Joe asks "How do you like your Vespas?" My answer is: They are surprisingly powerful and very smooth, but the handling is just weird. I'm especially confused by having the rear brake on the left hand. I keep grabbing it whenever I would have grabbed the clutch. But I'm starting to get used to it. The bikes are surprisingly practical with a lot of luggage capacity. Great for tight riding in the city.
Ideal bike for in a European city. Less practical in the USA though. They are freeway legal in the US but not here
We didn't go on any main highways and the fastest I went today was 100 kph. I think it would probably easily do 130, but I'm not sure I would feel secure at that speed with a little wheels and anemic brakes.
The ABS works great!
Matt says: Looks like surplus fun
Joe says: Cool! 120 feels a bit fast on my CBF. I don’t think I’d want to 130 on a Vespa either.
That left hand brake thing must be really weird at first
Matt says: Yeah. I'll bet that's why Chris knows about the ABS system effectiveness.....
And Chris replies: Hahaha. I did a little testing by speeding up to 100 and then grabbing the rear brake as hard as I could. I also did that with the front brake. The rear brake is about twice as effective as the front brake. It's really important to use both brakes on a scooter. The weight is so low. There's very little weight transfer to the front when braking hard.
Joe, I think a Vespa would be perfect for Zug. Less so for Portland/Vancouver with all of our freeways, but ideal for your sedate roads and tight parking and expensive gas.
Joe: Ok. I’ll trade in the Multistrada before you get here