I drove 100+ miles today to look at Vespas. I want a scooter, specifically the light green GTV 250 in the showroom. I've never ridden a motorcycle or scooter before, but I got my learner's permit a couple weeks ago. I'm 51, live in Ohio where it is winter 5 months of the year, these things are dangerous, etc. but I want one. It will pay for itself in gas before I retire in 4 years, and I can take it with me when I travel in retirement. All I have to do is call next week, and they will bring it here with a helmet and everything. I've got the money, I want one. Please tell me I am not an old fool who will tear up the scooter and maim myself. I want it. It looks like this one:

-Chuck, Vegetarian fanboy

If you want one, buy it! You already know that you have to be extremely careful on these things (more careful even than on a motorcycle). And I'm not sure how the Italian Vespa handles an Ohian winter.

Call those people today. You will not regret it.

It's a good urban vehicle. I wouldn't use it in highway/freeway conditions, though. Not stable enough at high speed for my tastes.

Hardest thing for a motorcycle rider to get used to is having your feet on floorboards rather than footpegs, but you're starting from a clean slate so it won't be an issue.

The rotary engines are very fuel friendly and, like a fat girl, they're fun to ride until your friends see you.

You should avoid any two-wheel transpo in snow or ice conditions. You're just begging for it then.

I bought a Kawasaki Versys. It is a 650cc adventure/tourer and motorcycle of the year. And a handful for a new rider, but I've been around the block a few times today, and I think I'll get the hang of it soon.

-Chuck, Vegetarian fanboy

That's a huge difference from the Vespa.

I did the beginners' safety course this weekend, 6 hours Sat. and 6 hours today. My ass is sore. I might have ass acne now.

-Chuck, Vegetarian fanboy

600 mile service today, I can't stay off this thing! I have my "unsmooth" moments, but I am getting along fairly well. Didn't realize how many bikes are out there, until I got one. 46+ MPG on the first tank I measured, and it has been a long time since I gassed up the Subaru. Red Cortech saddlebags on backorder, $20 Wal-Mart backpack is working out fine. So far, folks see me in my red jacket on the tall red bike.

At the little greasy spoon I frequent, the waitresses used to ask me if I got the senior discount. Since I got the bike, they don't ask anymore.

Here's my goal:



-Chuck, Vegetarian fanboy

AWESOME CHARIN, good luck again...glad you are enjoying it.

The back yard looks like this today



So the motorcycle is in the garage.



But I have gone 2000 miles, and I am signed up for an experienced rider course in March. I'm so glad I did this.

-Chuck, Vegetarian fanboy

I fishtailed and went down the other day on some sand. I was riding my little 250cc Super Sherpa with knobbies. Going slow. No damage except my ego. How do you navigate sand on a motorcycle? Here's a picture, I went back there in my truck.

look ahead and not down at where you are... stand up on the pegs and lean back slightly to unweight the front tire. also check your tire pressure. you want less pressure in the soft stuff.

I'll try it again tomorrow, thanks. How fast? I know speed helps on gravel, I slowed way down for the sand, maybe that was a mistake?

speed shouldn't be an issue unless you were up over 50 mph. just look ahead and pick your line...stand up a little, lean back and use the throttle to steer around the corners. look where you want to go and you'll be fine..

Report tomorrow - I'm glad sand is soft.

In my experience, the trick is to make NO sudden movements. When I had a Ninja ZX-6R each ride started and ended with a drive on one mile of gravel. Never went down. The other trick is that you have to maintain some speed.

Charin aren't you an alcoholic? I thought you people were only allowed to ride scooters?

go faster on sand so you dont get stuck.at least this was my experience on an enduro when i was a teenager.

I played around some today, did OK. I need to relax, I tense up and get wobbly. More practice and confidence, I think I have a better technique now. Thanks.