Saturday, March 30, 2013

Spring

Winter finally seems to be losing its grip.

As the seasons enter their transition, so do I.

For what seems like months now, I am ever so slowly shifting from my nimble red Vespa LX150, to a nice brawny Vespa GTS 300 i.e. Super.  I have my current bike for sale, and am patiently waiting to get my hands on my new bike.

The seller is now ready to sell (having found a new bike for himself), I am ready to buy, and the dealer who will act as the go between to accommodate the sale (it's a sales tax issue - isn't it always?), will be ready to see us this week.

In the meantime, my Vespa is begging me to take it out.  Which I would have done today since it's a glorious sunny day, but the battery is on its last legs.

I can't sell it with a dying battery, so I went to a motorsports dealer who is close by, and who does sell Vespas.  I thought I'd jump in, grab a new battery, install it either today or tomorrow, and go out for an inaugural ride.

This little cat was sitting out front.  I couldn't resist taking a picture.
I wonder who did that paint job.

I went to the parts counter, the guy there searched way too long in a bunch of catalogs, couldn't seem to find the right catalogue with Vespa parts, called a colleague at a sister dealership, and then declared that the battery he hauled out of the inventory was the right one.

Except it didn't seem right to me, and, to be honest, I just don't trust their Vespa chops.  The capper was that he needed to add acid, then put the battery on a charger for what he said was 20 to 30 minutes, which seemed implausibly short to me.  I was timing out.  I left empty-handed, cursing under my breath.

In the end, here I sit, as the spring sun toasts my jeans through the family room window.  What I really want is some quality saddle time.

Curses.

16 comments:

SonjaM said...

Oh my, somebody is so ready for Spring, eh? I understand your desire of getting in some quality saddle time. I continued to commute but it was really just that. I am so happy for your upgrade, and can't wait for pictures to show for it.

Keith - Circle Blue said...

That paint job looks like one of those "wrap" things.

Glad the weather is turning and things are moving toward new to you and shiny.

Oh how I wish it were as easy to find an adequate service department for a scooter as it is a car. As it is, finding a good technician is like finding the Holy Grail.

Dar said...

David,

What a cute little kitten, too bad it didn't follow you home! I love fun paint jobs. I can hardly wait to see your new ride and pics and hearing about your first Impressions riding your new baby. Spring is definitely here on the island, both bikes were out of their winter Moto lair and we took off up island for the day. It was gorgeous in the sunshine, I am hoping this is the promise of a long hot summer.

len@RE-GLAZE-IT said...

Hi David ,
It's nice to see spring coming to life.....sure makes you want to ride!
Nice pic of that customised wasp....... Modern scoots ....still become personalised ......just like the lovely old lammys and Vespa's ... I do like to see a persons mark on there prized machine!
David it's of no suprise to here that your sorting the battery out before you say good-bye to you lx ..... From enjoying reading your blog.....honesty and decency describe you perfectly!
Nice to check-in ..... Hope all is well with you and your family!
Take care ...... Bring on the GTS!!
Regards Len

Trobairitz said...

I can picture someone ridding that 'kitten' scooter with a scarf to match.

Bummer you didn't get the battery. Maybe soon....

Are you counting the days until you take delivery of the 300?

David Masse said...

I can't wait either, Sonja. My problem is that I feel stuck in between. Commuting on a bike in my case means a commitment. I have to bring my suits to the office for one thing. Until I get the new bike, it's like I'm stuck in neutral. It's frustrating.

David Masse said...

Keith I'm really blessed. My Vespa dealer is really, really good, and I trust their techs. The local motorsports dealer is conveniently located but I just don't feel they're as trustworthy.

David Masse said...

Tell me about spring in your neck of the woods. We were in Vancouver, Portland and Seattle last week. The cherry blossoms in Portland were simply awesome. If I lived out there I'd certainly ride more often.

David Masse said...

Len you're too kind! I trust all is well with you.

David Masse said...

Trobairitz I don't dare start counting, but it seems that this week will see the deed done. I guarantee that pictures will be posted.

Unknown said...

Got my scoot out and de-winterized it this past weekend. It's officially Spring for me!!

David Masse said...

Hey Zoë, welcome to the scootcommute! Thanks for the comment. Best wishes to you for the new riding season!

Unknown said...

David:

We don't want to jinx your deal but we wished you could speed it up a bit. I can imagine that you still have to farkle it up like you did with your current one. You are just going to love the "extra" power of the Super.

For us, I think that Spring has finally arrived. Nearly time to take off our snow tires

bob
Riding the Wet Coast

David Masse said...

Ah... farkles indeed. I do have a list. There's the footrack. The Admore light bar. The air horn... and you're right Bob, all that waiting for title to pass. Tick-tock, tick-tock.

Unknown said...

David:

Tomorrow morning is THURSDAY !

bob
Riding the Wet Coast

David Masse said...

Yes it is, my friend. I'm a little nervous, truth be told. At 11:00 a.m. the deed will be done. A fresh blog post (probably more than one) will follow in the coming days.

All the best,

David

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