Things I learned in my first year of owning a motorcycle

The enhanced community quarantine has been extended to April 30, 2020, so the supposed long weekend this Holy Week just got longer! 

I have mentioned that its been a year since I got the Vespa.  And looking at it as I have just recently washed it for storage, got me thinking of the things I have learned about motorcycle riding and ownership of the Vespa.  Let me list it down below in no particular order:

1. It serves its utilitarian purpose - I guess this does not apply to all motorcycles - as I have been also checking out my "next" motorcycle (I'm talking about a Kawasaki Z400 naked bike), and at first glance, you know that you can't hardly put anything on it, let alone place top box storage without looking stupid.  My pet food ride yesterday I was able to place 6kg of assorted bird feeds in the top box and 4 cans of dog food in the under-seat. Utility and style for the Vespa.
2. The heat is not so bad - For all riders, this means as long as you're moving you can get good ventilation.  To non-riders, this is one reason why you see riders fighting through that small space in between cars during traffic.  Another way to do this is by using the right gears.  This is where riders differ - proper motorcycle gears have armor AND extra features like mesh for ventilation.  Majority of the riders you see use the common jacket.  I have tried the latter, and I had to be extra fast for me to keep cool.  And that is another reason why you riders moving between traffic a bit faster and kamote-like.

   

   How many cars can fit in this row?

3. Parking is a breeze - and it comes cheap, too!  Most decent malls provide adequate-spaced motorcycle parking slots.  I haven't experienced one where I had to go around in circles to find a slot, compared to when I use a car on weekend mall visits.
4. Motorcycle riders can be a-holes - I know this is true with 4-wheeled vehicles.  But there was once in my newbie motorcycle rides where I didn't want to ride during rush hour because riders do not care!  They are aggressive with 4-wheeled vehicles but they are MORE aggressive with co-riders.  They will cut you off with no signals whatsoever.  I really don't understand such rudeness in some of these riders.
   
5. You can never have too many gears - This is different from some riders who can never have too many stickers or lights or blings.  Part of me being and EDC-guy is that I want to be ready for anything.  Apart from my Everyday Motorcycle Carry in my other blog, I also have 2 helmets (3 if I decide to use the Gringo), 2 mesh jackets, 2 pairs of gloves, 2 sets of helmet communicator for mix and match.
6. Learn to anticipate everything around you - this means more than just minding your ride, is staying focused enough to be able to check the road ahead, watch out for cars that may not be aware of your presence, pedestrians who seem to think you can always stop for them, or motorcycle riders who will pop up on the wrong side of the overtaking lane.  Key is to be focused, more than if you're riding 4-wheeled vehicles.
   
7. Motorcycle events are notoriously cramped - In my one year of ownership, I have just been to one motorcycle event - the Inside Racing Bike Festival 2019 at the World Trade Center.  I had to return on Day 3 in the afternoon as the line was extremely long!  There were truly good deals and bike displays and activities (and models), so it's understandable that riders line up for it.  You really have to give it time.
8. The lifestyle that comes with it - there is more to Vespa than just a scooter.  Aside
   
   from its strong history, owners have that discrete yet elite vibe!  I'm not elite, but I do get that wanting to be different.  You can buy a more powerful, modern bike with the price of a similar Vespa, but I guess riding a slow, heavy and expensive scooter to maintain is more acceptable than being part of the many. There is such a thing as "not for everyone".  But I am also a member of other motorcycle facebook groups.  And camaraderie and brand loyalty among them is strong.  There is truly more to motorcycles than just machines.

If you're a rider you may agree to these and maybe have your own points.  If you're a non-rider and thinking of getting one, I hope this helps in giving you ideas of what to expect in one.  My advise - go for it!  But learn the proper way to ride, and don't skimp out on gears!  Ride Safe!

The Vespa S 125

March 17 - start of the work from home setup due to the extended community quarantine. I'm working three hours early from my official work hours, and I'm still on my not so good woke up like this look, so no video calls for now. 

Since its early and social media inquiries and emails are a bit slow I have decided to visit the blog site and update a bit.  Its been a looooooong time since I've been here, and remembering from how I do this, I'll just type away!

Yes, I'm still doing some running, although on a weekend basis.  I can just do a 4km/30 minutes run down from my previous average 5km/30minutes.   Cycling I've just done like 3 for this year and its leisurely.  Overall, I'm not really pushing myself on these.

Welcome home Cherry!

What I'm pushing myself to doing lately is riding - my Vespa.  March 9, 2019 when I took her home.  So far its been a year of clean mudguards, dust-free body and safety gear building (we'll get to gears on a separate post)

This is a Vespa S 125 Rosso Matt (Matte Red) with extras like Vespa fly screen, fixed rack, top box, foot pegs and floor mat. 

What made me decide in getting a scoot was when I saw it up close and personal at Motori Moderni in Nuvali during on of our store visits.  It was love at first sight and touch!  It was the same matte red unit that at the time was P125,000, with a promo of 0% interest for credit card.  As much as I wanted to get it on the spot I could not.  Needed to get the wife's approval as a motorcycle is not something that you get and use out of impulse.  I'm responsible that way. 😎 

At the Mahiwagang Puno ni Ian Veneracion

I've come to realize that its not just about its looks, but a great mobility option!  I dread traveling on Saturdays due to unlimited traffic.  Scooting is a great way to breeze through the traffic, plus getting a parking slot is also very easy (not to mention cheap).

I was also able to experience the hills amd nature like I used to with the road bike.  My first and only Marilaque ride was a blast!  Thankfully didn't get to meet any kamote riders!

Riding a motorcycle does have its drawbacks - rain, heat, rude motorists and in the case of the Vespa, a bit on the expensive side.  But it does bring in certain plus points like convenience, its therapeutic, and in the case of the Vespa, a certain coolness and lifestyle.  Ride Safe!