Been a While

Nearly a month and a half have gone by without a post on Scooter in the Surf. The ET4 was in the shop at Motorsport Scooters for a cylinder 187 kit upgrade. Since then, I've been taking it easy, although trying to run the motor at various rpms. As expected, the kit bumped acceleration up considerably. Top speed increases are still uncertain, but I'll give it time. The acceleration is strong from a stop all the way up to about 65 (indicated). Before the kit, acceleration fell off at about 50 or so.

I'm pleased with the results and the scooter is now a blast to ride anywhere. Mods can get expensive, so I'll likely take a break from pouring money into it. If I want faster, I guess I could just buy a used GT200 or GTS, even another motorcycle. But I find a charm in being small... just enough speed to get myself, a passenger, and some groceries around town.

Like many two wheeled riders, I find myself riding alone most the time. As the cool air flows past me, I unwind. Worries about work, home, finances, ex's, kids, etc, evaporate temporarily. Things become clear and simple. I can focus on that one thing... like Curly from "City Slickers" taught.

Now, I feel tired and dehydrated. My 9th and 8th grade classes may have the better of me... they are smarter, younger, more energetic, and have time to kill. I'm just old. But I have the Vespa and a ride sounds pretty good right now.

See ya

MODS - and it begins

Checkers and Wings

Today, I went to Motorsport Scooters to get a Haynes manual for my ET4 and decided to answer that nagging to Mod I've been lately experiencing. Several chaps were there I hadn't met yet and they invited me in for the nickel tour! I was amazed at the row upon row of vespa parts, new and old (and I didn't even take a peek into the warehouse).

The garage is clean and tidy, with a few bikes parked in a row for service, etc. They bought a GT 60 and have been working on it, getting to know what makes it tick and how to best enhance performance. Apparantly, they do that with all their bikes to get intimate with them.

Parked behind the garage were a row of the new Lambretta Unos, both red and white. They are ready to roll. The Lamby is a Tiawanese bike rebadged with the legendary scooter marquee, and have stirred up some controversy in the vintage scooter scene. By the looks of it, it is another very well made, quality bike similar to Kymco, Sym, etc. The price is ridiculously low, less thana used Vespa ET4 is good condition. 3K out the door will have you driving the new lamby!

In the garage, a Gilera Runner 180 was parked - it looks fast when it isn't even running! If the Lamby looked anything like the Gilera, I would have traded in my ET right then and there...

BUT... I do love the graceful lines on the ET4, and choose to have the Malossi 187kit installed next week. I can't wait to feel the acceleration improvements!

I do love my bike, but the new Lamby might have me making room for another!

Hollywood land

Stephie rubbing elbows with some of the locals.


Hollywood Boulevard symbolizes many of the hopes and dreams contained in the American experience. And perhaps nowhere contains those familiar movie images better than the Hollywood wax Museum.

The Mummy represented the best of the classic movie monsters to me. It's image takes me back to the early 1970's and the late, late, 'creature feature' on Friday night. No other monster terrified me more than the Egytian tomb dweeling undead mummy, shuffling relentlessly in pursuit of his victims. Dracula and the Wolfman didn't scare me like the Mummy did. Perhaps it was the ancient wrapping or the deadened stare he gave. He was slow, but never gave up pursuit. No wooden stake, no silver bullet would save you... if the Mummy wanted you, you were doomed.

Pinhead... a more current manifestation of the hellish creatures inhabiting our collective psyche. Unlike the mummy, Pinhead is an intellectual and at times articulate demon. Though not my favorite, he embodies the more current blood and gore movies so popular today. My favorite line from the Hellraiser series has got to be Pinhead stating, "I am exquisitely empty", ironically summarizing todays horror films.

Of course, I have to give nod to perhaps the greatest adventure and action series of all time... James Bond.

Parking in Hollywood can be excrutiatingly difficult and painfully expensive... in a car. Not once did I have any real trouble finding parking for the Vespa. Yet another benefit to riding motorscooters.

Stephie and me at the Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Blvd. Man, it was packed. Folks from all over the world were visiting, placing their hands and feet into the concrete molds of their favorite actors. I think we must have heard a dozen languages. For many movie fans, this is "Mecca". Stars adorn the sidewalks on both sides of the street for many blocks, some I recognize and some I don't.

Cruising around Hollywood on the Vespa is a great way to see the town; anytime we saw something we wanted to see up close, we just made a quick stop and hopped off... then hopped back on to continue our journey.


My cobalt blue ET4 at the Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Blvd. You might notice that I'm parked in a red zone... we just pulled up quickly, got off, took the picture, and sped off to find legal parking around the block.

On the road again. The trip home past the Beach cities, industrial wastelands, and Camp Pendlton went much faster. Despite the traffic (a lot of lane splitting) we got home in 3 hours. Once we got to Dana Point, we took Interstate 5 south to San Diego. The Vespa ran faster, the same headwinds that slowed us on the way North became a tail wind that helped to propel us at highway speeds of 65 and 70 Southward. Several times, I had to pass slower vehicles in the right lane, surely atonishing any observers.

All in all, it was a fun two-day trip. The ride up to Santa Monica, Hollywood, and home again allowed us the opportunity to see, smell, and hear the California Coast in a way we could not in a car with windows rolled up, radio blasting, air conditioner blowing. I can't wait for the next trip, perhaps to Mexica, Canada, Montana, or...where ever the wind blows me.

Santa Monica Cafe Chic

After a good night's rest, we found a hip little coffee shop across the street from travelodge. It was filled with old movie theater row-seats, eclectic souvineers and wall ornaments, and some of the most interesting art work (for sale) decorating the colorful walls. Articulating the images requires greater vocabulary than I can muster, but the pictures do some justice... but still don't capture the feeling and imagination of the real thing.



If I collected art, I would buy this fellows work. As the images show, a message of social complacency and apathy abounds. If interested, contact Pico Street and 31st street coffee shop in Santa Monica.

The Route to Hollywood

Heading South on Highway 1 somewhere in Orange County along the California Coast.

Hollywood is about 150 miles from San Diego... if you take Interstate 5 north all the way up there. And although I don't mind the occassional on & off freeway trips, a hundred miles or so on a Vespa Et4 is too much for me. As I planned our route, I thought of the beautiful coastal roads along San Diego and Orange counties. The photo opportunities abound... if you stop long enough to take a thoughtful picture. As it turned out, my girlfriend took most of the coastal pictures as we headed back home from Hollywood - I left the camera in the top box on the trip North - my thoughts were on getting a feel for the Vespa's long distance capabilities; my ears were tuned to every little gurgle; feathering the throttle to get every little bit out of her; keeping a close eye on the mirrors, cars in front, back, side, etc... Back to the route...

Since we left in the early afternoon, I decided to take the 5 freeway all the way north through Camp Pendleton. The marine base sits on the coast smack between San Diego and Orange counties. The only way through it is via Interstate 5.

The ride through San Diego County was characterized by short, fast runs of a few miles and stop & go traffic commuters moving 20 - 40 mph - no problem. Just past Oceanside, the traffic took off and the little Vespa 150 motor struggled to keep up. A stiff headwind, two-up weight, and a gradual climb through the coastal ranges kept us between 55 and 60mph nearly the entire 10 or so miles to San Clemente. More than once, California highway patrolmen paced me... but never pulled me over. At a minimum, the Vespa held the speed limit - for tractor-trailors.

Once we passed the marine base, we stopped for gas in San Jaun Capistrano. As I was filling the tank, (took all of 2 minutes), the attendent met us at the pump with a very determined look in his eyes,
"Couldn't help but admire the Vespa. You guys from around here?"
"No, we just came up from San Diego", I replied.
He thought a moment, mouth agape and arms akimbo.
"San Diego?" "How fast will that thing do? What size motor is it anyway?"
I explained that the 150 Vespa Et4 was freeway legal, although it does struggle to meet freeway speeds. He told me his 'Vespa story' from years ago, and shared his enthusiasm for the modern models. He insisted that we take his phone number, call his wife, and confirm Vespa suitability for urban commuting. This wouldn't be the last conversation initiated by the Vespa.
Vespa of Newport Beach, one of the beach cities we passed through on Highway 1.

From San Jaun Capistrano's El Camino Real, we headed north onto Highway 1. This fabled coastal road isn't really a highway at all. It is characterized by coastal stretches of several fast miles and punctuated by stoplights through the so-called beach towns. Some of the names are well known like Redondo, Santa Monica, Newport, Hermosa, etc. and all are quite beautiful if expensive communities. In spite of the gargantuan Los Angeles on their doorstep, the beach towns have maintained an identity apart from their giant neighbor.

The California coast in late afternoon.

Long Beach has been, as long as I remember it having lived there in the early 80's, an eyesore. Imagine the dissapointment of having just traveled through the beautiful and swank beach cities and abruptly being presented with an industrial wasteland. Petrochemical plants stretch from the coast and inland several miles, placing an ugly scab on an otherwise lovely land. The smell was nearly unbearable. I'm sure the residents get used to it, but I almost wished I were in a car to escape from the odor of multi-dozen oil plants burning their sulfurous mixures.
Coastal Eyesore.

Once through Long Beach, the scenary quickly beautifies and we scootered through Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, and Manhatten Beach before arriving at out hotel in Santa Monica. It was a long ride up from San Deigo. We left San DIego at about 3:30pm and arrived at Santa Monica at 8:00 for a total of 150 miles in four and a half hours. Of course, we could have shortened the ride by taking the highway all the way up, but that misses the point. Truly, the destination is only an excuse for the journey... at least this time. In the meantime, we needed to recover overnight from what can only be described as monkeybutt.

My sweetheart at the Santa Monica Travelodge.

Getting Away

I've been reading the blog, "Scooter in the Sticks", sole inspiration for this blog. Steve Williams writing and photography work in unison. His images and descriptions of riding in rural Pennsylvania create a longing in my heart for slower, simpler times.

I've yet to get away from the city on my Et4. It seems there is always something holding me here. Fortunately, I can read Scooter in the Sticks and experience some of what i'm missing... even if vicariously.

Though I've not taken a formal photo class, I learned to shoot using an old Nikon FE2. I loved that camera, easy to use, simple, taught me a little about how to take a good picture. I traded it for a Nikon 6006 for the auto focus (my eyes needed a little help). The auto camera just isn't as good as the old mechanical one. I miss it.
Taken with the digital fxo1, I probably don't have the expertise to take this sort of photo with a film camera. I miss the FE2, but not the cost of developing film.

After spending more money on film and developing than I can admit to, I finally left the film world. After much research on the internet, visiting camera shops until they started giving me dirty looks, and generally making myself a nuisance, I settled on a panasonic fxo1. I was impressed with the Leica lens (24mm - really wide) and a 16x9 size photo for landscapes. It doesn't do so well on auto, but allows me enough manual function and freedom to take better shots than I ever have.

Perhaps my favorite shot taken with the fxo1.

Steve's photography centers the reader. My senses are swept into the rural Pennsylvania he documents so reflectively. One can almost feel the cool, wet fog on their skin, smell the sweet river water, hear the buzz of cicada...

I'll be inspired to move from the city one of these days..perhaps this week will be my get away.

Windscreen Results

Before heading out today, I took my time along the San Diego River, where it pours out into the Pacific Ocean. It's a marsh land corraled by Seaworld Drive to the North and Sports Arena Blvd to the South. In the early morning, seabirds glide over the tidal waters as they move up the river until they find a spot of muddy bank or sand bar to flap and jump on. This picture is late morning, I don't know the tidal schedules today, but the river is only a thin blue ribbon making its way west. Tall march grasses provide cover for countless birds and others. But I should discuss my test.


Traveling south on the 163 from clairemont to mission valley, and then west onto interstate 8. The 163 south is relatively flat and then it drops into a valley. On the flatter part of the 163, my Et4 accelerated normally up to it's "plateau" speed, about 55 (indicated). After that, speed rises smoothly up to 65, acceleration slowly continued past 70mph. Once I hit the drop down into mission valley, speed increased until I felt what might be the rev limiter (someplace between 70 and 75). Maybe it isn't a rev limiter, but it felt and sounded like the motor stopped pulling until speed dropped just under 70, then the motor began pulling again.

Moving down into the valley, I had to brake for traffic.

The 163 ramp to the 8 involves a grade, I'm not sure how much. Traffic required that I slow to about 60 (indicated). The Et4 held that speed up the short grade and onto the 8 West. Speed climbed to 65+ and stayed there. An onshore head-wind held me at that speed. I exited onto Rosecrans street, satisfied with the run.

At the stoplight, a humungous pickup dually truck pulled up next to me and an older gentleman started shouting at me. I couldn't hear so flipped up my visor. He was smiling, "What size motor is that thing!", he yelled over the noise of traffic. I smiled back and said,"It's a 150 Vespa!" His smile broadened and he shook his head. The truck made a right turn on the red light (legal in California), and I could see the driver having an animated discussion with his passenger.

My light changed green. I was glad to be riding a Vespa.

Before and After

I got a call from Motorsport Scooters last week, the day they had scheduled to install the Malossi 187 cylinder kit. They had just completed another install on another bike and didn't have another kit. So, the windscreen and mirrors were installed and a regular service performed to make sure everything is in working order. I was a bit dissapointed to have to wait, but now the windscreen can be tested for top speed gains without the influence of the extra horsepower.

I picked up the scooter on Thursday, after my daughter and I rode the trolley and a bus to get there. The bus let us off right across the street. As soon as we entered the shop, she made a beeline for one of the Genuine Buddies they have for sale. I've ridden the Buddy, and it is probably quicker than my Et4. It's a light, attractive bike though rather smallish for the two up riding I often do. But I can see it being an ideal entry level bike for my daughter in a few years when I teach her how to ride.

The guys at Motorsport are well known in the Modern Vespa, Kymco, and Genuine communities. The Modern Vespa forum abounds with their expertise, humor, and wisdom.

The Et4 looked great! The Cuppini small flyscreen doesn't take away any of the curviness or the Et4, and the chrome mirrors add a vintage touch. Alex told me that the Et4 is in great running order. It sure seemed that way to me before I took it it in, but it's great to have confirmation from someone who really knows what they're doing.

After a stop at the Anime/Manga shop (my daughter loves Ranma or something like that), we headed home. A short trip, but I'm anxious to test out the windshield performance effects another day.

Service

yesterday, my son trailed me in the car as I rode the ET4 to motorsport scooters for a service. The guys at motorsport are one of a kind. For more than 15 years, alex and the gang have serviced and upgraded scooters of many makes and models, and just about any Vespa. When I began to consider getting a motorscooter, I called them frequently when making a find in the newspaper or craigslist. They always gave me an honest evaluation and still do. Before I bought the ET4, I considered a Kymco people 150. I rode the people 150 and was very impressed with the handling and acceleration. I bought the ET4 simply because of its beauty. The Kymco performed better and they are very reliable. But the ET4 is more suitable to the 2-up kind of riding I do, and is just jaw-dropping gorgeous. The used ET4 had low miles, was only about 500 less than the new people 150, but for once in my life I went with my heart. Motorsport sells Kymco and Genuine and will order Bajaj and maybe a couple other brands. They don't sell new Vespas which I found rather odd. I asked one day while admiring the Kymcos and they mentioned it had something to do with Vespa USA wanting to maintain the boutique image. This sucks.

I've been to the San Diego boutique Vespa shop on University Avenue in the swanky Hillcrest area. The shop is small and cramped. A space not much bigger than a walk-in closet serves as the service shop. I could see tools and parts of new Vespas were scattered all over the place in the tiny room until the tech guy closed the door. The front room holds maybe 30 new bikes in close rank and file. The salesmen are nice enough but know very little about Vespas, certainly much less than the guys at Motorsport Scooters. In fact, the boutique defers to motorsport for service and performance upgrades.

If I walk into the Vespa boutiqe, I know I'll get a sales pitch (ironic that the bikes don't really need one). But when I walk into the Motorsport Scooters building on 30th street, I know I'll get a fair and honest price and evaluation concerning new and used, upgrades and service, parts and accessories, etc. Scooterists hang out at Motorsport Scooters. They have their "regulars" that come and go. They are not just service and sales, they are the meeting place of a like minded community of people. Motorsport Scooters rocks... I think I'll ask them to upgrade my ET4 with the 187 kit and maybe a windscreen, perhaps those chrome mirrors I've been looking at, and... where do I get one of those infamous surfboards with the motorsport scooters emblem (you've got to go there to see it)?

I love the new Vespas - all of them. But I just can't understand the business decision to open boutique shops with little or no service capacity. Especially when a place like motorsport has been in the Vespa business for so long. The bikes sell themselves and are very reliable. Maybe it doesn't matter who sells them since the markup probably isn't much anyway. I know where to go for support and I'm lucky to have motorsport scooters in town.

Scooter Commuter

Its been a couple of weeks now that I purchased a previously loved Vespa ET4. It had only 2009 miles on it when I drove it home. The ET4 now has 2200+ miles. It's easy to park (just about anywhere), and moving it around a little on the stand is not much trouble at all. My daughter loves riding with me, especially after I installed passenger footpegs. Before the footpegs, she had to twist her feet inward to reach the floorboard. It was uncomfortable for longer trips. The footpegs allow her to sit comfortably with her feet firmly in place without any extra effort.

My girlfriend is about 5 feet 7 inches so has no trouble reaching the floorboard. But the footpegs also make for a more comfortable ride for her... and I don't impale my ankles on her cowboy boots anymore.

My commute involves about 6 or 7 miles of Interstate 5 north, from Seaworld Dr. to Gilman Dr. From there, I take my daughter to school, about 3 miles or so of secondary roads. And then I scoot down Genessee Ave. to John Muir School where I work as a secondary science teacher.

Fortunately, California allows for lane splitting at stop lights and when traffic is stopped or very slow (that's my understanding). This makes heavy traffic a breeze on the Vespa. No long waiting for several minutes at lights. Once on the on-ramp, I accelerate up to about 50mph, keeping up with traffic, and merge into the slower right lane. This particular stretch of highway is typically slow workday mornings, moving about 45 - 55 mph. I often need to slow down in the right lane. After a few miles, the speed picks up to about 60mph in the right lane. The Vespa ET4 keeps up with traffic.

Granted, cars in the left lanes move 65-70mph and faster, and the Vespa is "giving its all" at 60 - 65mph. Wind resistance becomes the biggest factor on the highway, and a mid-sized windscreen may add a bit more acceleration and top end speed by providing more aerodynamics. And another 5mph may very likely make my short commute a little more comfortable.

But the highway is not where I intend to ride the Vespa the vast majority of the time. Secondary roads and urban streets is where this baby really shines. Out accelerating most cars from the light, there isn't a street, avenue, or boulevard where the Vespa doesn't dominate. It provides quick, fuel-efficient, easy to park, fun filled transportation to just about anywhere that I want to go.

When school's out this summer, I may take a road trip on the Vespa. It will take planning and patience, and I may be forced to stop and smell the roses (or the coffee).

Memorial

I appreciate the commemoration of Memorial Day. In spite of being a Navy veteran nearly always stationed with Marines, I get lost in the day to day and forget to slow down and remember.

My father is buried at the Santa Nella National Cemetary south east of San Francisco about 80 miles or so. He was drafted and fought in the Korean War. After the war he couldn't find work enough to support a new wife and daughter so returned to the Army. Some years later, the Army sent him as an "advisor" to Vietnam, and for another tour in 1968. He saw plenty, and was awarded a medal of valor for some of the conflict he endured.

He retired from the Army and worked as a truck driver until he really retired. He enjoyed the long reflective hours at the wheel, listening to his favorite radio programs, music (sons of the pioneers), and books on tape. He especially loved having breakfast with his buddys. They would talk all morning, solving all the worlds problems in a few hours.

After having a stroke, his last years were spent in a hospital bed, with people who didn't really care for him. He could no longer eat or talk, the two things he loved most. He held on long enough to see his children, and battle the VA for the medical coverage he couldn't afford and they never seemed to give without a fight. He died in his sleep.

I made damn sure he received a proper send off, befitting a hero. The Army provided a chaplain, the Navy provided an honor guard. It was a beautiful service and a beautiful day in the rolling hills bordering the eastern San Juaquin Valley.

Every summer, I travel the 500 miles north to visit him. California is a big state, 1000 miles long from north to south, with diverse geographic regions.

He loved the Big Valley. Born to teenaged migrant workers from Mexico and Oklahoma, he was adopted by an old cowboy who worked as a seasonal wrangler, and his much younger wife. It was a classic "Grapes of Wrath" story. During the picking season, they all picked fruit, almonds, vegetable, anything that needed to be picked. When cattle needed tending to, that was done as well. They got by.

Dad told me that every Christmas he got a new pair of boots; on his birthday a new pair of jeans. His mom made his shirts. He spoke glowingly about his dad and mom, the sacrifices they made, the fun they created from nothing. No computers, no cell phones, no video games, just a creative imagination and an appreciation for what the good Lord provided.

By sweat, blood, and sacrifice, my Dad and others like him loved the land they lived in, serving the nation and asking for little in return. I miss him.

Sunday Morning Outing

Yesterday, I woke up early thinking about taking a ride on the Vespa ET4. I have only had it for a few days, so don't know the handling or speed limitations yet. I dressed quietly so as not to wake my girlfriend. Outside, the air was cool and moist with a light hazey fog. San Diego mornings close to the beach often start with a light haze that quickly lifts and burns off. It was quiet with very little traffic.. perfect time and conditions to try out the Et4 on I5.

Visor flipped up to feel cool salt air on my face, I twisted the throttle and scootered down Newport Avenue along the Ocean Beach pier, and stopped for a moment. A few tourists walked barefoot in the cold sand, jeans rolled up to their knees. A child carried a yellow toy bucket, likely filled with shell fragments and smooth rocks. The morning sun already burned through the remaining marine haze, only a few gatherings of cotton ball cummulous clouds remained in the sky, framing the OB pier above while waves crashed below. Another beautiful morning, a twist of the wrist, and I was off.

I love the low gurgling growl of the 4-stroke Et4 motor; subtle, yet characteristically Italian. So far, it seems to have plenty of torque for a majority of roads.

Crossing the San Diego River early on a quiet Sunday morning is almost mystical. The blue-gray sky reflected off the sweet smelling river water while long-legged cranes fished along the marshy banks. In the evening, just before the sun goes down, you can see fish jumping out of the water catching bugs. This morning, the river surface was lightly rippled as a gentle breeze of salty air moved from sea to shore. I don't know why I don't do this more often. Like most people, I get preoccupied with work, relationships, life... perhaps the Vespa will carry me away from all the stresses in life... if only for a little while.

The I5 on-ramp approached and I felt a tinge of apprehension. Riding across the overpass, I saw few cars. Even better, they seemed to be moving at a reasonable rate. Speeding down the ramp, my right wrist rolls on everything the Vespa has to offer. Indicated speed increases quickly to 55mph and continues up to 60.

The Vespa feels solid. I expected the small tires to dance around in the rain grooves but I don't feel any of that. My speed increases to an indicated 65mph or so. I stay in the right lane, finding that I need to slow down a bit to accommodate slower moving traffic in front of me. The ET4 motor carries me at a respectable 65mph for several miles before the highway grade increases slightly and I slow to about 60mph. I can see that a long, steep grade would likely cause me to slow quite a bit more. Fortunately, my commute consits of a relatively flat stretch of highway for about 6 miles.

The Vespa Et4 is adaquate for short highway stretches, but I wouldn't feel comfortable traveling long distances on the interstate highways. As read in many other forums, the rider becomes a "sail", catching wind and reducing top speed. I'm sure that with an average sized windscreen, the Vespa will pick up another 5mph or so. But with throttle wide open, there isn't anything left. In spite of that, for my purposes the ET4 is suitable for the short on-off highway stretches that I need to travel.

I've read several blogs and forum posting about upgrading the motor and exhaust, tuning the carb, etc. Results seem spotty. Some folks boast of huge increases in speed and/or acceleration. Others make, what I think, are more honest evaluations; increase of maybe 5mph top end, a bit more acceleration, louder pipes... all at the cost of cylinder kits and pipes and the sacrifice of reliability. Perhaps it is worth it for the garage mechanic who has the expertise, patience, tools, and space to work in. But I'm an urban guy in a moderately sized city who would rather pay someone else to maintain my vehicles.. I haven't the tools, expertise, or even a garage to work in.

I'm happy with my Vespa ET4 performance. It takes me where I want to go at a reasonable speed and in superior style. It's a gorgeous machine, outclassing the bulky, heavy, lumbering motorcycles of my youth. If I want speed, I'll buy that Triumph Bonneville T100 or the latest and greatest Japanese super bike.

2-wheeled Life before the Vespa ET4

Some years ago, a friend horse traded an old BMW R80 for an even older Lambretta scooter. At the time, I was riding a Suzuki 650 thumper. It was called the "Savage" but was quite civilized, really. Still in production, the Savage 650 exemplifies simplicity, reliability, and efficiency... though lacks passion. We swapped bikes for a short ride and I became enthralled with the feel of the scooter. The old Lambretta possessed many qualities of the Suzuki, but inspired passion as well. Fast forward many years and a handful of motorcycles into the future. After a long break from bikes, I began hitting the local shops, looking at Ducati, Motoguzzi, and others. I loved the classic lines of the European bikes, especially the new Triumph T100 bonnevilles. And while perusing the San Diego Reader classifieds read an ad for... you guessed it... a 1960's Lambretta 125.

I answered the ad and visited the Lambretta to check it out. It rested for years at Montgomery Airport in old old hangar, a naked frame and engine, rusted and layered in cobwebs, dirty and molded, seat cracked and paint faded. Restoration was far beyond my capability and the price was far too high. I thanked the gentleman, a retired attorney and hobby pilot, but left unsatisfied. The search ensued.

About a year ago, a Derbi Red Bullet showed up in the classified ads. Curious, I investigated online, digging into the sites I was becoming somewhat familiar with: Modern Vespa, Scooterville, Scooterwest, girlbike, 2 stroke buzz, and provoscooter. Provoscooter forum even has a forum for Derbi bikes. Apparantly, Piaggio bought Derbi, a smaller Spanish company, some time ago. Derbi now puts piaggio motors in its scooters, and the Red Bullet (a red Atlantis), possessed a 50cc ET2 motor. The price was right so I took it home. Mechanically, it was solid. Derbi makes a quality product and the 50cc motor is bulletproof. My respect and yearning for Vespa continued to grow throughout the year, especially as the Derbi struggled to get up the steep hills (really not a hill like in the midwest or east coast, but a mesa). Most of San Diego is built on top of and around its many mesas and canyons, and consequently, many steep hills are encountered. I made the Derbi work for me, using it to go to work on occasion and for short trips to get movies or groceries. It never once let me down. But it really only went about 45 mph, and substantial hills often forced me into the bike lane. In Kansas, Oklahoma, any other flat land the Derbi would prove to be a competent and utilitarian second vehicle... but not in the Mesa and canyon strewn landscape of Southern California. After a year, I sold a the Derbi to a young man moving to the midwest... somewhere in north Texas I think. His intention was to use it for transportation as he completed bible college. An interesting fellow, he had served with US Marines for one hitch and wound up in Iraq, "a little west of Bagdad". All he was interested in now was finding a little piece.

That brings me to the ET4. Memorial day. My girlfriend was working and I was bored. What to do? Go look at motorcycles... only one shop open today, though. Ironically, the same shop I bought the Suzuki savage from so many years before. I arrived in the late afternoon and made my way through the used bikes.. and there it was. A Royal Blue ET4 parked inbetween an old burgman and an older Yamaha Riva. The Vespa was dirty and the sun's light produced a purplish effect on the paint. Several young men wandered about the lot, sitting astride powerful sport bikes and cruisers. The Vespa looked small and weak, almost feminine. I sat on it and thought, "this might be it". The salesmen largely ignored me. Perhaps it was the little effeminate Vespa in the middle of so many testosterone inspiring behemeths. When asked about it, the salesmen knew nothing about the Vespa, or even how much they were asking for it. I made an offer of 2700.00, which I felt a fair offer. I asked to ride it, but they wouldn't let me. Apparantly, it had just arrived as a trade in and they hadn't yet checked it out. They wanted it overnight, so I resolved to wait another day. Two days later, (I couldn't get away from work before they closed), I picked up the Vespa. The mechanic who did the service check met me at the door, "This thing has a lot of poop to it and its beautiful cleaned up". He was quite impressed as were the sales staff. They asked me how fast it would go, gas milage, etc. Funny, they had sold me the bike but I was "the expert". I'll get it in for service at motorsport scooters as soon as they can accomodate it, and in the meantime just enjoy.