Comments on: Cold Weather Riding: The Tucano Urbano Apron on a Vespa GTS

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Wed, 28 Nov 2018 05:30:34 +0000

In reply to Terry Bell. I suppose it's the same as the traction control on the Honda Fit I drive. I see the light flash on from time to time when there's snow on the road. Your GTS also has ABS. Wouldn't mind having that but wish it could be switched off. Seems like a problem when I ride in dirt and gravel on the mountain and at times need to be able to lock up the back wheel to slide to a stop. ABS would keep me moving I fear.

By: Terry Bell

Terry Bell — Tue, 27 Nov 2018 11:27:40 +0000

In reply to Steve Williams. Steve... I’ve had two situations in which the traction control on the GTS appeared to be doing its thing. One, was while accelerating over heavily painted road markings in the rain, the other when accelerating out of a gravel parking lot. In both instances, I could feel a power reduction the the rear wheel thus preventing any rear wheel step out. It does this of course by measuring the speed of both wheels. When the system senses a difference, it electronically controls throttle input to put them back in sync.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Tue, 27 Nov 2018 03:23:24 +0000

In reply to amateriat. Nah. I'll just not be surprising.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Tue, 27 Nov 2018 03:21:20 +0000

In reply to Terry Bell.

Cold hands are no fun. I suffered a lot until I finally got the Tucano Urbano muffs. So now cold hands aren’t a problem anymore. The last remaining challenge are cold feet.

Hippo Hands are a variation on the Tucano muffs. Not as pretty. But both are more or less ugly so what does it matter.

I’ve seen traction control on the Vespa. Does it work?

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Tue, 27 Nov 2018 03:18:58 +0000

In reply to Kat Adams.

I suppose I’ve not looked at Scooter in the Sticks in that manner. Thank you for raising that point. It’s nice to know someone finds some energy in the things I share.

Riding in wind can be a bit unsettling at first. And always something to pay close attention to when you’re moving at 40mph or faster. Sudden gusts at that speed can throw you around.

No snow where you are but farther north you have saltwater crocodiles. Don’t ride your scooter across Cahill’s Crossing!

Maybe it’s time to carve out some space for photography?

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Tue, 27 Nov 2018 02:22:34 +0000

In reply to Mike Berrena. I think it's time to seriously consider life on two wheels come this spring.

By: amateriat

amateriat — Tue, 27 Nov 2018 00:32:43 +0000

In reply to Steve Williams. You could always try a kilt...

By: Terry Bell

Terry Bell — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 22:01:31 +0000

I’m liking your morning scoot a little better than mine Steve.
I took one of my bikes into the dealership as part of a trade i’m doing.
It was supposed to be plus four degrees Celsius but never got above one degree for my ride.
The toughest part was… as always seems too be the case for me… the hands.
They seem to get Popsicle like in a hurry which , can make for some sloppy downshifting.
I’m liking that apron set up a lot, Steve.
I seem to recall seeing a lot of those used by bike couriers in London along with things called Hippo Hands.
Might have to give that combo a shot.

Hell… that GTS of mine came with traction control.

What could go wrong ? ( :

By: Kat Adams

Kat Adams — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 20:07:39 +0000

Steve, your blog is so inspirational! If that’s not a purpose I don’t know what is! As a fairly new scooter rider I’m finding that if I avoid riding in certain weather I miss a lot. There has been a hot, nasty dry wind here in eastern Australia this week. I used to be afraid of wind, but now I lean into it and start to enjoy it. We don’t have snow where I live, but I would love to do what you do, photographing the landscape and things around me. It’s light at 4.30am now – no excuse!

By: Mike Berrena

Mike Berrena — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 18:58:29 +0000

In reply to Steve Williams. Cleaning out the attic above garage yesterday as a matter of fact, found my motor helmets, That's a of a sign ,what ya think?