tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post6555122246438167661..comments2024-03-20T13:35:46.089-04:00Comments on Life on two wheels: Life's pleasuresDavid Massehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09346419242154545286noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-10102848592324800402014-03-18T09:45:28.647-04:002014-03-18T09:45:28.647-04:00Rob, you are right that Hondas are legendary, and ...Rob, you are right that Hondas are legendary, and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_CMX250C" rel="nofollow">Rebel (click here for the Wikipedia page)</a> is certainly a classic, although only in production since 1985.<br /><br />The thing that amazed me in looking it up, is that the Vespa GTS 300 i.e. has a substantially greater displacement (278cc vs 234cc), a higher top end (80 mph vs 70 mph), and is a heavier bike (341 lbs vs 320 lbs - wet weight) than the Honda Rebel.<br /><br />Yet if you look at the Vespa and the Rebel side by side and asked the average person which of the two is the more capable bike, I doubt that anyone would choose the Vespa.<br /><br />Appearances can be deceiving.David Massehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09346419242154545286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-1178102772539160432014-03-18T07:55:02.676-04:002014-03-18T07:55:02.676-04:00I might argue Honda would be the third "Iconi...I might argue Honda would be the third "Iconic brand" because of the classic Rebel. Harley in pretty much the motorcycle brand that people know. When you think of "scooter" the image of a Vespa pops into you head. I think if you were asked to draw a motorcycle...the Rebel is what someone would draw. The City Mouse in the Countryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06522133156580411938noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-31826549529281371392014-03-18T07:13:27.404-04:002014-03-18T07:13:27.404-04:00Len, the Vespa GTS is at once art and an amazingly...Len, the Vespa GTS is at once art and an amazingly competent machine. <br /><br />I am well, thanks for asking. Also anxious as are many others for this winter to yield to spring. David Massehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09346419242154545286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-50590313636361294962014-03-17T08:10:12.819-04:002014-03-17T08:10:12.819-04:00Hi David,
Vespa is king my friend;)
I've recen...Hi David,<br />Vespa is king my friend;)<br />I've recently purchased a classic lambretta Gp200 ... Must say I truly love it....classic shifter , 2stroker ... The smell..the sound , it really is great.. But after an hours ride and then onto the gts , oh my god the vespa feels like a Rolls Royce!!<br />Vespa is king !<br />Hope you well mate,<br />Regards LEN len@RE-GLAZE-IThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00816053943489684963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-39430363139007019772014-03-16T18:02:03.751-04:002014-03-16T18:02:03.751-04:00Dar, crappy weather is crappy weather, wet and win...Dar, crappy weather is crappy weather, wet and windy, or cold and snowy.<br /><br />Hopefully you've got some sunny warm days coming your way in the next little while.David Massehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03964326301299750943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-35198227549705226222014-03-16T04:25:36.424-04:002014-03-16T04:25:36.424-04:00Spring is coming, it just starts out west and then...Spring is coming, it just starts out west and then creeps it's way across the country. I know I have it easy without the snow, but the unrelenting grey and torrential rain we have been getting all winters still takes a toll on ones psyche. It seems to have been bucketing down since October pretty much non-stop. Dar https://www.blogger.com/profile/14690180541358767168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-9444748465577005152014-03-15T23:30:39.542-04:002014-03-15T23:30:39.542-04:00Amen Steve. We got a taste today with positive tem...Amen Steve. We got a taste today with positive temps melting winter's mantle. <br /><br />I was going to take a ride... and then it started snowing. David Massehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09346419242154545286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-68085977112872602502014-03-15T23:25:34.387-04:002014-03-15T23:25:34.387-04:00Doug, you've got a Helix!! How cool is that? ...Doug, you've got a Helix!! How cool is that? It's like having a Citroën DS, or an MG TD. So iconic, and rare. Adding a Vespa seems unnecessary. David Massehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09346419242154545286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-64655456850775125182014-03-15T23:13:11.666-04:002014-03-15T23:13:11.666-04:00Karen, you're on the money!! It started today....Karen, you're on the money!! It started today... and now it's stalled. <br /><br />Please keep repeating it, so it gets the jump start that's badly needed. David Massehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09346419242154545286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-16862600370472164002014-03-15T11:57:34.184-04:002014-03-15T11:57:34.184-04:00I agree with Vespa and Harley being iconic. If th...I agree with Vespa and Harley being iconic. If there is a third I think it would have to be the classic components of Triumph's line of motorcycles. BMW seems all over the place now save for the boxer style engine. They don't look iconic anymore though.<br /><br />Winter has paused a bit here and I can feel myself emerging from pupation. This was the worse winter for riding -- mostly in my head but it was successful in keeping me off the road more than previous years.<br /><br />I need some warm air!<br /><br />Stay warm.<br /><br />Steve Williams<br /><a href="http://vespalx150.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">Scooter in the Sticks</a>Steve Williamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04540977884513559091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-22864834880188254222014-03-15T09:52:46.820-04:002014-03-15T09:52:46.820-04:00David,
I own scooters, at least they fit the defin...David,<br />I own scooters, at least they fit the definition as described by some but if you Italian owners keep at it, I may have to break down and get a real scooter. I find it hard to quell my enthusiasm for them when you share yours.Coop a.k.a. Coopdwayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00914017974356686409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-66203237637453269102014-03-14T16:38:00.325-04:002014-03-14T16:38:00.325-04:00David I'm sure spring is going to happen, it&#...David I'm sure spring is going to happen, it's going to happen, it's going to happen (I keep telling myself over and over again!) If we say it enough we might start to believe it.VStar Ladyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13634216576989421497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-60220940789219864592014-03-14T12:58:43.320-04:002014-03-14T12:58:43.320-04:00David:
Yes, it should have been UJM, NOT UJB but...<b>David:</b><br /><br />Yes, it should have been UJM, NOT UJB but I knew you would figure it out.<br /><br />Having had two Alfa Romeos I told myself that never again would I ever buy anything that didn't have a good parts or service network. It was great to drive the Alfa, when it wasn't in the shop waiting for parts.<br /><br />so with any vehicle it has to be mainstream. Honda, Toyota, VW and not Yugo or Citroen, nor Jaguar nor Lada. Same with bikes; Suzuki I like, Honda, BMW, even (gulf) H-D. As good as they are Triumph does not have a good dealer network out here.<br /><br />bob<br /><a href="http://www.photobobb.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">A weekend photographer</a> or <a href="http://www.wetcoastscootin.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">Riding the Wet Coast</a>Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05258612401956399482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-12525939677133909002014-03-14T12:33:38.977-04:002014-03-14T12:33:38.977-04:00Bob, it took me a while to decode "UJB"....Bob, it took me a while to decode "UJB". I never did find it, but there is a Wikipedia page for "Universal Japanese Motorcycle" and I'm now guessing that's what you had in mind.<br /><br />I felt bad for omitting Suzukis, so I've gone back and added it in. No slight intended, rest assured.<br /><br />What about a Moto Guzzi Stelvio. Any thoughts?David Massehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09346419242154545286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-36440546105805834742014-03-14T12:16:57.183-04:002014-03-14T12:16:57.183-04:00Brandy, this winter thing is really becoming tedio...Brandy, this winter thing is really becoming tedious.<br /><br />I may have to take up skiing again to balance things out. Maybe snowboarding... if my nephew from Florida can do it...David Massehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09346419242154545286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-55398597899536593452014-03-14T10:55:10.169-04:002014-03-14T10:55:10.169-04:00Taskless thanks. Now that's funny.
It is nic...Taskless thanks. Now that's funny.<br /><br />It is nice to see the write-up about the Vespas. Spring is in the air and with it, two-wheeled adventures.Trobairitzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03453398807198746434noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-38284783843597386782014-03-13T21:23:27.722-04:002014-03-13T21:23:27.722-04:00Oh... I just finished shoveling a freaking mountai...Oh... I just finished shoveling a freaking mountain of snow off our walkway so that we can get the morning paper and our bills delivered. Talk about a thankless task.<br /><br />What I need now is a Senate appointment. I'm pretty much ready for a taskless thanks. David Massehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09346419242154545286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-6376858809405566192014-03-13T21:20:31.705-04:002014-03-13T21:20:31.705-04:00No Vespas, no Guinness... Sheesh, that's parad...No Vespas, no Guinness... Sheesh, that's paradise for you. I guess even otherwise perfect places have to have some challenges. Otherwise, why pine for heaven?David Massehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09346419242154545286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-54954095876263072542014-03-13T18:43:53.556-04:002014-03-13T18:43:53.556-04:00David:
I generally buy a brand based upon reliabi...<b>David:</b><br /><br />I generally buy a brand based upon reliability and where to take it for service. There were no Vespa options here in Vancouver due to the closure of Vespa Vancouver, and the other dealer is "not an option" so if you want to ride you ride a UJB, in my case a Suzuki Vstrom, the one you turned down.<br /><br />The Beemer was an impulse decision since one was available "preowned" at the right price. No regrets in life and I have always wanted a Beemer. As I was riding across the flatlands "between the two oceans" I don't think my UJB could have kept up . . .<br /><br />bob<br /><a href="http://www.photobobb.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">A weekend photographer</a><br /> or<br /><a href="http://www.wetcoastscootin.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">Riding the Wet Coast</a><br /><br />No Guinness in Vancouver due to the Dock Strike and picket lines, green or otherwise. Perhaps a McD's green milkshake with green ketchup.<br /><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05258612401956399482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-51270237191398818472014-03-13T14:11:55.824-04:002014-03-13T14:11:55.824-04:00Traditional, Schmaditional. I vote for burgers an...Traditional, Schmaditional. I vote for burgers and beer. Green beer if you must.David Massehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09346419242154545286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-54478059029911058192014-03-13T13:32:42.189-04:002014-03-13T13:32:42.189-04:00No comments on the weather except maybe it's t...No comments on the weather except maybe it's time to get out the skis and enjoy what little snow you still have. <br /><br />I didn't think a burger is traditional St. Patrick's day fare. Maybe bangers and mash, corned beef or even a nice stew would be more acceptable. Maybe just boiled cabbage would be the low fat/carb option. ;-)RichardMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04773834892715980735noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-91950642821802601002014-03-13T12:32:11.264-04:002014-03-13T12:32:11.264-04:00I know, I know.
There's always St. Patrick...I know, I know.<br /><br />There's always St. Patrick's Day. The winter never breaks before then.<br /><br />Look on the bright side Dave, beer and a burger on St. Patrick's day at a local pub, then we'll hit some serious warm days, the snow will be retreating, and best of all, we'll have have at minimum of seven glorious months of decent to excellent riding weather before us.David Massehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09346419242154545286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776318709416054670.post-71170146703601075192014-03-13T10:47:12.491-04:002014-03-13T10:47:12.491-04:00We missed most of that snow but burrowed back into...We missed most of that snow but burrowed back into sub-zero temps again. So tired....Canajunhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17529505799866207528noreply@blogger.com