Modern Vespa

Hi I just started riding my vespa a couple of weeks ago and find it to be soooo much fun. My husband has been on this site but I haven't yet. I've never rode much of anything before and I really am enjoying my vespa but still alittle nervous especially when I go to stop mainly when I'm at a four way stop, I seem to be ok when I am at a stoplight I guess I just have to get use to it. I also am going out of my comfort zone when I have to go over 45 mph. I guess I'll get use to it but it seems like I don't have as much control when I get pass 45. My Husband rides behind me on a harley and has been alot of help encouraging me. Well, I guess pratice makes perfect (I hope)

Welcome to MV shelleyb!

This is a great place with lots of info. What model vespa do you have?

Being nervous when you start riding is normal, my best advice to you is to take your scoot out to a large empty parking lot and practice quick stops, turns, swerving, evasive maneuvers etc. It will give you an idea of what your scooter is capable of on the road.

You will get used to riding at higher speeds with time. Try not to ride to far outside of your safety zone - that's when accidents occur. Kudos to your husband for supporting you when you ride!

Have fun and keep the shiny side up!

Oh yeah, post some pictures of your vespa. We like pictures!

Kia ora Shelley
Welcome to Modern Vespa.

Welcome, Shelley!!
Have you taken a Motorcycle Safety Course yet?? It's a good way to learn the basics and practice them until they become automatic. I think just about everyone on the forum recommends that as the place for new riders to start!

Aloha and welcome to the forum. I already welcomed him He can register himself and post you don't have to have a vespa. Aren't the LX 150's awesome? I don't know if you have read some of the replies to him but i suggested you find an empty parking lot and set up a course to practice on. You can use those sidewalk crayons the kids use. It really does help and you won't have to worry about traffic. Post some pics of the scooter when you get a chance. Have fun and ride safe

Welcome to MV Wish my wife would ride. She doesn't even like to ride pillion unless we stay in the hood and stay under 30. Kudos to you.

Hi Shelley---I totally understand. Like you I have been driving for under month. My turns have a lot of room for improvement (major understatement). Over 45 mph in traffic is not fun.

Welcome to MV and the wonderful world of scooting! I was a lot like you when I got my Vespa. I just passed my 2 year riding anniversary and rolled 9,000 on the day. It gets better and more fun! Enjoy your LX!

Welcome to MV....much of the recommend practice routines will be beneficial and of course more time on the road will definitely help.

Few of recommendations aside from the MSF course:

Practice basic stop and go's...this will help gain confidence at stopping (which you mentioned in your original post)....go for a few feet and stop...go a few feet and stop.

Making a turn make sure to look and turn your head in the direction where you are going...don't look down. If you need some practice with this...start from a complete stop...turn your head either left of right looking into the turn...slight turn on the handle bars and accelerate....you'll be surprised how tight a turn you'll negotiate. Later on you can place some cones or just some tennis balls cut in half ~ 6 feet in front of you and negotiate the turn.

Understand the counter or push steering...it can be rather confusing but this is an important principal to understand as you lean into a turn and maintain control of your scoot.

Good Luck!

Hello shelleyb an welcome to MV. Just don't rush yourself and get turned off. Maybe find a friend to help you get comfortable ridding. Once you get used to the scoot, you'll really love ridding. Good luck.

Welcome... I have had my scoot for just about 2 months and logged about 3,000 non-commuting miles... gain more confidence (and skills) everyday. My husband, who now rides an Electra Glide Ultra Classic Harley, and raced pro-am off-road bikes has been my best mentor.

I find that following him has helped a lot... I can watch how he "navigates" the obstacles and adjust how I handle them. He also had me doing figure 8's, cones in the street non-stop... received my "M" endorsement in no time.