200, not out

Yesterday (Friday, May 8) was my one-week anniversary with my Vespa, and we are just so happy together. Thank you so much for asking. The honeymoon is definitely still going strong. Sure, in that first week we have been through a lot, all of the highs and lows of a new relationship. We’ve had sunny carefree days where we just enjoy each other's company, and we’ve had rain, wind, and the stress of approaching finals. But overall, it has been a great week.

In one week I have put almost exactly 200 miles on my scooter. 199.something to be exact (I just didn’t feel like going around the block to make it official). I have to admit that I am having some new-parent type concerns with it, although I don’t think there is anything to really worry about. This type of engine needs a break-in period (I think even smaller boat engines need one), and so that might have something to do with the fact that I haven’t been getting the gas mileage that I expected. During the break-in period I am using a lighter oil than I will normally use, and so maybe that has something to do with it. Either way, I am still getting almost twice the miles-per-gallon that I did with my car. The one “real” issue is that my front break makes that high-pitched breaking squeal. I don’t know if it is something important, or if it is just annoying. But I’ll be bringing the scooter in for its first checkup in not too long, so they can take a look at it for me.

One thing that I have discovered is that I am becoming increasingly obsessed with scooter gear. Mostly I have been looking at helmets (despite having a great Vespa helmet already) and jackets. Especially jackets. The fact is I don’t really like mine. I recognize that it is important and that keeps me safe, but it is ugly! I spent a lot of money on a Vespa because I like the vintage look (as well as the reliability). I don’t really want to look like I should be on a crotch rocket when I ride it. Are scooter jackets required to look stupid?
The answer is, of course, no. It helps if you are British, but I’ll get to that in a second. During my searchers I discovered Corazzo jackets, made just down I-5 in Portland (http://www.corazzo.net/). These cost a little more than I spent on my current jacket, but they are pretty cool looking.

If it weren’t for the conversion rate between the dollar and the British pound, I would have already purchased at least one jacket from http://scooter-wear.com/. They carry Corazzo jackets, but they also have a number of awesome looking options from brands that I can’t even find on ebay. If you are in the market for some new gear, and/or you are rich, check this site out (I am a large in jackets, in case you rich folks were curious).

While jackets are a big concern for me, most of my time is spent looking at helmets. The sad thing is that I don’t even need one, as I have a great one already (see below left, but mine is white, and I added a face guard). I have managed to convince myself that I should have an extra one in case someone is visiting and wants to go for a ride. I don’t imagine many of my friends will be able to fit into Julie’s non-gender-specific small helmet. So if I’m going to need a second helmet, why not get a cool one that I can use if I feel like it? Right? Two birds, one (expensive) stone. My first choice would the Piaggio Copter (below right, and only $299!). I don’t know if looking like a fighter pilot while riding a scooter will look odd or not, but since they are made by a scooter company, I think it’ll be fine.


There are also some non-Vespa/Piaggio helmets that I like, and that I can probably afford. But at this point, I feel like I should stick with what I know I can trust. And since I can't try on helmets from the internet, I should also go with a size that I know will fit. We'll see what happens.

Well, it’s looking like a nice weekend. I should be out riding rather that writing…