The Vespa GTS250ie on the road last night, freshly repaired by Kissell Motorsports, the local Vespa dealer. Oh my, how I missed that machine. A long workday meant a short ride at dusk but satisfying nonetheless.
The final assessment on the GTS failure was a bad battery and not the fuel pump. Hooray for that. The repair I did was fine so I didn’t introduce any problems — just an unfortunate chain of coincidence.
The glow of State College, Pennsylvania in the distance. Standing along the road making this picture I couldn’t think of anything more perfect that being out in the world courtesy of a riding machine — surely a result of the “distance makes the heart grow fonder” phenomenon.
I had forgotten how quick the scooter is. It’s always felt quicker than any motorcycle I’ve ridden. Quick. I’ll have to ponder how to define that another time.
The lure to ride on into the night was strong but being a mature, thinking man I made the choice to return home and think about income tax forms and swapping out a toilet — other equally soul enhancing activities.
One last stop in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, just a block away from the Piston and Pints Moto Hang Lounge, for a picture of the Vespa in front of some of the local commercial establishments.
Late in the evening I said part of the Real Rider’s Prayer: Please, please let it only be the battery and that there be many more rides ahead.
Steve, I am only just now learning what’s it’s like to ride a GTS.
It’s amazing. Yes it is damn quick. I have no experience with motorcycles, so I can’t compare, but I have no trouble believing that the GTS holds its own off the line.
Glad to see another gorgeous shot of your bike.
Hooray for the Vespa being back on the road!
As to toilet-swapping being called a soul-enhancing task….you may want to reconsider. 😉
dom
Steve:
Thank Goodness it was ONLY the battery ! and not something more complex nor costly.
There’s nothing like leaning into the curves, twisting the throttle & feeling free
Speed is a relative sensation. Smaller wheels, high rpm’s and exhaust noise all contribute to that “faster feeling”.
good to see you back on the road
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
Nice photos of the Vespa and fortunately it was something simple, though not necessarily cheap, The periodic photos were definitely missed.
Those batteries can do that to ya! Glad to know and SEE you back on the road Steve.
Steve,
Glad to see you back on the GTS. I was afraid you might jump ship and trade it in on an MC. Mine was out for a short time waiting on a new tire, and I know how good it feels to get back out there on the road. I’m looking forward to more posts and pictures.
Bill
Steve, I’m glad your Biker’s Prayer…that it only be the battery…was answered for you! It’s good to know you’re back on the road! Best Regards, Bob Olcott
That’s great news. Had my 250 out today in Albany, NY, although it was freezing, I still had a great time.
I understand now how you feel, as I just picked up my new Vespa 300 today and rode it home for the first time! Awesome, and I’m glad that you have yours working again. Looking forward to more of your posts.
Steve, Great news! First that you’re out riding again, second that it wasn’t a huge problem (though probably a huge PITA!), and third that we can anticipate more of your posts and photos ;o)
Some day I will upgrade my ride and join the “big boys.” Still love being in the Vespa camp regardless ;o)
David Masse: The quickness and top speed of the Vespa make it a near perfect ride for me since I am little interested in freeway riding. I understand riders who have limited time and want to go to a faraway destination have little choice but use the freeway but I hate to drag all that weight and power around for those few times.
And the Vespa is comfortable. I don’t have any trouble with 10 and 12 hour rides. Can’t say the same for some motorcycles I have ridden…
Charlie6: I thought all tasks were soul enhancing. Well, maybe not all…
bob skoot: I’ve been lucky so far. No big expensive failures. Hope it stays that way.
Richard M: I’m going to try and get back into the habit of riding, making photos and writing posts. That rhythm was good for me.
Coop: Thanks!
Bob Olcott: Prayers were definitely answered. Now I need to make something of the gift.
John Connors: The weather is changing fast now so lots of more temperate riding time ahead. It snowed here today for a short time and the temperature is headed towards 30F but that won’t last.
Bill: While I would like to have a motorcycle as a backup to the Vespa I can’t see myself abandoned the scooter — now or ever. But I guess one never knows for sure what the next curve in the road will reveal.