Exploration, Meditation, and Contemplation
Anyone who has spent much time reading my posts is aware that they touch on the mental and emotional experience of riding. I don’t often spend much time on the machine itself or the reasons why I ride a Vespa scooter.
A simple question. One that I can only answer for myself. And as I’ve shared before, what might make sense for me could have poor results for you. So with that caveat I’ll share my answer to “Why ride a Vespa scooter?”
The photograph of the gravel forest road I traveled recently hints as a reason. Depending on your goals and temperament, this same stretch of road can call on completely different machines. Some may see it as an opportunity to bomb forward as fast as possible, feeling the machine through turns and over bumps, and managing feelings of control over the environment. A perfectly fine approach if speed and control are your goals.
My scooter is perfectly matched for these intentions. Easy to ride, simple in operation, and as silent and invisible as I can get with something powered by an internal combustion engine.
Scooter Riding Myths
Finding myself alone on the road opens doors to contemplate what’s bouncing around in my head and slowly sort out what matters and what’s just noise. I can achieve this on my motorcycle but it comes easier, and faster on the scooter. It’s one of the reasons why I ride a scooter. I’ll get to why it’s a Vespa a little later.
First, I want to dismiss a few of the more common reasons I’ve heard about scooters in general. They are not necessarily any safer than a motorcycle save for the fact that you won’t die going 140 miles per hour. But you can easily end your existence at 35 mph, well within the range of most scooters. A scooter in untrained, unskilled, and unpracticed hands is a dangerous machine. Approach a scooter just as you would a motorcycle — with respect and understanding. Not as a moron.
Scooters are economical and environmentally friendly. Maybe. A lot depends on what your alternatives are. It’s certainly cheaper to walk or ride a bicycle. A scooter is a lot cheaper than a brand new SUV. None of those issues matter to me. I didn’t buy a Vespa to save money, as an investment, or as a step toward saving the planet. I accept it as an expense that I can afford. I consider the return on those expenses to far outweigh their costs.
People make fun of you when you ride a Vespa scooter. Aside from some ribbing from friends no one has ever made fun of what I’ve been riding. Or driving for that matter. I know riders and drivers who have their egos wrapped tightly to their machines. And it’s entirely for themselves because, well, no one gives a shit about them or their rides.
The last thing I want to touch on is capability. My Vespa is not a dirt bike but I’ve ridden off-road with dirt bikes. It’s not an adventure touring bike but I’ve had my share of adventure riding. It can handle 70mph travel on the Interstate highways all day long. It can negotiate any of the dirt and gravel forest roads I’ve come upon. And it is supremely comfortable, more so than many motorcycles I have ridden.
Inspiration from Experience
I’ve never been in a position to walk out the door and ride across the country. Circumstance confines me to a smaller world. That truth did not force me to make the most of what is available to me in terms of rides and riding. What did happen is that riding has inspired a transformation in my life where I can embrace the richness at my fingertips. I venture my memories and experiences are every bit as compelling as if I had crisscrossed North America.
I bought my first Vespa because I thought it was cool. Riding it though inspired a new life. And I am certain that life would have been different if I had chosen a motorcycle. It would have been much more difficult for me to feel satisfied with the little jaunts and commutes that made up much of my riding. Now that I’ve learned how to experience rides on the Vespa, it has been easy to add the BMW K75 motorcycle to the mix with pleasant satisfaction.
Embracing a Modern Vespa Scooter
The Vespa GTS line of scooters is well-made, stylistically elegant, and capable of nearly anything a motorcycle can do in normal riding circumstances. They’re also expensive and demand routine maintenance. Even though I treat mine harshly in ways that affect cosmetic appearance, I am meticulous about maintenance and service.
The Vespa GTS is not something to ignore in terms of good mechanical hygiene.
Lest a disaster intervenes, I suspect a Vespa GTS will be the last two-wheeled scooter or motorcycle I’ll ride before I have to give up such things. Time and age get the best of all of us and I am no exception. But for someone aware of the challenges of age, the scooter is a perfect companion when weight rules out a motorcycle or failing joints interfere with the fluid mounting of a motorcycle.
Those are just some of the reasons why I ride a Vespa scooter.
I could write a book.
Wish you would write a book..I don’t read all that much but bet that one would get cover to cover attention…All that ride have different agendas I suppose, Ego what’s that??Little girl cashier at the store told me she liked my Moped,didn’t bother to correct her just said thanks ..Few yrs back on my Honda Nh 80 wearing cut off overalls was out to empress someone I guess..Thanks we all ride for different reasons said many times Wow Steve gets it….Some of us feel the rain, others just get wet…Well think I’ll go ride,waiting for my copy of your book sir , Keep safe and take care !!
Well said Don ! I ride two Vespas , GTS 300. And a 2001 ET 4. Transports me to Rome every time I get on one
My Vespa scooter doesn’t transport me to Rome, but it does sweep me into fine places — mentally and physically.
I’m creeping closer to sitting down and starting to actually write the first book. I have copious notes. Now the hard part awaits.
Like you, I’ve gotten the moped comment many times. Doesn’t bother me and I don’t correct anyone. What does it matter?
I love your comment, “Some of us feel the rain, others just get wet…” I think I’ll have to steal that!
Thanks, Steve… best blog in a while! I ride a couple of older Honda scooters, an Elite 250 and a Helix 250, for many of the same reasons that you ride your Vespa. When I’m asked why, after a lifetime of riding regular motorcycles, I choose to ride these old, stodgy scooters, I’m often left without words to adequately explain the attraction. Well, from now on I’m going to direct the interested party to this blog. Well done!
Thanks for your comments Jim. I think it’s difficult to explain a scooter to someone who has spent a lifetime on a motorcycle. There’s much to surmount to get to understanding and acceptance.
You understand!
I am so glad to know that Ken and I aren’t alone.
Bill
I suspect there are a few of us around Bill.
Have you begun design work yet on the Motorscooter Hall of Fame yet??
Nicely written, as usual. Your comment about the quiet ride of the Vespa has me thinking you’d love the silence of an electric motorcycle. But that market is still evolving; there’s nothing really to compare with a Vespa at the moment in terms of speed and range. But there are electric motorcycles out there that can get 80MPH and 70 miles of range, and I’m tempted. Also, I will join the chorus of those encouraging you to write the book.
I’ve wondered about electric scooters and motorcycles and the lack of sound they might make. For now, the Vespa I have meets my needs. Not sure if my riding life will last long enough for a reasonable, electric replacement to become available. I’ll keep my eyes open though.
I’m ready to begin writing. Not sure how long it will take to complete the project.
I ride my Vespa GTS 300 because of its style, its safe ride, and the assurance that I will enjoy myself as I travel along the road in my local community. I have NEVER been disappointed and I keep my Vespa in good operating condition. I would recommend it to anyone who thinks they might like to ride a scooter. I purchased my Vespa 4 years ago through EBAY from a \woman in TN and had it transported to PA. Now I ride it in NC. It was an easy transaction and I was greatly excited when it arrived.
I think the only possible drawback of the GTS might be the seat height if you don’t have long legs. And the price may scare some away. Aside from that, it’s an excellent machine.
I look at eBay for a replacement GTS. Mine still runs fine but I suspect at some point some major engine work will be required. At that point, a deal like you made seems likely.
The difference between us. First off understand that I don’t view shifting as a hindrance, to me it’s integral to the experience. Four years ago I bought my Scion iA and a manual transmission was a prerequisite to the sale. A nice six speed box with two overdrive gears. The tach is a little small but useful and for only 105 horsepower it works quite nicely. When I drive the sound of the engine, the hum of the tires and various other sounds are what I listen to. If there’s a change in sound I want to know it. My radio has probably been on for a total of one hour and has zero presets since I bought the car new. It’s the same with my motorcycles or scooter. I want to hear them. The rising sound on a bike tells you it’s time to shift. The sound the scooter makes on varying levels of ground tells me when to modulate the throttle. I ponder various things when I ride but the surrounding scenery is rarely among them.
Maybe because I grew up in a different world. Hanging around my Dad’s motorcycle shop in the 50s and 60s with Brit bike owners prepared me differently for the riding experience. Maybe doing all the Field Meets, Timed Road Runs, Poker Runs, Motocross, Field Trials and group rides affected me. I don’t separate the scooter from my two other bikes, it’s part of the group. Last year I used it in two large group rides and people were surprised that a 250cc Chinese scooter even existed.
I enjoy the Zen, introspective quality of your world but there are old timers like me (68 years of age) who ride for the sound of the engine, the curve of the road and the pull of the motor at every shift. If the scenery at the rest stop, gas station or destination is nice, more the better.
Nothing like a Vespa ! I’ve driven 100,000 miles since 2001 on piaggio vespas we live here in northern NJ. Lots of traffic so it sharpens ones road awareness skills . We’ve been to Rome 30 times and must say that there are more than 600,000 scooters just in Rome ! Scooter heaven .
600,000 scooters in one place. I can’t imagine that. The farthest south I got into Italy was Cortina. I don’t remember scooters there.
Our experiences aren’t all that different Jim. I hung out in garages and shops (though none for motorcycles) and learned to love the sound of engines doing their work. Weekends at drag strips and dreaming of running the Baja 500. My first car, a woefully underpowered Ford Falcon with a 3 on the tree transmission immediately had a Cherry Bomb muffler attached. And shortly after, I began construction of a dune buggy built on a tubular steel chassis with a Corvair Spyder engine sporting Weber carbs and IVECO headers.
Until I was in my 50s, I always had vehicles with manual transmissions for much the same reasons as you. And with my K75 I can absolutely relate to the sound and pull of the engine. It is mesmerizing. And it is twinged with nostalgia.
But for me, aside from the sound and feeling nothing new happens. No new thoughts arise and few questions are answered. The Vespa is such a different experience. It quickly becomes invisible and other things happen. The K75 remains a machine from start to finish. Fun, and I suspect it may give way to some Vespa-like experiences eventually, but it is like you’ve often said, the difference between being a bird and being a jet fighter pilot. They’re both up in the air but having entirely different experiences.
I enjoy them both.
Ah well, I just bought a vespa 300 as age requests a return to more basic ideologies. have another scooter in the form of a Honda Reflex 250. It has served my well but Vespa has always been a curiosity of mine. I sold my Vulcan with some chagrin but every time I get on the scooter, I remember why I bought my first bike so may years ago. I look forward to this new venture and possible find like minded folks.
I am morphing from motorcyclist to scooterist—is there a difference…really?
That feeling from the first ride so many years ago, it remains with me. The Vespa in its relative simplicity allows those feelings to flow freely. I feel a thrill each time I ride.
Motorcyclist to scooter — is there a difference? An interesting question. I can’t help but think yes. At least in the experience and in turn how that experience affects a person. I suppose the answer depends on who we are beyond the surface of a motorcyclist or scooter. What’s in our heart, our mind, and our soul.
Time will tell. Let me know how things turn out for you with your Vespa!
Yes to all things scooter! Although I’ve had many motorcycles and like them too. I’m currently riding a new Piaggio Liberty 150, apparently I like the big wheels. I’ve had Vespas, Honda’s, Suzuki’s and some other stuff. I’ve enjoyed them all: around town and riding across the country. I like scooters because of the flat foot position, the somewhat sheltered place I sit, the glove box, the underseat storage, the transmission/clutch, the mpg, and the overall aesthetics. I like the way a scooter takes me places and the style in which it takes me. Like a kayak, canoe, or bike, I always smile when heading out into the world. I enjoy the site, keep up the good work.
Scooters definitely have a unique quality and style. I’ve not ridden any of the bigger wheeled scooters but know people who swear by them. I like the nimble, twitchy feel of the scooter but many don’t. It is decidedly different than the big wheels on my motorcycle.
Thanks for the kind words about the things I post on the site. I appreciate them.
Vespas and all other scooters equal life . The Europeans know how to live . After 30 trips to Rome I know what I’m talking about . Bravo to all who ride scooters here especially the Italian iconic Vespa !!! Ride safe all. Truly there are 600,000 scoots in Rome alone. Awesome !
Scooters definitely have enhanced this life. I spent a lot of time in Germany as a child visiting my grandfather. I remember how different the pace was there. At least in the Alps where he lived. Lots of walking, talking and enjoying life. It was the 60s, no cellphones or computer screens to distract.
Photo book or scooter?
My first book will be text-only — my story of the Vespa experience. Someday I would like to publish a photo book but that’s a far more expensive endeavor. I’ll need to earn some money first before taking that risk.
Let me first implore you – write your book! You have an amazing ability to use the written word to convey not just the facts of your rides, but the emotions as well. I swapped out of riding motorcycles to own a Suzi Burgman 650. Astounding scooter but my legs were just too damn short. Back to motorcycles……..then the opportunity to get the Burgman 400. I have to say it was likely overall the best riding experience I’ve had.
Ultimately missing the “big bike” feel (or so I thought) I’m on a Honda VTX1300 with a Cobra exhaust. Don’t get me wrong. I really love shifting and feeling the torque of that thing but yes Steve, I miss my Burgie 400 which handled (to me) like a sportbike.
I turn 65 in a couple of days. Perhaps it’s too late to go back and finish up my riding life on a scooter. Then again – maybe it isn’t.
Each of us eventually finds what does, or doesn’t make sense to us. In all my writing about scooters in general and the Vespa GTS in particular, I’m merely hoping to plant a seed of possibility. That seed, if it germinates, would at least allow for the possibility of considering a scooter. Age, health, finances, and a host of other things can affect a rider’s need. Removing scooters without thought limits solutions.
The Honda VTX1300 is a far cry from my scooter. And from either of the Burgman scooters. But I know some people love those big cruisers. As far as turning 65 being too late to change. It is never too late to change. It’s all in our heads.
I’m trying to find a good reason convince myself to buy a motorcycle but I just don’t find it. In order to get my motorcycle license I’d have to ride/practice a real motorcycle and learn shifting, but I just don’t feel particularly attracted to the whole thing. The vespa is practical, nimble, friendly looking, easy to hop on, easy and comfortable to ride and a gateway to mesmerising, pondering, whilst enjoying the scenery, something most other road users don’t seem to get at all. I just love not having to shift!
To be able to ride abroad or get a >125cc though there’s no other way then to get a license and do motorcycle step. At least I can get a 300 GTS then as the 125 Sprint on hills has its limitations 🙂
A Vespa is all those things you describe. A motorcycle can be the same but it takes more work to get to that place. The size and weight of my motorcycle will allow it to be as easy to operate or as nimble as the scooter. Even so, it is a pleasure to ride and I handle it fine. In Pennsylvania, once you have a motorcycle license you can ride anything. Not that a person should without training, but you could.
I think the Vespa GTS 300 can and will do anything. A fine choice.
Bite the bullet and take the course and test to get your motorcycle license. I have been riding for 40 years and still found the class to be informative and challenging.
I’m not sure what situation Dieter is in regarding cost and time of the course to get a license where he is, but I agree with you Sean on the value of a riding course. I’ve taken the MSF Basic Rider course when I started riding again 16 years ago. I knew how to manipulate the machine, but I had no riding sense in terms of how to exist on the road. That was new and invaluable to me.
I’ve since taken the Advanced Rider Course twice and both times I learned a lot more. Being a better, safer rider is an education that does not end.
Having come as a beginner rider on a scooter and onto a motorcycle, I can see going back to a scooter, particularly a Vespa. Time is approaching for me where I am going to want a lighter, easier to t on and off of, and going back to a scooter seems the natural progression. It just needs to be comfortable and lite.
Perhaps there is a natural cycle to riding that parallels our own aging process. Along the way weight, strength, flexibility, and the aches and pains of time lead us on to the next right choice. If we’re willing to make the choice. A smaller motorcycle if back and hips still allow the sweep of a leg. Or the step-through scooter for those whose identity can manage the shift.
And on it goes until motorcycle is replace by scooter to be then replaced by walker.
The natural progression. A topic here that I don’t often see on motorcycle sites!
Your blog is an inspiration.
I really enjoy riding my scooter, though mine is a Burgman 400 … one day I will buy a Vespa (or something similar in style) because they are just cool.
I struggle trying to plan out these major 1,000 mile road trips and get so anxious about them.
Then I go out and tool around in the country side for most of the day and rack up less than 200 miles and have a great time.
I think I need to reign in these grand schemes I get.
Thank you Nicky for the kind words about Scooter in the Sticks. I remain grateful for finding a scooter in my life and being able to share those experiences.
As I’ve shared on the blog before, the circumstances in my life don’t allow for 1000 mile road trips. I’m not sure how I respond to planning them. For now, they just don’t have a place. Like you, I tool around the countryside and have a great time. Some days it’s 35 miles, and other days 100 or 300 miles. Either is an adventure in themselves.
Have fun and be safe on whatever ride comes your way. Thanks for taking the time to comment. I appreciate it.
Didn’t somebody say “Different horses for different courses”? I move from a 1200cc motorcycle with 125hp to a 244cc scooter with 22hp. I enjoy one as much as the other for different reasons. Ideally I will be able to ride for some time yet and my BV250 experience would suggest that the smaller platform will become more my norm as time marches on. Beyond comfortable pillion capability and long distance multi day travel on a schedule the larger bike loses ground for me today. Making do and being satisfied with less seems to make sense in these difficult and unforeseen times. Thanks for another thoughtful post Steve, looking forward to the book. 👍
I agree, there are different reasons to ride different machines. Some make perfect sense and others seem a real stretch to me. But thankfully, we each get to make our own choices.
I have the same experience as you between the Vespa and the K75 — I enjoy them both and for completely different reasons. But I know in my gut that someday I won’t be able to comfortable ride the motorcycle and the scooter will be the norm. And the GTS may give way to a small scooter at some point. And down to a Honda Ruckus before I can’t ride at all. Such things occupy my mind at times.
For now, I remain happy, joyous and free riding either machine in the garage!
I’ve had Vespas, and a bunch of motorcycles. Crossed the country on some of them and I liked them all. Currently I’m riding a Piaggio Liberty 150, which seems to get reasonable mpg, has bigger wheels, and goes a tad over 65mph. I can push it around the garage pretty easy too, which is good, since I’m 65 and getting older. I like the style of scooters and the inherent storage built into them. I can pop a jacket and 6 pack of beer along with some other stuff under the seat. I like the front wind break along with a small windshield, keeps weather off a bit. Practicality and aesthetically appealing: hard to beat for me.
A scooter has a lot of things going for it as you’ve described. As I get older, I realize that for me, a scooter will be the better choice than the bigger, heavier motorcycle. Apart from weight, it’s just so darn utilitarian and simple to adapt to so many situations.
Thanks for stopping by to share your thoughts. I always appreciate them.
Yes! I’ve considered a motorcycle again, many times! I look at them and think, the variety is incredible, crotch rocket, Harley, dual purpose, they all look so appealing! Truly, it’s a sickness. But then I think, “where do I put my jacket, etc?, The no shifting thing is enjoyable too, not only due to laziness but the fact that the cvt seems so much more simple/serviceable(albeit a bit more often). I can remove a clutch and a transmission, if you want to call them that in under 15 minutes. I pulled it all apart to replace the bendix on my LX 150, for the first time and the whole thing took less than an hour. From a mechanical standpoint, I certainly appreciate them. You could self publish a photo book, one at a time, just to get one in your hands, the price is not all that bad. My niece has done a few, for our larger family vacations. Here’s hoping the weather gets a bit warmer so I can bike or scooter this week! Have a great holiday.
I am 56 years old and have had my 2022 Vespa Primavera 150 for one month. I live in Knoxville, TN. I purchased it because I wanted to! Had never had a motorized two wheel vehicle before. And the trips I have made in Middle Tennessee and the Smokies so far has just been….how do I say this……MAGICAL!!!! Thanks for this article!!!!
Congratulations on bringing a Primavera into your life. As you say, riding them is magical. I can picture many, many stellar rides in the Smokies. That scooter will transport you into another world. Try not to get too wrapped up in regretting not getting one sooner!