274 replies to this topic

[MSgt]

GOOD scooter forum!

Thanks Andera, I just now registered and my first post (just what I need, another forum).

[chris v]

Thanks Andera, I just now registered and my first post (just what I need, another forum).

Hmmm.... Don't be mad if you don't get any answers... That is my club's forum and we are a vintage scooter club. Most of our guys don't know a whole lot about the modern scooters.

[Orangetj]

That would be heresy in some circles but I'd tend to agree... you're not in as much danger on a Harley as you are on a sport bike. You're more relaxed, less exposed, and don't have the capability of pulling a lot of gees. I'd really still avoid the shorts though unless you like pebbles in the knee at 70 per...

I've gotta agree with this, at least as it pertains to me. I know that I personally ride much more safely on my HD than I have on faster bikes I've owned. I am fully aware that accidents can happen that aren't due to my own riding, but I think you dramatically increase the odds of crashing (and hence needing full gear) when riding at an aggressive pace. Ridden in exactly the same fashion, a sportbike is probably actually "safer" than a cruiser/touring bike/HD due to their phenomenal brakes and exceptional handing capabilities. The problem, for me at least, is that the presence of these capabilities is a great temptation to exploit them and the bikes are somewhat boring to just tool around on. Conversely, I find that I have more fun riding my HD at or even slightly below the speed limit than I ever had on other bikes. Heck, I find it more fun to ride slow than I found the other bikes to ride fast! I still almost always wear one of my motorcycle specific armored leather jackets, heavy boots and gloves but I'll admit there are times when I just go out in a short sleeve shirt with no jacket or gloves.

[MSgt]

Update on my problem with the warning light coming on in the heat when I stop at a light or stop sign.
The manual says that another light should come on with the warning light to indicate what the problem is. The EFI light is coming on. Usually eventually goes out when I start going again. I did a test on the way home from work. Instead of taking the back way from EDH I went home on the freeway. Latrobe to Prarie City. The light did not come on. The problem has something with the amt of air coming through. The temp was 101.
First time on the freeway with the scooter. Can't say I enjoyed flying down down the hill at 60 mph with a billiion people passing me. It was a little unnerving. But I wanted to see if the light came on when I wasn't stopping at lights and stop signs every few min.

[pet lover]

Update on my problem with the warning light coming on in the heat when I stop at a light or stop sign.
The manual says that another light should come on with the warning light to indicate what the problem is. The EFI light is coming on. Usually eventually goes out when I start going again. I did a test on the way home from work. Instead of taking the back way from EDH I went home on the freeway. Latrobe to Prarie City. The light did not come on. The problem has something with the amt of air coming through. The temp was 101.
First time on the freeway with the scooter. Can't say I enjoyed flying down down the hill at 60 mph with a billiion people passing me. It was a little unnerving. But I wanted to see if the light came on when I wasn't stopping at lights and stop signs every few min.

Good news, but shouldn't your scooter have a warranty? I would encourage you to take it in and MAKE the dealer check it all out. You've had a handful of problems and it's only about a month old, right? I am so glad I got mine, but I wish the weather was more pleasant!

[MSgt]

Good news, but shouldn't your scooter have a warranty? I would encourage you to take it in and MAKE the dealer check it all out. You've had a handful of problems and it's only about a month old, right? I am so glad I got mine, but I wish the weather was more pleasant!

Yes I have a 12 mo warranty and I will be bringing in to the shop soon. I just want to give them all the info I can.

[pet lover]

Well after three days at the MSF class I passed with high marks!!! I now have to wait until my certificate is mailed and then I can get a valid M license. If you're new to riding, like I was(am), I would highly recommend the course. I took the course at Sierra College and it was superb. The weather was lovely especially considering the air quality we have had over the past week. I still have to perfect my figure eight move so I complete it perfectly each time...but when it counted I did it RIGHT!!! If you see empty parking lots you might find me there practicing.

[DavidH]

I've been following this and the other scooter post on MyFolsom and am learning a great deal. Having contemplated buying a scooter over the last year or so I finally got up to A&S yesterday and spent a good amount of time with Mike Herte. Over the course of an hour and a half (!), he went through the various Vespas and Piaggios, the gear selection, maintenance, licensing requirements, everything we could think of. He was very, very low-pressure and a mass of knowledge.

In any case, I'm thinking about either the Vespa GT200 or Piaggio BV250. Their specs, performance, price are all relatively close so I'm guessing it'll come down to what fits me better and which "look" I prefer. Any thoughts on one versus the other?

Also, an earlier poster said that "Scoot" magazine was available at Borders but I haven't been able to find it. I checked both the Folsom and Natomas Borders yesterday and it was nowhere to be seen. Suggestions?

My next steps are to get my DMV permit and sign up for the class at Sierra College.

[supermom]

huh? The class at mather is $250 and provides bike, helmet and glasses.
And its a three day event. includes driving at night or dusk.

[Darth Lefty]

I still have to perfect my figure eight move so I complete it perfectly each time...but when it counted I did it RIGHT!!!

That figure-8 is a (censored). I haven't even tried it lately, maybe it's time for some cone practice.

In any case, I'm thinking about either the Vespa GT200 or Piaggio BV250. Their specs, performance, price are all relatively close so I'm guessing it'll come down to what fits me better and which "look" I prefer. Any thoughts on one versus the other?

No... Chris might though, if he's not still in his time-out. I'd prefer a small motorcycle over a big scooter but the small-displacement bikes have huge demand right now. The refreshed Ninja 250 is going for $1500 over invoice some places. Also remember

1. Motorcycles are dangerous, and faster motorcycles are more dangerous (and a scooter IS a motorcycle in this regard),
2. You have to commit to save money,
3. Get trained and licensed

[DavidH]

huh? The class at mather is $250 and provides bike, helmet and glasses.
And its a three day event. includes driving at night or dusk.

There's a class at Mather? Who sponsors it? I Googled and didn't find anything except some POST (law enforcement) stuff.

[pet lover]

huh? The class at mather is $250 and provides bike, helmet and glasses.
And its a three day event. includes driving at night or dusk.

I think this poster might be thinking of the class offered on Bradshaw. I think they are all sponsored by the same group, but I am not positive. The class at Sierra College also provides bikes and googles and helmets if needed. They also have a few scooters, but you have to call and request one of those. I would encourage David H to sign up for the class asap. You don't have to have your permit to take the safety course and the demand for the course will only go up with the interest and space will be tight. Welcome to the forum David.

[Andrea V]

I took the one on Bradshaw!! I loved it!!

It gave me awesome info and made me a better rider!

[MSgt]

I couldn't find the scoot magazine either at the folsom borders.
Don't overlook the Aprilia SportCity 250. I was looking at the Piaggio BV250 also. I thought it was a great scooter but I settled on the Aprilia Sport City 250 because it has fuel injection and dual front disc brakes.
Good Times Motor Sports Sacramento

David - What ever scooter you get - you are going to love it. I am so happy I bought this thing. The 250cc engine is perfect for me. I feel like I have the power to get out of trouble if I need to and I never feel lacking in performance. I have had a few minor problems but have been taken care of quickly by the dealership. I love that it is easy to get on and off, low center of balance, and automatic. I am saving gas money like crazy and it is so easy to just hop on and go. I am finally getting used to it and am feeling more comfortable every day. I still have to take the motorcycle safety class, i haven't even signed up yet.

[Andrea V]

I couldn't find the scoot magazine either at the folsom borders.

scoot magazine!

Even I look at that magazine, and I am not big on magazines.