Almost every rider I’ve ever spoken to embraces the idea that the natural progression when it comes to scooters or motorcycles is from smaller to larger with the exception being old age forcing inferior machines on a person. But I’ve started to wonder if there’s more marketing than nature to that progression with evil forces preying on ego and anxiety to extract more cash.

Such were the thoughts going through my head as I rode my daughter’s Yamaha Vino 125 through the valley this morning through 26F air under a dazzling blue sky.

Riding the Vino is an exercise in simplicity with few technological distractions and seemingly demanding less skill to manage on the road.  During the ride I kept turning this over in my head until I arrived at a conclusion — bigger is better is flawed along with bigger is more challenging.

I’ll agree that a big motorcycle or scooter takes more physical practice and skill to manage than a smaller machine.  And a rider needs to make faster decisions when they’re traveling at high rates of speed.  But relatively speaking, that’s easy stuff to do compared to the mental and emotional challenges of a little machine.

Generally, little scooters and motorcycles don’t have a lot in the way of creature comforts.  No heated grips, seats, power windshields, etc.  Just basic transport with exposure to the elements.  This morning was the first cold day I’ve ridden without heated gloves or grips in years.  The little Vino demanded I prepare myself meaning I had thick, expedition mittens on my hands and a recognition in my head that I would be needing to stop periodically to warm my hands.  Just like the old days with my Vespa LX 150.

A smaller machine requires a rider to physically prepare for more direct contact with the elements.  In winter it can be dramatic.  Using heated gear almost feels like cheating.

Guess I’m a big cheater.

The biggest challenge though is mental.  A little scooter requires you go slow, and for many in this culture, going slow is a lost art.  So much so that it generates frustration and anger.  Just query those waiting in traffic or in lines at stores or restaurants.  Going slow is a symptom of failure right?

And symptoms aside, actually moving down the road at 35mph, or up a hill at 20, it can feel as if an eternity will pass before reaching a destination.  I have to force myself to think differently about not burning up miles as if I were in an automobile. The inferior machines can drive you crazy.

And let’s not even talk about ego issues.

I have a lot of respect for people who embark on adventures on little scooters, mopeds or lawn tractors.  Those are tough trips requiring patience, sturdy egos, and measures of humility just not entertained much anymore.

The little Vino scooter performed well on the 35 mile ride I did in the cold.  I learned I’m neither as cold-hardy or patient as I used to be, and that even at slow speeds, a ride can be quite satisfying.