Modern Buddy

All I can say is WOO HOO!!!!

Man was that fun. Does it stay this exciting? I hope so. I mean being I will be a daily rider, if living life looking forward to THIS everyday is what riding is like, I want to live to be 200 years old!

What was your first time like riding in traffic, and do you still get that feeling, or is it just like any other day now?

What a RUSH!

Congrats!

My first day riding was my first day riding in traffic. I hadn't taken the MSF. I'd spent about 15 minutes on a Vespa smallframe 5 years before and prior to that I hadn't ridden in many years. Basically, I had no idea what I was doing.

I hopped right on my Vespa, hit the throttle and rocketed out onto Ventura Blvd., crossing three lanes in a huge arc. I looked over my shoulder to see my wife, sitting in her car behind me, a look of horror on her face.

Frankly, it's a miracle I didn't crash that first day. I went to practice on some side streets while my wife got a haircut. You can bet I did everything wrong, including hurting my leg by putting my foot down hard in a Fred Flintstone stop during a turn gone bad. (Didn't tell the wife about that!)

Fortunately, I had help and pointers from the fine folks at ModernVespa. I stuck to side streets in my neighborhood for the next few weeks before riding out in traffic again.

Still, when I finally took the MSF I kind of regretted not having taken it about 10K earlier.

I was lucky enough to have my scooter delivered to me, so my first rides were safely up and down my street. I then ventured out and around the neighborhood side streets. For the first month or two, whenever I needed to go somewhere further away I would figure out the best side-street route to get there. I remember I would only cross the major streets where there was a traffic light because there was just so many things to think about! I figured I'd just take cross traffic out of the equation for a while. Well before you know it I was riding all over the place - including all the way to my MSF class. The rest is scooting history.

My how some things have changed But 1 3/4 years and 12,000 miles later, getting a scooter is still the best thing I've ever done for myself. Now, I am totally jonesing to get a bigger scooter (300cc) and my first motorcycle. It can't happen fast enough!!!

If every time in traffic was like my first time, I think I'd be riding the bus. "ACK! Get away from me! Stop tailgating! No, don't pass! Go somewhere else! I'm going as fast as I can!"

I find it calmer now.

JHScoot wrote:All I can say is WOO HOO!!!!



What a RUSH!

My first ride in traffic was my 'virgin voyage' on my Bud, I was mildly terrified as well as elated!! I'd been riding the 50cc for a while so I didn't have to worry about the 'never ridden before in traffic' terror.
But however, I needed to fight my way accross the Harrisburg area in pre-rush hour traffic... I actually stopped halfway at a friend's to let my body rest and get my pulse down before I 'stroked out'
Then the rest of the trip was WoooHoooo.....!!!!!!!! Riding on the same roads that would stack up traffic behind me on the 50, I could keep with or even pass cars...!!
I was grinning sooo hard my face hurt!!
I was also exausted, needed to nap(?) don't know why, just felt like, well...... like you feel after great sex, just gotta roll over and sleep!

Now, I just don't get quite the same feeling but I'll choose riding over driving more times than not........

I live and work in Minneapolis proper, so all my driving revolves around the SW metro, uptown and downtown. So ... lots of cars, but not lots of speed. It was a little intimidating, a few city buses tried to smush me, but overall good.

Now traffic is just annoying again, and I'd prefer if they not be on the road at the same time as I am.

edit: weird quote bug

What I notice about traffic is just how much my eyes dart around. You have to ride as if you are invisible and assume the woman in the Escalade eating her bagle while smoking and talking on her phone while doing her makeup in the mirror doesn't have her attention completely focused on the task at hand (which just can't be true, now can it?).

Also, most folks in cars just can't believe how fast we are and their egos can't handle a scooter beating them so I think they drive faster than usual.

All this aside, I enjoy both traffic and the late evenings equally. Each has it's own "specialness".

My first ride was a bit scary simply because I knew NOTHING about riding! And, of course, I rode my scooter home from the shop! I did things in stages after that as I learned more and then took the MSF course and learned a LOT more.

I really enjoy traffic, oddly enough. I was sitting in full gear in 107 degrees at a stop light the other day thinking about how much I enjoyed being on my scooter! It's just awesome like that, you know!

KABarash wrote: like you feel after great sex, just gotta roll over and sleep!

don't forget to leave a fresh strawberry and mint on the headset before stepping out for a smoke Your Buddy will stay faithful.

TVB wrote:If every time in traffic was like my first time, I think I'd be riding the bus. "ACK! Get away from me! Stop tailgating! No, don't pass! Go somewhere else! I'm going as fast as I can!"

I find it calmer now.

+1 I don't think I could handle the stress. The first ride home from the dealer was awesome in so many ways but it was horrifying as well

TVB wrote:If every time in traffic was like my first time, I think I'd be riding the bus. "ACK! Get away from me! Stop tailgating! No, don't pass! Go somewhere else! I'm going as fast as I can!"

I find it calmer now.

+1!

Julie and I were in Seattle, had a few hours to kill and remember seeing a scooter rental place nearby ( http://www.scootabout.biz/ ). We checked out two 50cc's, her a Buddy, mine was a TGB Key West. We tore that city apart! Looking back, I'm surprised I didn't get killed. I never really thought the least about tar snakes, wet metal grates, leaves, and other hazards that were very abundant on the wet roads. It was so much fun, I was won over by the experience. We had halfshell helmets, but no other "gear" other than warm clothes.

My first foray on my new scooter was on the freeway attempting to go 60mph. Man, that was quite a rush.

JHScoot wrote: My First Time Riding In Traffic! =)

On a what? (Just wondering how your scooter search is going)

Dooglas wrote:

JHScoot wrote: My First Time Riding In Traffic! =)

On a what? (Just wondering how your scooter search is going)

oh...it was the Blackjack. great traffic scoot =]

however my subsequent rides in traffic, while exciting, makes me know i need plenty more experience before i become a full time rider. i'm just very enthusiastic!

i have to control my speed better, and learn to calm down. take the MSF course, all that. and keep riding and looking around the net for articles and video on safe riding. i know there is nothing like on bike experience, but when i'm on the bike sometimes emotion takes over and i'm just....gone!

well, at 45mph, that is

so my search has been modified. something used and smaller will be fine since i am holding onto my car a bit longer. a good one year or two year scooter, used or new for under $2000. i am hoping for closer to $1,500 so am thinking Vino, Buddy, Agility. i would even go 50cc, but given my 200lb+ frame i doubt it would offer the acceleration or speed i desire. so 125cc and up

i have even been considering a chinese Joker clone from a good shop, as they are 150cc and bigger scoots with the large leg shield and flared fenders. i would just ride it for a year or two and then toss it. or it might just die on me and save me the struggle of lifting it into the trash bin

i'd just put stickers all over it to hide the rust and cheap paint

…If that Joker clone runs for another year!

If you want something cheaper just to learn on or as a starter scoot, think about something like a Honda Elite 150. Even when spending less, you don't want to risk just throwing money out the window.

I'd steer clear of a 50cc for LA traffic.

yeah, i forgot to mention the Elite. definitely looking that way, too. i saw one a few days ago on craigslist, says original owner, just over 10,000m, black, and a 250!

$1250 or something like that? lemme see....

yeah here it is



i will be buying in earnest starting next month. just need time to go get my permit, and my first appointment had to be canceled. looks like around the first week of september is when i will be getting it

and that's another reason why i still need a car for now. i need to ride at night, and maybe sometimes get on the freeway. i just don't know yet? so i figure give it a year with a used, inexpensive scoot given my inexperience riding, and then look toward something more full time. full M1 and ready to roll

and yeah joker clone is most likely out of the picture. i mean, i would like SOME resale value, too. i just saw a pic of a big guy on one and it seemed to fit his size well. but meh, i'd go Vino first, and i may very well send a little message to that guy with the Elite 250. we'll see...

I owned a Vino for several years. It is a solid, reliable scooter. Late model, low mileage Vinos are also available at very good prices. On the other hand, a Buddy is significantly quicker when you grab the throttle. If you can get a used 125 Buddy at a good price, I think you would do just fine for in town riding.

Agree with many here: the first traffic experience was driving it home from the dealer! On the vino, it was my first motor on two wheels since having a minibike when I was 10 years old. I drove it about 15 miles from the dealer; I don't think I've gripped the handles tighter. And at about mile 10, the heavens opened up and I was in hard rain and in traffic. My friends came out with a pick up to try to rescue me, but I was only a mile out by time they found me! How I didn't put her down (well that's another story) I don't know.

With the new Stella...I drove her home in downtown DC just as rush hour was ending---learning how to use a manual transmission for the first time all the way

My first ride in traffic was on a little 50cc Twist n' Go Venice. I bought it on craigslist and had never ridden anything with a motor before. The seller lived about 8 miles from my apartment, and the ride home was terrifying - but by the time I got there I was in love with scootering.

My first ride in traffic was on a little 50cc Twist n' Go Venice. I bought it on craigslist and had never ridden anything with a motor before. The seller lived about 8 miles from my apartment, and the ride home was terrifying - but by the time I got there I was in love with scootering.

Tocsik wrote:What I notice about traffic is just how much my eyes dart around. You have to ride as if you are invisible and assume the woman in the Escalade eating her bagle while smoking and talking on her phone while doing her makeup in the mirror doesn't have her attention completely focused on the task at hand (which just can't be true, now can it?).

Also, most folks in cars just can't believe how fast we are and their egos can't handle a scooter beating them so I think they drive faster than usual.

All this aside, I enjoy both traffic and the late evenings equally. Each has it's own "specialness".

WOW - That sounds like Dallas Texas! So True!

Especially the last part - no so many drivers - yet there are a few out there. Flat out race beyond posted speeds to not only catch and pass you yet then pull over in front of you (with no lane change signal) to slam on the brakes to make a last second non-signaled turn!

MYSCTR wrote:

Tocsik wrote:What I notice about traffic is just how much my eyes dart around. You have to ride as if you are invisible and assume the woman in the Escalade eating her bagle while smoking and talking on her phone while doing her makeup in the mirror doesn't have her attention completely focused on the task at hand (which just can't be true, now can it?).

Also, most folks in cars just can't believe how fast we are and their egos can't handle a scooter beating them so I think they drive faster than usual.

All this aside, I enjoy both traffic and the late evenings equally. Each has it's own "specialness".

WOW - That sounds like Dallas Texas! So True!

Especially the last part - no so many drivers - yet there are a few out there. Flat out race beyond posted speeds to not only catch and pass you yet then pull over in front of you (with no lane change signal) to slam on the brakes to make a last second non-signaled turn!

Happens in Pennsylvania too! Oy...!!!