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Motorcycles as Experienced by a Vespa Rider

August 15, 2010 by Scooter in the Sticks 9 Comments

Thanks to a wonderful opportunity extended by Craig Kissell of Kissell Motorsports I’ve been able to share my experiences riding the latest BMW, Triumph, Ducati, Vespa and Piaggio motorcycles and scooters from the perspective of a committed scooter rider. If you’re currently riding a scooter or small motorcycle and plan to move up to something bigger maybe these will help.

Becoming a URAL Adventurer
Surrender to the URAL

  The Triumph Tiger XC Experience
First Ride on the Triumph Tiger 800XC
 Ducati Riding — Multistrada and Diavel
Dream the Triumph Scrambler

From the BMW International Rally to a Pig Roast
First Date with the BMW K1600 GTL

Short Reflection on the BMW K1600 GTL Experience
  Decisions: The 1988 BMW R100 GS
The Humble Rider — Honda Ruckus
A Used BMW Motorcycle
On the Road: (sort of) BMW F 800 GS (Part 2)
Distant Reflections on the BMW F 800 GS (Part 1)

The BMW R1200 RT: Riding a Big Bike
The BMW F650 GS: A Crisis of Confidence
Taking Home a BMW F650 GS
The Prowl: Experiences with the Triumph Tiger
Triumph Thunderbird Conversion
Junior and the Thunderbird
Ducati Hypermotard: Engineering Meets the Beginners Mind
Vespa GTS300: The Town and Country Ride
2009 Vespa GTS 300 Super: A Beginners Ride?
Demystifying the Piaggio MP3
2009 Triumph Street Triple: A Transformation
2009 Kawasaki KLR 650: A Ride in the Fog
2009 Kawasaki KLR 650: Night Stop
2009 Kawasaki KLR 650: First Evening Ride

2009 Triumph Bonneville: Image, Myth and Ride

2009 Triumph Bonneville: Heading West Just After Sunrise
New Wheels in the Sticks: 2009 Triumph Bonneville

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Filed Under: motorcycle, new wheels, riding

Comments

  1. Cindy Jo says

    August 15, 2010 at 4:20 pm

    OMG! I want one of each…. ;D

    Reply
  2. Bryce says

    August 16, 2010 at 12:45 am

    To go along with your own very much appreciated test rides, the included URL regarding rides in Pennsylvania might be appreciated.

    http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=47514

    Reply
  3. Steve Williams says

    August 16, 2010 at 2:23 am

    Cindy Jo: I know the feeling. Maybe someday…

    Bryce: Thanks for the link. I will have a look.

    Reply
  4. Jack Riepe says

    August 17, 2010 at 1:30 am

    Dear Steve:

    So which one did you put a deposit down on?

    Fondest regards,
    Jack • reep • Toad

    Reply
  5. Steve Williams says

    August 22, 2010 at 12:59 am

    Jack: If I had to pick one right now — realistically, thinking of money and such — it would be the Kawasaki KLR followed closely by the Triumph Bonneville.

    As much as I like the BMW F650 GS and even more the BMW F800 GS (I have yet to post my review of that bike) I have to consider my not yet deep pockets.

    The KLR really touches the areas of riding I find most inviting.

    And the Triumph, well, everyone needs a dream. Not as useful overall but I just love the looks.

    Reply
  6. Todd says

    August 26, 2010 at 6:37 pm

    What’s with all the Euro bikes being tested. How about testing some better, more affordable Japanese rides?
    My brother has the Street Triple R.
    Man, is that a fun bike.

    Reply
  7. DLux says

    September 22, 2010 at 11:39 pm

    Have you tried the F800ST BMW? If so how about your 2cents worth.

    Reply
  8. Pirelli Motorcycle Tires says

    February 6, 2013 at 6:50 am

    I sure would love a ride on the Triumph Tiger 800XC. It looks cool to take for ride around the town. Have you tried this bike, if so how was the ride? Let me know.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Risk Assessment When Moving From a Scooter to a Motorcycle - Scooter in the Sticks says:
    September 6, 2021 at 12:11 am

    […] several years I test rode motorcycles for Kissell Motorsports and was constantly moving from one machine to another. At each change, I did some basic practice […]

    Reply

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