Winter Riding Lessons from 15 Years on a Vespa Scooter

[@johnbellamy6449]

when i was young and not long left school ,16 years old, i rode all year round to work. no public transport,we lived in the sticks,and still do. not much traffic then,1960s. riding very gently,steadily, hardly braking if at all, was all good practice. best wishes from the u k . both myself and my wife ride vespas. i am 73 now and my wife 71.we dont ride in bad weather now. we dont need to. did a Dragon Rally with my son in north wales .it was minus 11 degrees c. we camped 1 night,he rode pillion. lovely memory. glad we did it together.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Like you, the need and desire for winter riding has faded as I have gotten older. And now that I'm retired and not commuting I'm more likely to sit inside a car when the temperature drops below freezing. But I still love to ride enough that cold weather isn't a reason to park the scooter for the winter. Too many clear, dry days for that. So I'll gear up and go. This past season I purchased KemiMoto battery powered heated gloves and socks. Very nice change for me. Thanks for sharing your experiences. I appreciate knowing that continuing to ride in a seventh decade is still in the cards. I'm approaching that milestone in a couple years and want to keep going!

[@arangillespie]

I fully take your point about “adventure”. Something doesn’t need to be distant to be an adventure, just adverse!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Yeah, adventure has a big mental component. Less one of time and distance.

[@donelmore2540]

Ah, handle bar muffs! Thanks for the suggestion and for the name of the item. My eyes immediately went to yours, but I didn’t know what they were called.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Glad I could help! They make a tremendous difference in cold weather.

[@BIG-K]

Another thought-provoking and beautifully illustrated video - thank you Steve, and well done! You're right when you talk about traffic density and how that can influence your decision to ride in wintery conditions. Feeling in reasonable control of yourself, your machine and the weather conditions is one thing, but keeping clear of other road users who may not have achieved a similar degree of mastery is another. There is little that is more focusing than watching an out-of-control vehicle sliding towards you when you lack the space (and friction) in which to get out of its way! Safe roads, Steve, and please keep these videos coming. I'm really enjoying them. Keith (UK)

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Traffic density is pretty low in many places around here. And even our "city" riding in Central Pennsylvania is pretty tame compared to big urban areas. When I do ride in those places I am on high alert and would never consider attempting travel there on a snowy day. Or fog. Or probably even rain. I'm spoiled where I am!

[@JiggleSquirt800]

I rely on my electric scooter for transportation every winter. It has slick tires with very little traction and the small wheels mean bumps under the snow can be threatening. But I've done it for 2 years, and year 3 is coming once winter hits! I have an electric car with no way to charge at home so I rely on public chargers. Therefore I have to bring an electric scooter in my car to ride home with after leaving the car at the charging station. Sometimes the snow was higher than the deck of the scooter. I agree with you that it's like a puzzle to solve, it makes for such an engaging and focused ride.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks for sharing your electric scooter and car experiences in snow. I can't quite wrap my head around the charging issues yet of using either as a daily commuter of any distance. But being retired it no longer is something I have to worry about. Riding in snow is definitely a puzzle. And it does mean being focused and engaged. But again, being retired now, I'm unlikely to continue to play with that puzzle. Be safe out there in winter number 3!

[@gilmont321]

Thank you for the advices , beautiful photos.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Glad you found the video useful and worth watching.

[@JKL246]

So true. I used to ride through winter in the Northern Virginia/DC metro area. The temperature inside your gear is the most important factor, and it’s certainly an expensive and time-consuming endeavor to acquire and test all the right gear. I almost never rode my two-wheelers on snowy or icy roads, but I did have various sidecar rigs and a CanAm Spyder through the years for that. I take several months off from motorcycling now for winter, but the winter gear and riding experience make it a lot easier to enjoy early spring and late fall now. For winter riding, I now use an ebike with studded tires-very light and easy to handle, and enough traction for solid ice; though I’m limited to the bike paths and neighborhood. Thanks for conveying the sense of accomplishment, experience, and adventure gained from winter riding; as well as the great imagery.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I'm not far now from hanging it up in regard to winter riding. As I get older, my tolerance for the cold has dramatically diminished. But as you say, having the gear makes early spring and late fall riding pleasant. Studded tires. I bought studs for my Heidenau Snow Tex tires but never installed them. I think I realized that my desire for that was waning. My dogs thank me because of more walks as I rode less in the winter. I appreciate your comments and the kind words about the videos and the photos I've produced over the years. It's all still a labor of love.

[@twloughlin]

You should think about popping your ebike into your car and bringing it someplace out of urban/suburban areas for a ride. You will enjoy riding rural roads in the snow. Some places are beginning to groom trails for fat tire bikes as well. Looks like yours is a perfect candidate for this kind of riding.

[@JKL246]

@@twloughlin Thanks for taking the time to respond. It’s funny; I originally bought the ebike for rural riding, but we made the decision to go down to one car, so it’s even harder now to schedule that kind of time with the car. However, I appreciate the thought and will keep it in mind for next winter.

[@JKL246]

@@ScooterintheSticks Same here, regarding decreasing tolerance for the cold.

[@ryleighyoungg]

This was really helpful. I just bought myself a Vespa so I can get to and from school and I stumbled across your video when trying to prep for the icy roads of Colorado. I really enjoyed watching your video :)

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Glad to help. Be careful though. I am fortunate to have lightly used roads here. I would not attempt icy roads otherwise.

[@grahams6390]

Another well photographed excursion…. The comments mirror my experience… I have been caught in snow and slush but try to avoid… over the years I’ve ridden in the 20s and 30s F…. I’ve even used cat litter on an iced over driveway to get to main road that was clear…..still ride in the 30s but no snow and ice… in 1975 I picked up my new R75/6 BMW in February in Canada… long ago in a galaxy far away…. You are hard core Steve.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

My snow and ice riding are behind me now. I'll still ride in the cold but will limit things to dry roads. There's still salt to content with but my GTS is so hammered now that I don't care. I used to be hard core. Now I'm just getting older...

[@svandehurk]

I have been driving in Winter for 20 years, best advice use the breaks light or only if necessary. Rule number 1, sometimes it's slippery when you don't expect it, thats he worst ever. Check the road with one feet on the ground while driving, Drive Save all. greets form Holland

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I check the road surface often with my boot in winter. Even though we have a lot of salt on the roads, there are places where ice still forms. And as you suggest, I am very careful braking on winter roads.

[@dewipeach]

I'd cycled a few UK winters back in the early 70's before getting a vehicle.. main issue was ice and black at that, at times one just had to walk it..!! Stay safe, cheers

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Winter and sub-freezing temperatures create a real puzzle to navigate on two wheels. Slow and steady is the word of the day.

[@dewipeach]

@@ScooterintheSticks Freezing.. rode my first motorbike to work one cold morning, eased off the throttle to make the right turn and just kept revving, hit the kill and coasted pass the turn stopping, heat must have defrosted where ever had stuck as was able to restart and was fine afterwards.. but sure makes one panic.

[@Lamvesp]

I've just bought a 2009 mint condition gts super for fun and as my main commuter vehicle. I'll be traveling a round trip of 129+ kms per day so appreciate you making this vid as I intend to ride the scooter through the winter. After your invaluable advice I think it's probably better for me to resort to the car in snow and ice, I'm not as tough as you are and don't have the balls of steel you have. Our roads in the Netherlands are near on perfect, but snow and ice invalidates that when on two wheels.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Congratulations on acquiring your mint 2009 GTS. It should make a fine commuter. I'm not sure, but the 2009 may have been part of the fuel pump recall. At least here in the US. Worth checking with your dealer on that. You'll be piling up miles quickly with your commute. Mine was far less except for the days on which I extended the distance so I could ride more. It's a known hazard of Vespa ownership! Snow and ice was manageable here. In part because of the short commuting distance and in part because I had route choices with little traffic. But the winter weather really abused the metal parts on my scooter. I'll be making a video soon taking a look at what commuting and riding in harsh weather does to a Vespa. I'll ride in cold weather now but no more snow for this old guy!

[@Lamvesp]

​@@ScooterintheSticks Thank you for your reply. I'm assured by the vendor that the fuel pump has been replaced. The guy is a fanatic when it comes to servicing and has kept the scooter in tip top condition. He's added some nice original after market Vespa accessories that give it a sporting look along with a sports exhaust. I purposely looked for a first generation GTS as as a seasoned scooterist and fast sports bike rider I really do not like the idea of computers taking over from me and controlling the bike. I'm old school like my P200 and Lambretta 175. Also have a crazy little Vespa 50 special upgraded with an electric ignition and 130cc DR kit for those mad moments I want to let rip, it's Europe, it's what we do to them. I decided to get the GTS after watching your long term review vid, you sold me on it. I just wanted a relaxed and reliable ride to get from A to B..... in style.

[@BobsZuma]

Hey Steve, I just came across your video by accident. I live in Western PA and I just purchased a Yamaha Zuma and was looking for information about riding in the winter. You've pretty much covered everything I wanted to know and things I wouldn't of thought of. Thanks for the information, I may ride my first winter until the snow falls (I'm that pristine guy, lol).

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Be careful if you ride below the freezing mark. Even on dry roads traction is less. And the chance of encounters with icy patches from dumped coffee or other liquids creates a dangerous hazard. Congratulations on your Zuma and have fun!

[@KrakensGarageandAdventures]

Another fantastic production Steve! The narrative, scenic photos, and cinematography were excellent. I owe you an apology... I started watching this when you released and got called away and forgot to finish watching. Better weather is right around the corner. Eric

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks for the supportive comments about the video Eric. And no apologies necessary. I happy that anyone takes the time to watch.

[@wanderingsoul4104]

Thanks, moto-pops! I'm a young rider and this is highly valuable.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Glad to help! Be careful when the snow is flying!

[@wanderingsoul4104]

​@@ScooterintheSticks We are scooter riders. Being pragmatic is the point! I will learn from your mistakes and successes. Any recommendations regarding tires?

[@ScooterintheSticks]

@@wanderingsoul4104 I ran Heidenau K66 LT SnowTex winter tires for a long time. Great cold weather performance in regard to traction on cold pavement, wet pavement, slush, and unpacked snow. Less impressive on hard packed snow, and useless on ice. They did allow for studs but I never added any. The tires enhanced traction was a result of much softer rubber compounds so they wear faster. And they are sluggish in use. No flicking the scooter around with those tires mounted. And I should add that those tires are extremely difficult to find. They’re made in Germany and there’s not a big market in the United States for winter scooter tires!

[@wanderingsoul4104]

@@ScooterintheSticks Thank you! I'll keep that in mind and make some international friends. Of course, it's not like you were hoping to flick the scooter through the season anyhow! It's like what you said. If that's the fun of riding for somebody, winter riding ain't it for them.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

@@wanderingsoul4104 The biggest issue I see with riders wanting to extend their travel into winter is the inability to modify their riding styles to address the sometimes dramatic changes in traction. Throttle control takes on new meaning in winter.

[@extracoolboy]

Amazing, thank you very much for all the informations!

[@YouMotorcycle]

Canadian here. Good video but you don't need many layers so much as you need the right layers. Heat tech kind of light compression synthetic stuff from under armor paired with natural stuff like wool and down and you're good to go with minimal layers. Remember there is an entire industry for snow mobiling. Here we just use snow mobile gear when riding year round.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I use some hi-tech stuff I used in backpacking and it works well as part of my layer system. But it's still work to add stuff. The Vespa doesn't have enough power output to run multiple electrics. And the Olympia riding suit I had that was similar to what snowmobile riders use was just miserably confining. The real trick for me was consistence use. When I was commuting to work and using things everyday the muscle memory made it simple. But after I retired and the cold weather riding was more infrequent I would stumble a bit gearing up.

[@TheCoopdway]

This was a joy, thank you!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

A joy I’ll likely not repeat. The helmet cam made keeping the visor clear of fog almost impossible. We’ll see what happens next year.

[@esengersma5391]

Thumps up!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks!

[@markmoffett6813]

Thank you very much for another great video. The photos are so amazing as well . Love your content and I am ALWAYS looking forward to your next short film. Mark from Maryland

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks Mark! I'm going to start editing the next video tomorrow.

[@twloughlin]

Sort of a more poetic/cinematic remake of a video you made about two months earlier, no? The falling snow is certainly more picturesque, and the mood music is a nice feature. Despite the fact that this video has more romantic riding appeal, I'll still avoid winter riding. I love winter scenery, but I prefer either a snowmobile or an all-wheel drive vehicle with snow tires to appreciate it. EDIT - the local snowmobile club actually groomed a portion of their trails this year for fat tire biking. Taking an electric fat tire bike out in this stuff would be more my style.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I worried about even making this video. I don't want to suggest to anyone that riding in winter weather as I have is a good idea or goal. I just wanted to share my latest experience. I will say, after this last snowy ride, I've pretty much decided I'm done with that sort of riding. I may change my mind next winter but I doubt it. The real danger I see in riding are the other cars and trucks. Riding on a snowmobile trail with a fat tire bike would be fine. No worries about some big SUV careening across the road into you.

[@josephkent3238]

Thank you

[@ScooterintheSticks]

My pleasure.

[@RS-sc2zr]

Great video 🙌

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you. I'm glad you liked it. I'm working on the next one now.

[@chinwakebhai]

Winter is probably harder in the US and Canada. Riding two wheels in winter is more popular in European countries. Hardly any riders in winter in Canada, although British Columbia may be an exception, and the Southern states. I like the padded blanket thingie for keeping out the wind and precipitation. I was going to say that age of the rider is also a factor, but you destroyed that myth before I could utter it. I am in the same age bracket as yourself, but I do not indulge in the winter. Ride safe and as often as Steve !

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I think my cold weather riding may be drawing to a close. I find it gets more difficult to get up and out the door in the winter than it used to. Even to go for a walk with the dog. The house seems so warm and cozy!

[@johnbellamy6449]

@@ScooterintheSticks i can agree with that ,!!

[@paddy_cakes]

10:05 'someone who is seduced by the throttle' - a temptress to be sure!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I've ridden a lot of motorcycles with a lot of power. Enough to know that I am better served with less power!

[@randykaminski6214]

Steve, thank you! I’ve watched several of your videos, and appreciated each one. I will be checking out your blog for information after I post this, but wanted to ask: could you tell me the name/type of the equipment you chose? Electric gloves, apron/leg cover, and you coat-I really like your coat-? Thank you, Randy. I purchased my first Vespa in December in Michigan, and drove home 25 miles in the cold. I wasn’t prepared for just how cold it would feel, but it was fun to be out..

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Glad they are helpful! Regarding equipment. The muffs and apron are both Tucano Urbano brands. I have two kinds of electric gloves -- the wired ones are Gerbing Classic Leather gloves and the battery powered ones are by KemiMoto. The coat is a First Gear Kilimanjaro. It's my second one and is a great coat. You can see more about it on my blog here: scooterinthesticks.com/2014/11/first-gear-kilimanjaro-jacket-review/ Riding in cold weather takes some getting used to. The secret is to keep cold air off your skin. That usually takes some experimenting with gear. Good luck with your scooter and ride safe!

[@randykaminski6214]

Thank you for the helpful reply Steve. Safe riding to you also!

[@sventrautmann]

Imagine no heated grips, no electric gloves,open face helmet and maybe a bomber jacket; on a PX200 in freezing conditions for four winters in the late 1980’s West Germany. Because a car was too expensive. You have no idea how fortunate you are. I like your KZbin’s though. Press on.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I definitely can imagine it. I rode through frigid winters on my Vespa LX150 without any electrics including a 50 mile ride at -13F. I had to stop frequently to warm my hands on the headlight and muffler. It took years before I acquired the right mix of gear.

[@CurlyHairMaggie]

Hi Steve- Just wondering if you put winter tires on? As far as I have researched, they are not studied, so I can't imagine it does too much...?

[@ScooterintheSticks]

For a number of years I did run Heidenau SnowTex tires in winter. They had noticeably more traction on cold pavement, wet pavement, and in slush and snow. Less effective on hard packed snow and not effective at all on ice. Those tires were difficult to get in the USA back when I bought them and I've not seen anyone importing them lately. If I were commuting regularly knowing I would encounter some kinds of wet and slippery surfaces I would get them. There are some downsides though. Added expense to have the tires mounted and unmounted. I bought some used wheels on eBay so I could leave them mounted year round and just swap the wheels when warmer weather arrived. And the other downside is that they are slow and sluggish to turn. The nimbleness of the Vespa is changed with those tires. You will need to adapt your riding to them. This link will take you to a blog post when I first got the tires: scooterinthesticks.com/2011/01/used-bmw-motorcycle-happy-new-year/ I hope this helps answer some of your questions.