What I've Learned Since I Started Riding Scooters

[@MakingHomeWithApril373]

I rode my Vespa for the first time last week and I agree, there is a great feeling that comes with riding that I cannot explain! Love your video.

[@kentwilliams4152]

Yup, I rode to the pistol range (I served as a firearms instructor) every day, rain or shine. What's funny besides the stinging rain is that after a rain there was "stinging sand" from the highway!

[@HillbillyonaYZ]

Temperature.. Have you ever been riding out in the country, especially early in the morning, and ran through the warm/cold temp walls? Going along and it's like a literal wall, the temperature will drop or raise 15 degrees. Then a little farther along, it'll switch back. Rain.. Last summer I got caught out in a roaring downpour. Coming down in sheets, small rivers running across the roads, cars stopping in the road for said rivers and watching me go through them level rain. 50 miles I had to go in this to get home. People and kids.. Always (ALWAYS) wave to a small child who's watching you go by. The smiles can be priceless. And finally, I ride sport bikes (on a highly modded '09 Suzuki SV650S at the moment), and I'm 63 years old. The reactions I get when the helmet comes off are often amusing to say the least..

[@ScooterNewbie]

I love this!! This is the spirit of riding encapsulated in a comment!!

[@marty37]

Great video. Thanks for sharing the things you learned. It’s cool that all those kids asked for those little things and it had brightened up your days from when you were grinding it at work. It put some joy back in you and made you forget about work for a moment. Good to know what that hand gesture meant. I would have waved, throw a Duce or I would have nodded at the other rider. I can’t wait for the next Moto Vlog.

[@ScooterNewbie]

Thanks, Marty! It is crazy what a little vitamin D does to the mood...on the scooter or off!

[@jeffreyhurst9552]

Your stories reminded me of when I would ride behind “empty” dump trucks here in Florida. The sandblasting made me back way off. Ride safe.

[@ScooterNewbie]

Oh wow! That's a whole new level of ouch!

[@luis815tx]

Fun video just took my MSF course and didn't think I would ever ride with rain but throughout the course it rained now it doesn't seem like a biggie. 🛵

[@ScooterNewbie]

I wouldn’t have thought a wet class would be much fun, but it is freaking awesome if it has you cool with riding in it!

[@RamenOnWheels]

totally reliable

[@doneitel]

I think of riding like camping. There is something about being closer to the great outdoors. From a fellow buddy kick owner. 😀

[@ScooterNewbie]

You are sooo right! What color is your beauty?

[@doneitel]

I've got the vanilla one. How'd you get a custom seat?

[@ScooterNewbie]

Cheekyseats.com makes them. They sometimes have some more stock options, but I sent them some fabric I picked out online with their help, and voila! More personality!

[@53biker]

You might try buying a Vespa fly screen, unobtrusive yet blocks a lot of stuff from hitting you.

[@donelmore2540]

There was a fly screen on my GTV when I bought it. For me it took the air that would hit my chest and redirected it straight under my helmet. I took it off and bought a full sized windscreen. Then I cut it down to the proper size for me.

[@Jacques_Merde]

I think you need to get a windscreen to deflect the rain as you drive through it... does not have to be a full-size screen to stop your body from getting pelted as you drive at speed...

[@Busywave]

I picked up my Kymco today. Yay! I’ve only tested it in my driveway and my wife was like (no pun Intended) come on man get out there. I didn’t make it out of the drive. Well, I’m getting up up tomorrow at 5am to venture out. There’s a high school parking lot 3 blocks away. Wish me luck. Great vid!!!!

[@ScooterNewbie]

This made my day! You sound absolutely giddy!! Good luck!! 🍀 And thank you!!

[@Busywave]

@@ScooterNewbie Scooter Hi Thought I’d give you an update: I’m going to clock my rides 6/16/21: Purchased scooter 2019 Kymco like 150cc. Spent 10 minutes on the driveway. Very hard to do and was maybe a waste of time. 6/17/21: 15 minutes riding in the school parking lot in AM and 15 minutes in PM. Had to drive scooter there about 3 blocks. And back home. 6/18/21: 10 minutes at school parking lot in AM 6/19/21: 5 minutes following Meghan on residential streets near home And again to in-laws to show bike. 6 minutes Then first official ride with Meghan behind me in her Jeep to home 4 minutes. Thoughts: I really love this Scooter. Haven’t named it yet but leaning towards Ethel after my late Grandmother. It rides smoothly not loud at all I’d say it purrs. Great handling. My biggest hurdle is stopping and using both breaks and also taking my right hand off throttle simultaneously. Also I need to improve my turning a bit. Especially from a dead stop. When just driving it along I have no problems with handling it. Thanks for all your cool Videos!!

[@ScooterNewbie]

Glad to be a part of your scooter journey!! You’ll be riding around with confidence in no time. I am happy to hear you’re riding in chunks with support, too, until you’re ripping & roaring everywhere!

[@carolleblanc1089]

Love the videos! Where did you order the reflective stickers for your helmet and what brand, etc. did you choose for a helmet? Can you do any videos on maxi scooters? TY!!!!

[@verablack3137]

Just wanted to add two things: First, the biggest reason I have seen cars act really bad around me when I ride a scooter is they are terrified of being trapped behind a 30mph bike, they don’t realize I can do 60mph they they aggressively try to pass me. The less you look like a Vespa or Tao Tao the better for this. The second is that bodywork and windscreens matter greatly when it comes to riding in the rain, I ride year round in the Pacific Northwest but a Honda PCX with bark busters and a windshield makes it a non-issue, first time I tried out a cruiser in the rain I was surprised I was getting pelted all over by sideways hail lol, but isn’t a problem for my little Honda

[@ScooterNewbie]

So. Stinking. True! I find that on my Kick I get more of that craziness, but on my large frame Vespa, it's not as much of an issue. I got the windscreen this past year, and I hate it in the summer in Texas. I love it in the rain & cold, though!

[@donelmore2540]

To help with traffic light sensors, they sell strong magnets that you stick on the underside of your scooter or motorcycle.

[@blitzmotorscooters1635]

I just drive thru them myself. LOL

[@donelmore2540]

@@blitzmotorscooters1635 Yeah, I’ve been known to do the same.

[@user-qb3uy5cg1u]

I'm also a female who wanted to have my first 2 wheels ride and you really inspired me. I'm planning to buy the Kymco Like 150i.

[@ScooterNewbie]

You’ll love it!! Have your eyes on a used one or the newer Like models?

[@blitzmotorscooters1635]

Scooter Therapy for the win

[@brianthomsen1163]

I'm a motorcycle rider, but did scoot back in the day. I'm thinking that once my current bike is paid off of picking up that Kimco AK550

[@ScooterNewbie]

We lovingly refer to the AK550 as The Beast. Well, more me than the hubs. 😁 What motorcycle are you coming from, and have you been able to sit on an AK550 yet? Curious what you think about the center of gravity as a feature that Kymco advertises in comparison.

[@brianthomsen1163]

@@ScooterNewbie I'm currently riding a BMW F750GS. I haven't yet sat on the Kymco, but look forward to checking them out.

[@dennisfrazer8035]

One of my favorite things to do is go thru the drive thru at Taco Bell. LOL 😃

[@wandieortiz]

Hello, I just bought a Genuine Buddy Kick and I love it. I was wondering if you purchased a pair of jeans or armored pants to wear over your pants for work. I'm trying to be practical and can't wear jeans to work so I was wondering what the alternatives are. Thanks for your videos, they are most helpful.

[@ScooterNewbie]

I do have a pair of jeans I'm trying out now, but I have the pants in the Budget area of this link that I wore to work over my slacks. My husband has the pair in the rain gear area, of this page. scootersfornewbies.com/scooter-products-i-love/ I'm so glad to hear you're loving your Kick! What color did you go with?

[@wandieortiz]

@@ScooterNewbie thanks for getting back to me. I went with the Sedici Alexi 2 mesh womens pants. It should fit nicely over my scrubs. I'm surprised by how many people don't believe a person who rides a scooter should protect themselves as much as their budget allows. I've been told that I don't need a full face helmet because I'm not going as fast as someone on a motorcycle. It boggles the mind. Anyway, I bought the French Vanilla color and it's beautiful.

[@LCasson2417]

Holy cow! You have my same outlook...that's on them! High five! Still waiting to get into a MSF course soon and can't wait to just hop on to run an errand or just ride! Totally just heard about the red light situation and in Illinois, it is legal after 2 minutes to 'run' it when safe. Hoping to skip the rain part. LOL! Mine is a Suzuki Burgman 400 so the 'oomph' is there with about 400cc's to either get out of the way of a wacky driver or keep up with traffic. Wish I'd started riding years ago! Keep up these great videos!

[@ScooterNewbie]

I am totally air fist bumping you right now! It’s so good you learned the red light rule in advance. The first time it happened to me, I was sitting there like a goofball. 😂 I can’t wait to hear how you like the Burgman! I went to test a maxi at 2 different places & no luck. I’ve got my eyes on a Vespa 300, but at this point, I’d like one of each. 😂

[@ScooterNewbie]

And thank you! It’s weird talking to the little black box (camera), but seeing these kind of comments gives me a name to think of to make it less weird. 😆

[@LCasson2417]

@@ScooterNewbie Too fun! I tried once to try a video but had the same thing 'talking' to the funny camera box and not a person. LOL! Not for me but you are doing great! My kids (grown boys) make fun of my youtube user name but it's on them! LOL! Hang in there! It's refreshing to me when it's not scripted or a show. 😆

[@LCasson2417]

@@ScooterNewbie 'Virtual Fist bump'! back! The Suzuki's aren't being made for 2021 here in the States for some reason. Not as popular as overseas but the Vespas seem popular here. I got the last Burgman 400 in Springfield, IL just by luck. My husband thought this would be a better fit for me and I really love it. I'm intimidated a little until I get to riding a few minutes. Guess that's a good kind of 'respect' for the power. Too fun as long as it's not raining..LOL!

[@LCasson2417]

@@ScooterNewbie Sorry, Renee! I'm Lori.

[@ScooterwolfsMotovlog]

Never been a fan of riding in the rain. Got caught in it yesterday riding back from a garage where I was getting my bike a tune up. No matter how I hear it's safe, I ride in a lot of city environments and knowing how the rain brings up the oils from the pavement makes me over cautious on taking hard turns on a wet road. I did have my rain jacket over my riding one, so I was dry and comfortable. Yeah, the traffic sensor seem imprevious to scooters and MCs. This problem has been around for years but no one wants to fix it. Kids always want your to rev bomb or pop a wheelie, like it's effortless. The Two-Finger salute is always the best!

[@ScooterNewbie]

Bwahahaha! A wheelie. On a scooter. I can’t even! 🛵 I don’t blame you on the rain. The first time it poured I just pulled over & waited it out at a convenience store. I forgot about that, but I wasn’t dealing with active heavy rain on top of wet roads for my first to at it.

[@ScooterwolfsMotovlog]

@@ScooterNewbie I’ve slipped on snow and on a frozen manhole cover. Rain sometimes feels too adjacent to that.

[@industryliaison]

Aaaw!! Love these stories!

[@londonjunkremovalservices6834]

Hi. Just wondering what your favourite scooter is so far?

[@cascadesouthernmodeltrains7547]

People will zip around scooters because they think they are slow. My scoot is a Burgman 650 which has plenty of power and I can easily out pace just about any car on the road off a light.

[@lupj9215]

I have a 2013 kymco compagno 110 ( i call it the baby) She is very similer to your bubby 125. I think they were made at the same place in tiwain. I love her & very fun to ride for a short girl like me. I ride her all over LA & the OC & the have 19,000 miles on her but now she needs some $$$ repairs. But thats ok cus i love her. I also have a 2018 like 150 like yours but its a junk lemon lots of repairs already. I am going to trade it in for 2022 gts 300. Ride safe & god bless. Ms. Lupe.

[@ScooterNewbie]

Whoa! Night & day experience with Kymco?!! Have you sat on or tried a 300 yet? I hear a lot of shorter riders want that small scooter, but I’m curious how you feel as a shorter but experienced rider.

[@lupj9215]

@@ScooterNewbie Just bought a 2022 vespa gts 300 from OC motercycle in Costa Mesa ca. I am on my tiptoes but i can ride it. I am seeing what they will give me on my 2018 150 kymco like. I am keeping the 110 kymco compagno , my baby. Ms. Lupe

[@ScooterNewbie]

@@lupj9215 Whoa! You moved fast on that 300, and I'm super excited for you!!!!

[@gregpomes7099]

Nice video and it is true what you say...I have a vesper and I have rode a buddy...but I choose the vesper Have you rode a vesper

[@ScooterNewbie]

I have! I’m currently saving for a Vespa 300 for more oomph. What Vespa do you have these days?

[@gregpomes7099]

I currently have two primavera 2020 150 and 2021 sei Giorni 300 Either one you can’t go wrong

[@ScooterNewbie]

I’m saving for the 300 now. I can’t wait to join the club!!

[@gregpomes7099]

Good luck let us know when you get one

[@momoffour1164]

I came across your video and literally watched all of them!. It was very informative for me because I’m planning on getting one for my daily commute. I’m kind of skeptical how safe it was just because I used to drive one before when I was in the Philippines but it’s way more different here in the US. I’m in CA by the way and we’ll see how it goes… Looking forward for more of your videos! 🥰🥰🥰

[@ScooterNewbie]

Ha! You’ve witnessed my learning curve on KZbin AND survived. You’re ready for your commute now. 😂 I do hope you find CA scooter riding smoother! It does come with risks to weigh, but wear your gear & enjoy the heck out of the ride!! What scooters are you eyeing?

[@lilgrayscoot]

I missed my first motorcyclist hello back because I didn't want to take my hand off my grip to do it back being really new to riding. I have video that I want to post soon of me standing at a light through 3 cycles. lol Have you checked out the app Tonit? I'm in a scooter club on it, but it's not active and only 7 people. Hopefully more scooter riders join the app so we can grow a bigger community on it.

[@ScooterNewbie]

I’ll check out the app & your channel!! I love scooter convos of all kinds! It is funny how it is unnerving to take a hand off at first!

[@Jacques_Merde]

How about getting a yellow jacket (hornet) down your shirt while driving? I had that happen on my motorcycle... not pleasant...

[@ScooterNewbie]

Um.... I can’t even imagine that situation.... Glad you made it out alive!

[@Jacques_Merde]

@@ScooterNewbie Big-@ss red welt 1" off the left nipple! scratch that off my bucket list!

[@1960ARC]

Rain hurts! Have you never been hit by a bee in the face at only 30 mph? Now, that hurts!!! I went straight to a bike shop and bought a helmet that covered my entire face!

[@ScooterNewbie]

Nooooooo! That terrifies me!!!! 😂 🐝

[@industryliaison]

Do you ever zip around cars in traffic?

[@ScooterNewbie]

I do not! There has been an occasion where I’ll go around a stopped car that the cars can’t do. 😂 There is some lane ‘sharing’ allowed in some places, but it’s not where I’m at even at stop lights. I’d honestly think I’d have someone purposefully hurt me if I were even willing to.

[@blitzmotorscooters1635]

Riding in 35F RAIN is worse than riding in 20F DRY :) thats earning your scooter stars there ... people sometimes say its too "hot" to ride. Im like, have you ever ridden in January February bro? LOL

[@ScooterNewbie]

So. Stinking. TRUE!!!!! I'm rolling over here.

[@speedfinder1]

If you are frustrated by being hit with the sand sized stuff, you would really not enjoy being hit in the arm by a full sized European "May Bug" at 40 miles per hour! Even with a jacket, they leave a bruise! 🤣 🏍🏍

[@blitzmotorscooters1635]

been stung in the face a few times. Theres some big ass bugs out there LOL. Full Face Helmet ALWAYS

[@EMVelez-qb1zu]

Barbie would ride that!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@TheLongRideHome]

🐞

[@lizhricik]

Hey which is your favorite scooter??? :)

[@darrinslack1269]

ONE how bad the roads are , two buy the best riding gear you can ,third how stupid car ,truck,other road users can be ,faults you`ll find on your bike and want to change

[@tagoooU]

And you get a great whif of roadkill. HA!!!

[@ScooterNewbie]

Whoa. I was just editing out my reaction to a whiff in a video. 😂 You are sooo right.