Observations and musings of new rider...

[Tbone]

The experience is on my Vespa, not a Buddy but thought I'd share regardless:

Since I got my bike home at 4pm PST on Sunday afternoon (Already over 40 miles and still have half a tank left!). Here are some observations I've noticed:

Cars don't like being behind a scooter! I thought this was an ego thing. Talked to my wife about. She wouldn't want to be behind a scooter, fear of her rear ending the rider. Hmm...interesting.

Excluding 2 no response (because I don't think they saw me) most riders so far wave back. All bigs, harley's/sportsbike...whatever.

Still not braking properly enough prior to the turn nor looking through my turns enough yet. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!! I'm looking through the turns like a car driver and am too short/too wide most of the time.

I was checking my blind spot to move into the right lane from a left lane. Looked back a head of me, I was in the RIGHT lane!!! Oops. Gotta practice that a bit too in the parking lot! No one was around thankfully but still...woops.

I'm noticing through others, just how bad some of my car driving habits are! In the span of 5 minutes I noticed 2 things on my ride home lat night:

People talking intentsly to their passenger tend to weave a little in and out of their lane. I had to honk 2 times and THEN the lady cut in front of me from far left lane to turn right at a light?! I braked (thankfully) in time to avoid anything serious. I had previously sped past her to put as much distance between us but she passed me and then I slowed down. Again wanted as much distance.

Some guy was thumpin loud and chatting on a celly next to me in a two lane left hand turn. He wound up tailgating me. I guess easier to gage the road and all when bumpin and chattin?! Again, thought about when I've done that too. On a good note, hit an indicated 65 to put as much distance between his front bumper and my rear! It was nice, very nice

I don't trigger left turn lights. Just noticed it. Unless it's auto on a timer, I don't trigger them.

Lane splitting is cool!!! I wanted to do it at a bottleneck left turn lane this morning but the line was moving fast enough. Didn't want to test the waters too much. At the next few lights I did it. Felt a glare once, sorry. It's legal AND safer for me!

This morning I noticed a pedestrian, he walked from my right to my left. And then stopped...DEAD in the road right in front of me. Not sure if he was admiring the beautiful black Vespa, wanting to make sure I saw him or what. As my eyes followed him to the curb, I THEN noticed the car at the stop sign on my right If I were that car driver, I would have gone as soon as the pedestrian went! Thankfully they didn't! Don't linger TOO much on 1 thing, there's plenty of other obstacles to monitor! Note, wasn't looking 12 seconds ahead. More like 4-5. Need to look further than I do even in the car!!!

I don't care if some of you jump up my ass about some of these (in fact I wouldn't mind it right now). I'm TRYING to practice good habits! MSF in a week and a half.

[mandelia]

sounds like you're picking up on all the important stuff... now you just have to do it

have fun and be safe! you're gonna love it!

[Tbone]

It's been a big topic on MV today about ear plugs while riding.

I can say yesterday I tested it out. Went the 6 miles from home to work without earplugs. Ears were ringing from wind noise for about an hour. Rode home with my $5 Target noise reduction ear plugs. Popped em out. Normal. No buzz.

*I am a musician and previously had for YEARS until I lost them a pair of $20 or $30 Hearos noise reduction earplugs I bought at a Guitar Center. The Target ones feel exactly the same and have the same decibel cut as the Hearos. It does feel a bit weird to wear them with the helmet but seriously $5 investment so I can retain more hearing. Well worth the cost!

I wear a 3/4 helmet with windshield. I have to wear glasses now so I am either wearing my prescription sunglasses or regular glasses. I bought some leather/mess summer gloves at the dealership. I have 2 different pairs of winter gloves. I don't think when it gets up into the 90's+ that my current jacket will work too well but it's all I got right now.

At this time no special pants (Soon, definitely by winter) and I do wear my steel toes when scooting.

[rob_fuel]

It's been a big topic on MV today about ear plugs while riding.

For the people who ride with earplugs:
What kind of helmet are you wearing? I don't feel the need for earplugs and I'm just wondering if my Shoei RJ already cuts down the noise or something.

[Tbone]

I wear a 3/4 helmet with face shield and again noticed a difference in my 20+ minute 6 mile commute.

Anyone else scoot w/ ear plugs?

FYI: 2 bonus points for the Buddy, the hook at the base of the seat can be used to secure helmets or coffee mugs! And the place on your face shield! If I want to bring my travel mugs or cannisters, I've got to come up with another more inventive way on the Vespa.

[gt1000]

It's been a big topic on MV today about ear plugs while riding.

For the people who ride with earplugs:
What kind of helmet are you wearing? I don't feel the need for earplugs and I'm just wondering if my Shoei RJ already cuts down the noise or something.

At anything above 50 mph I find that I need plugs if I'm using a 3/4 helmet. Those things are just noisy. With a quiet full face like a Scorpion, I only use plugs when I'm on the big bike. There's just not enough wind noise at the scoot's speeds to demand plugs. If you're maintaining highway speeds plugs are definitely a plus, no matter how quiet your helmet is.

[Tbone]

Andy I'll politely disagree with you. Granted, I also have a 3/4 helmet and it does get more wind flow thus more wind noise.

I did test out one day, rode to work no ear plugs. I do phone sales and it was a good hour or so before the "rush" sound subsided. Rode home later that day with ear plugs. Popped em out...nothing out of the ordinary!

Being a musician and having had ear tubes as a kid, I've lost enough hearing. I recommend wearing ear plugs. As with everything, I think it's a personal choice. My solution, $5 noise reduction ear plugs from Target. The same decibel cut as the now $15 Hearos I used to own (Bought them when they were $30 though many years ago!)

So I've put over 100 miles on in 8 days time. I've filled up twice ($6 total for both) One I went to a local gas station near my house. Premium was $3.49 So I didn't fill her up ALL the way. Just 3/4's of a tank. 1st tank got down to inbetween 1/3 and empty, 60 miles. This time same spot, 40 miles. About the same mileage overall.

I have noticed certain humans cannot mentally handle a scooter lane splitting and zooming in front of them! It's not a specific car, it's an archetype of human. One guy in a BIG ol SUV, bumpin the loud tunes and nice spinny rims JUST had to race past me. I admit, I took on the challenge. In looking back, NOT A SMART MOVE FOR A NEW RIDER OF 1 WEEK! Just had to try. It was a on a one way 3 lane street. He was in the middle, I in the left lane. He did win out only because I didn't really feel like opening up full throttle on a surface street just to "win" to stop at the next light.

This morning, didn't take him up on it but it was a dude in a Mercedes. I didn't even lane split, just pulled up next to him and he HAD to take off and be halfway down the block. No biggie, I beat him every other light, without really trying. Similar situation except this time he was in the right lane, I was in a middle lane.

Maybe I don't notice it because I'm also talking on the phone when driving the car (ear piece) but I've noticed a LOT more people "driving" while on cell phones! So far only that first night lane drifter has anyone done anything potentially dangerous to me. Just notice a lot of them! So far, as best as I can given traffic conditions, I attempt to zoom past them and or I stay BACK behind them enough where I can break/lane change if they decide to drift or unexpectatly lane change.

Before you jump on my ass about it. Think about how often you talk to people while driving. I'm a busy guy, involved in a lot of things and sometimes, I just have to speak to someone. I am now attempting to NOT talk to anyone while driving the car (at least once a week unfortunately) since I see how erratic cell talking drivers are!

Looking forward to the MSF on Thursday. I'm trying to work on it, but I'm still not looking far enough a head (I look far enough a head as when I'm driving a car. TOO SHORT for scootering!) Also, I'm working on finding that magic "window" of breaking while going into a turn. I either am going to fast and wobble through the turns or I take it too slow and the turn isn't good enough. Still either too wide or to sharp. Consistently on left and right turns. From a stop sign or light, not an issue. Just when rolling.

Sadly, due to my compacted busy schedule, I'm not really able to just enjoy the ride as much as I'd like. I think that's a car mentality that is lingering. I tried this morning to consciously leave earlier to take my time and enjoy the ride more.

Does anyone else notice though that the "cages" attempt to "push" you more in traffic?! I've noticed this on one of the main arteries I have to take to get from my house towards one of the bridges to get into downtown Sacramento. Max posted speed limit is 45, though I know I do this most drive around 50 including the Police. I mean at 6:05am this morning when I turned left onto it, not bad. After the next light say 6:07am I noticed people not really riding my ass but...I could tell they wanted me to go faster. YET, there was a completely open lane next to me?! A few people did get around, similar to my observation above. It wasn't so bad, but other morning when I leave later, I notice it more. Rushing to get to work on time or beat traffic maybe?! It can be fairly bad on the way home as well. Interesting.

I took another route in this morning versus the path I have chosen on most days. Downtown Sacramento is a grid of alternating one ways headed East/West and North/South. Alphabetical streets are East/West. Numerical Streets are North/South. I'm coming from West Sacramento, just west of Sacramento. Real original I know. So I need to head East. There are currently 2 bridges or a freeway overpass to get into town from where I live. SO I basically have 2 options. I've been taking the more southern bridge. It spits one out onto Capitol ave with a great view of the state capitol. I then have been taking N street East. A VERY lovely ride early in the morning. Tree lined the whole way. 3 lane 1 way. Lights tend to work for you except a few. Passing the capitol and the grounds is a really awesome view. I've blocked it out when driving in the car. The only reason I mention it is because today I took the northern bridge. The "I" street bridge. It was a bit more scary. Not only is it a surface street, it also has a freeway offramp/merge thing! A semi this morning without signaling did a few lane changes in front of me. I was able to safely lane change around it. Just...well then the Mercedes guy. J street is where the I street bridge dumps you. It's more commercial than N street. N street has a feel of residential. J street, feels commercial. Not as many tree's. More multi story buildings. Just not as pleasant of a ride.

I chose this route because I was becoming TOO comfortable on N street! My wife hates it when I do it in the car but I am especially looking out now for alternate routes. Gotta stay mentally sharp!

[codemonkey]

I wear a FF helmet and it's not noisy at all. Not any noisier than my car at least.

[Tbone]

Oh I TOTALLY forgot!!!

I work at IKEA in West Sacramento for my 2nd Job. Last week a Super Wallmart just opened up right next door. A Home Depot is on the way and a few gas stations are there. Including one of the cheaper Arco's in our area. Needed to fill up after my shift. IKEA clientel is out of the store by 9:30 on most nights. Usually I leave by 10pmish. So I fill up, warm her up some more as I gear up. As I'm rolling out to turn right to head home. A car is getting into the left hand turn lanes to hop onto the freeway. A family of 4. Parents in the front. 2 kids in the back.

MAN OH MAN! The shouts and looks of excitement from the kids

First time. It was awesome!!!

Like I mentioned above, I think it's personal choice. Regardless of helmet, I recommend the ear plugs. Test it out.

[Tbone]

Thought about another thing I've noticed (in the 2 months prior to getting and now after getting the scooter)

Those who do not ride give you the most amount of shit for getting a scooter vs a "real" bike!

Those who ride, have given me a bit of grief but all in all it's a light jabbing. Something unlike the kind of ribbing I get from non-riders.

Ex: Brother-in-law, still in high school asked me to speak with a french/italian cheesy accent to justify the "girly" scooter.

Cousin-in-law bought and is slowly customizing/modifying his Harley. Gave me some minor crap about my "little" 150cc put put. As I was leaving a family get together on Father's day "Hey Todd, get that thing down here and we'll ride together!"

My response, "Are you sure you can handle the low speeds?!"

Aside from intial cost of the bike I chose to get all the things I needed for the basic rider course I'm taking tomorrow.

There's some wants on modifications, mainly safety upgrades. Front/rear brake light modulators and a louder horn.

It's the 2ndary costs that I didn't think about. Two items that are needs not wants:

Tire Gauge
Tire Pump

Other things I'm realizing I need:
Oil just in case of a top off. Calling dealership to see what they used. Gonna buy some of that.

Think on these things and research/get these items as well. I'll repost when I have time later the "mandatory" list of tools recommended for new riders.

[un_designer]

heh. funny, but whatever. it sounds like people are just insecure i'm a guy and i ride a scooter, and i have pink business cards... so there.

i haven't been teased about my scooter yet, but if it happens, i'll just give them my pink business card and see how much fun more then can keep going when they realize i just don't care. hahaha.

[xtetra]

Cars don't like being behind a scooter! I thought this was an ego thing.

Some kid passed me on a double yellow yesterday evening (I was doing 45 in a 45.) and I thought thats what it was but then he tailgated the guy in front of me (also doing close to 45 in a 45) all the way to a stop light. When I'm on my scooter I tend to take things like this as "scooter hate" but last night I realized some folks just don't want to be behind anyone.

Funny thing was that at the light this kid just sat there amussing himself by tossing a cd up in the air and then catching it. He kept this up even after the light had turned green and the guy he was tailgating pulled away. I get a kick thinking how stupid he must have felt being ushered along by the sound of my weenie little stock buddy horn. "Meep meep!"

[Tbone]

As posted by Greasy Bastard from Modern Vespa. Many of these tools recommended are for Basic Vespa Maintenance. I'm sure many similarities of tools for the Buddy:

"basic tools:
1/4" drive sockets 6mm~13mm short well and deep well
1/4" rachet
1/4" wobble and straight extensions

3/8" drive sockets 10mm~19mm shorts and longs
3/8" rachets one standard, one with a flex head
3/8" extensions shorts, longs and wobble
3/8" drive allen bit sockets and torx bit sockets

1/2" drive rachet
1/2" drive sockets 15mm~24mm
1/2" drive extensions short and long

combo wrenches from 7mm~19mm
1 5/16" open end short wrench

lots of screwdrivers buy a wide assortment

1/2" torque wrench
3/8" torque wrench

wide assortment of pliers: needle nose, standard, channel lock, vice grip, lock ring, tiny little ones for getting stuff that you drop

speciality holders for the variator and clutch while torquing them up.

cresent wrenches a few from small to large

hammers- the more the merrier. big, small, hard face, soft face...

that should pretty much get ya thru just about anything you'd want to tackle.

best,
-greasy"

[Tbone]

SOOOOO...

11 days, 101 miles into scooting. From a red light left turn lane, I dumped her last night on her left side. Not sure what happened?! I accelerated, looked through the turn, planned on going wide to turn into the right hand lane (since a big Chrysler/Cadillac...you know the new mobster car was coming up on my left to turn into the left hand lane). Next thing I know I'm eating asphalt! I don't *think* I tipped her too far over on her left for the turn. Again, I don't know.

My buddy, who motorcycles and also helped me initially haul the bike from the dealership to home helped me transport it again. He thinks I hit some gravel. I think, since I've pedal bicycled for 19 years that I might have hit my left hand back brake. Maybe a little of both.

Mostly cosmetic damage (as far as I know/can tell!) The left rear view mirror has some road scrapes. The left hand grip is torn up, the left brake lever snapped off inside the headset. The left turn bubble is attached but toast. Slight road scrape just under where the leg shield meets the under body. The left side cowel protectors did their job but have some serious scrappage issues. My windscreen, lower left hand side has some scrapage going on as well. The stearing is off, I PRAY there's no fork damage!!!

Oh yeah, right rear view mirror is now loose.

Here's the SUPER ironic part, infact the insurance guy and I had quite the laugh about this! I start the basic motorcycle safety course...tonight...

ATGATT All The Gear All The Time!!! I'm gonna have to get a new helmet! Only the face shield has some scrappage but most likely the shocks inside the helmet are toast. Jacket, minor tear or two. A little dusty, but fine. Gloves, no damage at all. THANK GOODNESS I was wearing my steel toes I have to wear for work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There's a nice dot where there's no more leather and the steep is showing!

I don't have chaps or riding pants (yet!) I was wearing my IKEA uniform. The pants have some holes in them. The shirt that stuck out past the jacket has some holes in it. I've got a little road rash on my left knee, outside of my left calf and a minor amount on my left outside thigh.

My left shoulder hurts like hell. I've taken a few aspirin, 2 HOT showers and had some icy hot on it. Been stretching it out as best I can. A bit sore.
Minor headache but that could be due to me sleeping awkwardly (my wife and our 2 dogs sharing the bed plus not wanting to lay on the left side...)

[ericalm]

Man, sorry to hear about your spill. Be grateful for those cowl protectors; I know from firsthand experience that it's costly to repair a dent in the Vespa's steel frame. I also know how crushing it is to have a pristine, new scoot damaged—sucks.

Fortunately, you had the good sense to be wearing enough gear to prevent more serious injuries.

On the damage—steering may just be a headset/handlebar alignment problem, which is an easy fix, as is tightening the right mirror. But after a spill like this, couldn't hurt to have the dealer look it over (if convenient to do so).

[EBee]

Have you ever made someone ELSE wipe out?

I know kinda OT but I'm DYIN' to tell this story...
Yesterday my husband and I were riding together through a leafy residential area and a kid about 8, riding a bicycle, buzzed through the intersection in front of us without stopping. He was startled and amazed by our scooters, so much so that while he's riding and staring at us, he rode straight into a telephone pole!

Did I laugh? What do YOU think?

[Tbone]

Insurance is insisting on it.

I figured (minus body paint/repair on the scrapes) that it'll cost me more than my $250 deductible to buy the pieces and pay for labor. If it isn't. I'll pay out of pocket.

New windscreen + labor is $140 alone (If I remember the cost right)
New Left Brake lever
Adjust steering/whatever that issues is
new left rear view mirror
Left tear drop turn signal
Left side cowel protector

There's part of me that completely regrets not having the front protector added on! Could have minimalized the body scrapes.

Again we shall see. I can live without having prestine stuff if it means I can get it done cheaper. The scrapes on the windscreen for example I barely noticed until last night when I was relooking at the bike!

Still, we shall see. Adjuster still needs to call me to see the bike. I need to take it to the dealer to get a qoute (I'll live with the cosmetic damage if it's functional! I need to ride, I WANT to ride!)

Hmm...buddy who helped transport it came to chat with me. See how the shoulder is doing and all. Jokingly calling me a badass for spilling and then still doing my shift at IKEA. I DEFINTILY need the money now!

Well he thought my back tire felt squishy when we were offloading it from the truck. Hmmm...didn't check that. Checked in the Am before leaving for day job. Got home, changed and all. Left. Didn't check...

[Tbone]

As much as I'd like to think I'm not sadistic...I'd laugh at him too!

[pcbikedude]

I get some interesting looks and comments too when driving uncaged.

I had a transit bus driver yell out at me yesterday about where I got my Buddy.

I guy with a cool looking Indian Motorcycle pulled over next me at a stop sign and asked about the bike.

My co-workers are constantly asking me about too. One of them, poor slob, owns a T%$#&@G scooter is total jealous because his doesn't run any longer.

I have been riding my scoot since Memorial Day weekend. I concur that caged drivers hate to be behind a scooter. I admit I could look pretty menacing 215lbs fitness instructor.

[KidDynomite]

Multiple responses in this thread:

1) Ear plugs: The earplugs I use are connected to my iPod shuffle clipped to my waist and at a decible low enough to hear traffic, but high enough for me to enjoy the stylings of Mr. Johnny Cash and his peers.

2) Tailgaters: Although cagers don't like to be behind you, I give them little chance to pass as I'm often way up ahead of them--unless impeaded by a cager on the front side in which case we're both stuck.

I've also been a little afraid when I get someone who does tailgate me. I mean I don't know if it's just my perception, but I've had a few that seemed right up my @$$.

3) Lane Splitting: I love it. When making a right--saves a TON of time. Also, I've noticed here in town, I'm able to pass several people when in the unsused Bus Lane. I've NEVER been looked at harshly by a cop for doing this. It's like I'm treated like a bicycle.

4) Speed Limits: When you're in a 45mph limited area, don't forget Buddy says he's doing 45 when he's actually doing about 37.

5) Other Bikers: Some will except you, some won't. So what. The main thing we all have in common is we want to keep the rubber side down. Most on two wheels recognize it. Last night, I was on an overpass and a big Harley rode up next to me in the other lane--girlfriend on back--and was pointing to my wheels and waving. Seems like he was loving seeing 10 inch rims rolling at 65mph (indicated).

[Tbone]

Sigh...

An update of sorts. They've completed all but the painting estimate for the bike! Hopefully they can get that solved SOON!

It's been over 3 weeks since the accident. I want my bike back to ride!

Now the weather's NOT so nice though! According to weather.com it's 105 degree's F but feels like 103. Seriously, when it's this warm, you don't notice 2 degrees folks!

I might be getting a mesh jacket soon, or as soon as I can get my bike back!

[GatsbyGirl]

Have you ever made someone ELSE wipe out?

Almost. I was out riding once and a Squid on a Sports Bike (or, as I think of them, Ass Ponies) decided he needed to show off. Even though I was speeding, he felt the need to go even faster so that he could zoom past me.

Of course, then a light turned red and I had plenty of time to stop and he did not. He hit his brakes (incorrectly) and fishtailed through the light, almost going over.

Not so cool now, are ya?

We were also at our dealer once and this guy on a huge, chromed out Harley turned into the driveway and completely tipped over. You could see him turn red to have done it in front of a bunch of scooterists.

We all managed not to laugh, but definitely caught each other's eyes and smiled.

[AxeYrCat]

Wow... Just wow.


Not meaning to be rude, but Tbone... have you ever considered hosting your own blog? I mean... That's really what this thread is...