Jan 24 2007
About DaveM
This is me at the age of three, innocent and unknowing in the ways of the world and sheltered from the smell of grease, gas and oil. But it wasn’t soon after this picture was taken that I ventured out into the real world and into an extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins. I became mad with envy, dreaming of the gritty feel of dirt in my teeth, the stink of gas fumes and the heavenly sound of a straight pipe cranked up to full throttle.
Here are some of my relatives (this is a real picture from Port Angeles, WA):
But really, mostly I sat on the sidelines watch flat track racing and hill climbs hoping that some day, my day would come. That day did come, at 12 years old, when my uncle gave me a 50cc Ducati Falcon. It was my pride and joy until at 16 my father gave me his Harley Davidson Sprint to ride. It was my constant companion until graduating from high school when I gave it all up. Unlike my cousins, I did not race and as a result never suffered the multiple injuries and life-long aches and pains that go along with a having pushed your body to the breaking point. Oh, I did push the limits in other ways, but we won’t talk about that here.
Ducati Falcon and HD Sprint
It was later in life that I was stricken with scooter envy when we took our first trip to Italy to visit relatives in 1997. Although new scoots dominated the landscape, there were still a lot of classics buzzing around Rome and Florence. Upon returning to the US I went on the hunt and found my first Vespa a 1981 P200e and from there also hunted down a restored Vespa 180ss, then a Vespa Sprint and recently a Vespa GTS.
This podcast is an outgrowth of my passion that started way back at 3. Even today, the smell of gas and oil takes me back to those years, when no self respecting rider would have owned anything but a Harley, BSA, Indian, Triumph or Ducati (Please…American, English or Italian only)
Dave, thanks for a great show. I’ve only been listening for a few weeks, but I love what you are doing.
As a maxi owner myself, I love that you are digging into the Maxi side of the scooter world. It’s a bit of a different world from that of the vintage Vespa’s where comfort plays a larger role in the demands on the scooter.
It’s interesting that the generally definition of Maxi is ‘250cc or greater’ yet the biggest of the modern Vespa’s is rarely included in the group, while it’s direct competitors, the Kymco People 250, Aprilia SportCity 250 and Scarabeo 250 all are. Anyways, in the US market the Maxi scooters are more numerous and varied than the smaller displacement bikes, with so many players that it is frequently overwhelming to look at. With Aprilia, Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Kymco, Sym, Piaggio all having maxi’s, you can get them in many styles.
This doesn’t even address the other entries, like the new MP3, which at it’s current 250cc’s is barely a maxi, but with 2008 bringing the MP3/400 and the rebadged Gilera Fuocco as the MP3/500, and Kymco and Honda both bringing 700cc maxi’s to the US in 08, the segment is quickly approaching touring class power levels.
I have had three scoots in 6 years-currently a Burgman 650 with a voyager trike kit.I feel a little strange at the Williamsburg Riders functions and was wondering if scooter people get together.
I ride 70 miles daily to Hampton and back.My scooter is really “different” but pretty kool.
I an a 61 year young rider vietnam vet and father of three.Still working everyday and love to ride–scooters included
Also own a 2003 BMW r1200CLC .
How do I find meetings and outings in my /Richmond/ Norfolk area?
Thank you
ED
Dave,
Just wanted you to know that I found your show while searching for scooter forums. I love it! Very informative show.
I am a veteran rider of 45 years. I started out with a Cushman Eagle and wow was I cool!
Since my introduction to two wheels I have never been without a two wheeled vehicle. I currently own a 2004 Honda Silverwing that has 62K on it.
My reason for writing is two fold. First to thank you for being out there in the forefront of scoot broadcasting. Your podcast is informative, innovative an gives great insight to the culture that is scootering.
Secondly, if you happen to be in Arkansas next September you might want to check out our “2008 Scooting the Ozarks Rally” the rally will be held in Eureka Springs, Ar. on Sept. 17-20, 2008.
We have two vespa dealers coming with demo scoots. We have other vendors offering trike kits and accessories of all types.
We have plenty of slow and speed limit ride outs scheduled that will wind through some of the most scenic vistas Arkansas has to offer.
There is a poker run a scavenger hunt and a show an shine. Eureka offers great dining, and plenty of venues to listen to great music and just relax.
Once again thanks for your show! Keep your wheels on the road and your face in the wind.
Keep scootin!
Charlie
Just stumbled across your blog. I’ll be sure to check out your podcasts and cross link to same.
Dave, I appreciate your restraint from jumping on the witch-hunt-bandwagon when mentioning the demise of Vespadition. V-dition ended because the sponsor of the scooter asked for it to be returned. NOT because I wished for it to end. Some terrible allegations and accusations were made about me and V-dition by an anonymous person. I have taken the appropriate steps to clear my name and reputation - including filing with the appropriate law enforcement agencies (state and federal) that handle such matters. I am confident that the person resonsible for this will be discovered, revealed and proven to be what THEY really are. Furthermore, I will clear my name and reputation and restore the true ideals of V-dition.
I thank you and those in the scooter community for their support of V-dition, and when this is all investigated and the resolved, I hope they will feel good about their own kindness.
Peter R.
Thanks for the comment Peter. As I say, who really knows the truth? Maybe later, after every thing shakes out we can talk about what happened with something that had such promise..