boomskats
today at 2:23 PM
I have a couple of Vespas - a '98 T5 and a 2011 PX UnitĂ d'Italia - and honestly my favourite safety feature is the noise they _can_ make. Modern Vespas donât sound like the old ones from the factory anymore, but the retro scene is strong, so a lot of tuning kits bring back that classic buzz.
In town, filtering, weaving through traffic, getting to the front at lights etc., being able to make a sound which is so ubiquitously embedded in culture that it's instantly recognisable, and so easily localised, really makes a difference. It might be audible, but it's still quieter than many bigger bikes that people ride around town on, and less obnoxious. I guess I'm not the only one who feels that way, as I get a ton of smiles and so many people make an effort to move out of my way - much more so than other bikes I see on the road.
I've been super excited for electric motorbikes for years. I nearly bought a Zero FXS/FXE during covid, and then for the last year or two i've been looking hard at a BMW CE04. But theyâd change how I ride, and Iâd be more hesitant using them around town simply because being almost inaudible makes me nervous in UK traffic. In saying that, I'd be a lot more comfortable riding around places with a decent cycling culture like Cambridge, where people are used to looking around for smaller quieter vehicles, so I guess this too will change over time. E-bikes are great, but there the problem isn't the ride, it's the theft/security/insurance aspects.
So yeah, I guess until a few of these things change, my buzzy Vespa, with its awesome clutch and gears and crappy little drum brake on the front, will continue to be my go-to.
bananamogul
today at 3:48 PM
Solving the safety problem by making it loud does not seem like a great solution.
Fast forward and everyone is driving nearly silent electric vehicles. I wouldnât want loud Vespas then. Cutting city noise pollution is one of the benefits of electric vehicles.
Should license movement noises from Hanna-Barbera. Jetsons or Flintstones are good, but there's probably other options.