New BMW Scooter...

[Big_Al]

Originally Posted by minibrings

I signed up for motorcycle school next month to get motorcycle operator added to my license.. simply so I can buy a GTS. I've wanted it ever since I saw it months ago. I decided it wasnt worth it to buy a 50cc Vespa (no motorcycle license needed) as I'd probably be bored with it; 'm in no way a speed demon, I just want some oomph.

I figured I'd keep it for a few years, become familiar with 2 wheels and in then decide if I'm ready for a "real" motorcycle (Triumph).

oh-oh. Not a good attitude at all.
300cc Vespa is a REAL motorcycle which bring you to the ER as easy as a motorcycle can. Don't treat scooters as something not serious "entry".

[GregW]

I have been riding motorcycles for 45 years or so. A couple of years ago I fell in lust with a 1980 Kawasaki KZ 1300. Quite a bike. Unfortunately 100+ mph is easy and 3 mph nearly impossible. The Kawasaurus is for sale. PM me for details.

As I had become re hooked on riding I bought a used Bergmann 650 (Suzuki AN650). It has around 20,000 miles on it. The step through frame makes getting on and off easy. This is a consideration as I am 66 years old and not nearly as limber as before. It is easy at parking lot speeds and quite capable at 70+ with two up on the interstate. It just putts along the back roads until I get a bit throttle happy. Then it rides like a decent motorcycle. Good acceleration, decent speed and great brakes. This is the perfect old farts bike. The only trick is to realize you are on a motorcycle not just a scooter

I suspect the BMW is very similar.

[minibrings]

Originally Posted by mikeyyc

The new SRV is basically a Gilera 850 which is already a scooterized Aprilia Mana.

The Mana and the SRV are the same animal. One is a CVT motorcycle, the other a maxi-scooter. Same powertrain/gearbox. Different strokes...

The SRV should be here late 2012, the Mana has already been here for a couple of years, and is great fun.

Man you are making me regret buying my Scarabeo 500ie! LOL

[minibrings]

Originally Posted by Pilgrim21784

Baltimore's Exclusive Vespa/Piaggio Dealer and Service Center.

They've got a "new" 2010 Vespa GTS 300 SUPER for $4,999. You'd better buy it before I do. Its bright red, not my favorite color but its okay. Seems like a good deal but I'm not real conversant with Vespa prices, especially on "new" older units.

I wanted one of those until I found a leftover '09 Scarabeo 500ie for $4,200 (I've seen them to 4,000 on ebay by a dealer in Maryland as well).

But the GTS 300 Super is a beaute. Hmm. I do have the room.

[mikeyyc]

Originally Posted by minibrings

I wanted one of those until I found a leftover '09 Scarabeo 500ie for $4,200 (I've seen them to 4,000 on ebay by a dealer in Maryland as well).

But the GTS 300 Super is a beaute. Hmm. I do have the room.

For that money save an extra grand and pick up a lightly used Mana. They're a fabulous bike. If I didn't already have two Aprilias in the garage, that would be my city bike.

[minibrings]

Originally Posted by mikeyyc

For that money save an extra grand and pick up a lightly used Mana. They're a fabulous bike. If I didn't already have two Aprilias in the garage, that would be my city bike.

Thanks for advise. I have looked before for a Mana, but they seem to be hard to find in the northeast...

[shiphead]

Looks nice. I like how they blended in the exhaust.

[mikeyyc]

Originally Posted by minibrings

Thanks for advise. I have looked before for a Mana, but they seem to be hard to find in the northeast...

$600 to ship pretty much anywhere in the US. I'd hit the forum. Always deals to be found.

[minibrings]

Originally Posted by Big_Al

oh-oh. Not a good attitude at all.
300cc Vespa is a REAL motorcycle which bring you to the ER as easy as a motorcycle can. Don't treat scooters as something not serious "entry".

Where did I say I did not consider a 300cc Vespa as not "serious" ???
Read what I wrote again and don't make assumptions. I take everything I drive seriously, I'm not jumping into a mega motorcycle fresh out of MSF school.

[minibrings]

Aprilia is bringing a new 839cc maxi scooter..sweet but expensive
Aprilia SRV850 Maxi-Scooter Coming to North America - First Ride Impressions - Motorcycle.com News | Motorcycle.com News


(And I thought my Scarabeo 500 was peppy)