Words of Wisdom, man! I sold my BMW GS 3 years ago and bought myself a Vespa GTS300 to be more relaxed in the cities of Germany with all the crazy traffic these days. But, I changed my way of driving only as I started traveling with the vespa. In the last two years I made 10,000 miles around Europe, from the Alps to Ireland, from France to Poland. Only by driving little country roads and by pulling over whenever there is some crazy driver - also bikers - behind me. After 20 years of bike traveling this is a new level of biking and relaxed travelling. I wish, there would be more of you on KZfaq and of course on the streets nowadays. Please, travel long, safe and always open minded. You got a new follower :). Cheers, Wolf

You hit the nail on the head. In 46 years of riding, and over 50 bikes, I have never owned a performance bike of any kind. I have had some big cruisers, but they were not fast. I've had a couple of Goldwings. I've had a few Harleys. No, I don't have the Harley attitude. I like the bikes because of their sound and feel and old technology. Which new ones no longer have. I have always ridden alone. I NEVER exceed the speed limit, and ride under it most of the time. When riding on a road with more than one lane going in the same direction, I ride in the right lane, and do not pull over. The speed crazed maniacs can use the left lane. They seem to think the world will end if they don't get one car length ahead. 99% of them have no reason to be in a hurry. We will all reach our final destination soon enough anyway. The old Mac Davis song "Stop and smell the Roses" comes to mind. I've always believed that life is about the journey not the destination. We all know what the destination is, and I am in no hurry to get there. I see no reason to rush through life, it's already too short. Enjoy it while you can. I have never been an aggressive or competitive person. I like working on things, and building things, and I like taking my time and doing it right, and being satisfied with what I have done.

I get loads of folks asking me why I bought a slow bike. I always say, I get to rider longer than you. Riding a slow bike gives you more than a fast bike could. You see more. You notice things. Sure, when I was 20 there was no chance of me thinking like this. However, I am glad I found the more gentlemanly way to travel.

I agree 100% regarding your "secret:" "When traffic pulls up behind me, I pull over." While I didn't ride that way when I was 19, that is now my easy-way-out of stress, without a second thought. I also moved from Southern California to a small city in northwest Washington state, so I've escaped the most aggressive, "Type-A" personalities, as well. I much prefer to relax and enjoy the scenery.

I bought my first "big" cruiser about a year ago. It's an excellent motorcycle, but it broke down last week, and pushing it a half mile to the nearest outpost of civilisation has come close to curing me of my interest in a freeway cruiser. My old 70's bikes were slower and less comfortable at 80mph, but lord have mercy, they were a hell of a lot easier to work with when things went south.

Steve, I know it's been 6 months that you posted this video, but I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your rides and experience! I couldn't agree more with all that you said. The pretty scenery and the way you calmly present your content is very soothing. I'm a new Vespa rider and it certainly is a form meditation for me. I come back feeling lighter and with a smile on my face. 🙂Cheers from Virginia! 🌄

Yes, Steve, you nailed it with: “slowing down, seeing more, experiencing more - a different kind of sensory overload…” That is the way of minimum stress and maximum enjoyment. I agree wholeheartedly. Thanks for a different perspective.

Steve, I embrace the wisdom you share. The cool, beautiful Pennsylvania countryside, the poetic ride, but mostly the relaxing ride. I do the same and shall continue riding the way you do. Thank you, sir!

I just turned 82 and I just bought a red 2023 Vespa GTS Super. Much more relaxing than my Burgman 650 Executive was and much lighter. I too prefer riding secondary highways and back roads. Love the suspension key-less "entry", and the ABS brakes and the traction control, and the peppiness of the engine, and so quiet on the road. Handles great at all speeds! Enjoyed your video, expressed my thoughts almost exactly! Just joined a Vespa club and our rides are mostly at 60 kms or there about. It's true, you miss all the scenery at faster speeds. When I'm on my own I go even slower and enjoy the view. Pull over a lot! Had a few short rides on the 4 lane highways at 100 to 110 kms just to see if I could do it, or I was in a hurry for some reason (like an approaching thunderstorm), but it wasn't really fun, and I don't like to abuse my scoot, so there won't be much of that going on in future. I know it 's capable of those speeds if I need it, but I prefer to enjoy seeing what I'm driving past, not having just a big blur going by me, and the wind pressure is distracting too.

Unless it's an emergency you should NEVER pull onto the shoulder of the interstates just to 'relax' or 'observe' or 'chill'. Especially on a bike. If you DO commit to doing that, pull all the way onto the grass. Every third driver these days is distracted, sleepy, bored, texting, watching a youtube video, digging around for the phone they dropped, argueing with the kids, eating a roller dog and chips, etc etc etc. I've seen what can happen to a parked vehicle 4 feet from the cars and trucks going 80 mph and then they veer slightly over the fog line. Dude...just dont risk it. Ever.

I wish more folks in the two wheel world agreed with your wisdom. I know I do.

It feels relaxing listening to your informative videos, man. Thank you

Thank You for showing a pleasant , and wonderful example ! Much Respect from Hungary EU

I've been riding for just a tad over 58 years by now. I started out on a Vespa 125. Then I went to a Vespa 180SS. After that in my later teens I was all about speed. BSA Lightning, Kawasaki 750 - 2 stroke and on & on. In 2008 I made the jump to the GoldWing. I Loved that bike. But now I'm on the wrong side of 70 and find myself looking at another Vespa. I've been fast but now I'm just not in a hurry. I think that's one thing I particularly enjoy about your videos. You're not like so many foolish children who have to be going 150 every chance they get. Thanks for a relaxed ride. Be safe & enjoy the scenery.

Slow travel vibes = scooter life! Appreciate the advice. "I'll just find another route. It might take longer. Who cares? That's just more time on the scooter." 💗

i have slowed right down myself now i am 57.. had all the bikes in all the colours and types and sizes.. now i ride a 300 forza with missus on back.. and like to pick country route here in kent UK and see how far i can get with no traffic lights.. we rarely go over 60mph...quite often plodding through winding lanes at 30mph.. stopping for tea.. or bridges over rivers to feed bread to fish.. its so much more fun than speeding down a motorway.. .. ..

I bought a Vespa a few moths ago after riding a sports bike for years. I’ve been enjoying taking the back roads where I don’t get buffeted. Off the highway, and cruising around the countryside. Very different style of riding and very relaxing. Plus the scenery is amazing. Yes I agree we get to ride longer.

I like your style. I’m approaching age 70 and have a GTS300. I don’t like riding in fast traffic. I live in a fairly large city so it’s a bit harder to find country roads. It requires riding on fast roads to get to the slower ones. I do love my Vespa!

I'm with you, dude. Slower can be better!

Steve, love your scooter videos. As of Wednesday, I have the Vespa 300 Gts. Love riding in Pa. I love the Lincoln Hwy. Schellsburg, Bedford, Somerset, and all along that area. Now gotta get back and do it all on Ciela (my Vespa). Thanks for your videos. Listening to you is like listening to an old friend.

Brilliant. I totally agree with your philosophy.I have had quite a few bikes over the years, including a Harley and a few fast bikes. Yesterday I sold my Pan European ST1300 and have paid a deposit on what will be my seventh Vespa scooter. I found that although the Pan was great it was so fast I had no chance of just enjoying the ride and every time I saw a Vespa I would really miss it and feel envious!! Vespas all the way for me from now on!

I’m 66 and have just restored a 2006 Vespa LX150. Only motorbike I have ever had. Got it running a few weeks now and have yet to get it up to 30 mph. I love to get up early to avoid all the traffic and go groceries shopping.

the essence of life is to enjoy things, food, good times, landscapes, and the best way is slowly without hurry, thanks!!!

I have a adv 150 and I love going 45-55 on it. Wish I had a little more umph sometimes but I do pull over and let them go around me. It’s crazy how much more you see on a bike then a car. Also I have a Navi and my brother wanted to go riding and the whole time before we went he said I needed a bigger bike, at least a 400cc. We took a ride and rode all day and he had the time of his life.

Great advice all around! Brand new rider, just passed the MSF a couple weeks ago, still waiting on my GTS, been getting a bit of practice in on my hubby's motorcycle, but not gotten brave enough to get out on the real roads, just sticking to my neighborhood. I feel pressured sometimes even in my car, with people crawling up my rear, I'll def keep pulling over / off in mind when I finally get out on the roads on two wheels, I want to enjoy riding and feel relaxed for sure!

So wonderful to see a responsible rider. I was in a bike club here in Latvia for one season because I moved here from Ireland and was hoping to meet some friends but left simply because they rode like crazy people. Usually I was a loner and rode like you do.. I like to Potter along and always let folks pass if they want to drive faster than I'm going. When I am in a group I always chose to ride at the back at my own pace. It's the same in my car, I have zero interest in speed. I gave up bikes two years ago. But now I once again am missing riding so am starting to save for a vespa 300. I have rode all my life from scooters to Harleys, but I don't need power and loved my scooters. I'm 58 so have a few years riding left in me. A lot of gravel roads here but I still prefare a scooter, gave you a sub and Greetings from an Irishman in Latvia 👍

In the 1820's canals were built from Lake Erie to New York for trade. Barges were pulled by mules. The country folk hated how the canals made life so much faster, busier and congested. We wonder why we are physically and mentally sick. Lifestyle and diet are EVERYTHING.

What a great approach! It is all about the ride and the experience. I was frequently asked, "How fast will it go?" with the Vespa... my response was usually, "I'm told about 80mph, but that's not how I ride." Nice video!

I've had a vespa 150 for12 years and I love it

My most recent bike (Mo'dean...a 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 I sold 4 years ago) was quite a wonderful machine, but at 850 lbs. dressed, she was a full-on CHORE to ride! Commuting to work was about as much riding as I cared to do. But the two Vespas I had previously owned -- a 2010 300 GTVie named Olive and 2008 ET-2 50 named Lily (Yikes! She was SMALL!) were always fun to ride, never a chore. That's why I want to get back on a Vespa. So, I fully understand exactly what you're saying with this video. My days of "ride it like you stole it" are w-a-y long gone. You have some beautiful country around you to see. I live out in the desert north of Palm Springs, CA. There's a lot to see here, too...and I'll most likely see more of it on a Vespa than I did on that big-ass Kawi!

Love your advice!!! Thank you!

Riding fast on PA back roads is such a waste! So much to see, to explore, to experience. I was exploring a “new to me” road near Newport. I came around a bend in the road and had to pull over and take in a wide vista of the Juniata River valley. As I get older, both me and my bikes are getting slower. Of my three bikes, lately I have been riding my 50cc Buddy Scooter the most. It forces me to slow down and just enjoy the road.

Mr. Steve Williams let me tell you that you are very wise. Greetings.

Theres another advantage to the Vespa I hadn't considered. It can be the last bike you ever own as you can ride it into your golden years. My 84 year old father can no longer ride motorcycles but I bet he could ride the Vespa.

Hi! Wow, it's a motorcycle driving video that gives me so much fun and healing Have a happy day 👍👍👍

Another banger video. Thanks.

Great approach! It's all about space and time.

my philosophy exactly. would much rather have someone in front of me than behind. as far as the rushing around - I understand people have someplace to go or be, but the extinction of what was called 'courtesey of the road' and inconsideration of others like refusing to let another vehicle in your lane or speeding up when the person in the next lane puts on his/her signal so they can't get in front of you - my thoughts are - we are all just trying to get someplace - this is life, not nascar - a lot of people just don't get that.

A wise man, whose philosophy has probably saved a few folk !

Lovely video. Your Zen like approach is refreshing.

That's a very important message. Not only motorcycles but also automobiles are being regulated due to environmental issues, and eco-friendly measures are a selling point, but at the same time, they are still selling performance such as power and speed. It's the same with EV cars, EV motorcycles, and EV scooters, which are ironic in the real world that even though they are originally intended to be eco-friendly, they are supported by users who want a very intense feeling of acceleration. Even when driving on public roads, it is a daily occurrence to be pressured from behind by a car or motorcycle coming from behind. (Even though I'm not driving slowly) I really sympathized with your story. I wish more people would listen to stories like this...

So true, and good to see so many others in agreement in the comments. My little SuperCub is a joy to ride and will do 100 kmh if asked - just. But even that speed is not comfortable for long, and the interesting roads are at 70 or 80 kmh anyway, which is a fine clip to be going. I have a few local routes that I do over and over. I love the familiarity and accessibility. I have no great desire to travel interstate or across the world, although I applaud those who do. I'm happy puttering around the quiet streets and hills and valleys of my home town any time I can spare, listening to the motor and breathing in the changing fragrances of the flowering trees, or motor fumes, or cooking as the case may be. It's like low level flying through constantly changing scenery.

The problem with seeking that adrenaline rush is that you need more and more all the time, which gets you killed over time unless you just stop doing it.

I am 36 year old dad, i ride a 50cc moped, I pulled over today on a tight country road to give way to an incoming car, I enjoyed the ride today, made home safe every time

Thanks for the riding tips!!

Been loving your videos. New Vespa rider in Brooklyn here ✌️ wish there were more people on the road with your style!

This is an interesting topic. If someone is tailgating me on any of my bikes, like you I just pull over. Now on the 946 with its anemic motor, a head wind of incline can drop me down to way below the speed limit and I just pull over, much like a school bus holding up traffic. What I find interesting is when I have ridden scooters that are quite capable of keeping up with traffic, I find folks still feel compelled to pass a scooter. I believe it's a physiological thing. It's a scooter. it's gotta be slow so I have to pass it even of I'm 10 mph over the speed limit. I have seen many folks get a speeding ticket feeling the need to pass me. 🛵💨🦑

Everything in our heads. We build limitations and our behaviors there. Thank you for the remembering me that!

Scusa se scrivo in italiano,grande video,parole che condivido pienamente. Dopo tante maxi moto la prossima settimana dovrei ritirare la mia vespa....sono contento ,ho intenzione di vivere un nuovo modo di andare in moto. Godere ogni km lentamente.... bravo!!!!

Nailed it. 50.000 miles on an 1100 gold wing and20,000 on an elctraglide Harley and loved the relaxed ride. I'm now almost 70 years old and wish I could afford a Vespa 300. Why a 300? Because I weigh 350 Lbs and there are a lot of hills here so sometimes more power works with your philosophy....cheers☺

One of your best to date Steve. From a fellow Vespa rider in NJ with over 100,000 miles. The first question I usually get asked is “how fast can it go “ ?

Think this a wonderful video

Great!!! Wish you Only the Beat!

Love your video's 👍

Totaly agee with your riding filosophy. I love to ride slow and if possible with great music (jazz) 😉👍

You bet, I was an in-city wasp driver, now I am all for the country ride and I always take the long way home.

You have a good roads compared to the ones we have in NYC. People seem to be in a hurry all them time, even though in the end they reach their destinations not more than 5 mins ahead of you are me... they want to try and feel good while driving cuz the rest of their life doesn't feel right to them & driving is the one time they feel they can get ahead...

Love your approach. I find myself missing out when going fast. I love going fast, but it has a price.... not seeing as much since I have to concentrate on traffic and what I'm doing.

Very good tip, helped me alot. Tanks

Great video Steve. After a few years away from Scooters I'm planning to hop back on either a Vespa GT or GTS and I cannot wait!

I agree 100%...I own a Harley Davidson & also a Vespa 300 & if I can avoid a Freeway I do...I'm out to enjoy the ride!

Cool video! I used to ride a larger bike (900cc), and it was fun but not in a relaxing way. I’m going to try and take my time and enjoy the ride more with my Vespa gt 250 and try to pull over more when the impatient drivers start getting close.

I've always ridden sports bikes and now I just don't really see the point of getting my enjoyment at speeds far in excess of the speed limit (hypothetically). I've just bought a Vespa which arrives later this week and I am looking forward to a more relaxed way of riding.

Wisdom words indeed!

what a beautiful area you ride in …. envious ! nice video channel * I ride a 2010 GTV 250 I bought new & love it.

Love your philosophy.

I pull off the road on my Himalayan to let traffic pass me all the time. I'm not interested in "competing" for the road; being conscientious of other users of the road is just better and less stressful for everyone. Well done.

Going slow sure has it's benefits. It takes practice to go slow well. It's somewhat anti-ego so it sounds like a type of meditation.

Steve, I certainly think some of this Zen-Riding comes with age, I adhere to this now that I'm in my golden years. But also this resonates with me because I ride a 50cc Piaggio Typhoon and we have hills here in Seattle, lots of hills. I'm forced to pull over into the bike-lane at times to let cars go by especially up hill, where my speed is reduced to 25 mph. I am pleasantly surprised to find that my scooter can easily get to 40 mph. on flat roads. I sometimes think the previous owner may have upgraded a few things or I just got lucky. I don't mind at all and people passing me up while I'm in the bike-lane regularly give me a friendly wave. My scooter forces me to slow down and enjoy the ride because I can't go fast. As a result I have slowed down and enjoy it that much more. Anything to get in more time on my little freedom machine. I will admit that I will be moving up to a more capable scooter as soon as my close friend agrees to getting one himself. That way I have someone to ride with and take in more of the beautiful Washington scenery, I mean wet scenery, it rains a lot.

The thing I dislike most is someone behind me so I have to maintain the speed limit. I tell people that two things that will get you killed on a motorcycle speed and power. If you ride like there's no tomorrow there will come a time when there will be no tomorrow. Been riding 58 years so I know a few things about riding.

Helpful

For people that live in flat areas, full throttle is all they can do to get a change in scenery. The concept doesn't work too well in hilly or mountainous areas where change of scenery and direction is all over the place. :)

Thanks for sharing, Steve, I really liked this vid, good message. As I'm settling into loving slower pace with the Ural, I wonder if the slow bikes I sold for being slow I would now like better than back then. I'm about to sell my cb300f, close to a perfect commuter, if a bit dull. Wouldn't mind 125ish cc scooter, or always wanted tw200 I rode in motorcycle school almost 20 years ago, and there are others... But I need to ride more than just look at bikes. Was the same with cameras, kept an fm2 w/50mm on f1.2 and sold the rest, wondering if I'll ever pick that one up again. (But always salivated over F4, and now can afford one, if only I used it :-D ) Cheers!

i agree with your riding secret even i do the same i pull over😊

Great policy!

Always keep in mind that your speedometer is 5mph higher than your actual speed. So when you think the person behind you is mad for going the speed limit. Your actually 5mph below.

New to scootering , thank you

I’m trading in my Kymco scooter for a Royal Enfield 350 classic Signals model. I would consider a Vespa (my next scooter if I get one)in the future, but for me the Kymco just didn’t do it for me. Not to say that the RE Meteor and Classics ( I will own both this Monday) are fast because they aren’t. And I am totally okay with that. I just want to ride at a comfortable pace. I think 45mph is my favorite speed i on a nice New York State county road. Great video and I think riders would benefit slowing down and smelling the coffee.

I’m almost 70 and have been riding since the 60s. After years of riding, I now like slower riding on smaller, lighter motorcycles. My big Burgman is too big. I look forward to my Himalayan being out of the shop (6 weeks so far). Time for a new bike.

I riding Vespa Primavera 150, I nearly 50 years old and I just started riding, cars all my life. Slow rides suit me best.

I have long thought about the "perfect" scooter that will work for everything - in the city, on small winding roads, on country roads, on highways and on touring. Most of my driving is done at low or moderate speeds where you do not need a large scooter that can handle high speeds. But for driving on motorways, it requires either a faster scooter or that you choose to drive slower with the smaller scooter and instead let other road users pass. I do not have a driving license for two-wheeled motorcycles, but here in Europe, with a driving license for a car, you are allowed to drive three-wheeled motorcycles such as the Piaggio MP3. I have owned both an MP3 300 HPE and an MP3 500 HPE. Both are very nice scooters, but the MP3 300 HPE only had a top speed of about 75 mph, which not was enough to be able to keep up with other road users on highways. MP3 500 HPE works better on highways, but is actually a bit too big and clumsy for smaller roads where I drive slower. The most perfect scooter for me would be the Piaggio Beverly 400, but to be allowed to drive it I have to get a motorcycle license. The alternative is otherwise to do as you show in your video - settle for a Piaggio MP3 300 HPE (it is the same engine as in a Vespa GTS 300) and then just drive at a comfortable speed on highways and let faster traffic pass by. It is a wonderful idea and something that would also work in practice, I think. Sometimes it would work to pull over, other times just slow down and let faster traffic pass by. Other times one can choose to leave the highway and instead drive on alternative roads. As you say in your video: we allways has options! 👍

Concentration and instinct is a bikers best friend,it should always be in front of you and never have it following you. Recklessness and ignorance on two wheels is short lived.

I'm a back road rider, I do enjoy a bit of speed only when possible, most of the time I'm cruising. Nice GTS 👍

I don't know why, but small capacity bikes are more fun, plus you can throw them about if you like or ride super relaxed. I have a Vespa 300 hpe Supertech and love it, this thing provides everything you need and with modern/retro style. Im considering a 2022 supercub too... Hard to justify, both but they look awesome! 😄

great audio, i also like the accent it reminds me of Lake Wobegon was it Garrison Keeler his name its been years since ive listened.....wish you all the best from ireland!?!

"Jolly-Poppin"" That's what I like to call it. My wife will ask, "which direction you headed today?" My response, "Will just be out "jolly-poppin' around" Same whether I'm on my Sei Giorni or my Bonneville T100.

Hi - I couldn't agree with you more on going slower and enjoying the ride. I started out a few years ago on a used Honda Metropolitan (50cc), moved up to a Grom, then a Honda CB300R, then a Rebel 500 which I got rid of. I was thinking about getting a Honda Ruckus (back to my 50cc roots), but I have a friend with a Vespa who loves it and I'm thinking a 50cc may be a bit small for long trips (despite some folks who've driven them all over the country). Because of that, I've been thinking about a Vespa 150 (Sprint or Primavera?) or a Vespa 300 (my friend's model). I've also thought about a Honda ADV150 based on my good experiences with Hondas. I would like to take some longer rides (Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive, for example), but always backroads. I DO NOT feel the need for speed. I know there's no perfect scooter/bike, but I'd appreciate any comments/suggestions you and/or your followers might have. Thanks again for this video and some of your others that I plan to watch!

Best regards from indonesia 👍

Pulling over is liberating. Why do I get angry when I drive? Peoples intent, to disrupt or influence my life bothers me. If I pull over they still effect me, but less so, and my action stops their influence when they pass. When I lived in Montana I hated riding the interstate highway. Life was better on the side roads

❤

Sound advice.

I guess this guy is just old, bold, and full of gold.

Hello, could you tell me the ground clearance on the GTS? I'm wondering if it would be suitable for all the gravel roads near my home, Thanks

What average speed can you drive on the motorway or fastroad?

unless on a closed track fast riders"different strokes for diff folks" a nice saying but it endangers other people on the road is a the problem.

I just like to put around in peace myself.

It looks really beautiful we’re you live 😮

Add to your list of how motorcycles are marketed in the Americas, LOUDER. So do we all need to be faster, bigger, in a hurry, passing, get one over on everyone, and more accessories...and louder? Permission to enjoy the ride. I have as much fun on a scooter as I do on my sport tourer. I love the quiet, slow and mellow rides the most. With your suggestion, I'll pull over more.

I pull over and let traffic go around if I’m feeling the slower pace. I think 50-60 mph is perfect on two lane backroads. Just let the bike roll and chill. How tall are you? I would love a Vespa but I’m worried about being 6’6” and being comfortable.

sold the mp3 500 . got my self a suzuki burgman 400 2022 . silver . wanterd e 4 bmw but no reliable way to charge where i live .