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Post by oldchopperguy on Jun 1, 2018 11:02:08 GMT -5
howdy y'all i've been away long enough so thought i'd drap in fer a spell 'missed the oldguy and silverkat and all y'alll. i can second all that ocg says and mention that i sailed from the bv350 to a ctx700 that shifts itself and seems designed specifically for those of us with reduced performance levels. i liked both and have put about 16,000 miles on both so a good test ride for comparisons. like oldchopperguy, i'm challenged to get off and on, but find both ok in their own way. i leave the ctx on the side stand which lets me kinda get the knee on the seat and slide over without tippin' the two of us horizontal. after a spasm and uncontrollable gasp, we get on the way. i've put floorboards and a tail trunk on and built some brackets so i can throw a pair of soft bags over and head out on some sizeable adventures. anyway , this post is to encourage dreamin' which i'm still doing after my heart attack in israel a month ago. i got home tuesday night and was riding on wednesday morning. keep on keepin' on ken
Whew, YOU have had a LOT of adventure lately! Have a big kosher bone on the OCG!First, PLEASE post pix of the ctx700... Sounds like an ideal mix for the scooter fan who wants more serious road capability!
Next, we're SO glad to hear you are recovering fast from the heart attack! If you MUST suffer such a thing, Israel is a good place to be... God's chosen country, people, etc... I must admit though I'm not Jewish, I'm as excited as a kid over Jerusalem FINALLY becoming the official capital of Israel. It's about time!  Cheesh,, it's about 50 years past time!  I'll have to look up that ctx700 just to see what you're riding... Sounds like a definite WINNER!Ride extra safe while recovering!Shalom,Leo |
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Post by oldchopperguy on Jun 1, 2018 11:38:22 GMT -5
OK, I just HAD to see what this animal looks like! Pretty SWEEEEETTTT!The styling is so universal that this bike looks good "bare-bones" or dressed out with bags, trunk and windshield/fairing. What a great design for any rider wishing to upgrade to an over-the-road bike while maintaining some scooter features. Me thinks ya got a winner there! Please do keep us posted... And continue to get fully healed! Ride safe, and better get a bandana to cover your mouth... You may get a LOT of bugs on your teeth when you can't quit smiling!
Leo
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Post by Jarlaxle on Jun 2, 2018 8:02:10 GMT -5
Wow. That is...hideous. It looks like someone binge-watched Robocop, Tron, the entire Mad Max series, and a couple sci-fi B-movies while on a Red Bull and LSD binge, and the voices in their heads told them to design that abortion.
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Post by oldchopperguy on Jun 2, 2018 11:12:28 GMT -5
Wow. That is...hideous. It looks like someone binge-watched Robocop, Tron, the entire Mad Max series, and a couple sci-fi B-movies while on a Red Bull and LSD binge, and the voices in their heads told them to design that abortion.
Have a bone for an honest opinion... This is interesting! I agree with your all your ideas about the origin of the design... Robocop, Mad Max, sci-fi movies etc. but somehow I find all that a "plus" rather than a negative... Heck, I've always been a sucker for old sci-fi flicks... and enjoyed all the weird post-apocalypse rides of Mel Gibson and "Humongous" and his posse... LOL!
 Everybody likes different stuff... Some love something and some hate it, all for the SAME reasons...
This is a classic example... I like it, you hate it... and all for the same features! That's what makes life a horserace...After some thought (and my old brain doesn't think all that fast these days...) I've about decided that the main thing I don't like about this unusual bike is that even if I could climb on and off it, I couldn't afford one... LOL!  Leo (ride what you like, and like what you ride) in Texas PS: I took old "Minnie Mouse" out for a run to Wally World this morning, and realize that in all honesty she is pretty goofy looking by today's standards... But I still love her... |
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Post by w650 on Jun 5, 2018 18:35:18 GMT -5
Feast your eyes on the new prices.
DESCRIPTION MSRP
VESPA PRIMAVERA 50 4T/4V 50° MARRONE MY19 $4,149
VESPA PRIMAVERA 50 4T/4V 50° AZZURRO MY19 $4,149
VESPA PRIMAVERA 50 4T/4V YACHT CLUB MY19 $4,049
VESPA SPRINT 50 4T/4V NOTTE MY19 $4,149
VESPA PRIMAVERA 150 FL 50° MARRONE MY19 $5,449
VESPA PRIMAVERA 150 FL 50° AZZURRO MY19 $5,449
VESPA PRIMAVERA 150 YACHT CLUB MY19 $5,349
VESPA SPRINT 150 E4 ABS NOTTE MY19 $5,649
VESPA PRIMAVERA 150 E4 ABS SPORT BLU ARMONIA MY19 $5,549
VESPA PRIMAVERA 150 E4 ABS SPORT BEIGE SAHARA MY19 $5,549
VESPA PRIMAVERA 150 E4 ABS SPORT ROSSO PROFONDO MY19 $5,549
VESPA GTS 300 ABS E4 YACHT CLUB MY19 $7,049
VESPA GTS SUPER 300 ABS E4 NOTTE MY19 $7,149
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Post by Jarlaxle on Jun 5, 2018 20:18:59 GMT -5
Wow. That is...hideous. It looks like someone binge-watched Robocop, Tron, the entire Mad Max series, and a couple sci-fi B-movies while on a Red Bull and LSD binge, and the voices in their heads told them to design that abortion.
Have a bone for an honest opinion... This is interesting! I agree with your all your ideas about the origin of the design... Robocop, Mad Max, sci-fi movies etc. but somehow I find all that a "plus" rather than a negative... Heck, I've always been a sucker for old sci-fi flicks... and enjoyed all the weird post-apocalypse rides of Mel Gibson and "Humongous" and his posse... LOL!
Everybody likes different stuff... Some love something and some hate it, all for the SAME reasons...
This is a classic example... I like it, you hate it... and all for the same features! That's what makes life a horserace...After some thought (and my old brain doesn't think all that fast these days...) I've about decided that the main thing I don't like about this unusual bike is that even if I could climb on and off it, I couldn't afford one... LOL! Leo (ride what you like, and like what you ride) in Texas PS: I took old "Minnie Mouse" out for a run to Wally World this morning, and realize that in all honesty she is pretty goofy looking by today's standards... But I still love her... My perfect bike. Sadly...it was a one-year-wonder 35 years ago.   |
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Post by wheelbender6 on Jun 5, 2018 21:07:33 GMT -5
"I took old "Minnie Mouse" out for a run to Wally World this morning, and realize that in all honesty she is pretty goofy looking by today's standards"
There are unique little things I like about Kymcos contemporary to yours, Leo. That headlight on Minnie Mouse reminds me of "War of the Worlds."
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Post by oldchopperguy on Jun 5, 2018 23:31:26 GMT -5
Jarlaxle,
Gotta agree with you on that vintage Honda. It reminds me of a mix of Moto-Guzzi bike, and classy BMW trunk and bags! A very nice combination but VERY "European" looking. I think the reason it didn't make it long-term may be that American riders (ESPECIALLY back then) were not in love with cross-wise mounted V-twins. Of course, the California "CHIPS" liked 'em in spaghetti-burner trim!We were terribly narrow-minded back then... I remember those Hondas and how they reminded us of Moto-Guzzi bikes. We didn't really like the idea of a crosswise V-twin, OR a shaft drive... Just too "foreign" and too "modern" for our tastes. A "proper motorcycle" simply HAD to have a traditional V-twin (OK, we could tolerate a Brit parallel-twin in a pinch!) and chain-drive... Duh... Of course, our knuckles bumped the concrete when stepping down off a curb, too... LOL! Today, "all growed-up" and more open-minded, I'd go for one of them too...  Of all items, motorcycles probably conjure up more likes and dislikes because of cosmetics than any other critter...
When I think of what I used to ride, and what I NOW ride, I'm even amazed at myself... LOL! What once looked pretty "tired" years ago looks pretty good to me nowadays! Ride safe, Leo
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Post by oldchopperguy on Jun 6, 2018 0:03:45 GMT -5
"I took old "Minnie Mouse" out for a run to Wally World this morning, and realize that in all honesty she is pretty goofy looking by today's standards"There are unique little things I like about Kymcos contemporary to yours, Leo. That headlight on Minnie Mouse reminds me of "War of the Worlds."
Thanks! That headlight DOES look totally "War of the Worlds"... Of course, with those huge electric mirrors open, she still looks like a mouse... LOL! Now after six years, I know about every little Kymco GV quirk, both good and bad. On the negative side, she could use another 10-mph at the top end (like whose ride couldn't?) and, the seating position is made for an orangutan... Which, thankfully, fits me fine... On the plus side, she's been absolutely 100% drop-dead reliable, needing NO repair-maintenance whatsoever. Woo-HOO! She has impeccable handling manners at any speed up her max of around 75. She also gives a solid eighty-five mpg with a mix of approx. 75% city and 25% highway riding. Pretty sweet for a carbureted dinosaur!She is nearly identical to the typical Chinese 150 in size, wheelbase and general configuration which was something I was wanting. Pretty much like a Chinese 150 that's trouble-free and can run 70...Her MOST attractive features? The whitewalls and fishtail exhaust... LOL!Long term experience has been extremely positive. I have to admit that on the highway she has better manners than my old Harley Electra-Glide, and in town she's light-years better and costs only $120 per year for full-coverage insurance... I'm "ridin' with the Geco". Not bad for such an outdated design!And, she's old and valueless enough that I don't feel guilty about putting the light-up goose on her nose... LOL! I found that hood ornament on eBay and had a hunch... Got it and found it WAS indeed the same one I had on a 1949 Ford ragtop, and a 1950 Chevy. Familiar tool-marks and spattering of Harley Davidson silver cylinder paint told the story and brought back wonderful memories! A quick scratch and sniff of the silver paint spots and I was 14 again, transported back to 1960, building "Old Blue" in the family garage... The ornament's original bakelite wings were broken off, and I found BEAUTIFUL lucite repops and replaced the rotten 6V socket/bulb with a 12V LED. No matter HOW tacky, I just had to put the old Packard-style "Illuminated Swan" "in the wind" once more after losing track of it in 1964!
It's just an "old geezer" memory-thing most young folks can't quite understand...Funniest thing about the light-up goose is that I've had a few young crotch-rocket jockeys want to know where they could get one! Even I can't envision just how AWFUL it would look on a sleek rocket... LOL!Old "Minnie Mouse" just proves that you never know just what kind of weird ride you may end up liking!
Ride safe!Leo |
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Post by SylvreKat on Jun 7, 2018 8:16:41 GMT -5
Hey ken, awesome to have you back! But so sorry to read about your heart attack. I hope it wasn't too severe, and the drs have you up'n'running fine!
But do I read correctly, you've moved on from your loverly Piggy? Oh say it isn't so!
>'Kat
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Post by SylvreKat on Jun 7, 2018 8:22:55 GMT -5
Wow. That is...hideous. It looks like someone binge-watched Robocop, Tron, the entire Mad Max series, and a couple sci-fi B-movies while on a Red Bull and LSD binge, and the voices in their heads told them to design that abortion. I like Robocop, Tron, Mad Max, and B-sci-fi movies. But not Red Bull or LSD (well, ok, I assume I don't like LSD. Honestly, I've never tried it. So maybe I would. But I won't). And the voices in my head tell me to do things like buy a scooter, or make a dog costume, or paint a dogon, or.... >'Kat |
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Post by SylvreKat on Jun 7, 2018 8:25:09 GMT -5
Feast your eyes on the new prices. .... And that is one BIG reason I've got a Piggy-branded rather than Cousin-Vespa! (Well, that plus 16" wheels....) >'Kat |
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Post by SylvreKat on Jun 7, 2018 8:42:19 GMT -5
Jarlaxle,
Gotta agree with you on that vintage Honda. It reminds me of a mix of Moto-Guzzi bike, and classy BMW trunk and bags! A very nice combination but VERY "European" looking. ... Seriously, UncaLeo, is there ANY bike you don't like the looks of? ... Her MOST attractive features? The whitewalls and fishtail exhaust... LOL!... NOT the swan? For shame.... It's really your old swan from way back? I hadn't known that. Totally amazing feeling to come upon an old treasure! I once turned in a book for credit towards one I really REALLY wanted but was priced way outta my range at the time. The owner knew how much I wanted that book, so gave me higher credit on some of my turn-ins. I think she offered me something like $10 for this one--Andre Norton's Scarface. It was a hard call because I did like the book, but I liked the other one better and that $10 made it affordable. About a decade later, years after that used book store had closed, I was at the Brandeis Book Sale--tens of thousands of books for crazy-cheap prices! I was just strolling past the tables filled with gen fiction books, just idly looking at them as I passed. One title jumped out--Scarface! Oh my gosh, is that the same story I'd turned in and since missed having? Stopped and took it out--it was! In fact, it was even the same library-binding as my old copy! I opened the cover to check the price and saw the library-binding sticker in the lower corner--wow, just like mine had, just in that spot! Wait a sec.... I checked the top edge, and yep, there was the green marker-spot. IT WAS MY OWN BOOK, come back to me!!!!! I happily paid the 50¢ Brandeis priced it, and rejoiced all the way home. And have always wondered since, what are the odds of me getting my own book back under these circumstances? Sold to a used bookstore that closed years ago, donated to a book sale that receives tens of thousands of books, found by me wandering past a section I'm not interested in and not really looking at. So I get what you felt, UncaLeo when your swan came back to you! >'Kat |
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Post by w650 on Jun 8, 2018 20:11:36 GMT -5
As Kat noted the Piaggio versions are so much less expensive. You can have that 50cc Vespa for over four grand or a Fly 150 for $2300 with the same engine. How about that $5500 Vespa 150? For only three grand you can have the Piaggio Fly150 with the exact same engine. I guess if you want a 1940s scooter the extra money is worth it. Not to me.
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Post by oldchopperguy on Jun 8, 2018 21:18:38 GMT -5
Seriously, UncaLeo, is there ANY bike you don't like the looks of?
Kat,
I really DO like most bikes for one reason or another... There are a few that just don't look "right" to my old eye though. BMW has made a few models that while excellent quality, just look plain weird to me. Some of the new "three-wheel two-wheelers" REALLY don't look right to me either... the narrow front axle setup with leaning wheels just seems to violate all the "rules" of bikes and trikes. I know they ride fine, but look SO strange to me.
A pal of mine sixty years ago rescued a kitten with six legs and four ears... THAT didn't look quite right at the time, but she was the sweetest cat ever! Pretty soon you just forgot the strange appearance and loved her... He named her "Extra"... LOL!
The cosmetics of bikes are SO personal that like I said before, many riders will LOVE or HATE the same bike for the same reasons...
In the grand scheme of things, it's all good so long as you get your "knuckles in the wind"!
Ride safe!
Leo
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