Thinking of buying a Vespa?/'new lease of life' /Getting older

[Ellener]

I am so stuck right now with the pandemic, life is ground to a halt and I've been going through the motions for a few weeks getting more and more fed up! A Vespa caught my eye earlier, I'm thinking of getting one, but it's also a bit out of character for me...splurging on a bit of a ridiculous non-necessity during a world crisis!

I have been thinking about a regular bike for a while too.

Jump or sit still????!

One of my friends bought herself a sports car when she hit 60, she said she just 'needed to re-adjust my self-image'. I laughed at the time, she had told me she had something serious to talk about with me, I thought please don't be next in line to tell me you're cheating on your marriage ( it was a year for that with people in my circle ) and it turned out she had dropped ten years from her age when we first met and felt guilty now we'd all got close, she wanted to 'come clean'!

 

[dangerous]

Vespas are great. I am also thinking of buying one, I am 57.

You may be interested to know that when I hit 50 I bought a Ducati even though I hadn't ridden a bike for 30 years! sensibly I took a day's training before riding it. I loved the motorbike, had two over the next 5 years. Go on, if you want to, do it!

[Happy Lemming]

Are you looking to take it on the highways??  or just local neighborhood streets??

If you are planning highway use, you might want to think of something a little bigger like a Yamaha R3... or something similar.

[Ellener]

I don't think there's anywhere to go for a while @Happy Lemming So local biking....

[Happy Lemming]

2 hours ago, Ellener said:

I don't think there's anywhere to go for a while..

I guess I am just being hopeful that this pandemic will be over sooner, rather than later.

In my state, motorcyclists can use the HOV lane (alone) on the highways.  (When I worked) it was great for commuting back and forth.

[basil67]

Hubby’s mid life crisis was an Aprilia scooter and learning the guitar and bass.    I got my learners permit for the Aprilia and promptly dropped it on my first trip out. Never rode it again.   I wonder if it would have been different I’ve had gotten a little Vespa.  

[salparadise]

I agree with @HappyLemming. I know the Vespas are cute-looking and appeal to the casual person in a certain way, but a small motorcycle will end up being much more fun and versatile in my opinion. Not to mention safety... the problem with Vespas and Moped, etc., is that they can't go with the flow of traffic. Larger, faster vehicles are going to be passing you all the time, and if you take the lane it make them angry. I think you'll find it more satisfying overall. I would also say to be honest with yourself as to whether you could do either safely––some people just aren't meant for two wheels. There is a certain kind of visual processing, timing, and motion coordination, with the ability to react rationally and instinctively, that some have and others don't. Some of it can be learned, but if it's not instinctive.. eh? I've been riding motos most of my life (safely, knock on wood), but my ex-wife couldn't even sit on the back of one properly. She wouldn't have lasted five minutes in traffic. Also take a look at the little sports cars like a BMW Z3. Maybe the best of both worlds.

[salparadise]

22 minutes ago, basil67 said:

Hubby’s mid life crisis was an Aprilia scooter and learning the guitar and bass.    I got my learners permit for the Aprilia and promptly dropped it on my first trip out. Never rode it again.   I wonder if it would have been different I’ve had gotten a little Vespa.  

You mean a scooter literally, or as slang for motorcycle? I doubt the brand would make any difference at all. The difference between a moto and a scooter might though, on a first try. If you were they type that would make a good rider, you'd have picked it up and jumped back on. You need to be tenacious to ride, and you need to have respect rather than fear.   

[basil67]

@salparadise  Yes,a  literal scooter.  It's an Aprilia Sportscity.  It's got scooter styling and automatic transmission, it's bigger than a Vespa, full size motorbike wheels and 250cc engine.   Can easily keep up with traffic.  

And while I did pick it back up and ride it home, you're right that some of us are meant to be riders and some not.  

Edited July 8, 2020 by basil67
typo

[Ellener]

I think I'll wait and see if I can rent or borrow one when the pandemic fades, it might not be for me! 

[Ruby Slippers]

I've considered getting a scooter or motorcycle more than once, but family and friends always talked me out of it because it's so dangerous. It doesn't matter how safe you are - the problem is that many car/truck drivers just don't see you and will hence plow right into you. Do a little research on accident and fatality statistics - it's grim.

[Happy Lemming]

3 hours ago, Ruby Slippers said:

...the problem is that many car/truck drivers just don't see you and will hence plow right into you.

I've been riding for many, many years. The trick is not to give car/truck drivers the chance to plow into you, leave yourself an "out", especially on the highway.  Be deliberate with your actions, lane changes, turns, etc. and use your signals.  Keep your head on a swivel and be prepared to use your "out".  Don't linger next to another vehicle, pass or back off.

I've only been hit once on my motorcycle and it was dark, rainy night.  I take partial blame for being out in those conditions on the bike in the first place.  A woman on her cell phone clipped my rear tire, didn't see me.  I think she was texting.  My jacket and helmet protected my body when I went down, bike only had a few scratches on it, but was otherwise fine.

Problem was... she had no car insurance, but that is another story for another day.

[dangerous]

On 7/8/2020 at 1:20 PM, salparadise said:

I agree with @HappyLemming. I know the Vespas are cute-looking and appeal to the casual person in a certain way, but a small motorcycle will end up being much more fun and versatile in my opinion. Not to mention safety... the problem with Vespas and Moped, etc., is that they can't go with the flow of traffic. Larger, faster vehicles are going to be passing you all the time, and if you take the lane it make them angry. I think you'll find it more satisfying overall. I would also say to be honest with yourself as to whether you could do either safely––some people just aren't meant for two wheels. There is a certain kind of visual processing, timing, and motion coordination, with the ability to react rationally and instinctively, that some have and others don't. Some of it can be learned, but if it's not instinctive.. eh? I've been riding motos most of my life (safely, knock on wood), but my ex-wife couldn't even sit on the back of one properly. She wouldn't have lasted five minutes in traffic. Also take a look at the little sports cars like a BMW Z3. Maybe the best of both worlds.

I'd agree if you're talking about a 50cc. but Vespas are often 125 and even 300cc, and they have NO problem at all keeping up, and pulling away from traffic off the lights or around town, in fact up to 60mph. High speeds is a different story. 

However, 2 wheels is a whole lot more dangerous than a car, so be aware of that. 

[Ellener]

1 hour ago, dangerous said:

2 wheels is a whole lot more dangerous than a car, so be aware of that. 

I've been so clumsy this past few days maybe it's not the best idea...