Scooter in the Sticks

Exploring life on a Vespa Scooter and Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycle.

No Vespa Riding

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No Vespa riding while scooter awaits rust repairsAwaiting Tender Loving Care

Stopped by the body shop today to see how things were coming along on my Vespa scooter.  I didn’t expect anything yet and was not disappointed.  The scooter sat among other parts, pieces and vehicles awaiting transformation, much like droids in the original Star Wars where we first met R2D2.

As I looked around the shop I could see that body work is nothing like mechanical repair.  It’s more of an art where the craftsman must find the path that best suits the situation.  It’s sort of inspiring to see all the custom metal work, fabrication, welding and other activities going on to restore old vehicles.  And brand new ones too.

I was told that they have a plan to do the work without pulling the steering column.  The scooter would be hoisted into the air on the lift and they think they can access everything without any disassembly.  That would save a few dollars.

Not being able to ride has led me to surf Craigslist and eBay for a used scooter.  Found one exactly like mine with less than 3000 miles on the clock for $3000.oo.  Same color too.  As much as I daydream about motorcycles I should probably just buy a backup machine.  With that in place maybe I can entertain some repair and maintenance myself when I retire.

Right now though, wish I could ride…

Mechanical Satisfaction

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Do you derive joy or satisfaction from working on your scooter or motorcycle?

Vespa GTS scooter in wash bayGrime and Crud

After an evening of wrench turning and and part changing the scooter is back on the road.  A new battery has the scooter firing up strongly and a new sparkplug and air filter has reduced the occurrence of the engine fault light coming on.  To celebrate I went for a test ride and decided to stop and spray the filth off the Vespa.  Being careful to not direct any high powered streams of water into the engine or other delicate places I was able to transform a mud caked, limestone dust coated, salt encrusted scooter into a reasonable handsome machine.

Can’t say the same about my grease stained fingers.  I remember now that I have latex gloves to keep my hands clean.  Sitting here now, tired after a long week and some work on the scooter this evening, I can tell I’m in a glow of mechanical satisfaction.  As much as I hate to admit it there is a tangible feeling of accomplishment from a few simple acts.

Strange.

Vespa GTS scooter along road at night with passing carsRoad Closed Ahead

Before I get lost in the mechanic romantic I still find riding more dazzling and rewarding than crawling around the driveway with a wrench and screwdriver.  Working on the scooter and knowing I can do a few things was fun but can’t hold a candle to the test ride.  Through the dark and on the way home the smile has returned.

You know the one, the big grin fueled by fun.

The mechanical satisfaction isn’t over yet — still have to change the engine and transmission oil and check the head bearings.  Another day, after a nice spring ride.

Trying to be a good Boy Scout I ordered a pair of Heidenau K61 tires today from Kissell Motorsports.  I’ll be needing them in a month or so.

Melting into the chair at the moment and dreaming of sleep.  That’s what Friday nights have become for an old Vespa rider…