Modern Vespa

Hi all,
I have been always a Vespa fan as my father was. It wonderful to go around with the kids, one in front and one behind (here in Vietnam we still could do it) as my father used to do with us in Europe when I was a child.

I own an old vespa sprint, manual clutch, to go around in the weekends, but during the working days I use a Taiwanese scooter, an Attila SYM. In rain conditions, it's the rainy season now here, I have no complains with my old Vespa. As my father warned me thousand times, I never touch the clutch when turning with wet pavement and it's ok.

Now the SYM gets quite dangerous with wet pavement. I think the problem is the automatic gear box. When you drive very slow, when it's raining you are likely to, I think the gearbox is clutched and you don't have any gear engaged. The result is you lose all the adherence and if you are turning it is so easy to fall down.

I am considering to buy a new Vespa, I need to change that SYM, but as it also has an automatic clutch I am wondering if I will have the same problem with it.

Anyone can tell me its experiences with it?
Thanks in advance,
Dani.

Welcome to MV.

The trick with very slow riding on an automatic is to have enough throttle to keep the clutch just engaged, and use the rear brake to control speed. This keeps everything nice and smooth, particularly useful for tight turns in all conditions.

The problem isn't a disengaged clutch at all. You want to have some power on in a turn for best control.

All motorbikes, geared or auto require you to do all of your slowing BEFORE you start to turn, then you gently apply power THROUGH the turn.

If there is a bit of throttle, your auto clutch will be engaged and you're fine.

P.

Welcome Daniel F Boada!

What Jimc said is absolutely on target. It takes practice getting used to driving at slow speeds but still keeping the clutch engaged by using the brake ... it works very well.

If you allow the clutch to disengage, you lose the smooth operation of the scooter and you could take a spill as a result. Paul is correct in that you also have to power out of a turn ... but keeping the clutch engaged certainly helps to prevent the scooter from lurching. At least, I find it is easier to control that way.

Take your Sym out and try it, I think you will find it makes all the difference in the world.

Another turning tip: Keep your eyes firmly on the pavement ahead. You have to lean with authority in turns, and you have to be confident that the tire tread will bite the pavement while in the lean. Look ahead for anything that might compromise traction - gravel, water, road kill, etc etc...

Hmm... I'd be thinking that should have already been glanced at and any hazards noticed - in a turn vision should be up with the head turned - the road and any bits on it, edges etc should be dealt with by peripheral vision. As soon as you look at the road itself (rather than into the distance in the direction you want to go) - you may well meet that very road...

Yes; just that - I should have said well ahead, as the road becomes visible while going through the turn.

Hi all,
Thanks for the warm welcome and the tips.

I don't know how I haven't had thought before on braking while giving some power to let a gear engaged.
I have just tried it this morning on the way to the office. It was perfect after some tries!
I owe you guys a beer if you ever come around.

Cheers,
Dani.