I picked up my Vespa GTS 250ie from Kissell Motorsports last Tuesday — the rear brake needed to be bled. Now when I pull the brake lever you know something is happening. For any of you not familiar with riding keep in mind that the FRONT BRAKE is the one with 80 percent of the possible stopping power. But the rear brake does add additional stopping power and there are times that you need to finesse special situations with that rear brake. Gravel, snow, ice, and some other slippery surfaces come to mind.
Sometimes I just hate going into a motorcycle dealership. So many things that get my brain all stirred up. I have had my eye on Triumph motorcycles for years, decades in fact. The two Triumph Scramblers are just another machine to clog up my thought processes…
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I don’t think you’ll find it as hard to stop, park the Trumpet and take pictures as you think…but there again you don’t wash your daily rider so I’m not sure about you and a Triumph. Harrumph.
I’m with you on the Triumph motorcycles–I’ve also had my eye on them. But I’m still strictly a scooter-girl.
I have my eyes on many bikes specially on the 09 Triumph Bonneville, 08 F650gs, and a Yamaha Majesty. I really like them for versatility, dual-ability, and rough roads but sticking with a scooter for all the good reasons. But hey if you really in need one and the resources are right for the taking, get it, and deal with the excess vehicles later. I been through a lot and have seen way too much of life too short for compromise.
Phil
Trimuph has done ana mazing good job on their come back… I still have a Triumph CUB which is a treasure to ride.
How do you like the 250?
When it comes to motorcycles vs scooterss…you can say I’m AC/DC sorta guy I have no particular preference, own both, ride both and equally enjoy them
Dear Steve:
If I were to get another motorcycle, ourside of the BMW marque, I’d have to give serious consideration to a Triumph Bonneville. I lke the retro look of the Bonnieville, and the paint schemes. I also like the painted fairlings you can get from Parabellum for them.
Fondest regards,
Jack
Twisted Roads
Steve,
If I had a stretch of road outside my house, a nice Bonnie would be there already. If possible along with Vespa. Sadly I live in the middle of a downtown madhouse, surrounded with heavy, clogged and slow traffic. I’m in a transition process these days as I bought BMW F650CS as a good learning bike, something rookie friendly, yet being a city/urban commuter I can only say that Vespa rules on this terrain while clutch and constant first-second-first-second kills me on BMW. Vespa is in local adds since Thursday and I’ll sell it in no time as they are very popular but I’ll admit I’m having second thoughts to keep it, if for no other reason then because it’s far more romantic than this beemer I got. Triumph is something else, loads of charm, evergreen, so refined… my ultimate goal, not to mention what a photo-model it is. Think about it again, due to economy crisis and sales going down generally you might be able to come across a bargain… and take advantage on it.
Cheers!
Steve, I haven’t checked your blog in quite a while, great photos. You should be a photographer.
Conchscooter: Our dealer has a really grungy Triumph from the Terminator movie in the show room. It looks the way I think mine would after a few months…
RedCass: I think it is ok to look at motorcycles when you are a scooter rider. Just not at HumVees or Cadillacs.
Pvino: I hear you. For now it is a scooter only.
Baron: I like the Vespa GTS 250. Plenty of power for me and the way I ride, smooth on the road, and really, really nimble. But those Triumphs just look so good…
Jack: I like BMWs. Especially old airheads. They have the same visual feel to me as the Triumph.
Once I win that Powerball Jackpot I’ll have a couple more machines in the new garage.
Milos: Quit giving me more ways to rationalize buying a Triumph! I only need one machine. Maybe two…
Anonymous: I think I should be a photographer too. But it’s hard work and requires dedication that gets in the way of riding.
Steve,
I’ve been working in a Triumph/Moto Guzzi/ Vespa shop for about a year and half now.That metallic matte green Scrambler is indeed tempting. But I recently replaced my (totaled) P200 with a 500cc 4 cylinder Honda. It was fun, but I was never as comfortable as on a scooter. After less than six months, I was back on a CVT scooter. Down to 80cc from 500, yet I am so much happier. The new (to me) scoot is so much nimbler on the rough and twisty CT back roads.
I like the Triumphs. I like old Beemers. I like a lot of bikes. Very few fit my current needs and psyche. End of story. Can you identify?
Dragon: It is hard to beat the nimbleness of a little scooter. If you can keep your ego at bay you can have a boat load of fun and satisfaction.
Irondad: I relate completely. Absolutely.
Not a rider but I’ve lusted after Triumph’s for years. Vespas are a cool alternative & belive I would feel much more comfortable on one.