Modern Vespa

OK, so from my question on gear, skills/attitude/mindset seem to be key things to avoid accidents and reduce the need for the protective gear (not that you would go without it, but you hope you never have to rely on it).

I've signed up for the safety course, and I'll find some empty parking lots to practice in, but I was wondering what Books & Videos (and other media) are suggested for improving my skills/attitude/mindset?

I found the "Ride Like a Pro" DVD, but I can only find vol 5. Do I need to dig up volume 1-4 first?

Get the two volumes of Proficient Motorcycling by David Hough, they are both good reads and you will learn a lot about riding safely. http://www.amazon.com/Proficient-Motorcycling-Ultimate-Guide-Riding/dp/1933958359/ref=sr_1_1?ie

Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well is the big one.
You could probably get it at any Borders, Barnes & Noble, and or course, Amazon.

I'd say it's a must read.

I picked up a copy at our local library..Had to renew it once to get thru it all.

+1. great read, buy it so you can read it again later. You will learn more the second or third time you read it. I have read every page at least twice. Once when I just started and again later when I was feeling more confident. This is when I learn more as I could see my own mistakes.

You've got it covered IMHO...Ride Like a Pro IV (wife said it was better just to view this than what she got out of MSF). Proficient MC...is like the bible for MC / Scoot and last but not least we have a nice MSF booklet for Scooters..."You and Your Scooter - Riding Tips"...check out exercises in the back...good for practice...BTW, practice...practice...practice...

https://modernvespa.com/forum/topic3862

I'd ditto this one but even though its bicycle focused, Urban Bikers Ticks & Tips is a great read for city scoot riders as well since many of the same safety principles apply http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0965172813/wordspacepres-20?%5Fencoding=UTF8%26camp=1789%26link%5Fcode=xm2

When you're done with the riding manuals (all to the good), pick up a copy of "I See By My Outfit", "Leanings 1", and "Leanings 2" for inspiration.

Thanks for the tips. My wife works at a library so she's requested the two "Proficient Motorcyclyst" books from another branch for me. We'll start with those.

Can anyone confirm that the vol 5 of the DVD is just means it's the latest update and not that I should view vol 1 through vol 4 to understand it?

Thanks again!

-George

You don't have to look at versions 1 to 4. I've got version 4 and it's the complete "course". I think they just update it every so often so they can sell a new version.

If I were you I'd watch the Isle of Man TT racing on TV. You can see all

the excitment and end up with no bumps.

Paul

On the "mindset" part....Ok, it's not safety or skills related but I really liked this DVD:

Long Way Round with Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman...
A video diary of a round the world trip on motorcycles.

I'm not sure where to buy it...I had it on my Netflix list. The language was a bit raw, and it's not a nuts and bolts description as to how the rest of us would put together a long trip, but it was fun to watch and it got me through the long cold winter.

It makes you wanna ride. 8)

(There was also a second series call the Long Way Down about a trip from Scotland to the tip of Africa. The music was outstanding, too.)

+1 on the "Ride Like a Pro" DVD. Vol. 5 is the latest and includes everything from the previous four videos. If you disregard the friction zone part of the video, all of the other info is directly transferable to scooter riding. This DVD made a huge difference in my confidence and skills. Highly recommended.