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  1. #1
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    Default Fun? Well, yes but....

    I have almost 600 miles on my Rally now and it is fun! BUT today I rode my Vespa GTS300ie Super to work. Now I have to say the Vespa is MORE FUN. Yep, more fun than the Ryker. Why?

    First of all, the advantages of the Ryker over the Vespa:
    Three wheel stability (at my advanced age this is important)
    Three times the engine displacement (not sure if this is an advantage; read on)
    16" Ryker wheels vs 12" Vespa wheels (not as squirley at 75 mph)
    More suspension travel for rough pavement (about 2" on the Vespa!)

    Advantages of Vespa over Ryker:
    Rides like a motorcycle, leaning into the curves
    Same CVT drive train (this is a push)
    300cc fi, liquid cooled, screaming single cylinder
    Quieter, smoother, lighter
    and though not a fun factor, twice as many MPG!

    So now that I've put it down, I think the funner part is more at gut level than head! My wife was surprised when I told her the Vespa was more fun to ride; I was a little surprised myself.

  2. #2
    Very Active Member ARtraveler's Avatar
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    Default

    The win/win...you can ride either one and still have fun.

    Currently Owned: 2019 F3 Limited, 2020 F3 Limited: SOLD BOTH LIMITEDS in October of 2023.

    Previously : 2008 GS-SM5 (silver), 2009 RS-SE5 (red), 2010 RT-S Premier Editon #474 (black) 2011 RT A&C SE5 (magnesium) 2014 RTS-SE6 (yellow)

    MY FINAL TALLY: 7 Spyders, 15 years, 205,500 miles

    IT HAS BEEN A LONG, WONDERFUL, AND FUN RIDE.
    2020 F3L , Magma Red

  3. #3
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    Default

    Yeah, Vespa will certainly have more roller coaster appeal.

    2014 RT - SE6 , Black

  4. #4
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    Fun...maybe...manly? Lol all Ryker.
    2019 Rally , Black

  5. #5
    Very Active Member Chupaca's Avatar
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    Default Nice...

    The nice thing is you have them both and able to pick the Ryde each day..
    Gene and Ilana De Laney
    Mt. Helix, California

    ​2012 RS sm5
    2012 RS sm5 , 998cc V-Twin 106hp DIY brake and park brake Classic Black

  6. #6
    Very Active Member 4 MARIE's Avatar
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    it's great to have both options. Don't know if I would take a thousand mile trip
    on the vespa. So you probably need both. If insurance and registration don't wrack you.
    You should be good to go.
    Flatlander, Navy Veteran, Widower
    Loved my 2014 RTS SE6 Pearl white
    but have a new love now,
    my 2017 RTS SE6 Champagne metallic (Champ)

  7. #7
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    I'm waiting for the Honda Neowing. This trike offers both: three wheels and the possibility to leaning into the curves. Alternativly you can drive the Yamaha Niken.

  8. #8
    Very Active Member Grandpot's Avatar
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    There's no such thing as too much fun.
    2011 RTS (Sold to a very nice lady)
    1998 Honda Valkyrie
    2006 Mustang GT. Varooooom!
    US Navy Veteran
    SC Law Enforcement Boat Captain
    CNC Machine Service Technician
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    Experience is recognizing the same mistake every time you make it!

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by Batmobil-F3 View Post
    I'm waiting for the Honda Neowing. This trike offers both: three wheels and the possibility to leaning into the curves. Alternativly you can drive the Yamaha Niken.
    Or Piaggio MP3 500. It's already available.
    2014 RT - SE6 , Black

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by thechamp73 View Post
    Fun...maybe...manly? Lol all Ryker.
    +
    You do realize that there are lots of folks who ride "real" bikes who would look at your Ryker and say EXACTLY the same thing, right?
    2014 RT - SE6 , Black

  11. #11
    Very Active Member Navydad's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by McRuss View Post
    I have almost 600 miles on my Rally now and it is fun! BUT today I rode my Vespa GTS300ie Super to work. Now I have to say the Vespa is MORE FUN. Yep, more fun than the Ryker. Why?

    First of all, the advantages of the Ryker over the Vespa:
    Three wheel stability (at my advanced age this is important)
    Three times the engine displacement (not sure if this is an advantage; read on)
    16" Ryker wheels vs 12" Vespa wheels (not as squirley at 75 mph)
    More suspension travel for rough pavement (about 2" on the Vespa!)

    Advantages of Vespa over Ryker:
    Rides like a motorcycle, leaning into the curves
    Same CVT drive train (this is a push)
    300cc fi, liquid cooled, screaming single cylinder
    Quieter, smoother, lighter
    and though not a fun factor, twice as many MPG!

    So now that I've put it down, I think the funner part is more at gut level than head! My wife was surprised when I told her the Vespa was more fun to ride; I was a little surprised myself.
    I too enjoy the best of both worlds. Our Spyder RT for two up travels and a Yamaha T-Max for my solo trips. I also have a vintage Honda and Suzuki in the garage for a lazy evening ride. They're all a blast to ride.
    2015 RT , Black

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by thechamp73 View Post
    Fun...maybe...manly? Lol all Ryker.
    I also like pink shirts.....

    PS, let's see your map of states ridden along with bikes owned (34 as of last check)

    And unfortunately, I guess, I'm going to give the Vespa to my daughter this fall. And selling the FJR this summer. And keeping the DR250 for now.
    2020 F3L; gone but not forgotten are all the good miles!

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by McRuss View Post
    I have almost 600 miles on my Rally now and it is fun! BUT today I rode my Vespa GTS300ie Super to work. Now I have to say the Vespa is MORE FUN. Yep, more fun than the Ryker. Why?

    First of all, the advantages of the Ryker over the Vespa:
    Three wheel stability (at my advanced age this is important)
    Three times the engine displacement (not sure if this is an advantage; read on)
    16" Ryker wheels vs 12" Vespa wheels (not as squirley at 75 mph)
    More suspension travel for rough pavement (about 2" on the Vespa!)

    Advantages of Vespa over Ryker:
    Rides like a motorcycle, leaning into the curves
    Same CVT drive train (this is a push)
    300cc fi, liquid cooled, screaming single cylinder
    Quieter, smoother, lighter
    and though not a fun factor, twice as many MPG!

    So now that I've put it down, I think the funner part is more at gut level than head! My wife was surprised when I told her the Vespa was more fun to ride; I was a little surprised myself.

    Just swapped a scooter for a Ryker - far prefer the Ryker - 3 wheel stability and power at my age (77) far outweighs any other issues!

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by Madison Sully View Post
    Or Piaggio MP3 500. It's already available.
    I had one, but the locking front fork did not operate as anticipated/presumed. I thought that once you are slowed down enough to for the system to allow you to lock the forks as approaching a red light, you can & then coast to a stop with NEVER putting your feet down. I wanted to be able to do this, as I had a VERY bad left hip, and bad right knee. But unless the road is perfectly level and like-new flat, it is DANGEROUS to attempt to do (I.e. takes great skill).

    On my way home from the dealership with mine, I locked the forks while coasting to red light, and went RIGHT DOWN! The proper procedure (I found afterwards) is to come completely to a stop, put your feet down, then lock the forks. Then you can put your feet on floorboard, and simply give throttle & take off w/o putting your feet back down.

    I traded in my MP3 500 for Ryker 600. The Piaggio was SO very heavy; as heavy as the Ryker, about 600 pounds. Plus, it felt top heavy, and I was worried about falling whilst turning at slow speed if I didn't put my legs out, ready to put my feet down, just in case.

    BTW: The MP3 500 is WAY faster than even the Ryker 900. I've seen a video of someone going 107 (indicated) on one. Plus, they get way better MPG.

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