5:30 AM. Dark and raining. My destination 58 miles away. An appropriate start for the transition from my Vespa GTS 250ie to a 2008 Triumph America. I agreed to shuttle the Triumph back to town for a friend of my father-in-law for maintenance at our local Triumph dealer. I’ll have the Triumph for a week and the chance for an extended demo ride was too much to pass up. A temporary assignment to a Triumph.
Riding in the Dark
For me, the combination of darkness and rain is a weather challenge only exceeded by snow. Empty rural roads and slow speeds would dominate the trip until dawn. And I was hoping the rain kept the deer on the ground until the weather cleared a bit. Riding through the countryside and watching the road ahead lit solely by my headlight I was reminded of how small the area of illumination is and slow I have to ride to be able to stop within the area I can see. Even if I wanted to go faster there really was no way to manage it safely.
I sat a while at an on ramp of Interstate 99 gauging traffic for one leg of my trip. An endless series of tractor-trailers roaring along in a cloud of spray made the decision not to venture onto the freeway simple.
The sky showed the first signs of light in Tyrone and the rain was nothing more than mist. I stopped to dry my visor and make sure my digital camera wasn’t getting too wet in my pocket.
Nearing Altoona I stopped to watch the fog move along the mountainside. Apart from a heavy surf breaking on a rocky shore I can think of few things whose appearance brings me such quiet pleasure.
The Triumph America
My first thought on seeing the motorcycle in my father-in-law’s garage was that all that chrome was going to get dirty. And indeed it did. The switch from the Vespa to something the size of the America demands some changes in thought and approach. The additional weight is managed differently. The feet forward cruiser pegs and added tasks of shifting and foot braking are not on the regular riding menu. For the first few miles I reprogrammed myself with a bit of conscious practice and the old muscle memories returned from a long vacation.
More empty roads gave me the chance to practice some hard braking, swerving and other actions specific to the weight of the Triumph. The bike performed nicely and it became quite comfortable to handle.
By the time I got home I felt relaxed on the America. It’s two-cylinder engine thumped along like a champ and I could see how someone might enjoy one. It’s not for me though.
The Triumph is too big, too powerful, and too clumsy for the eclectic riding I do. There would be no quick u-turns or pushing through deep gravel and grass for a picture. It’s size and weight just takes too long to manage. Even the few times I stopped for pictures I watched that kickstand carefully to see if it would support the weight on the surfaces I was on. And I passed up many picture locations I just didn’t think I could get the bike to safely or easily like I could with the Vespa. Still, it is a nice motorcycle.
If I had any complaints at all it was with the loud exhaust. Aftermarket pipes made the America nothing short of obnoxious to my ears. When I left Altoona I had my earplugs in when I started it up and while had quite a rumble it wasn’t until I got home and started it for Kim without the plugs that I realized how really loud it was. On a long trip I can’t imagine having to listen to it thundering in my brain. I suspect returning the factory pipes would fix that problem. Still, it is a nice motorcycle.
I’ll probably get the motorcycle back from the Triumph dealer on Tuesday and be able to ride it the rest of the week before going back to Altoona to retrieve my Vespa. We’ll see how things go until then…
What great photos, Steve. I particularly liked the ‘5:30’ AM and ‘Tyrone’ shot. Excellent lighting and perspective on both.
The decision for me to go ‘small’ and purchase a Vespa…well, some of your assessments were right on the mark.
Great write-up! The transition from scooter to motorcycle is very strange. Way back when I got my VX800, I had been riding a Yamaha Vino 125 daily. The Suzuki felt like I was driving a truck.
..I got used to it. 😀
I thought you’d gone all wonky for a second there. I miss the GTS as you say for the ease of quick stops and photography. Of course I like the sit up and beg posture of my standard Bonneville, which has a standard motor and exhausts, I do ride a little faster than you do so i appreciate the 865ccs!
I love British bikes, always have, probably always will but quite frankly I think the “Italians” photograph much better!
Funny how a little Vespa makes such consistently interesting photo’s. It’s almost like it knows how to pose.
E.T.
You look like a natural sitting next to that big ol’ Triumph! Sounds like the Vespa fits the bill perfectly for your needs though. -Nice to have the opportunity to try out different rides.
What a nice opportunity to shift the brain into a new gear for a new experience. IMHO, if you ever make a move to a motorcycle, it would be great to do the research to find that one bike that gives you the same feel–or as close as possible–to the Vespa. A light, flickable bike that is easy to push around, do tight u-turns on the dime and allows for quick, easy stops for a brief photo op. They’re out there…then again, that your Vespa seems just about perfect! The photos are glorious!
chris: Thanks for the kind words about the pictures. I still enjoy making them (and riding to get them!). Going small has a lot of advantages.
lucky: The transition is really strange. I bet the transition from big bike to scooter might even be weirder…
conchscooter: When I agreed to shuttle the motorcycle I thought he had a Bonneville. I was a little disappointed when I found out that it was an America.
It was a little like a truck.
earl thomas: I have a soft spot for the British bikes too but will always choose the more functional ride. I can’t see hauling bags of sand on the Triumph. Or a Christmas tree…
It is weird about the Vespa in pictures. It seems to have a lot of personality. I’m not sure if I would find that in the Triumph if I shot it a lot.
kano: I’m certainly big enough to not feel overwhelmed by the Triumph but still do like the Vespa better. I probably will ride to Altoona Friday evening to retrieve old faithful…
sojourner rides: I dread the day I would decide to get a motorcycle. Mainly because I know how obsessive I can get trying to make a choice of machines. My whole like would be consumed on the Web trying to determine the exact perfect bike. And then second, third, fourth, and fifth guessing myself.
I can only hope the Vespa remains in the garage until it wears out. And actually, the thing in my mind for a next machine is one of Piaggio’s MP3s….
Steve,
Great pictures man…ever thought of becoming a photographer?
First, when I read your headline, I got scared that you were giving up the Vespa…but learned to relax as I read further down the column…lol Good post.
I agree with your appraisal quick u-turn, stops, the whole nine yards…you’re bang on… Two different machines, two different rides.
Take care
Nice pics. I love my scooter, its a Honda Ruckus. This weekend I’m making the transition to a ’79 Yamaha sr500. Hopefully the switch will be smoother since its still a single four stroke. The heavier weight may take some getting used to.
Thanks for the insight.
I read the comments. Readers afraid you will change mounts. Readers hoping you will change mounts. Interesting.
The traveller chooses their destination. Having thus chosen, only then is the means of transport considered. How best to get where the heart yearns?
You seek beauty and grace in the world nearby. I seek adventure in far off places. What serves you well does not serve me. Yet what we each have carries us toward our own visions splendidly.
Balance and harmony have been achieved.
After 3 plus decades of riding large motorcycles I graduated to scootering and seldom look back. Once in a while I ride my son’s Sportster and upon returning to my ride I am assured of the wisdom of my decision. As an amateur photographer (for my own amusement), I am inspired by your writing and photos. Thank you for the time and thought that goes into your blog.
And the testing is on-going. Less than five minutes ago, I saw a distinctive black and yellow jacket and silver helmet paired with a large motorcycle carefully round the corner onto a major road.
No, I don’t know Steve, but I happen to live in the same town (I found this blog while looking for a scooter group in the area). My wife works a couple buildings over from him and I’ve seen him coming and going now and then over the years. It was amusing to look over to my left, watch him ride past and think, “Oh, he’s still got the Triumph”.
Great shots, Steve! Glad to hear about your little “detour” from the GTS.
Recently, I made a move up from a 50cc Aprilia to a Piaggio mp3 500. To my surprise, the transition was quite effortless, in spite of the huge displacement jump and the extra wheel. Still just a scooter and I’m loving it!
Peace!–Lorenzo
I don’t think you could change to motorcycles anymore. After the GTS one begins to realize that while motorcycles have some…features, they are easy to equal and surpass on many scooters.
There is the pace. Not necessarily riding to get somewhere. The LX150. There is the need to get somewhere. The GT200,250 and Supers. Capable of keeping up with all but the most insane traffic.
The Vespas are everything I ever wanted in the ride. I bet the same can be said of you.
But its nice to be reacquainted with the differences now and again.
Harv
When we first viewed the photo of you and motorcycle we were stunned and thought you had abandoned us Vespa Folks. What a relief to read on and find it was not yours. Great photos as usual, we never tire of seeing the Grey Vespa and you all decked out in Black and Yellow was not bad either. Wishing you good riding weather for awhile more.
baron: Photography is my life. Riding is trying to push it aside a bit though…
The Vespa is a quick and nimble machine and is just a perfect photography platform. Ansel Adams had his International Travelall. I have a Vespa. Unfortunately I don’t have the photographic juice that Ansel did…
murphy’s law: I think we are pretty adaptable. The move to a bigger machine will eventually become a second nature experience. It changes some things but physically we can handle it. Our brains eventually convince us that even the heavy bikes are nimble things.
irondad: If I found something more suited to my temperament and needs I would not hesitate to change. Oh, and money is an issue. But right now I am pleased where I am.
I understand the difference from places near and far. I wonder when the opportunity arises and I have time to travel if I will remain on a scooter.
paul martin: thanks for your kind words. I continue to find enjoyment and answers in riding, writing, and making pictures.
evan: Hmmm, someone is watching me???
Harv: You’re right, the Vespa is everything I need. An amazing little machine.
scgt: The MP3 500 is definitely on my someday wish list. Glad to hear your transition has been seamless.
heinz & frenchie: Not to fear. I have no plans to abandon the Vespa. You’ll be seeing more of it in the weeks ahead.