of the feet on the footboards. I am glad it was their scooter though; it wasn't a Vespa. I didn't drop it. My Vespa is a lot taller, and my feet are not flat on the ground. Their scooter was shorter, so my feet were flat. It made me feel more comfortable.

Good luck and have fun.

Emily used her scooter no problem for both the MSF Basic and MSF Advanced class.

IMHO..I agree that since this was a MC course that the focus was on more on utilzing the clutch for braking action along with the throttle; otherwise called "throttle control"...then if necessary you can "drag the rear brake" (a coordinated action between throttle control and mild application of rear brake)...never use front brake.

While a clutch is not present on most Vespa models...there is still a way to achieve the goal of "dragging the rear brake". Trottle control with the right hand (no braking with front brake) and mild application of rear brake...if you get unstable apply more throttle and scoot will want to right itself...right the scoot upright and be on your way.

Perhaps you've already figured this out...hope this might help others...last but not least gotta practice...

I actually did really well on the tight turns. I was one of 3 people in the class who could stay completely inside the box without putting my feet down. I was the only one on a scooter. The instructors told me it might be harder on the scooter. However, since I knew that they did tight turns in the class, I practiced in my neighborhood making u-turns on a tight street. I also found that this was a really good example of counter-balancing. I even moved my legs and knees very slight to help control the balance. It was rather fun.

Biggest key to any turn is looking where you want to be once you are out of the turn. Looking at the turn/corner will put you on the ground right where you looked. You should really be looking as far ahead as your eyes can see, while occasionally and quickly glancing a little closer. This was another important thing for the slow, tight turns.

no body can make you feel silly without your consent, be a proud scooterist!
You should learn alot from the course.

I took my first test on a 77 Suzuki 400 (1978)
and then again in 2007 on the GTS when I did the excellerate and then stop portion of the test, I gave it a good GTS zip and then stopped pretty hard and quick ( I think I suprised the guy) all he said was watch out how you squeeze that front brake...

there was a kid who had a dirt bike and they didn't let him take the test b/c he had no blinkers etc... understandable. I suppose BUT THEN when the kid went to load his bike into the back of his pickup... he rode the damn thing right up an 8 foot 2X4 ! into the back of the truck.
many riders in the line cheered.
I say he should have gotten his license just for that!

Alight, so a weekend later and I passed! Great experience. Instructors were great as were the riders. Def. would not have learned any of those life saving techniques on my own.

I was a good rider without the class because I like to think I have good instincts, but now I'm an even better rider because I can back up those instincts with the proper moves.

Used my own vespa, went against the advice of using their motorcycle because I figured, I'm gonna be riding my vespa, so why not practice these maneuvers on it?

Congratulations! You made the right choice to take the class, no matter what you rode.

Congratulations!

Please continue to practice. We've painted the DMV Road Test at an abandoned parking lot and pratice every chance we get.

It's easy to move in a straight line...however, there will be instances that things will occur on the road and the practice on the techniques on stop and go's, sudden stops, emergency swerve, tight turns, U-turns may help you one day.

On U-turns...I can do 'em...but I prefer to either avoid them in traffic or I will pull over on the side...duck walk back like I'm going to park...get myself perpendicular to the curb and then do a U-turn from a dead stop...or go around.

It's really interesting that in a conversation with my brother (feels the same way) who took the advanced MSF and a individual who passed the MSF on a military base. Instructors had indicated that don't get too hung up on making a continuous U-turn...if you need to make a three point turn, stop and go U-turn or go around the block...just do what's comfortable / safe.

Congrats! That makes 2 of us - I just passed here in Pennsyl-tuky on Saturday. In my case I did use the class bike (crappy suzuki gz250)... I figured "what the heck - I should learn to shift".

I learned a lot - but I am glad it is over and I have my endorsement. I am very grateful that the MSP in PA is free. Very cool.

Balddanzi..congratulations to you too!...FREE and you get the endorsement?...good deal!

Its funny that they let you guys use your own bikes. In Florida you can't get a license until you have the MSF now by law. Not sure how you are supposed to get it there for the few schools that let you ride your own. A couple of guys in my class rode their bikes there but learned on the Honda Rebels they had for everyone.

I had figured they would have just failed them for riding their bikes illegally to the class to being with but no one really cared. I was also shocked to learn about how many ppl had been riding for "years" without a license or the MSF.

Congrats to the both of you for passing! I finished mine on Friday tomorrow I finally get to go the DMV to get my endorsement.

There was a guy around here many years ago when the BMV still had a sense of humor that took his bike to the test in the back of his pickup truck. When he got there he fired it up and jumped it off the back of the truck. Ran over to the instructor and stopped on a dime. The guy passed him right there.

Here a rider has to obtain the CBT (Certificate of Basic Training) before they are allowed out on the road on their own. Many dealers will deliver newly-purchased bikes direct to the CBT training area, so the training can be done on their own new bike rather than the tatty old ones at the schools.

[quote="Baldanzi"] Wow... I'm dropping $250 for the one in NJ. When I picked up the Vespa in PA I saw they were going t bang me the same $250 to take it at that dealership (without the waiver). Time to contemplate moving home...

For all of the things that the state of Pennsylvania does wrong (like paving the roads in an asphalt-like facsimile)....the Motorcycle Safety Program is one thing they do really really well - and it is free. I had a great time!

FYI - out of a max fail score of 20 points - I got 11!! 8 of which were "in the box". By the time I got to take the test (my last name starts with "V" - so guess who was last?), I had been in my gear for 5.5 hours, it was 90 degrees and I was borderline delierious from the heat.... so I put my foot down TWICE and went outside the line once. I was pretty embarassed - I di it fine several times earlier in the morning while practicing, I guess I was tired.

The funny thing is that I nailed all of the high-speed stuff. In fact I apparently entered the braking zone at the highest speed in the class, but braked the shortest distance. AFAIC, I did OK where it counts, not on some hypothetical low-speed move on an ill-handling suzuki 250.

Mine cost me $225 down here, I figured it was just a required write off for riding but after I completed the course they gave me a big print out of discounts I would get at local stores. I got a $100 gift card if I spent $150 at this one store, 15% off all gear + acc for 30days at another, and many dealers that would give me $100-$225 off a new bike.

The vespa dealer was also on that list but I took advantage of the $350 costco gift card deal so they would not also let me have $150 off my bike. But with all the gear I have bought at these stores the discounts made the course free. A great surprise![/code]

Congratulations...doesn't it feel good!

We took our course with our scoots, but I did a Honda Rebel the first day because my insurance expired the day before we showed up. I rode clutch bikes as a kid so learning the clutch was no big deal but good to refresh. Alice was bored during that phase and an instructor took her aside to work on other techniques (not sure what, though!?!)

When we got to the riding that applied to us (second day) it was good to do the swerving, stopping, figure 8 etc. on the ride you will ride. The one thing I recall is that I was hesitant to push my riding (like how far over I could lean on a corner) out of concern for banging up my Vespa rather than their bikes. Selfish? You bet! The other thing is the figure 8 is a bit more difficult, IMHO, with an automatic clutch. The solution is to learn how to apply throttle and back brake at the same time to keep the clutch engaged - or just do it fast enough to not care!

Overall I feel the course was a good experience.