A Heavy Motorcycle is Not a Scooter
Writer’s block. Riders’ block. If you can extend your patience just a bit perhaps I can shed some light on the problem. Or opportunity. Whatever is happening, I always hope a ride on the Vespa scooter or BMW K75 motorcycle will raise the curtain on a swirling mind.
Standing along the road, gazing on my motorcycle poised in the fog, I’m keenly aware of how exceptionally different the K75 riding experience is from the scooter. Size. Weight. Demands on body and mind. It’s all different and I know it though I possess a remarkable ability to delude myself into thinking it’s just a big scooter of some kind. For a few minutes, I stand amidst a fantasy landscape where skill and experience are meaningless. I can do anything.
There’s a thrill riding this 550-pound machine. New. Unexpected. The motorcycle demands my full attention. It reminds this 65-year-old body that it’s not as strong as it seems when riding the Vespa. I feel the challenge in my mind and in my gut.
It’s a wonderful way to start the day.
Finding Myself in Fog
I want to paint but I can’t draw. I could learn but already I’m doing so much. Fog reduces the world to simple, easily discerned elements of form, light and color. The camera records the scene but I believe there’s more to discover if I could spend more time. Something about the world. Something about me.
I stand for a long time thinking, wondering, wishing something would change. And then I remember this heavy motorcycle I’m riding and say farewell.
Lessons of a Heavy Motorcycle
The first thing I noticed when riding the BMW K75 is how unforgiving it is to inattention. More specifically, how easily it wants to fall down if I don’t monitor constantly the motorcycle’s balance, center of gravity and upright posture. These things are most in flux when the wheels roll off the pavement and onto the dirt, gravel or other uneven or jarring surfaces — particularly at slow speeds.
Pulling off onto a farm lane, child’s play on the scooter, it not to be taken lightly. And for a confirmed Vespa rider, habits that make sense with a 325-pound scooter spell mishap and tragedy on the 550 pound BMW. A few days earlier I stopped while running an errand, placed the side stand down and started to dismount before the motorcycle was firmly on the stand. The bike rolled forward a bit as I got off, the stand popped up and the bike started to go down. Fortunately, I caught it on my leg and halted the downward trajectory at about 45 degrees. The K75 is heavy but I managed to turn my back to the bike and walk it upright while holding the bars and the handgrip on the tail end of the motorcycle.
Heart was pounding as I made a mental note to pay attention while parking the bike. The same focus is necessary in almost every slow speed to stopping maneuver. On the scooter, I just don’t need to worry about such things.
Dazzling Sunlight
Riding over the mountain found the fog evaporating away as the sun created a new world to explore. I continued to push myself to explore limitations with the motorcycle like riding along the edges of a farm field to see how well I could handle uneven ground. Finding a surface sufficient to support the side or center stand was a challenge. And moving the static bike around with the engine off is a chore.
By the time I consigned myself to the pavement I learned a bit more about handling this particular heavy motorcycle.
Highways, Freeways, and Motorcycles
My stomach called out after 40 miles of wandering. Getting on Interstate 99 on a clear morning would provide 12 miles of expressway speed — for food and to experiment with throttle and stability on the heavy motorcycle.
Expressway riding was a bore on the scooter. With the BMW K75, it feels like a natural, comfortable activity. No wonder I see so many motorcycles on the Interstate highways. It’s so easy.
Pump Station Cafe
The desire for food, drink and some moments alone during or at the end of a ride are no different on the motorcycle than they are with the scooter. And for some reason I don’t fully understand, I find myself making such stops even more frequently on the bike. The Pump Station Cafe is a frequent destination.
Some time has passed since this ride. The leaves have changed color and fallen and this morning there was snow on the ground. I’ve already begun exploring the limits of temperature and weather with the BMW but that’s a story for another day.
I’ve been distracted, disconnected, immersed, engaged and otherwise consumed with a range of activities in addition to riding. For some as yet unknown reason, the noise and chaos have undermined the quiet and clarity necessary to write. I can’t say for sure how this post has taken shape. Perhaps it’s the sound of a snoring dog at my feet.
Thank you for your patience with this wandering rider.
Steve,
Excellent prose this morning. And I read about the motorcycle with my usual coffee not a martini. There was no writers block in this post.
Thank you,
Ken
Glad I could provide some amusement with your coffee. The writer’s block is slowly melting…
Steve,
I too went up in size to a 1300 from a 250. Much more attention required for sure. Enjoyed your writing as I always do. No fog or snow here but lots of rain. No riding today.
Wandering rider? Not in the least. It’s always a joy to see where your ride and thoughts go.
Best,
Mike
I’ve just added the motorcycle to the garage. Still riding the scooter. Nice to have choices. Soon it may be too cold for the bike…
My last rides were 900cc and 1000cc airheads. Before that I was riding a Harley. Before that I was riding a large 4 cylinder UJM and a Ducati Monster. Now I’m riding a 250cc touring scooter. And other than a lack of any capability above 70 or so mph, I’m finding my current ride quite enjoyable. Beyond its limitations it is certainly much easier to pilot and handle than any of my large bikes ever were.
I agree that there are no losses or shortcomings that matter to me while riding the scooter at speeds below 70mph. It’s so easy to pilot and handle as you say. Still, for me, there is something exciting about the motorcycle that I can’t put into words yet. But if I could only ride the Vespa I would remain a happy guy.
550 pounds pales in comparison to a 900 pound Indian. I still haven’t gotten used to my 500 pound Kawasaki in comparison to my Nighthawk but Dude, my Kawasaki is so worth it once I let the clutch out.
I’ve never ridden anything that weighs 900 pounds. Can’t imagine that. The BMW K1600 GTL is rode for awhile was only 768 and I thought that was crazy. The K75 is manageable but being a bit top heavy means it will try and escape sooner than a lower slung bike. I have to pay attention.
You’re right, once the clutch is out and you’re moving it is pure pleasure!
I have a few more years on you Steve and my big bike has a few more pounds on your K75 too. I know of what you speak. I find I have to be more considerate as to how I handle and where I place the big bike and in fully loaded for the long haul mode, centerstand use is out of the question. I purchased a previously enjoyed Piaggio BV250, my first scooter, this past Spring and I feel sixteen again! I sense that moving forward smaller lighter platforms will become my new normal. Enjoy the K 👍
I’ve already noticed a physical and mental release when I get on the Vespa after riding the K75. The ride is just simple and fluid.
But there is something about the motorcycle that I can’t describe yet. I’ll need to ride some more before it snows!
What are the odds that the “something” has something to do with displacement? My Moto behaviour is so much more responsible that it once was, however, my enjoyment hasn’t diminished a jot. Still, every so often, solo and far from the maddening crowd, I might let the revs climb a bit?
Displacement as it translates to power likely has something to do with the distinctive ride quality of the K75 as opposed to the Vespa. I suspect there are other qualities at work as well. The K bike seems to function best when the RPMs move out of the cellar. Unlike other motorcycles I’ve ridden where I find myself loping along in higher gears with lower revs, the K75 performs best in lower gears with higher revs. That was suggested to me on the Motobrick forum and I’ve found it to be true.
I understand this post very well. Having hit 70, I handed my old Susuki GS1000 to a friend and bought a used Aprilia Sport City scooter. In the process I lost about 230 pounds and was free again. The Susie needed to be ridden purposefully with a touch of brio. The Aprilia is quite forgiving and with its Vespa GTS engine is quite perky. Certainly, it will get up to my cruising speed of 55 to 60 quite fast enough for me. In the suburbs there is power enough to get ahead of most cars from the lights. I am glad I made the change but still hanker every now and then for something with real welly
If I can ride the motorcycle for five more years before giving it up I’ll be happy. By then I will have ingrained in mind and body that sort of experience. My experience with the Vespa GTS mirrors yours with the Aprilia Sport City scooter. Plenty of power and speed for almost every situation. And so easy to ride.
Have fun on the road!
Great read Steve! I am enjoying both of my new scooters. I traded in my Burgman 400 for a new BMW C400X, which I love with its computer screen connectivity and ability to cruise down the highway at 65 mph without any problem. But after 6 months, I realized that I also missed riding my former Vespa 300 GTS. Solution was satisfied by purchasing a smaller Vespa, and my new Vespa Primavera Sport 150 has me smiling completely, and I thoroughly enjoy cruising around town on my smaller ride which also has connectivity now built in too. Best of both worlds…
Computer connectivity — both the K75 and my Vespa are old enough that there’s no connectivity whatsoever. For the way I ride and the goals I have, computer, iPhone, GPS have not been relevant. Perhaps that will change if my riding style demands different tools.
I’ve sat on the BMW C400X but have never taken one out on the road. Looks like a cool machine. But I can see the desire for a smaller scooter. Have fun with the Primavera and be safe!
Enjoyed reading this post this am, with a cold in my head and chill in the wind with some remaining snow around, nice to try to define what riding my K75 S was about. Many years ago for me now, as I’ve moved to a lighter BMW 650cs, with lowered suspension. I do so recall the joy of rolling on the throttle, passing with ease when needed. Wandering down the paved country roads my mind focused only on the ride, a meditation. I also recall the top heavy anxiety in tight slow turns in parking lots, or in fresh gravel. However, one of my strongest memories was when I stopped alone at a quiet country intersection with a busier road on a dark night with no street lights, put my foot down to stop only to find my bike trying hard to fall over before my foot finally reached the bottom of the pothole. I vividly recall screaming “NOOOOO!” and somehow pulling that bike up before it fell over. I had earlier also learned to always leave it in gear when putting it on the side stand as it was happy to roll off on the slightest grade. Still she was a delight to ride and I can even now remember the smile on my face.
One of your comments sums up EXACTLY what the difference is between my Vespa and the BMW K75 — “Wandering down the paved country roads my mind is focused only on the ride.” That’s it. When I’m on the BMW it is about the ride, the movement over the highway, the machine. I’m not as focused on the landscape, stopping to make photographs or breathing in the world like I am with the Vespa. No wonder it feels so different. Thank you for describing it so well.
Foot down in thin air — that’s no fun. I can imagine that happening easily if I’m not paying attention or can’t see the ground. The world isn’t always smooth. And the side stand on the K75 seems woefully inadequate. My habit is to put the motorcycle in neutral, turn off the engine, put the side stand down and then dismount. A few times I put it in first gear for fear it would roll off the stand. Have to fine tune my behaviors with the bike. But as you say, when I’m riding the BMW, there is a smile on my face!
Steve, once again your description of the ease of riding a scooter is right on the mark. A step-through frame, lighter weight, a super-low center of gravity and enough usable, low-end torque all go together to make a much nicer all-round ride, especially for those of us who have some physical challenges. I’ve been riding bikes for almost 60 years and I credit my various scooters as the reason I’m still enjoy riding. And as for those of you who still get a rush from riding a heavier, more powerful machine, don’t forget that the newer ‘uber-scooters’ put out 50 bhp, have top speeds approaching 120 mph and handle like a modern sport touring bike. You can have your cake and eat it too!
A scooter will definitely remain in my life for the foreseeable future for all the reasons you mention. For now, the motorcycle seems a short-term addition until body or mind indicates it is too big and heavy to deal with. Right now I can manage the K75 without trouble save for developing some motorcycle-specific habits unique to the bike.
I can’t see myself ever needing or desiring an uber-scooter. But a few years ago I would have said the same about a motorcycle. Who knows what tomorrow will bring.
Another wonderful post, Steve.
I read with some concern about you “saving” your K75 from a fall over. I attempted to save my KLR from a fall over, only to break two toes in the process, and the bike still fell over. The bike was fixed with two brush paint brush strokes on the crash bars; my toes will never be the same.
Get it out of your head now that you should try to save your bike in case of a fall. It can be fixed. We both are too old to be fixed. You were lucky.
I’m with you, saving the bike from a fall isn’t worth it. The only reason I attempted it was I could feel the bike pushing against me as it started to go so the arrest was not jarring. At that moment I was ready to jump out of the way but could tell I was already holding it up. The real decision was whether I was strong enough to right it, or if I needed to just lower it to the ground. Had I not been able to rotate my back to the bike it would have ended up on the ground.
The weight of these things are startling when they begin to go. Even my Vespa. I’ve had to let it drop a few times over the years because I found myself between the scooter and earth in a bad position.
A friend at the Moto Hang said he got rid of his motorcycle after he broke a couple ribs when it fell over on him. I don’t want that or broken toes or anything else.
I am lucky and have learned my lesson. I won’t get in that particular stupid situation again!
That foggy simple photo would make a nice print.
I need to put the replacement ink cartridges in my printer and get to work!
Have never liked the sidestand on my R80 Beemer, makes its deployment and parking the motorcycle “interesting” if you don’t pay attention! Sounds like your K bike has the same system. I much prefer the ignition cutout switch on other motorcycles as a way to prevent a rider from riding off with the kickstand down.
Yeah, the sidestand is less than I would have expected from BMW. Alas, just something to learn to deal with. It’s fun to ride in spite of that.
I’m Aleia’s husband John using her account from my PC. As interesting as your article was I’m learning to ride what you would call a small scooter… a 194 lbs 150cc China scooter with 10 inch wheels. To my 5’2 115 lbs body size this scooter is a BEAST, I struggle to push walk it around when off the bike, both feet don’t touch the ground fully but I can One Foot it, it feels extremely heavy and bulky. I could not imagine ever being able to ride your 325 lbs Vespa or a 550 lbs motorcycle. I choose the 150 because it met my needs speed wise intellectually but I think it’s going to be months before I ever get the nerve up to even go past 20 mph and comfortable enough with its size and weight. In my 50’s, I have used a 1000 watt 48 volt electric bike the past 10 years that does 38 mph. The ebike is way lighter and way easier to throttle. My 4 12v sla batteries died and I thought I’ve always wanted a motorbike but don’t want the hassle of using a clutch and shifter while driving so I choose a cheap scooter for more range and power plus ability to use cheap gas. Otherwise I would have bought a 700 dollar lithium battery pack to make my ebike lighter with more range. I figured for about the same price, the scooter would give me those things plus ability to fuel up quickly instead of waiting 5 hours to change the ebike battery. I think the extra weight I’m pushing with the scooter keeps me afraid that inertia will be the ruin of me or someones nice car paint job. As excited as I am about making this life long dream come true, it terrifies me at the same time. I had no clue such a small bike would feel so heavy. Thanks for your perspective.
Each new motorcycle or scooter I’ve ridden feels heavy, and a little alien. Especially when I started riding. I remember when I moved from the LX150 to the GTS250 it was a little unnerving because of the weight and power increase. But with some deliberate practice of starting, stopping, and turning.
I think the more important thing to consider, especially when starting out, is being able to have both feet flat on the ground. Even the smallest Vespa scooters are very tall. I’m 6’2″ so it’s not a problem. My youngest daughter rides a scooter and the Vespa was too scary. So she chose a Yamaha Vino 125. It is much lower and she can easily flat foot that scooter.
I’m not sure where you live, but taking a training course is a good idea, one where you get to ride on a closed course. I took the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Basic Rider Course even though I “knew how to ride.” And I’ve since taken the Advanced Rider Course twice. It definitely helps your confidence with the machine and on the road with other vehicles.
Once you ride a little more you’ll find the weight and inertia is not as imposing as it may feel now. It’s how people can ride thousand-pound motorcycles. It’s about the physics and allowing physics to do the work. A unique skill to acquire.
Good luck and be safe!