Vespa Meditation: How a Scooter Might Change Your Life.

#vespa #motovlog #meditation
More and more I've come to appreciate the meditative qualities of a morning ride on my Vespa ET4 scooter. The least powerful machine in my garage, it uniquely puts my mind at ease and allows me to focus on the road ahead literally, and the road ahead that's my life as well.
This video was an attempt to capture and explain what those rides are like.

[@KrakensGarageandAdventures]

Another fantastic video of how to stop and just relax. In this case, on a Vespa. You're very quietly building a solid channel. Well done, Steve.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you Eric. Whatever I ride I find it relaxing. But the little scooter is somehow different. As far as the channel goes, I still feel like I'm searching for a theme or focus. So I keep experimenting.

[@flatgrindrides]

The “sticks” are looking really pretty this time of year. Some really pretty landscapes and the birdsong at the pond was really nice. Thank you.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Everything is nice right now but it hasn't rained in 5 weeks. I can see that starting to have an effect. A taste of the West...

[@barrybegley5379]

Your well crafted video exudes such a calming influence to those of us viewers who take the time to notice and appreciate your efforts. Thank You once again for bringing us along for the ride. Greetings from Ontario, Canada.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Wow, thank you! I appreciate your kind words. I enjoy figuring out how to shoot things that can be cobbled together to share an experience. A creative exercise that still intrigues me.

[@d.f.9064]

I recently heard a quote: "Comparison is the thief of joy." When you become aware when you are comparing things in your life, this quote can save you.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you for sharing that. It's an important idea.

[@hanialzaid8460]

Unfortunately it isnt safe to drive anything on two wheels where i live..people drive like maniacs..being a father of two id like to be around for my kids college graduation 😅. That is why i enjoy watching your channel..living vacariously through your vespa rides..thank you for the fantastic content ❤

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I understand. I've driven in cities where I can't imagine riding. We each have to make our own decisions about risk and how much we're willing to assume. Thank you for the kind words about my content. I appreciate them.

[@peaceandcalm-paulruby9304]

Good one. That scooter sure has gotten around. Its had 3 owners and 3 different scooter lifetimes. It was fun seeing you put it to good use in your life. I takes you to spiritual places.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

It’s a fine scooter. And it’s a perfect fit in my riding life.

[@erikryde7879]

I am sooo jealous of the 'little' corner of the world you live in! I live in Belgium and the only time I see scenerie like that is ... well on your video's. 🙂

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Pennsylvania has a surprising amount of lightly traveled rural roads. Thousands and thousands of miles where you will see almost no traffic. I'll keep sharing them as long as I can ride.

[@adriancaruana8893]

Beautiful video once again Steve - wish we had roads like that so quiet and tranquil no wonder you gather your thoughts so freely ;) Adrian - on the tiny island Malta

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Glad you enjoyed it. I am probably spoiled here. I forget that not everyone lives and rides in a similar landscape. But Malta seems to have many roads to ride though from Google Street view they seem open and without the forest cover we have here. And you have the sea!

[@kz1000st1]

Two weeks ago I left for Americade on the 1983 Kawasaki and had plenty of time to think in my helmet on the Thruway up to Lake George. Of course once I got there It all changed. Gears, curves and the sound of my four cylinders filled my head. Looking through the curves while pursuing a trio of twenty and thirty somethings while their Father toiled behind me on a Big Victory. I get where you're coming from on the scooter though. Once home I hopped on the China scoot to get a blood test to satisfy the curiosity of one of my doctors. The scooter had my head in a different place as it's so much easier to ride than a big motorcycle. One day I'm hoping that plans will let me take the 250 scooter to Americade. It will be a totally different experience.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Riding, whatever we're on, delivers some sort of satisfying experience in almost every case. I can only remember one motorcycle that was just miserable to ride. All the rest transported me literally and figuratively in some way. I've seen Vespa GTS250 scooters in videos from Bike Week in Daytona and Sturgis. You should be able to manage Americade!

[@capthook8066]

Always enjoy your videos. Not easy to find back roads where I live. None of my friends ride but I persevere. I try to ride my Vespa frequently but usually short trips.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

As I get older my trips get shorter. But so far they seem just as satisfying. I try to wring as much good from whatever ride I can make.

[@Feistyviv]

I wish I live in a tranquil place like this while riding my scooter…excellent video 😊

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Glad you enjoyed it. Central Pennsylvania has many tranquil places.

[@tanja5867]

Thanks for taking us along on another great ride-that’s a beautiful spot you took us to! I’ve been slow to watch your videos as I’ve been out enjoying my own Vespa meditation yet I’m glad to catch up. Thanks as always and ride safe😊

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Glad you enjoyed it. I'll always choose a Vespa ride over watching a video!

[@Stefan_trekkie]

Hi, Steve. I watched the video several times to gather my thoughts on it. I find it to be hypnotic and therapeutic experience too.. One of the reasons that I sold my classic 350 are the gears. You just can't relax enough on the ride. Your brain constantly must fallow rpms and must think ahead about changing gear to not stall the bike. That wears you down over time in my opinion. I get the same relaxed riding experience from my bicycles too.. The endorphins are kicking in there too. But absolute must is the road not to be full of speeding cars, trying to beat each another to the next traffic light 300 meters ahead. In that case the bicycle is better for me, because I ride at the edge of the road and that in a way separates me from the main traffic. Can be done with a small scooter too, but with big and wide bike is more part of the main traffic. Another factor is quality of the road.. If it is too bad and you must focus on the pot holes too much. As I watch your ride.. Nice road, almost no other cars.. Just you, riding alone, relaxed.. That is a dream for me. For very very long time, I have a dream to live in more rural aria with calm roads like in your video, but unfortunately I live in big almost 2 mil. people city and my profession is connected to big industrial factories /I am industrial engineer/ and making money to live normal life is important. But I am constantly looking for a way out. Steve, sorry if I bauble too much for my stuff but as many times before, your videos make me think about my situation and how close our visions are.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and experiences on riding. As much as I love riding motorcycles and as transparent as shifting has become you're correct about it interfering with the relaxed flow that's possible on a scooter. The difference is subtle and can easily be missed unless you're focused on it. I am grateful for the built in relaxed nature of many of the roads where I live. Riding in a city would be a completely different experience. I pass through them from time to time but I've not lived there so I am not sure what rhythm might develop. Good luck on your plans for escape. Sometimes it takes time just to know where you want to be. Then the challenge of how to make things happen comes into play.

[@sinkandrelax]

Steve, thank you for sharing your “moving meditation “ on your scooter. You make it seem like one of life’s simplest and greatest pleasures, and wonderfully therapeutic.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I'm grateful to have found riding in my life. And my Vespa scooters in particular.

[@steverinob3717]

Enjoying my Earl Grey this morning just that little bit more👌

[@ScooterintheSticks]

It's hard to beat Earl Grey tea in the morning!

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

Just watched the interview on Eric's channel & now I'm here! I totally get what you're saying about riding a small bike, I ride my little CT110 on Qld, Aussie, country roads, dirt where possible. The bike has definately helped me through some difficult times. All the best from a fellow heart attack & heart surgery survivor.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

While the machines I have are considered "small" by many riders they don't begin to approach your Postie bike. The CT110 has always fascinated me and I've come close to buying one of the new Honda CT125 Trail machines being sold now in the USA. There's a draw towards persevering on adventures on a small machine. I'm reminded of Walter Muma who in 1978 rode his unmodified Motobecane moped on an 18K kilometer trip from Toronto, Canada up to the far reaches of Alaska and back home. The roads were more daunting back in 1978 than they are now. You can see that trip here: mopedtrip.com As a fellow heart attack survivor you probably understand the occasional pondering of "what if" while riding. As my riding partner has just gotten rid of his adventure bike I am now riding alone in the forests and mountains of Pennsylvania. With no cell coverage and almost non-existent traffic in some areas I'm puzzling over the wisdom of continuing or whether I should stick to the pavement. It's heck to get old...

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

@@ScooterintheSticks yes riding alone is a concern, I did a 3000km solo unsupported trip across the outback last January. I'm cautious, especially in deep sand & try to avoid it. I'm lucky to be alive but I don't think I was spared to stay on the couch. A Motobecane moped trip that's next level, I'll check it out.

[@edwardholliday6905]

I love my sym lance 13 years old it's a Havana classic 50cc over 13 thousand miles on this boy 2010 model. It is my passion. I have a car and all that but I love my barren it is my life and your right it will change your life. He still is running fine after 13 years and over 13.000 miles with no problems ever since I have owed him besides basic maintenance . Tires, oil, air filters, weights, oil change, love him 13.000 miles and going more no problems. At all as far as mager

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences. The return we get from the things we ride is pretty amazing. And for me, it has changed my life.

[@edwardholliday6905]

Sym or lance is under raided. Just as good as a vespa but better. Besides Besides the plastic panels that sucks

[@victorhawkins3461]

Thanks for a most pleasant start to my morning. And for a lot of good stuff to think about...

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@andrewparry814]

Great video. With your comments about focusing, I am far mire focused when riding compared to driving. I think with riding you are far more connected to the road and the world around you. In a car you are cocooned and more detached from the world. I am never bored when I'm riding because there is so much to pay attention to. Look forward to your next video.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks. I agree with you about being more connected to the road while riding. It's what makes it so special.

[@bobd.4967]

Love the video Steve. Enjoy Spring. Boston Bob.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks, you too!

[@giridhars4821]

A great video. Riding is one way to meditate.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you. Riding has been a consistent way to quiet my mind.

[@NoFrictionZone]

Beautiful stuff sir! Riding is my therapy. I wish we had roads like that here in SoCal. You can find them, but it's always a long ride.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I am fortunate to be so close to fine roads for riding both pavement and off road choices. And the forest roads offer shade from the summer heat. Another added bonus!

[@jeffperdue6689]

Always look to see if you have a new video to watch. You seem to live a very relaxed life. Would love to see you and your friends do scooter repair and maintenance videos. I currently ride a KLR 650, but find myself wanting to buy a scooter to ride as well. Do you have an opinion on any of the Japanese scooters, like a PCX or Zuma 125 ?

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you for the supportive words about my videos. I suppose whatever relaxed life I have is the result of some work I've had to do. Accepting reality and letting go of my expectations of life have gone a long way toward generally being relaxed. When I ride the scooter I think I'm reminded once again that I can make a choice to be relaxed or not. There's no magical effect from riding if I'm not willing to let things go. When I get on the scooter I think the sudden change in perspective reminds me of all that. If and when some maintenance issue comes up I'll probably make a video but there are so many great how-to videos out there now that I can't see myself making another. I think Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki make good scooters. Solid performers. I just don't like how they look. The classic style of the Vespa along with the steel mono-body makes them feel different to ride as well. Not necessarily better, just different.

[@piotrbieda5912]

Hi about engine cutting out from the last minute of your video. Please check the inlet manifold for cracks or perishing they prone to leak air and mess up with air/petrol mixture 🧐. Good luck 👍

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks for the advice. At some point I'll look closer. That scooter sat idle for a few years in my father-in-law's garage. The carb could use a cleaning and I should probably adjust the idle a bit. If the manifold was cracked I suspect the stalling would be a constant issue. But it is a rare thing. I'm just not concerned about it enough to look further.

[@gerardgerard5681]

Going for my meds ride too ❤

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Hmmmm, does that mean a ride through the countryside for meditation? Or a swing down to the pharmacy for medication? Both are fine rides for me!

[@JdilpkleRS]

Hello Steve. I enjoy your Vespa videos immensely. Having ridden motorcycles since 1974, I fully understand the two wheel life. I currently have a VStrom and a 1977 BMW airhead. For the first time in my motorcyclist evolution, I’m thinking about a Vespa. The new ones are pretty expensive, so I’m fishing around in the used market. I’m thinking the ET-4 150 would be a good way to go to start my Vespa journey, classic look, and enough power to get me around the neighborhood and out to coffee. I’m used to the suburban LA drivers having lived about 40 miles from Loa Angeles for the last 40 years. The Vespa won’t be for any freeway work at all. I’m 20 minutes from mountain roads that run up to 8,000 feet. From what I’m seeing, the ET-4 looks to be a good choice as far as reliability and such. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated as I continue to investigate my options. Thank you Steve for your time. Joe

[@JdilpkleRS]

PS Steve, I just saw a 2002 ET4. Wast there an engine change about that time? Do you know if the 2002 would be the newer motor? I’m looking this very minute. Thanks!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

You're definitely right about the startling prices of a new Vespa. When it comes time to replace mine I will most likely search out something in the used market. Lots of choices. The ET-4 may be a little more difficult to find than a used LX150 (fuel injected) or a Primavera. All three are reliable. If you plan to ride at 8000 feet you may want the fuel injected scooter. Also, consider joining ModernVespa.com. It is a great forum. It's active and there are many, many experts on the forum regularly and it contains a wealth of useful information. It's free and friendly.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

The ET4 had the same engine from its introduction in 2001 until the LX150 was introduced in 2006. The LX series introduced fuel injection. I had an LX150 and it was a fantastic machine. I unfortunately killed it attempting to service something that was beyond my skill. I ruined the crank shaft and had to get a new scooter. But aside from doing something stupid like I did, both the LX and ET series are work horses. A couple things to look out for. If a used one has been sitting a long time you may need to replace some things from fluids and hoses to tires and belts. And all the modern Vespa scooters have high compression engines and require at least 91 octane fuel to run well. Don't skimp on the gas. I've met more than one Vespa owner who were disappointed in how they ran only to discover they would putting 87 octane fuel in the tank. It really does make a difference with those little high compression engines. Hope this helps.

[@mattdudleydrumming]

🙏

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks.

[@ricksanchez2983]

Nice second Vespa, Steve. Question, do you go the speed limit on those great back roads. And do you have cars creep up often and start tailgaiting?

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Generally I ride below the speed limit. But sometimes I'll be above it without realizing. 45 in a 35 zone sort of stuff. The winding backroads kind of dictate the speed. Traffic is pretty light in most places so when the occasional car approaches going faster than I am I just pull over and let them pass. I do the same thing with heavier traffic if I don't feel like going the pace of the other vehicles.

[@ricksanchez2983]

@@ScooterintheSticks Thanks for the feedback Steve. I just got caught up to speed for the 45 mph limit roads. Baby steps for this old Newbie. Cheers!

[@cmgordon12345]

Try actual meditation once you're properly relaxed from your ride, for even more results

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks for the tip! I sort of do that when I stop but I could be a little more deliberate about it.

[@coastalhillbilly3419]

Good video, morning mediations on 2 wheels is golden 🛵🏍️ “scooters are so comfortable” 👍🏽

[@ScooterintheSticks]

They are definitely comfortable. A friend has done two Iron Butt rides, one on a Triumph Bonneville and one on his Suzuki Burgman 200 scooter. His Iron Butt time was faster on the scooter. His reason? It was more comfortable and he could ride on it longer without stopping for a break.