Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 17 Jul 2004
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 1
WHO RIDES A SCOOTER

oh yes the good life traveling all over on a vespa. all the people look if i,d gone crazy ecept gas station owners and the women love them kids dig um. I wounder if anybody ever went across the usa on a vespa? sound like Fun don,t it

------------------
OFFICERS I,VE GOT INSURANCE
__________________
OFFICERS I,VE GOT INSURANCE
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 6 Sep 2004
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Derby, England
Posts: 1
I too ride a Vespa. Mainly as a commuter however it has visited as far east as Austria and as far south as Portugal and a few places in between. Funny looks 2 up with luggage, especially on the Autobahns in Germany. My Vespa comes fitted with an automatic fuel low alert. After 70 miles it sends a numb pain through your behind to remind you to stop and re-fuel!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 22 Dec 2004
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 3
I ride a vespa ET4 125cc from home to work, its a 20 minute commute. I wouldnt take this thing anywhere near a motorway, or take it further than a 1 hour ride through London, it doesnt handle speeds over 50 continuously to well, handles okay around town though.

If your a huge scooter fan and have plenty of time on your hands, then it might be okay... ??


Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 23 Dec 2004
Steve Pickford's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 994
Like these



I'm second from the right, #320

[This message has been edited by Steve Pickford (edited 23 December 2004).]
__________________
My photos: www.possu.smugmug.com
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 23 Dec 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Posts: 122
I read a book a while ago about a swede that rode on a 50cc husqvarna in the 50's from Sweden to South Africa. He almost made it the whole way and it took him about 6 months. He had to cancel the trip not far from South Africa because someone in the family was seriously ill.

Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 24 Dec 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Everywhere and Nowhere
Posts: 48
Hey Scooterdude,

As everybody knows, 2 stroke is only suitable for lawnmowers I would suggest a 4 stroke Honda scooter.

Have ridden in the USA on a four stroke 100cc Honda Super Cub. Great bike. No problems at all. Everybody likes it and spares are cheap and easy to come by.

Check www.honda50.cc for pictures.

Good luck,

Dirk
__________________
Everytime people see me it´s a KODAK moment!
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 1 Jan 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Bonn, NRW, Germany
Posts: 27
Quote:
Originally posted by SCOOTERDUDE:
oh yes the good life traveling all over on a vespa. all the people look if i,d gone crazy ecept gas station owners and the women love them kids dig um. I wounder if anybody ever went across the usa on a vespa? sound like Fun don,t it

There's a book called "I See by my Outfit" (or something like the same) about two beatniks who ride scooters -one German and one Italian I think- across the US in the late 50's or early 60s...all a litttle hazy, it's ten or twelve years since I read it, then lent it to someone and mourned its loss ever since. The book will either inspire you or turn you off completely. If you find it, let me know!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 1 Jan 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Bonn, NRW, Germany
Posts: 27
Well, there you go. a quick foray into google and here it is: http://www.peterbeagle.com/books/outfit/

I really enjoyed it and now plan to get another copy. Thanks for reminding me.

Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 6 Jan 2005
DaveSmith's Avatar
Slacker supreme
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Sacramento, California
Posts: 410
Give it a shot and it's been done before. Most people under rate the old Italian stuff. I've heard about someone doing a lap around Australia on a Vespa with a sidecar (probably holding extra parts).

--Dave

------------------
Trying to ride (and work) my way round the world on a 1965 Ducati 250cc. Australia, New Zealand and Japan are first. http://nokilli.com/rtw/
__________________
Not Ted Simon since 1970!
http://nokilli.com/rtw
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 10 Jan 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Genova, Italy - Kabul, Afghanistan
Posts: 201
If you can read italian, try these books:

http://www.it.bol.com/bol/main.jsp?a...n=978880781814

http://www.it.bol.com/bol/main.jsp?a...n=978880781595

Everything is possible with a Vespa, if you really want it...
I own a 28 years old Vespa 125 TS, and I use it to go to the office everyday, but for long distance travelling I have a BMW. Anyway, when I was much younger I rode to Greece, two up, with the Vespa and it was great! The only problem we had were many punctures.
For long distance old Vespa trips, don't forget to put 4% oil in the tank.

[This message has been edited by pietro.spera (edited 09 January 2005).]
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 8 Mar 2005
seanh's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Posts: 301
In Pakistan and Iran I met another Italian with a similar vespa, 125cc about 30 years old. He was on the return leg of a journey Italy to Vietnam and back.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 22 Mar 2005
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: albury nsw australia
Posts: 306
i rode a 71 vespa 150 super from bali to bangkok in 97 did around 9-10,000 km ,broke down most days always small problems ,new piston, rings and rebore once, in asia a great choice if you like 50 kph
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 22 Mar 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: new delhi , india
Posts: 35
i have two bajaj chetaks , 150cc 2stroke engined cute scoot.. one is 6 yrs old , d other is an yr old..
does 85kmph n returns around 40-45km/l

Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 10 May 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Modesto
Posts: 25
I also have Bajaj Chetaks. I have a 2002 150cc 4stroke. My wife has a 2003 stroke. I am fixing up a 2003 that was crashed with only 375 miles on the clock for my son...surprise gift. I haven't riden mine for long trips, but have riden for rides of over 100 miles on mine. I have about 4000 miles on my scooter, 48000 miles on my cruiser, and am just starting to get miles on my bmw. Members of the yahoogroups bajaj scooter forum have riden across the USA. Last summer they had a Canonball style race across the USA. The Bajaj did very well against kitted Vespa's and Lambrettas. Last summer we took the scooters up Mount Evan's in Colorado. It is the highest paved road in North America. Pavement tops out at 14,262ft. My wifes stock Bajaj made it without problems. My scooter has a racing pipe and jetting...I fouled my sparkplug and had to quit climbing at around 13,000ft. I cruise at 50mph, and get about 80mpg on my scooter.
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 11 May 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Modesto
Posts: 25
http://www.bajajusa.com/images/Mary%...mt%20Evans.jpg
Hey bunnypunia....here is my wife with her Chetak at 14,262ft above sea level. It is the highest altitude paved road in the USA.
Dave






Quote:
Originally posted by bunnypunia:
i have two bajaj chetaks , 150cc 2stroke engined cute scoot.. one is 6 yrs old , d other is an yr old..
does 85kmph n returns around 40-45km/l

Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 02:47.