Modern Vespa

My summertime neighbor, Carlo, from Milan, and I went to Naxos for the day. He's a long time scooter rider, and currently has an MP3. He's never ridden the twisties of Naxos, so I had arranged today's trip with him a month ago.

Took the morning ferry and picked up a Carnaby for me, and a Beverly for him. He wanted the flyscreen, as the rental agency helmets don't have face shields. Then struck out along the west coast road for Apollonas. Absolutely fab ride. Arrived unannounced at the Adonis and stopped for a frappe. Stamatis and his mom were thrilled to see us, and we discussed next year's Greek Islands Rally. Then Stamatis said, "You are in luck. Momma has made pastitsio and we would like you to be our guests for lunch." Was as good as it could get.

Then we walked down to the square by the beach for an espresso. The coffee shop owner rushed over and said, "I understand that next year the Vespa Rally will spend three nights here!" Espresso was also on the house. Also, ladies, Nikos, the jewelry shop owner has heard the news and is awaiting your return.

Back to the Adonis, and time to head down the east side of the island. Carlo hits the start button on the Beverly, and after about three cranks, there's a loud backfire, and that's the end of that. Engine cranks like there is no compression and won't start. Called Moto-Power, and Vasillis asks if we mind riding two up on the Carnaby. Of course we don't, so the Beverly will sit in Stamatis' parking place until Vasillis can get it.

Had a grand ride back to the Chora and caught the 6:25PM boat back to Paros.

Everyone on Naxos sent their warmest regards to Team MV and is looking forward to next year.

Al

Nice write-up.

That was a B125 I take it? Stripped outer driving pulley splines for sure. My B125 chewed one as did the X9 125. I think the backfire just over-stresses the splined joint. Good job the pulley is purposely far weaker than the crank splines...

Was a BV250ie, jim. Nice scoot until that happened.

I truly enjoyed the Carnaby 125es that I had, and it was quite up to the job of hauling the two of us on the trip down island.

As Vasillis put it, it's end of season time for his fleet, and he and his techs will spend the winter getting them tip top again.

BTW, he had one of the new MP3 "no motorcycle license required" models on the showroom floor in his dealership. Only visible difference is the foot brake and stalk turn signals. Front wheelbase is a bit wider, but not noticeable. Will retail for about 8,200 Euro, and he's had three serious inquiries so far. No plan to put one in the rental fleet yet

Al

Al, you make me laugh.

I will be glad to return, you may tell them all!

sounds like a brilliant day out. you can put me down for one of those mp3 things next year al

Unfortunately "one of those mp3 things" describes what Moto-Power has in the rental fleet, as far as MP3s are concerned. Carlo wanted to rent it, and Vasillis said it was out on a 30 day rental to a German vacationer @ 40 Euro/day! Maybe we can have a lottery for it next year? The winner gets the MP3 at the Carnaby rate......

As to brilliant day out, that it was. Carlo regularly takes his boat from Paros to Chora for lunch, but this was his first taste of the other 99% of the island. He has all kinds of plans for next year. Started off as an overnighter while we were having lunch, and had increased to three days by the time we got off the Blue Star ("many twisty roads to explore"). There's four of us that the wives called the "Midnight Cigar and Souma Society", as we'd sit out late at night for a nightcap and ponder the universe back when we were renting in Ambelas during the construction of our house. Since then, we get together for a "boys' activity" or two every summer. So Carlo sees Naxos as a "Cigar & Souma Society" event. He'd come for the Rally, but his son, Georgio (age 7 1/2), doesn't get out of school until mid June. May pop down from Milan to Pontedera while that Rally is there to show Georgio the museum and meet some MVers.

just book it out for the entire duration of MVGISR and we'll keep handing it around from person to person. i can't wait to try it out in those twisties