I think it’s time to get rid of one of my scooters. For starters, I’ve not been able to ride as much as I’d like. Maybe we’re just coming off of a VERY long winter, but it’s been chilly and rainy since sometime last year. I don’t mind riding in the rain when I have to, but riding just for fun usually doesn’t involve precipitation.
I’ve been trying and trying to get Sarah on two wheels, but that seems unlikely to happen any time soon. I’d love to have someone to ride with, and I’d love most if it were her. Someday, for sure. But not just yet.
Also, with mounting dental bills, I really do need some cash.
So I can either sell the red Vespa GTS250 or the white Stella with a Vespa P200 engine in it. The GTS250 is the same bike that I rode across the country. It was my home for three of the most amazing months in my life. The scooter is sound, still runs well and I’d have no doubts at all about doing the trip again with it. The problem? New Vespas have no soul. It’s an automatic and it’s reliable, but there’s no personality. That’s important in a bike.
The white Stella, on the other hand, has nothing but personality. Like any vintage-type bike, she’s moody and mean. She’ll usually start on the second or third kick, but some days, she needs a bit of waking up. That’s just how it goes. The problem? Well, you’d think that would be the problem, but it’s really not. Like the Vespa, she’s reliable. The problem is me. I’m a little gun shy with two stroke engines. Ever since I seized one going 70mph, I’ve been touchy. The P200 engine will do 65mph-ish, but if I want to go that fast, I’ll just take the Vespa. For around town riding, this is okay, but I always feel like I’m not giving her the freedom she deserves. 200cc isn’t quite enough for the interstate, but she does great on the open road.
For me, the Vespa is a much more practical bike. Sometimes, however, practicality is overrated. Is it in this case? I’m just not sure.
Another option, one that I shouldn’t seek out, but probably will – is selling the white Stella and using the money to get a similarly-priced vintage Vespa. This would keep me with a bike that has personality, and would be a great around town bike. I’d probably go for a small frame, with a smaller engine.
But whichever path I choose, it’s not going to be easy.
Ah! I want scooter! We need a scooter gang. Smartz can be the heavy.
I’d love to start riding when I return to Seattle. I imagine for James sanity it’d need to be just an around town kinda riding. But she’s fine with that.
And roughing up old guys for pens, Juvenile Delinquent style.
To be the heavy, she needs to get on two wheels. Grrr.
From Seattle, it’s pretty difficult to get out of the city on a scooter. You can kind of sneak out to US 2 via Bothell, but you have to go to Bothell, and who really wants that?
That said, I want to ride the crap out of Seattle once I get back there.