Got the Paperwork

The loan paperwork arrived today. I went by the shop to make sure that they could work with me using the promissory note and to get a final estimate on cost to include a riding jacket, a couple of helmets, a windshield, and some gloves. All of this came well within my budget so, I guess I'm going to do this. Now it's a matter of breaking the news to Wanda and waiting for the fireworks.  I'll probably put deposit down next week when the shop opens (they are on Winter hours - closed Sun-Tue).

I've talked to the girls about this and they understand my perspective, but like me, they don't think their mom is going to take it well. We shall see.

By the way, the images you see with these initial posts are images from previous trips taken in my truck that I'd like to do again on the scooter.

I'm Officially a Learner

I'm taking a couple of days off this week help my daughters finish their moves. Since their need for was variable throughout the day, I took the time to go to the DMV and apply for the Motorcycle Learner's permit. I easily passed the test and got the permit, and on the way home from the DMV office, I stopped by the Vespa store to discuss more about the MP3 with Kara, the lady who has been working with me since I first dropped in to look at the ride. Kara easily convinced me to take a test ride since it was a nice day, and even though I've not ridden a bike in many years, the controls on the MP3 made it a breeze.

I rode dirt bikes occasionally as a kid, and though I was proficient at shifting and braking with those bikes, the MP3 is an entirely different animal. For one thing, the CVT transmission means shifting is a thing of the past. The scooter moved easily and effortlessly through the gears with no discernible shifts as I increased speed. There's no rear brake, and obviously no clutch, so braking is done with both hands. The right hand controls the front brake and the left hand controls the rear break.

The scooter is quiet as well.  The two front wheels are great for stopping - no issues there, and riding it was exhilarating,  even though I did only a couple of short loops through the neighborhood adjacent to the shop. As I pulled back into the parking lot at the Vespa store, I decided to try engaging the hydraulic locks for the front wheels which keep the bike in an upright position without the need for the kickstand, and it worked like a charm. Overall, I'm very, very impressed.

It's getting to be crunch time now. I'll need to make a decision shortly about whether to proceed with the purchase or not. Each time I've dropped by the shop, I've expected to see the bike sold as they are very popular items right now - Piaggio has gotten lots of good press on them due to the design and the safety features.  I have much to think about.

The Devil's in the Details

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I have a shoot tonight with Sivonna (I'll add an image from that shoot later), and I think that's going to be quite fun, but even more exciting has been the information I've gathered over the last couple of days. I had some time do do some research yesterday and I've found out that the MP3 500 is well within my grasp. The insurance is a nominal increase, even with full coverage. That's primarily because the MP3 500 is classified as a scooter and because of its admirable safety features. So that's an X in my column.

The shop is wanting to clear inventory before the 2010 models arrive, so a 2009 model with only 21 miles on it is available at Vespa Hillsboro, and I can get a $600 discount directly from the shop through my employers discount program. Additionally, they've offered to throw in some free modifications for me (well the labor's free - I'll need to pay for the parts). I also found, that I can get financing for much more than the bike will cost and a very low interest rate for a three year term - and it's already pre-approved. I'll have the promissory not in hand by the weekend.

Finally, I'm scheduled for the Team Oregon Course for the 1st weekend in May, so if I decided to get the scooter in April, I will have a few weeks to learn some balance and control before I go to the class. The next step to to study for and take the Motorcycle Knowledge Test and get a learner's permit so I can legally practice riding, balancing and stopping before the course.

Later - The shoot went quite well, but I wonder if Sivonna saw an MP3 500 in my future when she was staring into the crystal ball. I didn't think to ask her.

Further Considerations

So, Wanda is in Arizona visiting our lovely little granddaughter and her parents, while I'm left here in Oregon to deal with continuing issues with our two daughters - essentially wrapping up moving one into and new apartment with our other two grandchildren, and helping the other move out of her current apartment to live with us for a few months before she heads to Georgia to live with her grandfather and go to college. To say the week has been stressful is an understatement.

I've also managed to schedule a few photo shoots which help to relieve some of the stress, but which were physically quite taxing (several hours of shooting, plus putting up and taking down the set can wear you out).  In the evenings I've been researching more about the Piaggio MP3 500 ie, and I've determined that this is really the best compromise for me.  I've also talked to a number of photographers who happen to ride, and they recommended the MP3 500 as the photographer's best choice for a motorbike/scooter so I think it's about to be decision time. Yes, if I decide to get the bike, it's going to seriously piss off my wife, but at the same time, if I forego what I think is a reasonable and well earned purchase because she is being adamantly stubborn, then I'm going to be seriously pissed off and that's not going to bode well for our relationship either.  So, I'm going to do some more research.

First, I'll see how much extra insurance is going to cost. If it's excessively expensive, well, that's an X in her column. Next will be when I can get into the Team Oregon Basic Rider's course. If that takes more than a month or two, that's a reason to at least considering delaying the purchase.  Thirdly, I've got to look a the total cost of the bike, the safety equipment, and the accessories I want to purchase. These have to fall within a ballpark budget I've established in my mind. And finally, I need to see what loan terms I can get with my credit union. All that research will be done this week.

And yes, I picked out the image of my wife standing beside the entrance sign to Death Valley for a reason.

The Ride

I understand the art of compromise, or at least I thought I did. A couple of years ago, I decided I wanted to learn to ride a motorcycle, and I thought about getting a Harley. Hey, it's everyman's dream, right? I'm a responsible person. I've taken care of my wife and family for over 30 years. I earn a good living, so I can afford a few luxuries and I've bought just about everything my wife has wanted for our home. I spoil her, our children and our grandchildren.

But, when I mentioned a Harley, all hell broke loose and I was threatened with both divorce and eviction. Okay, I can understand her point to some degree - she loves me and doesn't want to lose me - but she's willing to divorce me and kick me out to keep from losing me? Say that again? Female logic just isn't logical.

So, I thought I'd compromise, so I started doing some research, and I found out that the Piaggio MP3-500 scooter was an excellent choice for someone who wanted the experience of riding a bike while having a more stable and safe platform. The additional front wheel provides extra stability, more capability to handle gravel and sand, and yet maintain cornering capability. The 500cc engine powers the machine nicely and allows highway speeds, but isn't so much that dangerous acceleration and speeds are possible.

So, I took her up to the local scooter shop to take a look - well, I learned there's not much compromise available in her opinion. Hmmm, very interesting. What shall I do?