Modern Vespa

Hey fellow scooterists (sp?),

I am really enjoying this new hobby/sport and all the information and knowledge y'all have amassed on MV.
Being new to motorized, two-wheeled fun, many of my initial concerns are safety-related [since I don't heal as fast as I once did ].

That being said, (during a recent ride) upon reaching 50+ mph I noticed slight instability in the front end [bouncing] as well as a 'popping' sound/pressure in my ears. (I noted that when I ducked my head [as if to be more aerodynamic] the popping disappeared and, instead, it sounded like a jet engine -- the bouncing seemed to disappear as well).

Does this seem 'normal'? What would bar ends do? Are the tires balanced?


I have: stock scooter [no mods], earplugs, 3/4 helmet with face shield

So much to learn, so little time!

Thanks, Glyn

The Fly is a light scooter. I notice the same with my LX which is a little heavier. At higher speeds the front end feels lighter. There is nothing to fear with that. Just keep a steady but relaxed grip and you'll be fine. The scooter, if it is like mine, will track well and won't actually skip around the road.

The exception is higher speeds on rougher roads. Then you will notice the front end skipping around a little more. Again, nothing to fear - provided that you don't have a death grip on the bars!

As for ducking my head down to get more speed ... I notice that the positioning of my arms causes even the slightest twitches to be transferred to the steering. I do it, selectively, but feel more unstable at those times.

Welcome Glyn!

Ear popping is also normal and is about the air pressure around your head being different when you turn your head, changes in headwind, etc. I wear a full helmet and this happens if I go above 45 with the face screen cracked to let in air. On a 3/4 helmet, you have to settle into a comfortable lean and then swallow a bit to let your ears adjust.

Earplugs? Earplugs? Why not wear a patch over one eye while you are at it?

Seriously you need every sense you have.

Oh and get a full face helmet, unless you think yourself 25% ugly and want 25% painfully amputated, hopefully your ugly 25%.

I find I can hear what should be heard over wind/road noise better with earplugs in than with them out. Plus I get to keep my hearing at the end of a long fast ride. A couple of hours at WOT on a concrete motorway will damage anyone's hearing, regardless of the helmet worn. If you ever get 'ringing in the ears' - some damage (though hopefully minor) has been done.

Maybe I don't need my ears so much because I have mirrors to tell me someone is coming up fast behind... - what was that about eyepatches again?

WHAT?

I AM NOT DEAF! STOP MUMBLING!

True, it is hard to hear much above the (aftermarket) exhaust while traveling, while at low speed in traffic it is hard enough to work out where the emergency sirens are without adding earplugs to that.

Eyepatches - mirrors, stop changing the subject

Comment about helmets stands, get a full face lid

I agree with the last bit - but we don't discuss helmets here in the do this do that sense - it just gets emotional.