I share stories, experiences, and thoughts drawn from time spent on motorcycles and scooters. I'm interested in the therapeutic effects of scooter and motorcycle riding, especially as an older rider. I'll also look at how riding has a way of stripping away the fear, anxiety, concern, and other noise that can surface in my mind. Riding opens a door to an honest view of where I am and provides ways in which I can deal with whatever challenges I face as I ride through central Pennsylvania and beyond.
Machines in my garage: 2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan 2006 Vespa GTS 250ie 2004 Vespa ET4 2001 Kawasaki W650
And you can find essays and photos on my website at scooterinthesticks.com.
Mailing Address: Scooter in the Sticks P.O. Box 455 Boalsburg, PA 16827
*Remember -- You alone are responsible for your own safety while riding. What I share here reflects what works for me in my environment. It may not work or be appropriate for yours. You ride at your own risk. Manage it carefully.*
I lived in the Hanover area of PA. In the late 60s, Rode a 63 Bonneville. Loved the ride back there. Now, I own a W800 in the southwestern area of UT. Perfect bike for me. You are spot on in your description.
The Hanover area is a lot more intense now than it was in the late 60s! The whole southeastern part of Pennsylvania is jammed now with traffic. Have fun on that W800 in Utah. Some of my best memories are from the Moab area...
I know this video is a little old. I must say I fully agree with the ehole "vibe" of this story. I bought a W800 A few months ago. This video describes my experiences precisely riding in the southwest countryside of Utah. Pure bliss on every ride. Thumbs up!
Thanks for sharing your experience with your W800. I have to admit though I can't quite connect my mental picture of roads in southwest Utah with a W800. Maybe I've watched too many videos on Matt's Off Road Recovery. But I sure can understand the feeling of pure bliss!
Thank you for video! So, under 55mph speed and around 50 miles trips Vespa scooters are OK, I guess. I didn't get sentence about motocycle been faster. If same engine size, is motocycle still faster? I'm thinking of getting just one two-wheeler to ride on roads in Belgium. Without entering of national highways. I made one ride on rental Vespa 50cc and got suspension bottomed out several times. Belgium non-highway roads are bit worse than where your video was taken.
I'm not sure why but scooters and motorcycles of similar engine size are faster than Vespa scooters. Not a lot but enough that you'll notice an enhanced capability when pushing the top end. The important thing to keep in mind is exactly where you will be riding. If 55 mph is required consistently for 50 mile trips something bigger may be in order. But renting things to try them out seems a good plan.
Hi Steve. I watch your videos from time to time and I like them a lot. Bought a GTS myself a while ago and have to say that I love her more day after day. I hope to see more videos from you in the future. Thank you and ride safely!
Hi Steve just found you here in the UK and enjoyed your video. Aged 73 I currently ride a BMW GS and also cycle. Cycling is becoming less appealing though and even though my wife has suggested getting an Ebike I am not keen to do so as I think I would be better off buying a Vespa. I really see it has been a progression in life just like when I went from riding Sports motorcycles to riding BMWs. Its all about enjoying the environment rather than imitating Kenny Roberts Barry Sheene and Wayne Rainey when I was much younger. Stay safe out there and enjoy your bikes David.
I've not had any direct experience with Ebikes but I find them interesting. Especially since you can ride them in places you can't ride a scooter or motorcycle and they seem quick enough to be useful for an adventure. My body and arthritis can't endure a bicycle anymore without some serious suspension dampening. Time will tell what choices we both will make!
Very attractive timeless classic.. how many parallel 650 twins still out there have the option of the authentic manual kick-start? This is the new millenium equivalent of the beautiful '62 T120 Triumph Bonneville. Should hold it's value very well for a long time. A total keeper!
It definitely has a classic feel to it. And you're right, not many motorcycles still around with a kick-start. Until I bought the W650 it had been decades since I last kick started a motorcycle.
@@ScooterintheSticks You know when asked the Kawasaki distributor in NZ (my country) said that there was no kit available to retrofit the W800 with the W650's manual kickstart, but one wonders if the few parts were obtained as spares for the W650, if they couldn't be still fitted..??
Good review of the bike and life decisions. I've ridden Harleys for 20+ years, but as you say, time catches up with all of us. I'm much more into camping on forest service roads now and a recent trip to Idaho, from NC, has convinced me that one of these little guys would be perfect for me. I pull a small teardrop camper behind a pickup and that's perfect, but it limits the amount of exploring one can do. I think the addition of one of these would be great for filling that void.
I think you're right. You could easily load the Trail into the bed of the truck, or even add it to a front rack on the truck. It would allow some easy exploring.
Hello there Steve, What is the service interval on a Vespa gts 300? On how many miles you usually do the oil change to keep the engine in good running order? What about the beld drive? Regards from Europe.
I have a 2006 Vespa GTS 250. Not sure what the service intervals are for the various 300 models. I know the new ones have more frequent service needs. I change my oil and filter at around 3500 miles. The belt around 7500 miles. The hub oil at 6000 miles.
I think practically any motorcycle or scooter can do what the Honda Trail can do save for some deep water. But for me, it is a matter of comfort and manageability. The Honda Trail is nice and light. Something that matters to me.
Yes. I had the repairs done and it rides like a new scooter. Saved many thousands of dollars doing that. I love the W650. It is just a very special machine. But it is completely different than the GTS. The bigger engine and wheels give a different feel to the ride. Whatever I happen to be riding seems to be my favorite at that moment. But if I could only have one machine in the garage, it would be the GTS. It has all around utility that the others don't.
@@ScooterintheSticks Thank you for the answer! You shouldn't shy! You looks good on this motorcycle! It is a little bit difficult to find a suitable bike for tall people, i know it. But you are good! I saw your video for understand what can man feel on this bike. Yesterday i bought w800. Sorry if my english is not good. It is not my native language .
Hello Steve, thank you for your message. I want to tell you I bought a 2000 W650 today which has 8900 original miles and it is in mint condition. I remember back in 2000 I saw the same motorcycle in Conway New Hampshire and I fell in love. So after 24 years I am an owner of the motorcycle of my dreams. Thank you for inspiring me with your great videos!
Congratulations on acquiring a W650. I hope you find it as satisfying as I have mine. I had to look at a map to see what kind of riding you could do around Conroy. Seems like the mountains will be calling! Have fun riding the W650.
Wow - I am a totally new rider to anything two wheeled but now have a 1998 Vespa 125. Watching your video has relaxed me even without physically riding. Not quite retired and still have a bit of stress at work, in the middle of a separation after 20+ years so both emotional and financial stress. Your words really hit home, especially the living for the moment part. I am going to use my Vespa medicine and try and adjust my life focus, as you have done, to the now because the now holds little or no stress - that only comes from dwelling on the past or fretting about the future. Great video and lovely cinematography - enjoy the moment. Regards, Dave
Sorry to hear you're going through some rough times. I guess all I can share is that when I get in a bad place I am completely capable of making it worse. I have to be careful to focus on what I can actually do and not spend too much time in the past or future. Thanks for the kind words about the video. I appreciate them.
Hi there, I am a totally new scooter rider having picked up a 26 year old 125cc Vespa ET4. I have never had or riden a motorcyle of any description before the Vespa. I have watched lots of video/youtube footage of scooter riding but your video was the first that I could actually relate to despite my lack of experiance. Being based in the UK we have lots of lovely small roads running through stunning old little villages and towns so the twist and go Vespa is perfect for cool rides out through the British countryside. At first I was a little tense having never riden before but now I am more relaxed and enjoying the ride. Can pop my camera in the back box, sandwiches and coffee in the front and just ride stopping to take photos. Great video and dialog, hope you are still enjoying the ride ! Cheers, Dave UK
Sounds like you've found some ideal places to ride your ET4. I still enjoy my Vespa scooters and we have similar places to have some relaxed rides through the countryside. Have fun on your scooter and get some more rides in before the weather reminds you of winter!
I'm glad you found the video worth watching. The W650 had 47K miles on the clock when I bought it. The bike was well maintained and I suspect it will run another 20 -30 thousand miles before any serious maintenance is required.
Steve, your philosophy on riding is spot on. Somehow I missed this episode and have only just seen it so I was getting concerned when I thought you hadn't posted anything for a while. Those lovely roads where you ride would be so theraputic.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the video. Riding certainly has real, positive, therapeutic effects on me. I've not posted anything lately because I've been out of town and not riding. Hopefully something soon...
There was this chief in the navy that was coming up on retirement, whom went to move his Motorcycle in the driveway, and it fell over. He hit his head and died. Did not have his helmet on. Tragic.
Sorry for the delay in responding. I've been away and didn't have access to my music database. The piece used in the video is called "Deep Breath" by Noam Zaguri. It is licensed by Artlist to which I pay for an annual music subscription. Even though I have to pay for the subscription I have unlimited access and use for RU-vid to thousands and thousands of great music pieces. And RU-vid sees my license and there are no copyright issues. Makes my life a lot easier.
Dude youre trippin me out riding in the middle of your lane, where all the oil and street junk from cars is, freaks me out like youre gonna wipe out sny second.
No need to worry about oil and street junk on these back roads. Traffic is far too light for that. What I do have to worry about though is gravel, especially in the summer when they are continually doing tar and chip treatments, liquid manure which is like grease, and deer. I've never really ridden anywhere that oil or street junk was an issue except when it first starts to rain. As I said though, no worries on these roads.
I rely on my electric scooter for transportation every winter. It has slick tires with very little traction and the small wheels mean bumps under the snow can be threatening. But I've done it for 2 years, and year 3 is coming once winter hits! I have an electric car with no way to charge at home so I rely on public chargers. Therefore I have to bring an electric scooter in my car to ride home with after leaving the car at the charging station. Sometimes the snow was higher than the deck of the scooter. I agree with you that it's like a puzzle to solve, it makes for such an engaging and focused ride.
Thanks for sharing your electric scooter and car experiences in snow. I can't quite wrap my head around the charging issues yet of using either as a daily commuter of any distance. But being retired it no longer is something I have to worry about. Riding in snow is definitely a puzzle. And it does mean being focused and engaged. But again, being retired now, I'm unlikely to continue to play with that puzzle. Be safe out there in winter number 3!
Love this video, in a couple of weeks I’m travelling from UK down to a few miles past Valencia Spain, and back. I’ve allowed myself 3 weeks (hoping for 7-8 days rest in Spain.
Screw that shit….! That’s a design problem ….! I have three bikes , a 94 Harley Davidson and 1961 Cushman Eagle with a 670 cc V twin installed in it , and a 2021 250 dual sport …, and have never experienced any wobble from any of the three… I live in the Hills of Alabama and I can cruise along with my hands off the handlebars coming down hills at any speed and none of them have a wobble at any speed…. ! If I purchased a new Vespa, which I think they are cool scooters… and it started that wobble shift I would take it back to the dealer…!!!!
You are correct. It is a result of the design of the GTS. Comparisons to other brands and models isn't relevant. And this design issue is something Piaggio is seemingly willing to live with. Probably because most riders never know they have the issue until someone comes along and tells them about it. Again, let me stress, it is not tank slap. It only occurs on deceleration with no power to the engine and both hands off the bars. With your hands on the bars as you would ride normally you would never know it's there. As far as I know it does not occur in every GTS. But it is a well known issue. And some can fix the issue with different tires, different air pressures supposedly but I'm skeptical. And you won't get much help from the dealer. They certainly won't take your scooter back and refund your money. And it isn't a recall issue since it functions perfectly as it is intended to be used -- with your hands on the bars. I've had more than a few GTS owners tell me their scooter doesn't wobble only to get back to me that it does after they try it out as directed. Some had their scooters for years. As I said, I consider it completely a non-issue. Riding with your hands off the bars seems like texting while riding to me. Just not a good idea. My three cents.
@@ScooterintheSticks I am 70 years Old I made it this long taking my hands off the bars every once in a while while cruising around in the country with No Traffic to adjust .. I Guess they wont be a using this Scooter In the Wall Of Death Show any time soon....! LOL...
@@iplaymytele You can take your hands off the bar at certain speeds. Or if you have a throttle lock and are under power. But off the throttle and decelerating you'll experience the wobble begin around 40 and continue down to about 20. Other than that, it is wobble free. And if you are fortunate, you may get one that doesn't wobble. I just turned 70 a few weeks ago. The only time I take my hands off the bars is when I am testing for wobble!
Hey Steve new vespa rider in Pennsylvania love your videos. I owned a 2021 Vespa bought it 2022 the last 75 anniversary gts 300. Bought it brand new I love riding in all back roads in Lancaster . Only 1,700 miles so far.
Thanks for the kind words about my videos. Glad you like them. Some nice backroads in Lancaster. Especially in the southwest heading toward Conowingo Dam. It's been a while since I've ridden down that way. Have fun with your Vespa. It's a great little machine.
One question or topic that is skipped in almost all motorcycle and scooter reviews about value. RESELL value. Yes something might be $$$ compared to another model, but if you get more when you sell it, then it can be well worth it. Better vehicle while you use it and good return you may be well ahead of a cheaper vehicle you get nothing for on resell.
Resell value is an interesting subject. One that didn't occur to me because tending to keep things for a long time until they no longer function I don't concern myself with resell value. But I have a friend who carefully chooses his used cars and motorcycles with resell value in mind. He'll keep something for a couple years and sometimes sell it for almost what he paid for it. That keeps expenses low. I just get what I want but I understand that's a luxury not everyone can afford. And I always pay cash rather than finance things hoping life will unfold in the way I predict so I can keep making the monthly payments. Patience and paying cash are on my radar. Resell value just isn't even though as you say embracing it can save you money.
@@ScooterintheSticks I got lucky this year, January I picked up a 2015 700n DCT Honda that was sitting for years, $3k with new tires from dealer. Put $800 more into it, Fluid changes, tune up, chain, brakes. Ridden it for thousand miles, runs so well now. $5k is the cheapest I've seen this bike now for it's year and condition. So I hope to break even when I sell it, not including insurance. But definitely low cost bike.
I'm more comfortable on the Honda Trail 125 than I am on the Himalayan in rough, off-road situations. Especially when riding alone in areas where I could drop the Himalayan and not be able to pick it up. But the Himalayan is still a good choice for me in more sedate dirt and gravel forest roads or on the pavement.
Poor little W650, out there in the rain. Unusually for the UK, we have had a perfect riding, day here in Somerset. Been out on a group charity ride today, on the Classic 350. A leisurely 135 miles with 3 stops for food / drinks and general breaks. Ride safe Steve.
Ugh! That's not good. I hope they're simple fractures and you don't have any ongoing healing issues. I got caught in the rain a couple days ago. Turns on my anti-wipeout mechanism. I don't need any fractures now...
I've come to an understanding with my Himalayan. The Honda Trail 125 handles the really rough stuff and the Himalayan the tamer dirt and gravel. My said the other day that she thought I was selling the Himalayan. I told her I still like it. She was fine with that answer so it will stay until it's not comfortable to ride on the pavement and groomed gravel roads. I'm 70 now and figure I have a few more years!
..bought a Wee-Strom 650 to give me the highway capability my Himi lacks.. Fellow riders ask, ‘Where’s your V-strom?” ..this Himalayan just works so much better ‘around here’ (Blue Ridge of VA). Love yur vids ~
I imagine the Himalayan would be a better choice for the Blue Ridge. No high speed needs there. And it is a lighter machine than the V Strom. Thanks for the kind words about my videos. I enjoy piecing them together. Glad someone finds some use from them.
