I picked the 250 over 150 and 200 because I'm tall and "big boned", plus I wanted the power once I got the courage to ride the freeways. I'm very happy with my choice, but admit I drooled a bit over the white 300 GTS. Maybe someday..
As I mentioned when I first joined MV, getting a scooter was a big step for me because I was nearly killed in an MC accident as a passenger back in college (broke my back and jaw). But rehab and good genes (see big bones), helped me return to a normal life, which included riding my bicycle all over the country and major mountain passes going at very high speeds! Therefore, I felt I had the confidence, balance and ability to anticipate how cagers respond (or not) to 2 wheelers.
First things, first. I got the permit from DMV, bought the Vespa, proper gear and practiced riding around town and parking lots. I took the advice of many here and enrolled (and passed) the MSF course.
Mods added; top case for full face helmet storage, crash bars, Heidenau K61s (which I love), mid size windshield and vanity plate (heart VSPA). Need the Stebel horn next!
So, after 2 years later (but only 3k miles), I still love my Vespa, Lidia. I ride her every weekend to do errands, the farmer's market, cruising the east bay hills (see pic).
This past year, I worked up the courage to ride freeways to work (via SF Bay bridge 2 times per week). I now ride to SF for fun on the weekends as well. I rarely, if ever, get in my car for 3-4 days. Yea, I could ride her more, but work and family stuff got in the way the last yr.
Observations:
Commuting via the SF Bay bridge- WIND. Good gawd, I thought I was going to blown over this past weekend on the eastern span (going to west). I've learned to relax, but still it can be nerve wracking. Overall, I find the bridge to be okay, and easier to handle than riding streets of SF at times.
Wobble - it did at first, especially on rain grooves and with Savas. I learned to relax more, and Heidenau's helped tremendously.
Potholes- okay, I know CA is broke, but WTF? my dentist and chiropractor bills are going up because of the jarring, not to mention some wheel alignment soon... Warning- there is one BIG hole in right lane of 80 just off bridge (going east) by toll plaza (near 880 split).
Lane splitting - I do it on 580/24 when it is bumper to bumper, but haven't done it on the bridge yet, doubt I will when it is windy.
The Fun part- Getting ahead of cars at a light, parking, lane splitting, and packing all my groceries in her, and people just admiring her pretty red body. Most often asked questions- how fast does she go, it is freeway legal, and what kind of mileage does she get.
The not so fun part- I get neck aches and body aches from the wind and potholes (see old injury), so I have to take a few days and not ride sometimes, especially after riding to SF.
Cagers- for the most part, I tried not to get annoyed by them and ride defensively, like I'm invisible. Still, it's shocking to see so many of them talk on the phone (not hands free) and doing stupid shit.
Finally, I'm always careful and I never ride if I don't feel like it. I want to be mentally and physically ready for the challenge (and fun).
Oh, you guys are fun too! Ride safe
Cheers!
