Parked my scooter yesterday

[john grinsel]

After 66 years, over 1.5 million miles in 15-20 countries, over 75 new bikes and scooters---time to quit scooters....they do not track as well as motorcycles----TN rural road, high crown, no way off other than run into the woods/cold damp.   I decided I had enough of this before something happens. 82nd birthday approaching. 

Yesterday, cold/rain rode bike to Dalton GA for Yamah/Suzuki/Kymco dealer to sell  ---scooter is XTown 300 i 2019.

On return to home,Ooltawah----stopped in Chevy Dealer----ordered/bought 2021 Chevy Spark---has reg Key, crank up windows---a/c/heater/radio----just what I need. Price right, too.  Dealers in Chattanooga charge $600 extra "doc fee"....so none of them got my business. Dealer in GA.  Picked it up yesterday in rain....nice not to have to dress up to get comfortably home.

Next maybe motorcycle---scooter with no tank to grip, pegs to stand on, require lots of skill to ride safely....bad for old fart. Although most do not know it.

[Viper254]

Glad you're alright. Nothing wrong with quitting whilst you are ahead.

[Kansas kymco]

Most of the older people I know did just the opposite when they sold their bike and bought a scooter.  Usually when their knees and hips made it difficult to swing a leg over a bike. 

Everyone has to make the right decision for them.  Maybe you can still make that trip to Alaska in your new car. Good luck with your new endeavor.

[Ruffus]

John, my respects to your decision. But you maybe think it over and get yourself a nice little step through scoot like we have, just to pet it. And, l think once you got this scooter virus, you can't get rid of it.

[CROSSBOLT]

Gotcha, John. But be real obsevant to head gasket leaks on your new Spark. We had one that started to leak at 12k miles and techs at dealer said it was not leaking. Meaning they can't make money on headgasket replacement so they just won't do it.

I respect your decision but don't quit riding alltogether! Just throw a tarp over whatever two wheels ya got and wait until it warms up. That scoot or motorcycle will be worth its weight in gold as gas prices climb to 5 bucks!

[Viper254]

$5 a gallon, if only

[Stig / Major Tom]

I'd trade my scooter for a clean 1966 VW Cabrio -- and drive it out for  coffee at 5:30am, with the top down all year - except for rain. Would probably drive 3 or 4 mph faster than I ride now.
Shame they don't make a Spark Cabrio....for John.
Stig

[Iahawk]

this is big news..the end of an era? I hope it all works out for you, John.

[Kansas kymco]

$5 a gallon, if only

It would definitely help the scooter market. Trouble is it hits poor people the most when prices go sky high. If your making $15. a hour you sure can't afford a new Tesla.

[Kansas kymco]

I'd trade my scooter for a clean1966 VW Cabrio -- and drive it out for  coffee at 5:30am, with the top down all year - except for rain. Would probably drive 3 or 4 mph faster than I ride now.
Shame they don't make a Spark Cabrio....for John.
Stig

Well if you can find one. You could get a antique vehicle tag for it as well.  I wouldn't mind a late sixties Cadillac Eldorado, the kind old blue eyes drove (Frank Sinatra ).

[de dee]

I must have a loose nut Im. 87  and looking forward to a new Piaggio b v 350 when I turn 90,  I feel much better after I ride my scooter, started on Hemp Gummies to get ride of aching bones, it seems to help a little  this is the first week for me, 

[Ruffus]

@de dee
Not too much of Hemp Gummies, they might get you for DWI. 😉

[Ex-KLR]

With a bad hip at 83, I traded my dual purpose motorcycle for a step-thru scooter and never looked back.

[scooter freak]

I respect your decision and good luck. you have rode more than anyone I know and i loved your stories. although, you don't come across as anyone who worries about getting wet or staying warm in a car! best of luck, you should write a book.
I just  ordered a kymco like 200i and am waiting for delivery. I suspect you may find something like that to ride around the block now and then, addiction is a hard thing, even harder when it's 2 wheels.

[Neil955i]

Well it’s pretty much all been said John. I respect your decision, but I do hope it won’t mark the end of your informative and sometimes irascible contributions on here?  You still have a lot to give us young whipper snappers!


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