Comments on: Small Moments on the Road

By: Doug Just Doug

Doug Just Doug — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 01:07:28 +0000

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– Doug Just Doug

By: Sojourner rides

Sojourner rides — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:28:21 +0000

Steve,

I agree that some motorcyclists--and others--are focused on the miles and miss opportunities to embrace the small things easily missed when sailing by. I guess it takes all kind to find what makes us 'go round. I sold my car last year and use my motorcycle for all my transportation and get away needs.

I don't want to say never, but I don't plan to own a car again. I joined a car sharing group and that's the best way to go for me. Sometimes I ride for my motorcycle for the miles, distant places that it can take me far far away a limited amount of free time available to me. At other times, I travel close, along back roads near my suburban home, away from the city. Sometimes I seek those roads 300 miles away. For me, my two wheel travel serves many, multiple needs. Fulfilling both my need for occasional speed and my need for reflection and long slow weekends with myself.

By: cpa3485 (JIM)

cpa3485 (JIM) — Wed, 20 May 2009 00:31:44 +0000

Off topic for a bit; just want to announce that I have started a blog of my own.

http://cpa3485.blogspot.com/

It is a start for something I have been thinking about for some time. Would appreciate it If you would visit me there and make comments and suggestions on what you might think. Many of you have inspired me and I would appreciate your advice. Thanks in advance!

By: Conchscooter

Conchscooter — Sun, 17 May 2009 16:22:00 +0000

You have to love the ride. My 24,000 mile service for the Triumph cost $1,000 which includes a change of brake fluid and adjustment of six of eight double overhead cam valves. Anyone who rides to save money will get a shock.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sun, 17 May 2009 12:39:00 +0000

Angelo: while I would agree that walking enlivens the senses I have never found that to be the case on a bicycle. That has always just seemed like work to me. Perhaps in a flatter landscape it would be different. And you don't get the feeling of lightness and flight on a bicycle like you do on a motorcycle or scooter.

If only riding counted as exercise...

Jack Riepe: I've come to accept that maintenance on two wheels is just different. I'm going to head out shortly and see if I still have brakes.

Even with the departures for repairs I still love the ride!

By: Jack Riepe

Jack Riepe — Sun, 17 May 2009 02:48:00 +0000

Dear Steve:

I regret the necessity of having to have your machine off the road for 10 days to go through the mundane task of getting the brakes bled.

My GMC Surburban has over a quarter million miles on it. It has broken down three times in 16 years. It runs forever on oil changes. By contrast, my K75 stopped running due to a snaped clutch cable, but it gets more preventive maintenance than an ICBM sitting in a silo. What amazes me is that bike repairs are seldom bolt-off and bolt-on, require a fortune teller to diagnose the hard stuff, and cost a mint when it comes to parts.

Still, this is the life we have chosen for ourselves.

Have fun now that you are back on the road again.

Fondest regards,
Jack
Twisted Roads

By: Angelo

Angelo — Sat, 16 May 2009 13:48:00 +0000

Riding a bicycle will enliven more of your senses. You will see, hear, smell, and feel even more than on your scooter.

I guess the proponents of walking would say the same to a cyclist.

One step further. Crawl!

(The Party is never over when it all exist in you head.)

Good luck getting the Vespa going again.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sat, 16 May 2009 10:06:00 +0000

Torch: I'm familiar with the malady. Looking forward to reading your views on the subject.

bobskoot: I replaced the standard exhaust gasket with a brass one made by Amore. It solves that burn through issue that could leave a rider with no brakes or a burning scooter. The problem with my rear brake initially was a leaking master cylinder but it took several attempts to bleed all the air from the brake line. For whatever reason the GTS has a lot of places to trap air I guess. Brakes seem fine now...

Bob Olcott: Your errand sounds far more intense than mine! Most of the time I welcome a nice 100 mile ride but in this instance I'm glad the dealer is less than 10 miles away.

Have fun riding in the warmer weather!

By: Bob Olcott

Bob Olcott — Fri, 15 May 2009 18:24:00 +0000

Glad to hear you got the call your Vespa is ready (again)! I “drove” over to my Genuine Buddy 50 dealer last week (about 115 miles: I live 1/2 way to Canada on the Vermont Border of New Hampshire; my dealer is on the Seacoast-near Massachusetts), and had almost as delightful a time as you did returning library books! Glad you’ll be getting the Vespa back.

By: bobskoot

bobskoot — Fri, 15 May 2009 17:17:00 +0000

Steve:
Your rear brake problem reminds me to mention that my friend also had a GTS and on a long day of continuous riding on the highway there was a problem with the Exhaust gasket failing which caused the hot air to come in close contact with the rear brakes, causing it to fail. The exhaust gasket was covered under warranty.
Hope you get your wheels back soon. The weather here is nearly perfect too.

bobskoot: wet coast scootin