New BMW Scooter... (Victory, bike, highway, traffic) - - Page 4 - City-Data Forum

GregW · 02-07-2012, 10:01 AM

I bought a suziki burgman for less than 4 grand. perfect old fart bike.

JaxRhapsody · 02-09-2012, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catman

Me too. I can't get 'six-pack abs' to save my life.

I've never ridden an ABS-equipped bike, so I really cannot comment on them. I know from reading road tests that some variations are better than others.

If you ever road a 50cc with crappy brakes, where you need to hold on for dear life to keep it still like a vento, then thts probaly what its like to have abs on a scooter. I just dont like all the new crap cars and bikes come with.

catman · 02-10-2012, 12:16 AM

Most of the road testers seem to think ABS is a great idea. I have no real opinion on it. It seems unnecessary to me, but I'm sure it would be good to have in the wet. I like deciding for myself how much brake to use on each wheel.

Big_Al · 03-13-2012, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnesthesiaMD

I always thought the C1 was an interesting concept, but there is just something a little too golf cart...ish to me. Almost like a meter maid scooter. I love the new design. I may have to sell my 1970 HD XLCH to buy it. My wife says I have too many toys already.

To sell 1970 HD to get that Nazi Plastic???? C'mon.

Big_Al · 03-13-2012, 09:35 PM

I haven't seen two new BMW models yet, just reviews. I liked the old C1 and even wanted to import one until I saw it with my own eyes. I have no doubts new BMW are great machines and will find a lot of fans. And the price is right. I won't consider it for myself because I am stubborn rigid hardcore Vespisti and not just any Vespa but manual models. Vespa is planning to sell new "46" model soon, the most beautiful model since 70's. I doubt they'd even consider classic manual shift.

for those who like to take long rides BMW will be the ticket. But they won't be welcome on scooter rallies. I remember how we booed burgmans who came to a vintage scoot rally thinking they were scooterists. Haha

Nothing can make me to buy anything but Vespa. I have few, I 'll have more. I promised my wife not to get more than one Vespa a year ;D

Pilgrim21784 · 03-14-2012, 06:27 PM

Big_Al: If you haven't already been there, the Piaggio/Vespa Museum in Pontedera, Italy is pretty awesome. I visited it last year and spent a good chunk of a day there and could have spent more time.

The father of the car/driver guy I hired for the museum trip was a former Vespa employee and specialized in manual Vespa restorations for sale worldwide. Its apparently a serious hobby, but I understand its a pretty pricey addiction.

The museum is definitely a place to put on a Vespa aficionado's bucket list (plus a visit to Tuscany is well worth the trip itself. I'm going back next month

).

As for receptions at scooterist gatherings, I'm kinda used to being mostly odd anyway at the very few I've attended. My MP3 400 gets lots of stares and questions, my TMax is a bit out of place (a bit like a a Vette owner attending a VW Beetle rally); fortunately my Reflex doesn't get much notice or "disses".

I've had a few "purists" inform me that I'm not really a scooterist (never could understand why someone would venture their opinion on the matter) or think I'd care about their opinion, I ride what I choose to.

The new BMW Cs and the pending Honda Integra have got my attention. No price is currently available on the Cs at my local BMW dealer. The Integra is slated for 7500 BP in the UK in April. My local Honda dealer has no clue about its availability.

I'm thinking about cashing in my current stable for one them and picking up a newer something else (as in with FI & ABS) for a backup. Its nice that the maxi-scooter world is coming up with lots of new choices. Having done the vintage Vette route many moons ago, I'm happier (and have lots more cash) staying with newer production stuff for my hobby rides. To each their own.

Big_Al · 03-14-2012, 10:43 PM

Plgrim, I am actually going there next month too

I don't know why but I can't convince myself to get me a modern machine. Plastic - no questions, it's clear. But even well built GTS gives me a lot of doubts. I didn't even think twice about my smallframes and largeframes- run and grt it before somebody else get it

But with GTS... to buy or not to buy, that's the question. MP3 are awesome machines but they are not vespas

catman · 03-14-2012, 11:00 PM

I always preferred Lambrettas. Alas, they have been gone for decades.

I much prefer the manual shift.

Pilgrim21784 · 03-15-2012, 07:23 AM

Big Al: if you're new to Italy, I'm giving you some serious advice and fair warning --- takes LOTS of extra Euros for gelato, its majorly addictive!!! Absolutely go with vendors who make it onsite, there is a difference.

. Also, you've got to watch the limonchello consumption, it sneaks up on you.

If you get the chance, I highly recommend hitting the major spa in the middle of Chianciano, its worth a visit and you can easily enjoy a full day in the various treatments. Just be prepared for some effort to get the mud out of your clothing.

Last year was my first trip to Italy and I immediately became a gelato (and Italy) addict. The roads in Tuscany were made for riding. I may bump into you at the museum, I'm trying to work out a scooter rental and return visit to Pontedera on my Tuscany/northern Italy tour in late April.

Of all the places I've visited in our travels in Europe, Tuscany is my most favorite and the Italians are universally some of the nicest folks on the planet. Italy is a unique experience and the Italian perspective on enjoying life is something I've learned to greatly appreciate. I'm looking forward to revisiting the area.

Regarding the MP3, yeah its pretty cool, BUT - I had a minor spill last year and busted some fairing parts. It took 3.5 months to get it repaired, the parts had to come from Italy. It was a bummer to get it back on the road.

I can offer some additional very serious advice on the buy/not buy consideration - BUY!!!!!!!!! You'll never regret experiencing that new ride when its your time to meet your maker. You might regret not having the fun of that ride, its an easy choice. Just explain to the wife that its a serious therapy issue and her agreement is one of the many reasons you adore her, works for me.

Pilgrim21784 · 03-15-2012, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catman

I always preferred Lambrettas. Alas, they have been gone for decades.

I much prefer the manual shift.

I've an occaisional riding buddy who is a Lambretta purist, his major hassle is obviously getting parts to keep his ride working. I'm polite enough to not ever mention the fact that alternative choices are available.

A wise man doesn't ever comment on another's choice of rides. He does seem to enjoy my MP3 as an alternative when his Lambretta isn't working and we go for a run. It is not good karma to diss a fellow rider's choices. It just helps a lot to be able to offer a working alternative on a good riding day.