Chi Vespa.

Of Apples and Vespas

2006-08-28T21:53:00.000+08:00

Blame it on the iPod's "halo effect" of converting longtime PC users to Apple, but it was my scootering on a Vespa that finally convinced me to switch to Mac OS. I've never looked back since.

When I started this blog, what I had in mind was to draw the similarities between Apples and Vespas, of which, there are many. I've since divided this blog into its two parts probably due to braindrain on my part, but here are the points where Apples and Vespas converge:

- industrial design with smooth, clean lines
- ease of use
- reliability and low maintenance
- a "think different" philiosophy

Upon further reading on this topic, I stumbled upon Vespa memorabilia in the form of a 1969 poster which featured the peculiar slogan "chi vespa mangia le mele." He Who Vespas Eats Apples. It would become Vespa's most successful ad campaign ever.

It seemed that when Vespa started on this advertising campaign, what they had in mind was to touch a youthful nerve with a hint of rebelliousness, free love and self-expression that was prevalent at the time, not dissimilar to the serpent's enticement to a clueless Eve: an apple. Was it Eve who owns that famous bite on today's Apple Computer logo? Many claim it is.

Years after the Fall of Man, another apple would spark another revolution of its own when it casually landed on the cranium of a certain Isaac Newton. This fabled incident will lead to what we now call the Law of Gravity - the force that keeps the Universe together and would serve as the original logo of a fledgling garage startup in a town called Cupertino in 1976.

Today, Apple computers are dutifuly meeting the needs of the similarly-themed Vespa Soho store in downtown New York City and they are both writing new history together.

Chi Vespa Mangia Le Mele.

Is the Vespa a Babe Magnet?

2006-08-24T15:45:00.000+08:00

Ah, the timeless question.

So does riding a Vespa suddenly make us more attractive to women?

Let me put it this way. Whenever my AMDG big bike buds talk about Vespas, their understanding is that us Vespies always seem to have backrides every time. Someone in our group proffered the theory that since the Vespa is "cute," that girls don't find it intimidating, therefore it won't take them too long to "warm up" to it, and for our sake, us.

On the plus side for big bikes, it's not the case of girls "warming up" to it and the rider. Dames that are drawn to biggies don't need "warming up" anymore - they're already "hot" to begin with. So it could be a case of demography, if you think about it this way.

Or so the argument goes. Heck, if I had a peso for everytime my ride will help seal the deal for me, I'd be a rich man.

But I'm not.

Vespinoy! Reloaded

2006-08-22T20:11:00.000+08:00

Philippine Vespies have found a new home on the web.

Promising to feature the latest goings-on and about in the Vespa and scooter scene in the country, Vespinoy! aims to be the premier repository of Vespa knowledge, experience, and tricks of its steadily increasing membership. While certainly not the first popular Vespa forum on local shores, Vespinoy! appears to take a different route and build on a loose and informal association unbound by rules save that of mutual respect and understanding. And no off-topic posts.

It remains to be seen if Vespinoy! will be able to realize its vision of bringing together all Philippine scooter riders, preaching the scootering lifestyle, and advocating safe riding; but it seems to be on the right track.

So take it from Vespinoy! founder Bimbo Isidro: "turn on the choke, kick the engine, put yourself in first gear, and start browsing the forum."

Vespinoy! is a group ride without a fixed roadmap for now, if ever. That's what probably will make it one heck of a ride.

Wear a helmet.

Birds of a Feather

2006-08-21T09:44:00.000+08:00

A bunch of Ateneo alumni have started the AMDG Motorcycle Club for all Ateneans who share a passion for motorcycling. All motorized two-wheeled rides of any make, engine displacement and vintage are welcome (I also ride a 400cc Honda CB-1). Non-Ateneans may also apply for membership if endorsed by a member. Rides are aplenty and a lot of activities are being organized in line with UAAP Season 2006, as well as works of charity and mercy.

The group meets every Saturday 7AM at the Ateneo High School and rides to Starbucks Fort at about 8AM to plan for the Sunday out-of-town ride (usually Tagaytay via the SLEX).

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam.

Honda Riding Academy

2006-08-18T21:14:00.000+08:00

I just finished the Honda Riding Academy's Basic Motorcycle Safety Riding Course today.

For a scooterista who's been riding almost everyday in Metro Manila and the province, I can definitely say that I'm a much better rider now than I've been for the past four years. After the program, with all these new concepts going around my head while I'm riding, I'm much slower (for now), but safer and more sound on the road.

The program exposed many of my riding mistakes and I hope that they are permanently corrected from now on. No riding school may guarantee your safety and survival on the road, but after this course, I believe that my odds of getting into an accident have significantly decreased, and I can only hope are eliminated.

Many thanks to Sir Angel Rovira and the rest of the guys at HRA for their lively instruction and patience. This is a program that I heartily recommend to all of you, new and veteran riders alike.

Honda Riding Academy
Km. 17 East Service Road
South Super Highway
Paranaque City
8372355 / 8385355

Training fee for the 2-day course is P500 and includes use of protective gear and academy bikes.

The Return of Metrowalk Nights

2006-08-14T12:35:00.000+08:00

Mark every month's second and fourth Wednesday a red-letter day on your calendar because Metrowalk Nights are back. Bring your scoot rain or shine for a night of camaraderie, revelry and street-legal inebriation.

And leave some money for the tip.

Here's the schedule:

August 9 & 23 (there are 5 Wednesdays in Aug)
September 13 & 27
October 11 & 25
November 8 & 22 (also 5 Wednesdays in Nov)
December 13 & 27

As If Road Hazards Weren't Bad Enough

2006-07-11T20:57:00.000+08:00

What will they think of next?

A friend and fellow scooterista, Joey Dalupan, was a victim to new modus operandi of petty thieves in the Banawe area of Quezon City just the other day. Shocking was the manner in which this new brazen act was committed in broad daylight and in full view of commuters and roadside bystanders.

While motorcyclists everywhere will undoubtedly express righteous anger over this form of lawlessness, I am relieved that the perpetrators seemingly only had petty theft in mind and were dissuaded by Joey from graduating to grand theft or worse. Unfortunately, we may not have seen the last of this disease and only time will tell if this incident will gestate into a chronic syndrome.

Must Read: Beware
by Joey Dalupan

Had the misfortune of being mugged today while riding!

I was on my way to the shop from QC around 11am. I took E. Rodriguez Avenue. Upon reaching Araneta, instead of making a left, I crossed and made a beeline with cars to cross E. Rod towards Sta. Mesa. I was surprised when somebody jumped onto my bike (a loaner scoot). He was saying something I couldn't make out. Before i could react, he told me: "'Wag ka'ng pumalag. Yung kasama ko sa likod, me dalang boga (gun). Magmaneho ka lang kung sa'n kita papupuntahin." I made a cursory glance on my rearview and saw a couple of men without helmets on a red unduro. They were just wearing caps and bandanas. The man had something hard against my back and as we were cruising along Araneta, he began taking my wallet and phone (which were on my jacket's right pocket). I asked if he could just leave my license and remembering that I placed my license in my card holder when I went through a checkpoint last Saturday, I asked for my other IDs. He said, "P***ng ina mo, andami mong hinihingi, ah." He then asked, "Me kambyo ba tong motor mo?" knowing that he intended to swipe the bike, I answered, "Brad, walang plaka 'to. Sigurado huli ka sa checkpoint. (which, at that time, were non-existent. Where the hell are the cops when you need them?!). When we reached the intersection before SM Sta Mesa, he told me to take the outermost lane and before we could make a full stop, he jumped off and ran in the other direction. I flicked my sidestand so I could get a look. But the man and the enduro bike were gone. I just can't remember if the enduro was the same bike which tried to pass me along E. Rod.

I know people will have their opinion about what I could have done under the circumstances. But as per Nani and Simon, since I got to the shop in one piece (and more importantly, unhurt), I did the right thing.

This could be a new M.O. So , you might want to be more aware of your surroundings especially at stops. Obviously, wala na'ng pinipiling victim or oras ang mga holdaper.

Hat's Off to Better Helmets

2006-06-20T20:13:00.000+08:00

"You get what you pay for." When it comes to motorcycle helmets, this tenet rings true.

Although I don't have much to say on the impact-absorbing ability of some helmets over others, being that I haven't had the need to test them out yet (knock on wood), it would be wise to invest in a decent helmet when comfort, visibility, improved riding ability and safety are concerned.

Before I bought the fine headwear shown above, I always attributed the nervous behavior of my PX whenever I traverse the long straights of Macapagal Avenue to the interplay of crosswinds, the PX's infamous distribution of weight, and narrow tires. It is worth noting that on every instance that my ride would exhibit a fair amount of wobbling at high speed, that I was wearing a jet-style openface helmet whether or or not the visor was down.

It was a world of difference upon trying out the flagship VR3 Strada from KBC Helmets. Gone was the nervous wobbling of my PX, particularly beneath the underpass of the Uniwide Coastal Mall with its notorious swirling winds that always buffeted me about.

As it turns out, that wobbling was a result of the flawed design of jet-style openface helmets. As wind rushes under the visor, it directs the air upwards and creates lift instead of drag - particularly perilous don't you think?

With the new VR3, air is pushed downwards by both the outer shell and the inner vent system, so my Macapagal Avenue attacks are more stable and confident than ever.

The light yet sturdy materials of the VR3 assure a comfortable ride and I'm no longer as tired from rides as before. This alone is worth the price of admission. The crystal clear lexan visor is also worth writing about.

And oh the chrome finish of this helmet..

It's DOT and SNELL approved and is reasonably-priced at 2211 Works. Get yours today.

The Ride or the Scene

2006-06-14T18:15:00.000+08:00

So you bought a Vespa. All the media cameos of this ubiquitous two-wheeled conveyance finally got to you. It's not the first time that someone bought into the scene.

Face it. It wasn't the Vespa's quirky engineering nor its paradoxical reviews that went either way nor its suitability (non?) to local riding regulations and conditions that won you over. It was the look. You identified yourself with the Vespa's look and as a consequence, you thought that this identification would extend to a lively involvement with the local riding scene. Or so you thought.

5,000 kilometers or so later, you stop and ask yourself why you're still not a card-carrying member of any local Vespa riding group. Whatever happened to the mass scooter rallies and beer-guzzling all-nighters in the local dive bar that you eagerly saw in Quadrophenia and heard so much about? And what about the fashion and lifestyle that you once found hugely appealing on print and film, but is actually loathed by onlookers everywhere to say the least? Speak nothing about the rapport and camaraderie that you expected from the local online Vespa discussion group.

Myths, apparently.

And now you're thinking about selling the Vespa that you once fell head over heels for and snapping up a souped-up Raider so you can drag-race your way into Macapagal Avenue lore. Go ahead.

Such is the part played all too often by poor players in this dark comedy who thought that they could buy fellowship for the price of a scooter. Alas, "the fault, dear Brutus, is not in the stars but in ourselves that we are underlings." Shakespeare may well have been writing about the local Vespa scene.

The Vespa gives you a ride, and a fulfilling one at that. It doesn't win you friends. It just takes you home every time.

Buy into the ride. Not the scene.

The Vespa PX-150E

2006-03-16T21:35:00.000+08:00

The growth in popularity of Japanese motorcycles in the seventies and eighties posed a challenge to Piaggio to create a scooter that was relevant to the times and catered to the needs of an increasingly upwardly mobile generation.

Initially released in 1977 with 125 and 200 cc variants, the PX built upon the Vespa legacy of style, mobility and practicality of its GS, 50 and SS models and added turn indicator lights, anti-theft cowls, a telescopic hydraulic front damper, and electric ignition (on the 150E) to further cement Piaggio as the world's foremost scooter manufacturer in the modern era.

The PX had boxy, angular lines that were representative of automotive design at the time - a significant departure from the smooth, curved lines of prior Vespa models, for better or for worse. Since the PX was conceived to be a major player in the global motorcycle market, amenities and social compliance would be the operative terms for the PX-150E in its various iterations in the years to come.

The PX was the first Vespa to incorporate safety features such as turn signals integrated at the legshield and the cowls, mounted side mirrors, and an innovative front damper that reduced front end braking dive while permitting longer travel and increased trail for improved handling. The convenience of individual tanks for fuel and oil eliminated the need to apply a proportionate pre-mix of fuel and oil for regular use. A battery was also introduced in the PX for electric ignition purposes, while all other electrical functions were still managed by the mechanical stator.

In terms of performance, the PX-150E generates 6.6 kW at 5,700 rpm with maximum torque at 11.9 Nm at 4,000 rpm for a top speed of 95 km/h. The fuel system is an oil-petrol mixture via the carburetor with variable flow automatic mixer and throttle drive. Forced air handles cooling while lubrication is done via a separate tank with an automatic oil pump. Fuel mileage is an economical 30 Kms for every liter of fuel. The latest PX-150E is compliant with both the emission standards of the EPA and the safety regulations of the DOT. Decades of trouble-free usage is assured as long as oil level and battery and cable health are routinely observed, along with an annual oil change. It also helps that the Vespa's solid cast-iron engine is virtually bullet-proof, will outlast the hardiest automotive engine at any class and is the hallmark of the Vespa's legendary durability.

While many may find its two-stroke engine to be uncomfortably noisy and trembly, it however provides enough torque to accelerate from zero to 60 Km/h in a city-respectable 12 seconds. Horizontally aligned with a direct drive mechanism, the engine provides better response than its belt-driven counterparts to enable the PX to accelerate from standstill to a safe distance from cars to compensate for its lower top speed.

Riding the PX is an experience in itself because Vespas are so much more than the sum of its parts. When you ride a Vespa, you are not merely riding a scooter. You are taking in a piece of Italian history.

The Vespa was designed to be foremost a daily city commuter. While its pressed steel monocoque frame gave it a distinct style by hiding what Piaggio perceived as an unsightly engine, it served a dual purpose by protecting the mechanicals from the elements for easier cleaning. A spacious utility compartment is placed behind the legshield to stow away tools, riding gloves and other whatnot. The PX is also a breeze to snake through traffic because of small 3.5 10" wheels that make it easy to maintain balance despite a high center of gravity.

An upright seating position provides comfort and an excellent view of the road. Controls, switches and gauges are well-laid out and do not distract the rider. The left-hand cowl doubles as a convenient spare tire compartment.

However, the Vespa does have its quirks and oddities that define its character. Foremost is its manual four-speed transmission that is disengaged by pulling on the clutch lever and twisting the left handlebar assembly. Shifting gears may take some getting used to. The placement of the engine on the right-hand cowl produces a weight imbalance on the PX that compels the rider to sit in an offset position to counter the weight bias. A word of caution on the brakes: hard braking locks the rear drum brake and produces the infamous Vespa fishtail that is particularly perilous on slippery roads. Front and rear drum brakes came standard on all Vespas until 2003 with the introduction of a front disc brake.

Many people may wonder how a motorcycle with a high center of gravity, weight imbalance, and nervous braking could actually attract a highly devoted following, but such is the mystery of the Vespa. It just works.

The PX-150E is the preferred vintage scooter of our local riding scene and this is not merely due to the lack of availability of other models. The PX offers a superior balance of performance, reliability, convenience and retro-style that can't be beaten by the rarest vintage scooter and the most advanced motorcycles. It is no wonder that the PX-150E is the largest-selling Vespa in Piaggio's history and may no easily be found in the shadows of New York's skyscrapers than in the back-alleys of India and the islands of the Caribbean.

The Vespa has endeared itself to all motorcycle enthusiasts since 1945 and was instrumental in the rebuilding of a war-ravaged Italy to industrial prominence. It is a success story of Italian ingenuity and resolve that is characteristic of the PX-150E and of its ardent following.

Vespaña!

2006-03-09T15:26:00.010+08:00

Vespas are big in Spain.

Part of my usual travel itinerary includes a pilgrimage to the local Piaggio dealership in homage to the quirky two-wheeled wonder first introduced by Italian Corradino D'Ascanio in 1945. My recent trip to Madrid would be no exception.

It came as a pleasant surprise that most of the Vespas that were buzzing about Madrid were '77 to present-day PX-150Es, being that I ride one myself. This is in stark contrast to my last visit to Rome and Florence, Italy where most of the Vespas were predominantly automatic ETs and GTs, with only a few old battered PXs scarcely strewn about.

The local Piaggio dealership in Madrid is just a stone's throw away from the Atocha subway station and is easy to find. Parked in front of the shop were pre-owned scoots like Hexagons, X9s and Skippers that were probably for sale. I had to wait for about 2 hours until 3PM for the shop to re-open since afternoon siestas were the norm in Spain, after all.

The shop's personnel hardly spoke a word of English, but it didn't matter. Every spare part of most Vespa models are illustrated, indexed and filed in their computer database so you can just point out the particular item that you want. Besides, Vespa riders speak a common language that transcends language barriers, so dealing with these guys won't be a problem for us grizzled vespies.

Vespa Madrid sells the full line of current Piaggio scooters, spare parts, riding attire and other accessories. Do drop by if you're in town. It is located at 94 Atocha Street, Madrid, Spain with email address: 01798a01@piaggio.intelideas.com.

Viva Vespaña!

Battered by a Battery

2006-03-04T17:38:00.000+08:00

I have no illusions of pretending to be a grease monkey. I suppose there are people who are naturally inclined to the mechanical workings of crankshafts, gears and fuel combustion engines. But I am not one of them no matter how hard I try. And I've tried.

So the day comes when you have to change your battery and you think that's it's just a walk in the park, right?

Wrong.

Ok. So you buy a battery from a reputable seller and they give you a bottle of what appears to be distilled water. Just put it inside they say. Fine.

I'll leave out some gruesome details to cut a short story shorter, so I'll just put it this way: the next time you buy an automotive battery and you decide to mount it yourself, take my advice and read the manual. Thoroughly. If the manual says that you remove this cap and replace that and so on - you just do it. In my case, it was mistake number one.

Ok, so now let's put the water in the terminals. No problem. That is, if you don't have a funnel. But you try anyway since you tell yourself "hey, it's just water." Mistake number two.

One of the basic truths in life is this: the moment water, when it comes into contact with the innards of a battery, turns to acid. Greasy, itchy, abrasive, poisonous acid. And the initial contact bewteen water and battery plate releases a pungent puff of smoke that you are advised to stay well clear of.

Another thing worth mentioning is that whenever you fill a battery, make sure that you either do it in the light of day or at least in an extremely well-lighted place. That supposed-to-be-translucent plastic battery shell is particularly useless at night. You simply can't tell if you've put in enough water or not. Mistake number three.

Because of my spirited application of distilled water, and not knowing that the battery is filled until it overflowed, I've got acid all over my hands. And my inner elbow. And my thigh. And my neck. Let's just say that the next time you decide to overflow a battery with water and you get a sudden urge to scratch any itchy part of your anatomy, don't.

Oh and one more thing - don't get the battery's positive and negative terminals mixed up. Your ride will thank you for it.

On the bright side, however, is the instant gratification you get when the battery is finally mounted properly and you turn on the ignition to the emphatic sound of a one-click start that you haven't heard for quite a while. It is wondrous music to any rider's ears and is well worth the price of admission.

Starting All Over Again

2006-02-25T23:47:00.000+08:00

Welcome to my new-look "Chi Vespa. Chi Mele." blog. It's been a while since my last entry and I'd like to start again fresh - this time, avoiding to diverge into topics not entirely related to Vespas and Apples. It's my own version of a revolution, which in this case refers to the Latin word 'revolvere,' meaning dramatic change, radical alteration, transformation, reorganization, or restructuring (i.e. a shakedown).

A revolution is good every now and then.

Ibay

2005-09-06T15:05:00.000+08:00

Ah. Ibay. My steel ride.

Ibay's a pre-owned 1999 Piaggio Vespa PX 150E that I bought three years and 10,000 or so kilometers ago from a Buy & Sell ad that I stumbled upon. She's now permanently here in Metro Manila after spending a good year under the blistering Paniqui, Tarlac sun.

A plain-jane silver scoot until 2003, Ibay is still a basic stock deal with no essential modifications save for exterior embellishments that attempt a subdued "practical mod" look. Many thanks go to Nong Guyjoco and the boys at 2211 for an outstanding paint job - the end result of an uneventful oil spill encounter with Magallanes Interchange asphalt. Chromework is courtesy of frequent collaboration with Mr. Vespanatics himself, Bryan Laxamana (who incidentally rides the most mod Vespa scooter on local shores). Ibay may not be as mod-dingly daring as Bryan's ride, but her purpose as a reliable daily commuter never fails to disappoint this rider and draw the occassional compliment from onlookers nevertheless.

I hope that I manage to take care of Ibay in the same vicinity as to the degree to which she takes care of me. It's doubtful that I will, owing to the Vespa's legendary reliability, but I can certainly try. Our relationship is a work in progress and I learn new things from her everyday.