Vespa repairs complete
Back on the road. Cold ride home this evening. Scooter purrs quietly and smooth as butter with a new clutch and drive assembly. The Heidenau K61 tires are sweet.
Time for a long ride…
Boalsburg Moto Hang
Rain for the Moto Hang
Rain throughout the day made me wonder whether the first Moto Hang of the 2016 season would be cancelled. To make matters worse I was walking to the event in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania because I didn’t have time to pick up my scooter from the dealer — repairs are complete and it’s ready to roll.
A few good motorcycles
Unlike the normal crowd of machines seen at a Moto Hang the turn out was light this evening. It was some of the Aerostich and Klim crowd making their way in the rain to Ken Hull’s “shack”. The shiny pipes on a Suzuki Boulevard was the only cruiser to appear.
Clearing skies over the Moto Hang
By 6:30pm the skies cleared a bit providing a glimpse of sunshine — momentary relief from scattered mist and drizzle. Not the sort of weather for a lot of shiny machines. The two motorcycles on the left belong to Ken. By the end of the evening four riders made their way to Boalsburg.
Moto Hangers of the past
On the wall of the shack is a portrait of Moto Hang members from the past. This was before my time. There were a lot more women in attendance in the old days…
Vespa art
Also on the wall was a representation of my Vespa experience. I guess I’m always at the shack in spirit.
Moto Hang storytelling
Craig Kissell of Kissell Motorsports shares a story of riding through a hurricane with 100mph winds and blinding rain. Actually I think he’s talking about one of the new electric ZERO motorcycles he has in the shop. I’ll have to check those out.
Riding characters
John arrived on his Yamaha Tenere 1200 — a machine you expect to scoff at rain.
Ken Hull, founder of the Moto Hang.
Despite the “Alan” label, this is Paul Ruby. He arrived by truck this evening. During a discussion of a Moto Hang presence in the upcoming Memorial Day parade it was determined Paul should lead the group in his 3-wheeled Cushman Police vehicle.
Dennis, another sometimes character at the Moto Hang. He arrived without his Harley (still in pieces) and his Honda Magna at home.
First Moto Hang group photo for 2016. Happy campers. I should have adjusted the mirror on the Suzuki so I could be in the picture.
Always some storytelling going on at the Moto Hang. I almost bought one of those bright Aerostich Darien jackets.
Paul always has something unusual going on in his life. He just shared a picture of his latest purchase — some sort of street sweeper he found at an auction. The discussion of how it might fit in the parade was underway.
As things wound down people started to leave. The departure of the KTM signaled my own trip toward Duffy’s Tavern where I picked up a cheeseburger for my wife. Seemed the least I could do since I was walking by on my way home.
For a more typical look at what goes on at these events have a look at a past Moto Hang.
Boalsburg Moto Hang
Riding Season Kicks Off in Central Pennsylvania with the Boalsburg Moto Hang
Get your motorcycles and scooters out of mothballs and ride on down to the Moto Hang in Boalsburg on Wednesday evening at 5:30 pm. To find your way check out the Google Map to the Moto Hang.
Here’s the message I received from the founder of the event — Ken Hull:
Ladies and Gentleman, Start your Engines!
This Wednesday will be our first Moto Hang gathering for 2016! Please come with your bike and help get things rolling! This year we will have some basic snacks and refreshments for you along with the usual fun and friendly atmosphere that’s the hallmark of our events. Hope to see you all this Wednesday!
Ride On!
KenMoto Hang 2016
Wednesday May 4th
5:30pm to 7:30pm
To see some of the past doings at the Moto Hang check out some of the Boalsburg Moto Hang photos.
Living Without a Scooter
Daily Meditation
My dog Junior models the contemplative life for me — moments of quiet reflection coupled with simple acts of focus and pleasure; tennis balls, Milkbones, naps and walks. As I squirm with desire to be riding he reminds me that peace is a construct of the mind and I can create my own reality.
Even if means scooterless living while waiting for my Vespa GTS to emerge from repair world.
The Vespa Maintenance List
Each morning I wander through our garden with the dogs, stepping slowly into the day. The garden has maintenance needs, just like the Vespa scooter. As a living system I’ll never fully meet its demands or achieve all the things Kim or I would like to accomplish. The hydrangea in the photo will so reach the limits of the locust post its growing on. Plans are in the works to build a much taller structure for it.
The Vespa is completely different. It’s usually a fixed list. Currently a long one. For those of you wondering what you might have to do with a scooter at 32 thousand miles here’s the list:
- Voltage regulator
- Clutch and driven/drive pulley assemblies
- CVT drive belt, rollers and related parts
- New Heidenau K61 tires, mounting balancing, etc.
- Engine and transmission fluid and filter replacement
I had neither the time or inclination to take on the work. And I trust the technicians at Kissell Motorsports.
Remain in Motion
Over time we’ve created pathways and trails through our woodland landscape. After my heart attack last year it was strongly suggested I change my exercise habits including healthy doses of walking. Led by the dogs I can easily walk a half mile before breakfast doing a four or five circuits around the garden.
Beyond exercise I want to keep my mind in motion. Riding the Vespa helps as does writing and photography in not abandoning life to the easy chair and television.
In (temporary) scooterless living an easy walk is a blessing.
Why Didn’t You Buy a New Vespa?
More than a couple people have focused their attention my way in terms of buying a new scooter. I refused to believe Junior and Lily are wondering the same thing. But many question the expense of maintenance on a ten year old machine, especially when the expense may reach to more than half its value.
With plenty of evidence of the Vespa engine’s lifespan I’m comfortable I’ll be riding many more miles. And certainly for less money that buying a new scooter.
Until I get the scooter back I’ll be focused on other things. Garden renovation, construction or maybe another foray into my darkroom. The opportunities for non-riding adventures are limitless.
Required Vespa Maintenance
Kissell Motorsports
Arriving at your local motorcycle and scooter dealership, in my case Kissell Motorsports, I can be in one of two distinctly different frames of mind – the bliss of fantasy or the anxiety of the technician’s verdict. The yin and yan of the two-wheeled life for those of us who are not committed wrench turners.
So begins the story…
Confessions of Vespa Abuse
Reflecting on my poor scooter – nameless, subjected to indecent conditions, ridden hard and put away wet – is it any wonder it doesn’t feel well? I don’t care for machines very well. My friend Paul commented over the weekend that my van is the dirtiest vehicle he’s ever been in. (He must lead a sheltered life – my van seems spotless compared to many vehicles I ridden in.)
Regardless, I confess to abusing the Vespa through neglect and indifference using it only for my own selfish, personal pleasure. In return I offer the minimum of care – fuel, lubricants, and the occasional bath. The Vespa has held up remarkably well considering nearly ten years of hard use.
Still, I approached the service department with a sense of dread.
The Verdict
With the help of the kind community of Vesparados on ModernVespa.com I had tracked down why my engine warning light was coming on under power. A quick voltage test at the battery revealed a failed voltage regulator. Echoing deep in my subconscious was a nasty voice telling me, “there’s more son, you need to spend your money on something…”.
As I thought about the cost of repairing my aging scooter I began to wonder if it would be better to buy a new one.
Madness. I know.
“Imagination is the only weapon in the war against reality.”
As the Cheshire Cat said in Alice in Wonderland, I found imagining life with the Triumph Street Twin helped await the verdict on my scooter. The funny thing about imagination — it’s fickle. Before long I was riding a Triumph Scrambler, then a Ducati Scrambler. I even imagined a few miles on a URAL. It was about then I heard the call from the service desk.
One thing is for certain. When I think something needs fixed I’m usually right. And it’s usually far more than I anticipated.
My 2006 Vespa GTS 250ie is sitting quietly at Kissell Motorsports awaiting required Vespa maintenance. I was right about the voltage regulator.
And then some. But that’s a story for another day.