The end of era (for me) .... the start of one for someone else?

I never thought this moment would come.
I love my Vespa - My very first motorcycle.  I learnt a lot with her and on her, and we had some fabulous rides together - why on earth should we ever be parted?... Im still asking this question now...... even now that she has been sold and belongs to someone else

I have to admit that the Vespa hadn't come out of the shed for nearly 2 years;  Now that I have the Royal Enfield I much prefer to ride a bigger bike.  But nevertheless, it is fun and cool and just 'easy' to jump on the scooter for a little buzz around, and so I imagined that I'd always keep her for those special moments when only a scooter will do.  However, in recent months my mind has started to wander (again) and despite not yet finishing the Trike (although it is making good progress) I am starting to yearn for another project...... a big one this time (but more on that another day / another blog).

It started to dawn on me that if i was going to start another project,  i would need both cash and space, and as much as I love the Vespa, it was nuts to have her just sitting idle in the shed - and so I put her up for sale.
I started with eBay - I put her up several times - got load of watchers, and several offers, but no buyers.  Eventually I decided to try Gumtree instead (eBay was charging me each time she didnt sell, whereas Gumtree is totally free) With Gumtree I got quite a few offers, and a handful of genuine people actually coming out to see her.

Saturday 12th July 2014
Paul - very nice chap - and his mate turn up, ride her up and down a couple of times, have a cup of tea, hand over cash and load her in the back of his van - simple as that!
It was all over and done with within the hour and I didn't even have a moment to pine / doubt / cry!

I did manage to pat and say 'goodbye' to her - i'm not ashamed to say that I always talked to her - particularly to say 'thank-you' for a nice and safe ride - and although I was sad to see her go, I think Paul seemed like he was going to look after her and enjoy her :-)

So in conclusion;
She came to me on 5th May 2010, and left me on 12th July 2014 .....
thats 4 years, 2 months and 7 days together...... 1529 days
and in that time, I rode approximately 3760 miles on her
I sold her for £1350.  (I lost track of how much she cost in the rebuild, but I don't think I've profited other than from the experience and pleasure)

..... Next project?.... watch this space

Awesome - 'nuf said

Couple of interesting points to come out of this first drive;
1.  It really is a fucking awesome feeling
2.  She seems to start well - does this mean i could start her on a small motorcycle battery?
3.  foot positions - on the chassis tube, without pegs or boards - feel good
4.  the steering is not nearly as heavy as id worried it might be
5.  the increase in steering rake doesn't feel as bad when rolling as it does when stationary
6.  the reach on the tiller handlebars isn't as bad as I'd worried it might be on full lock

So, all in all, its all pretty fucking awesome! :-)