Going back to a scooter

Cheshire · Post by **Cheshire** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 4:52 am

I sold my car a few weeks ago and have been motorcycle-only. Tomorrow, I'm trading the Bonnie in for a Vespa GTS 300ie.

I miss scooters.

Post by **ericalm** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 5:52 am

Huh! Why go from the Bonnie to the 300?

Christophers · Post by **Christophers** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 7:46 am

ericalm wrote:Huh! Why go from the Bonnie to the 300?

I can guess, like, a billion reasons (although only 3-5 would be significant).

a) Actually useful transportation for
i. getting to/from work
ii. shopping
iii. getting around town

b) Convenient to park

c) etc.

Although I, personally, prefer the riding experience of a motorcycle for my daily commute I almost never do it because the convenience of the Buddy is hands down superior. :-)

Skootz Kabootz · Post by **Skootz Kabootz** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 9:32 am

Congrats! As a Bonnie fan (but not yet an owner) I am of course duty bound to shake my head in disbelief, but as a GTS 300 owner all I can say is you are going to LOVE it! The GTS really is a spectacular ride and I think you will love having all that extra get up and go and at the same time all the practical benefits of a scooter. I know I do.

My first tip/suggestion — work on your gassing up technique!

It is very different from the Buddy! It took me about a dozen fill ups before I could finally manage to do it without splashing gas all over the scooter. lol This is pretty common.

First, make sure you have a handful of paper towels just in case. Then... Take out the entire pet carrier to fill up (at least at first while you are learning. It is not screwed in). Put the nozzle as far into the tank as it will go. All the way in. Fill up and when it automatically clicks off, stop! Do not try to top off the tank at all after that or gas will splash all over the place. Trust me, I know!

There are threads at ModernVespa about how to gas up correctly. Pretty funny. It made me feel like such a beginner again! lol

Have an amazing time with your new toy!!! I think with so many amazing roads in the Asheville area (and beyond!) you are in for a real treat!

Wolfhound · Post by **Wolfhound** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 11:21 am

I am from Asheville and was back there for a family reunion last week. It is
a scooter town compared to where I live now. Mostly 50cc rigs that
struggle with the steep city roads and many were running while I was there.
I think the 300cc is the right rig for those riding conditions. Enjoy!!

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 11:38 am

Interesting choice!

I really love the 300's, but for a little more I might opt for a mid sized motorcycle. then again we'll have a stable of scoots anyway, so I could switch back and forth.

Cheshire · Post by **Cheshire** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 2:42 pm

ericalm wrote:Huh! Why go from the Bonnie to the 300?

The very short answer is personal preference.

I adore my Bonnie, it's just not the "best tool for the job" at this point in my life. It didn't help that the Triumph shop (also a Ducati dealer) in the area upped their labor rate to way out of my budget.

The Bonneville is a fantastic motorcycle, and (for motorcycles) stays one of my favorite street bikes. It's small, maneuverable, easy to park, way too much fun to ride, and has a timeless look that I love. But...I've realized over the past year that I just really miss scooters.

I guess there's a little smidge more Mod in me than Rocker!

Until I become debt-free, I'm strictly one bike only. When that changes, it's going to be a hard, hard choice between finally trying out a dual sport or flirting with another Bonnie.

stASH · Post by **stASH** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 4:03 pm

I did the Bonnie to scooter trade this past October and haven't looked back. I wasn't able to trade for a GTS300, since my bonnie was a 2003, but I was able to get enough for a brand new Stella. The Bonnie was my dream bike, but I live in the city now and a scoot just makes so much more sense. Enjoy the Vespa!!

Post by **jrsjr** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 4:47 pm

Cheshire wrote:It didn't help that the Triumph shop (also a Ducati dealer) in the area upped their labor rate to way out of my budget.

Did they go above $100? When my local HD shop went to $98/hr years back, I thought it was the end of the world. I shudder to think what they're charging now.

Wolfhound · Post by **Wolfhound** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 5:25 pm

My local Vespa dealer gets $80.00 per hour for labor. That is pretty much
the same for the area. However he does have good mechanics.

Cheshire · Post by **Cheshire** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 10:27 pm

jrsjr wrote:
Cheshire wrote:It didn't help that the Triumph shop (also a Ducati dealer) in the area upped their labor rate to way out of my budget.
Did they go above $100? When my local HD shop went to $98/hr years back, I thought it was the end of the world. I shudder to think what they're charging now.

They went from $85 to just under $110 per hour. The Vespa/BMW dealer is $75/hour. The especially crappy part of this is the Triumph/Ducati dealer is who carries Genuine...though they're not too fond of scooters, it turns out. At least there's someone new 15 miles south in Hendersonville. Before, the next dealer was 120 miles away in Charlotte.

Wolfhound · Post by **Wolfhound** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 11:18 pm

At least Hendersonville is close to Asheville, beats going to Charlotte
or Greenville, SC. $110.00 is way out of line, just a greedy grab!!
$85.00 an hour down here is bad enough.

Cheshire · Post by **Cheshire** » Fri Feb 15, 2013 12:13 am

Here it is! I got home to find my Drift HD camera also arrived, so tomorrow things start getting really fun!

Wolfhound · Post by **Wolfhound** » Fri Feb 15, 2013 12:19 am

NICE!!!!!!

Post by **jrsjr** » Fri Feb 15, 2013 3:04 am

Cheshire wrote:Here it is!

Soooooo beautiful!

But, this doesn't mean you are going to abandon us for that other site, does it?

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Fri Feb 15, 2013 3:41 am

::drool::

Cheshire · Post by **Cheshire** » Fri Feb 15, 2013 4:41 am

jrsjr wrote:
Cheshire wrote:Here it is!
Soooooo beautiful! But, this doesn't mean you are going to abandon us for that other site, does it?

Not voluntarily. (Please don't ban me...please?)

I looked long and hard at a Blur. I finally had an opportunity to sit on one, and to my dismay I found that my legs are too long.

My knees just barely touch the handlebar grips.

That reminds me: I need to put my ModernBuddy, Voodoo, SPAZ, and Dead Bunnies Scooter Club patches on my jacket.

The jacket they were on finally died, but I saved them.

rfman81 · Post by **rfman81** » Fri Feb 15, 2013 10:23 am

As a fellow Buddy owner that switched to a Vespa. Enjoy, they are fantastic machines. Hope for many fine miles.

bgwss · Post by **bgwss** » Fri Feb 15, 2013 1:06 pm

Sweet new ride!

Post by **ericalm** » Fri Feb 15, 2013 10:28 pm

Cheshire wrote:
ericalm wrote:Huh! Why go from the Bonnie to the 300?
The very short answer is personal preference.

I adore my Bonnie, it's just not the "best tool for the job" at this point in my life. It didn't help that the Triumph shop (also a Ducati dealer) in the area upped their labor rate to way out of my budget.
The Bonneville is a fantastic motorcycle, and (for motorcycles) stays one of my favorite street bikes. It's small, maneuverable, easy to park, way too much fun to ride, and has a timeless look that I love. But...I've realized over the past year that I just really miss scooters. I guess there's a little smidge more Mod in me than Rocker!

Until I become debt-free, I'm strictly one bike only. When that changes, it's going to be a hard, hard choice between finally trying out a dual sport or flirting with another Bonnie.

My question was entirely for Skootz's benefit.

Skootz Kabootz · Post by **Skootz Kabootz** » Sat Feb 16, 2013 1:22 am

ericalm wrote:
Cheshire wrote:
ericalm wrote:Huh! Why go from the Bonnie to the 300?
The very short answer is personal preference.

I adore my Bonnie, it's just not the "best tool for the job" at this point in my life. It didn't help that the Triumph shop (also a Ducati dealer) in the area upped their labor rate to way out of my budget.
The Bonneville is a fantastic motorcycle, and (for motorcycles) stays one of my favorite street bikes. It's small, maneuverable, easy to park, way too much fun to ride, and has a timeless look that I love. But...I've realized over the past year that I just really miss scooters. I guess there's a little smidge more Mod in me than Rocker!

Until I become debt-free, I'm strictly one bike only. When that changes, it's going to be a hard, hard choice between finally trying out a dual sport or flirting with another Bonnie.
My question was entirely for Skootz's benefit.

LMAO!!! Too funny. Thanks Eric!

This is why I am hoping/planning to own both a GTS and a Bonneville one day! To enjoy the best of both worlds. And let's not forget my Buddy too. I think I get a lot more practical use out of my scooter(s) than I expect to get from a motorcycle. But practicality has never really been factor in me wanting a MC in the first place

Cheshire I think you and I have really similar taste in 2-wheel transportation. Anyone who knows me (and even many who don't) know how much I pine for a Bonni — I have wanted one ever since I was a kid. But I totally hear you about the importance of becoming debt free and giving that priority. I have been scratching and clawing my way towards that freedom for the past couple of years now. A little sacrifice now will be well worth it in the end. 3 credit cards down, 1 more to go! Happily I am finally busy with work again so maybe just maybe I'll be Bonni shopping by the end of the summer??? Here's hoping!

Post by **jrsjr** » Sat Feb 16, 2013 3:42 am

Skootz Kabootz wrote:But I totally hear you about the importance of becoming debt free and giving that priority. I have been scratching and clawing my way towards that freedom for the past couple of years now. A little sacrifice now will be well worth it in the end. 3 credit cards down, 1 more to go! Happily I am finally busy with work again so maybe just maybe I'll be Bonni shopping by the end of the summer??? Here's hoping!

Motion seconded!!

neotrotsky · Post by **neotrotsky** » Sat Feb 16, 2013 5:59 am

VERY nice scoot! I had a GTS250ie and loved that thing. I dunno if I would of traded a Bonnie for it but to each rider their own. Both bikes are the pinnacle of their class so it's not like you're "downgrading" at all. I would love a GTS but with my budget I have to choose between scooters of higher value or audio gear to afford to buy and maintain a scooter. So, work wins out

Now just get some miles under it so you're ready to ride out to Amerivespa this year in San Diego!

Cheshire · Post by **Cheshire** » Sat Feb 16, 2013 8:30 am

100 miles already and a couple tests of the new helmet cam. OMG this thing is comfortable!! First fueling at 95 miles: 1.5 gal and $5.65. Ahh...That's one of the things I missed: not having to budget miles so strictly. Oh, and getting home in 30F weather and not having frozen feet.

Hellooo, scootering! I've missed you.

Skootz Kabootz wrote:Cheshire I think you and I have really similar taste in 2-wheel transportation.

No kidding! We even seem to share a dream stable!

Buddy, Vespa, and Bonnie.

79_Limited · Post by **79_Limited** » Sat Feb 16, 2013 12:53 pm

Very nice! I am a new GTS 250 owner myself and love it. I also have a 2012 Stella that I love although it is a completely different animal.

Asheville is a great place to ride. I try to get out there once a year.

Wolfhound · Post by **Wolfhound** » Sat Feb 16, 2013 1:28 pm

The Blue Ridge Parkway, Road to Nowhere, Deals Gap/Dragon Tail,
Nantahala Gorge, all easily reached from Bryson City or Asheville,
are great places to ride. From Asheville you can go north on the Blue Ridge
Parkway to Mount Mitchell, the highest mountain east of the Mississippi
River. I will be riding out of Bryson City this summer on my Stella with a group of scoot riders.

chub1965 · Post by **chub1965** » Mon Feb 18, 2013 12:46 pm

i understand completely.i would like a bigger bike for road trips but as long as 90% or better of my trips are in the city i will stick with the blur.btw the blur is fast enough for road trips but has small gas tank.

Wolfhound · Post by **Wolfhound** » Mon Feb 18, 2013 1:15 pm

I trailer my scoots to Bryson City and ride from there. Have ridden there
with my TGB Del 150, and with my TGB R9i with and with out the hack.
I have a friend who rides his 170 from here to Bryson City, 130 miles,
on side roads. The trick is to carry a 1 gallon fuel container in your top
tank. With the Del 150 I carry two gallons. It can be done

Cheshire · Post by **Cheshire** » Mon Feb 18, 2013 10:53 pm

chub1965 wrote:i understand completely.i would like a bigger bike for road trips but as long as 90% or better of my trips are in the city i will stick with the blur.btw the blur is fast enough for road trips but has small gas tank.

Agreed. It was a sad day when I discovered the my legs are too small. I'm waiting for Genuine to carry a larger-framed scoot. (hint hint, guys.)