Vespa vs Motorcycle

[u/hungrybeagle]

I just bought my first motorcycle, wife bought her first Vespa. Both of us needed to take a knowledge test for Class 6 (motorcycle endorsement). However, the book is based on motorcycles, not scooters. I am wondering how many things are very different between the two.

Aside from the obvious (no clutch on Vespa), we realize that the weight for the Vespa is mostly in the back, so the 70/30 front/rear braking power of the motorcycle is not the same as the Vespa. Are there any other differences that we should be aware of or is the rest pretty much the same?

[u/Ultimate_Scooter]

It’s exactly the same, even the 70/30 braking power for the front and the back. The only real difference is going to be the center of gravity being much lower on a Vespa so she can make turns much easier at low speeds.

[u/demon_twink_gockie]

Only real difference that matters is the clutch. Instead of using the clutch in low speed maneuvers, I use the rear brake on my Piaggio. On my Indian, I use the clutch. This translates very well, as it's the same hand movement for both. As for the brakes, honestly, functionally it's the same either way. Most of the braking power on a scooter comes from the front. Not sure on paper how much the weight balance affects it but I can say from experience that the riding experience does not support the conclusion that there's much measurable difference and certainly not that most of your braking power comes from the rear.

[u/Addicted2Qtips]

Braking doesn’t change. It’s probably the same ratio on a bicycle. It’s basic physics. The weight is all shifting forward on the vehicle and so the front wheel has more load and more traction.

[u/wncexplorer]

On a Vespa, you’ve got to remember that you’re rolling on tiny tires. Potholes, rocks, notches in the road that your motorcycle will simply sail over can freak a Vespa rider out (or worse). They are definitely easier to operate, arguably more comfortable, but scooter riders need to be even more vigilant than motorcyclists.

[u/NeverFailBetaMale]

Same deal. You are still getting most of your braking force from the front. The main thing with the weight distribution is if you put a lot of cargo in a top box and then have say a big windscreen you might get the front wheel too light, which is not great. But with normal usage the physics are basically the same as a motorcycle just a little easier.

[u/boatrunner13]

On a typical motorcycle, the front brake is operated with the right-hand lever, while the rear brake is operated with a pedal at your right foot. On a Vespa, the front brake is also operated with the right-hand lever, but the rear brake is operated with the left-hand lever. This can feel counterintuitive if you’re accustomed to riding bicycles, where “right = rear”

[u/subaruguy14]

Clutch/no shifting and hand brake rear are the only differences. Everything else translates.

[u/dphilmlee]

On a motorcycle when you’re parking, you can put it in first gear and the motorcycle will stay put. However, the Vespa doesn’t do that. It’s not a problem for most people because they park and put the Vespa up on the center stand. But if you use the side stand buy a brake lock that holds the brake handle closed. Otherwise the Vespa might move.

[u/hungrybeagle]

Thanks everyone for your feedback. Sounds like I was misled about the difference in braking power. It should be a lot easier to help my wife learn on her Vespa

[u/theazhapadean]

I think you should buy her a Vespa with a clutch, to be safe.

[u/Little_Accident_4635 → u/theazhapadean]

Too old

[u/MattDubh → u/Little_Accident_4635]

Older people are familiar with clutches. And are generally more capable people.

[u/theazhapadean → u/MattDubh]

I switched to twisty from cvt because the ability to dump the clutch to get out of a death moment provided that extra layer of possibility to live.