Another great video, Steve. I'll tell you what makes the Vespa relaxing for me especially at 5 ft 6 in tall is the fact that more likely to stop anytime I see something interesting than I would be on my gold wing. You can put the scooter anywhere and you can park it anywhere and the step through design all makes it my best friend when I'm trying to discover new things
I agree 100 percent. I stop a lot when I'm alone and riding the Vespa compared to any of my motorcycles purely because it is much, much easier. And I'll turn around more often to go back and look at something because it's easier to make a U turn. It's a perfect companion for exploring not just on the road but with stopping to look at things.
Another great scooter philosophy talk. Kudos, Steve. I have seen a number of yours comments on other channel that I am fallowing too but I have recommendation for a scooter channel if you have the time for one more. 'Ride with Alex' is the channel. He is on point your /or should say ours/ way or riding a scooter.
Thank you for the video! As an ex-biker in the UK, who's always struggled with what bikes I'm able to fit on (being only 5ft 5in), who hasn't ridden for over ten years, I'm once again getting the two-wheeled itch. Taking you're own sweet time to get somewhere, enjoying the views and the smells...the Vespa life looks so appealing!! 😎
That challenge for you may be the seat height of the Vespa scooters. When you get a chance have a seat on one and see how it feels in regard to your feet on the ground. There are other scooters that are lower. And they'll get you out to enjoy the views and smells too!
Another fine episode, Steve. I once heard a scooter described as "Superman's bicycle"... I like that. Partly the ease, partly the relaxed riding, and a good portion of the class the Vespa exudes.
Superman's bicycle... hmmmm, I'll have to think about that for awhile. But I absolutely agree with your assessment of what the Vespa is like to ride and behold!
All year motorcyclist alerted me to your channel. I hope you don't mind but you're going to be my go to when I can't sleep. Don't get me wrong, your videos aren't boring, but your voice is very relaxing - you should be a psychiatrist... Or a hypnotist 😉
Whenever I hear my voice I think I sound like by father. He had a calm voice. Maybe I inherited it. I never thought others felt it was a relaxing voice though. Maybe I should think about making a riding video designed specifically to put people to sleep!
I have been following your channel for a bit and just wanted to say thank you for making these videos. I always enjoy watching them and getting your perspective on riding and Vespas. Growing up I was not a risk taker and never had the riding bug hit me like it did my younger brother. However, I’ve always wanted to own a scooter one day. I’m 51 now, recently passed my beginners riding course, obtained my license, and bought a 2023 GTS Super Sport in Arancio Impulsivo (impulsive orange). I wish I’d have done it a lot sooner, but better late than never. I personally love this color. Ohio is similar to Pennsylvania in terms of bugs and I’ve heard nightmares about not being able to get them out of matte paint so it came down to either white or orange in this model. I just loved the orange more. It’s bright and visible, gets attention, is just such a joy to ride and puts a smile on my face every time I get on it. I think we as humans forgo a lot of potentially joyful experiences due to fear. What are my friends going to say if I ride a scooter? What if I ride an orange one? I say, who flipping cares? If you get joy out of it go for it. Don’t let others disparage that. Life’s just too short to worry about other people’s perceptions. You cannot control them anyway so why spend energy trying to? It’s much better spent elsewhere… like a beautiful ride on your Vespa with a friend to breakfast :).
First, let me say thank you for your kind and supportive words about the videos I post here. l appreciate knowing that they resonate sometimes with viewers. Like you, I never was a risk taker. At least not physically which is the landscape in which riding existed in my mind. After riding as a kid it largely fell out of my mind assisted by those cultural admonishments of it being a deadly pursuit. And then in my early 50s I found myself wanting to ride a motorcycle only to end up with a Vespa scooter. And it has been one of the best decisions I've made. The Aranco Impulsivo color is fabulous looking in photos. I've not seen one in the world yet but it is a color in the pantheon of one I would choose. And you're right about the futility of trying to convince or control others. It is far better to spend energy on a fine ride to breakfast with a friend. Life is good!
Vespa - smooth, quiet, easy. Nice, very nice. Good in the snow too. " My favorite is the one I'm riding." Yes, it's nice to have a selection according to weather, mood, road conditions, etc. You've inspired me to get out there and ride, even if it's a bicycle.
It is a luxury for me to be able to choose what I ride based on the conditions you're outlined. Good luck with the bicycle. My arthritis makes things rough on a bicycle. Maybe I need to look at one with some shock absorbers!
Went on my first short trip on Sunday along the coast it's amazing I drive the vespa prima 125 '23 mainly in the city... no parking searching and no traffic which makes everything much more relaxed
Paul: "I was born ready!" Somehow that phrase never rang truer than it did when Paul spoke it. I've never owned a Vespa scooter, but I can't imagine the Vespa life to be complete without Audrey Hepburn riding pillion! 😄
Paul is always ready for whatever comes his way. That's a good place to be. My wife doesn't like to ride so there's no Audrey Hepburn in my riding life!
Thanks for the ride and the gentle philosophy. I ride my C125 Honda cub up one of the best bikers roads in Queensland, up to Mount Glorious and the biker cafe there. The little cub stands out among the ducatis and gixxers, and I'm thinking I need to find some riding friends with the same attitude as you and me, and maybe start converting some others ;) I have a ducati myself in the garage, but I ride the cub all the time, and I have trouble expressing the joy to others who have perhaps been influenced by advertisers that bigger/faster is better. Thanks again 👍🇦🇺
Advertising and marketing has been responsible for bigger and faster as manufacturers hope to capture ever more money from consumers. Convincing us we need the myriad electronics and gargantuan size and power makes them a fabulous amount of money. Mostly because so many people take the bait. Thankfully in the moto world there are still some smaller and more easy going alternatives. The C125 is just one of many. I hope you find some like-minded riders but I can't say whether you'll have much luck converting people! Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and experiences. I appreciate it.
I came out of a store at about the same time as two older couples (haha. I'm sure they were younger than me) who went to their Harleys which were a spot over from my '22 Arancio Impulsivo Vespa 300GTS. They looked over and made a good natured (I hope) remark about my helmet which is a slightly different shade of orange from my bike. Their clothes were black and their Harleys were black and almost black maroon. (What a maroon!: Bugs Bunny). I just laughingly replied, "I want to be seen." - Orange is the most visible color - see traffic cones and barrels - and I also think the Vespa orange is beautiful. Macho guys may want to look tough and stealthy on their matt black bikes - that's their choice and none of my business - but for me, that is meaningless. I want them to see me coming from a mile away. p.s. Riding a Vespa is vehicular therapy.
I can see myself owning a Vespa in the Arancio Impulsivo color. It's a handsome shade of orange. Like you, I endeavor to be seen though I realize regardless of color I am easy to overlook so I ride defensively in the understanding. My High Viz jacket and helmet may help but none of it matters to a distracted driver. I have considered getting one of those big brake lights that mount to the back of the helmet. But so far I've not taken that step...
Thanks for the ride, Steve! Always a pleasure. At the risk of -- again! -- ticking off one of the viewers of a previous video of yours who took great exception to my comment that I enjoyed riding either of my Vespas much more than I enjoyed riding my Vulcan 2000...well, I enjoyed riding either of my Vespas much more than I enjoyed riding my Vulcan 2000! As soon as my late friend's estate is settled (the gears of probate do grind slowly) I will be back on a Vespa. Until then, I'll continue to enjoy your rides.
We all like what we like. It's nice to get to a place where we don't care what others think of the machines we choose to ride. I hope probate proceeds quickly and you can be on a Vespa once again!
I feel exactly the same way about my Vespa. No matter how much crazy crap is happening back at home, when you get on that thing and start writing it kind of clears out your head. It’s just you focusing completely on the ride and it is kind of meditative as corny as that sounds. I really appreciate your videos, sir.
Riding my Vespa certainly has that same kind of head clearing ability that you refer to. And thank you for the kind words about the video. I appreciate them.
Good content. Gonna get my first vespa after never looking at them. Owned all the big bikes but I know it's nice to just twist and go. Thanks for your videos. You are the Bob Ross of motorcycling.😅
Steve thanks for a wonderful ride with you ! What a special place you have to ride through. Your feelings about the Vespa/Scooter life sum up mine exactly. I smile every time I walk up to my Liberty 150. At my age that is really important to me.
It's nice to have things come into focus -- what's important and what was merely a distraction. Any direction I go has some great riding. It is a special place.
I call it social marketing, now I love my 2016 Kymco People GTi 300 to death its faster has more power than a vespa 300, but on a personal note I have a gts 250ie on my bucket list too.
The Kymco has a lot going for it -- bigger wheels, faster, and a better price. I've never seriously considered them myself because I seem to be permanently smitten with the look and design of the modern Vespa scooters. Our local BMW dealer just took on the Vespa and Piaggio lines. So when the time comes it will be nice to be able to purchase one close to home!
If you were limited to just being able to own one bike/scooter at your age what would you choose? Just curious as I will be 56 soon with one replaced knee and know my better days are behind me. I go back and forth between a Vespa and one of the new classic Triumphs, I’ve contemplated buying one of each but as of now I’ve been too tight to buy anything. I just can’t justify buying both from a cost and finding the time to ride both.
A common dilemma, trying to manage varied needs, desires, and our wallet. As I approach my 70th birthday I've thought more than once about having to reduce my little two-wheeled fleet. I can tell you confidently that if I could only have one scooter or motorcycle in the garage it would be the Vespa GTS. With that machine I could ride practically anywhere in the United States on any road from the dirt and gravel forest roads here to the Interstate Highways. It's fun, reliable, and easily managed by my relentlessly aging body. I am glad though I do not have to make that adjustment yet. But it is coming, ready or not.
Right now I’m just chilling on a Genuine Buddy Kick 125. I have a similar front and rear back rack that you would see on a Vespa, plus a top case and the same style small windscreen as a Vespa. Twist and go……
I’ve never gotten tired of that route. It’s peaceful in every season. Each time we go out in that direction its always very pretty. I imagine that people that watch your videos get a sense of what its actually like, so its like 500 people ride along with you.
Same here! I still enjoy that ride. Always a new experience. I hope what you say is true that people watching feel they are along for the ride. That's a nice thought.
Great video. I love my Vespa LX. So easy to ride and comfortable. I rode geared bikes on and off but the twist and go is so much better and I agree it's relaxing.
I am looking forward to a little vacation this week to southern Alabama. Flat lands where my FLy 150 can shine. The Visitor Center has 5 motorcycle routes. from 37 mile to 180 miles around Gulf Shores. I am a bit excited to see how many I will get done. Cheers.
Always enjoy riding along with you Steve, especially when I’m unable to be out riding mine. At 73, I choose my Vespa over my HD’s for a multitude of reasons. Now, if we could just get car drivers to slow down (under 80’s or even 70’s) and enjoy the ride I believe motoring would be safer and saner for all.
Even on the quiet roads here where I ride I am continually amazed at how fast people pilot their pickup trucks and SUVs down these narrow lanes. In a hurry to get somewhere. I don't hold onto any hope that people will slow down. Everything seems to be marketed to go faster and faster. A Tesla Model 3 will go 0 to 60 in 2.4 seconds you know. In high school we used to think 0 to 60 in 12 seconds was fast...
Did you and Paul talk about the Vespa life over breakfast? What would he say about it? Why does he ride a Vespa? I’m guessing his view is similar to yours, but I thought I’d ask!
No, we talked about photography I think. And those old prints he brought along. We don't discuss the riding much. Sometimes he'll bring up something mechanical. As far as riding his Vespa, I think he just likes the look and the ease of running around on them. But mostly we don't talk about riding at all!
Love your videos as they are always profound in content. Riding is dhyaana in Sanskrit or Meditation/Zen in english. Dhyaana slowly leads to Yoga or the communion with one's Self. When the mind quietens, one can feel the presence of the rocks, cliffs, mountains, trees and the flowing Waters. It is only then that the ride transcends the machine that one rides. Ride is all about the rider, the human. People, falling a prey to marketing gimmicks, give unnecessary importance to gadgetry rather than reliability of the machine. Keep posting videos and keep sharing your thoughts! Ride safe, ride long! Cheers!
Thank you for your kind words about the videos I share on RU-vid. I appreciate knowing they have some value. Self-knowledge and meditation are challenging to discover in this chaotic world. And marketing definitely moves the eye away from the target. I can appreciate the design and function of modern machines. But I tend to find myself more comfortable with less gadgets. I'm working on the next video. And I suspect there will be more after that until they no longer serve any useful purpose.
Another fine calming and relaxing video Steve. I did want to weigh-in on color choices. One thing I would consider when shelling out ten grand for a new GTS is, am I choosing it in a somewhat "Trendy" color or am I opting for more of a "Classic" color choice. I've seen people buy cars that have a certain current trendy color that five years down the road may look very dated. I personally would lean toward a classic color choice. JMHO. ;)
Thanks for the kind words about the video. My problem with trendy colors is I don't know what's trendy. But I guess it isn't a problem. I sure look out of date! I'm still wearing the same style of flannel shirt, t-shirt, jeans and boots that I wore 60 years ago!!
Thanks for your kind words about the video. And congratulations on starting your motovlog. For me, it's just something I enjoy doing. I don't have any expectations of it beyond that. Who knows where it will lead or when I might lose interest. I suppose as long as I have something to say and I keep riding I'll be making videos!
I'm a 45 year old hispanic male riding a 50CC black primavera since June 23. I like to call mine nun, or sometimes negrita.The other night a client said I looked too big for my scooter, I wasn't prepared for that. But, as it settled down on me I realized people will say whatever they want to say. I ride 20-30 miles per week and it's a lot of fun getting back and forth around town.
People do make odd comments about so many things. Sometimes they're intentionally mean but often they just don't seem to manage their mouths very well and words come out before they really think about them. That said, every time I see a photo of me on my scooter I think I look like a circus bear riding a tiny bicycle. But that's fine. I love riding it. Have fun riding and commuting on your Primavera. Sounds as if you get to have many little adventures!
My question to you is I have a choice between a 125cc and a 300cc Vespa sport, it’s going to be for travelling Greece and I wonder if the 125cc won’t be enough power to handle my wife and I and luggage going up some hills and stuff. I know even a 50cc would be able to do the job but after having 7 or so 400-1000cc would make a difference on my liking a lowered powered bike on how I feel ? 😌
I think if I were riding two-up through Greece I would definitely opt for the 300. As you say, the 50 and 125 would move you along the road I think the 300 would provide more options and considering your riding background it would be less of an adjustment. Learning to ride slowly is a different animal! That's my two cents... Good luck on your travels. Be safe!
Hi Steve ...thank you for taking us along on the ride . I remember my first Vespa back in 1992 a red T5 2 stroke, and 4 gears .It was a wonderful introduction to the world of scooters and yes I got a good ribbing from my biker friends ,some fun and some showed their true nasty side . But I loved it and made me even more determined to enjoy a different side to two wheels . As you know I bought a gts300 recently and a scooter riding friend from my past started making comments about how an automatic scooter was a girls bike and i laughed it off .but after a month of nasty comments on both my youtube channel and facebook page he is now blocked from both ! Vespa can bring out some strong emotions in folks whether they be motorcycle riders or old school two stroke scooter riders ...well I love my new scooter and at my age, I know what my heart and mind tells me . I love your beautiful rural roads and that breakfast looks exceptionally tasty ...ohh yes and gotta say I love the new orange supersport color 😁 all the best Steve ...Harry
It is perplexing sometimes why a person can get so agitated at the thought of what I am riding. Sometimes they're suggesting I ride something that is just entirely unrelated to my style of riding. But then there are those fellows who seem to fear for my masculinity with the girl bike comments, gay comments, or whatever other thoughts they can conjure that might insult me into submission. But I know what I like, what I want, and I don't really care what others think. I get similar comments sometimes about wearing protective gear on a scooter. But I've not had to block anyone here on RU-vid or on my blog. That breakfast was tasty but I'm beginning to sense I shouldn't eat so much at one sitting. Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences and comments. I appreciate reading them.
@ScooterintheSticks thanks for your reply Steve . The funny thing is it's those folk who feel the need to say negative things who are truly the unhappy ones ...have a wonderful week 👍..Harry
For me and my Royal Alloy GT150, the joy she provides is unparalleled to any other aspect of my life. I have been riding scooters since 1982. I am now 56 years old and was given 5-7 years left of this life five years ago. I live out in a wine country and the days I leave home with her, the autonomy, the quiet and the rituals I move through preparing for my rides are a form of intimacy and therapy which is mine. My ability to ride with individuality, independence and a truly “I don’t give a shite what anyone thinks,” provides a level of joy that if you’ve never experienced, I feel truly feel sorry for you. I love your content mate. Ride safe all. Cheers!
It sounds as if you've found the perfect riding machine for yourself in the Royal Alloy GT150. The feelings and experiences you describe are akin to my own. I'm grateful to have found that level of joy you speak of. And I find myself wishing others could as well. As far as the prognostications of doctors, I can relate to that as well. I just give thanks each morning when I find myself drawing a breath into a new day. All I have is right now.
@@ScooterintheSticks 100% mate. I pray we both have many, many, many more mornings as you’ve described. Prayers for peace and continued healing and health.
Hi Steve love your clips really enjoyable. Having just got myself a gts 125super had a couple of enjoyable 140mile round trips in buetiful english early autumn weather inspired by your videos and its been so great. Will be taking my motorcycle test soon hoping to pass by spring should I upgrade to the 300??.
I hope to one day be able to ride through the English countryside on a scooter but I will have to investigate whether my US motorcycle license is accepted in the UK. The only reason to upgrade to a 300 would be if you need to go faster. I was happy with my LX150 and only upgraded when I destroyed it.
I understand the sentiment. But I suspect appendage size has less to do with it than the strength of ego and character does. If you're overly concerned with how you look in the eyes of others, if your masculinity comes from external trappings rather than from inside, then yes, a Vespa might not be the right choice.
From 2012 to 2014 I rode the Helix clone exclusively becoming totally acclimated to its ways and abilities. It always had some trouble climbing the steeper hills around me but I coped. Its luggage and ease of operation were appreciated and I accepted life with it. Then one morning, when my Late Wife was in remission, I decided to dust off her Honda Rebel since it hadn't been used in a while. I wasn't a quarter mile down the road when it hit me. This entry level, MSF motorcycle was faster, stronger and easier to handle than my scooter. No ego Steve but for me that Rebel with saddlebags was everything the scooter wasn't. Yes, no twist and go but it worked. I still have two scooters in the garage and they do minivan and sporting riding just fine. Yesterday I rode an event with a large group of big bikes. In the morning I had to decide what to take. The Thundering 750 Kawasaki? The Helix clone? Ahhh. The 250 Nighthawk. Nimble, easy to use and a slight hint of old British Twin. If ego was involved I would have taken the Kawasaki. I had ridden the Helix clone last year so I knew what would work best for me. The 233cc Nighthawk did just fine over the entire 93 miles.
I think when you're open to the unique experience that a machine can offer all is well. The Vespa has an experience I've not duplicated with either a Honda, Yamaha, or Piaggio scooter. It just feels, sounds, and acts differently. But I know what you mean about getting on something different and it can feel perfect. That's certainly how I feel about the Kawasaki W650. It's a floating dream...
There is also a second factor to consider in people buying a scooter. Cost. Let's take the far end, a 300 Vespa out the door. BY the time you get done paying for freight, prep, tax, title and tag a 300cc Vespa goes nearly $10k. A Kawasaki z400 or Ninja 400 will run you, at worst, about $7k OTD. Go to the lower end in a Kymco XTown 300, at $5k to start, and compare that with a CF Moto NK-300 starting at $4200 and the dealer costs will still leave them almost a grand apart. Longer story. At Americade I was talking to the reps from SSR who import Benelli and QJ Motors. At Daytona this year a young man on a new 150 Vespa pulled up to their booth and asked to try their QJ LTR 150, a water cooled and fuel injected scooter. He ran around on it and came back saying, "Not bad. What does it cost?" The Rep told him, "MSRP is $2795." The Vespa owner almost freaked. "I have close to seven grand in the Vespa!" I thought that was odd until I remembered dealer costs, tax and tag fees that a $5500 Vespa 150 will ring the bell at nearly seven thousand. It isn't always ego that pushes potential owners away from scooters. The cost comparisons don't help. It's why no major manufacturer is selling a 50cc scooter except Honda in this country. The Chinese pretty much own that department.
@@kz1000st1 There's no doubt that a Vespa is an expensive machine. It's akin to buying a Porsche or some other high end vehicle in the car world. If money is a concern then a Vespa is generally a poor choice. And if you are shopping for the least expensive machine then there are many, many other options in that regard. For me, the cost isn't really my main concern. Value is bigger. And while cost factors into value it's a smaller part of the equation. And when people ask about buying one I tell them if you can't pay cash for it you can't afford it. And that pretty much sums up my feelings about credit in general.
I agree with you about these wonderful Vespa's. I smile the entire time when I ride I've already got 1120 miles on my Sprint 50 I bought new in May. I definitely ride in the rural horse farm areas that mainly you just lookout for Deer and Turkeys. 😎🙏🛵
