790D versus Vespa 150

2093 Views 4 Replies 4 Participants Last post by anotheronetoday, Jan 27, 2019

Shultz

Discussion Starter · Jan 25, 2019 (Edited)

Hi all -

After 20 years on various 1000cc+ Beemers I happened to buy a Vespa last year for local stuff. I did the city commute a few times and next thing I know I was riding it more often than my ‘real’ bike. For those who don’t know, city traffic is a sh/#tfight and a narrow scooter is the best way to get through. My 30min commute was back to 25min but I felt like a sell-out. The R1200R cowered unridden in the carport.

Next thing I sold the R1200R and looked at the possibility that I was a scooter guy now.......

But I couldn’t give up on bikes - shifting, leaning, blasting... I don’t know what. I didn’t want a big bike anymore - I knew that. So I rode the 390 Duke. Wow what a bike. It weighs nothing, handles like a peach and is quite punchy. Engine tops out a little early for an experienced rider but would make a great commuter. Plus here in Australia they are so affordable.

Then I tried the 790D. So compact. Nothing in front of me but the speedo. That engine. That suspension. If it was adjustable I would have set it to ‘How it is Now’ because it is really smooth. At first I struggled - because it needs very little rider input. The bike goes where you look. I’m used to visually scouring a turn for multiple data points as I’m tipping in. This bike just wants you to look at an exit point and it will tidy up the line for you.

Anyway this jaded old man is loving the little 790D so far. The TFT is psycho, it runs as hot as a Mr Whippy van and the quick-shifter seems to choke on 3rd a lot but overall this thing is awesome.

Cheers from Tom in Sydney

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KTMfan

· #2 · Jan 25, 2019

You're one of many guys that have moved from bigger liter bikes to something mid-to-higher range. Couldn't be a better move.

Have you looked into doing any modifications and/or accessories as yet? If you do keep us posted, pictures are always welcome

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Bugz

· #3 · Jan 25, 2019

Welcome Shultz,
You are another who has realised the benefits and fun of a lighter motorcycle.
How is the bike coping with the hot Aussie summer heat ?, which I hear has been particularly hot lately. We never have that problem here in Blighty.
Nothing wrong with scooters, I still have a Honda Pantheon 125 which is my ‘shopping’ bike for a quick trip into town.

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Shultz

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jan 26, 2019

We are indeed having a hot summer here in Sydney. Adelaide (much closer to Antartica) saw 45dec C yesterday so I won’t complain. The 790D flicks on the thermo fan when engine hits 4 bars which is about 20mins into any normal city run. For the 1mile trip to the beach near me the Vespa wins every time.

Mods and accessories...? Well there’s nowhere to store anything on this bike so I ordered the power parts expandable pillion bag from day 1. It’s got enough room for a rain suit and an air compressor but can expand to twice its size to swallow 6 cans of Guinness and a bag of nuts so my grocery needs can be met.

I’ve haven’t owned a chain bike for 20+ years so I’ve bought a set of rollers to sit the rear wheel on for cleaning and lubing. I’ve been googling ‘lubing’ but I keep getting distracted by non-relevant search results.

The licence holder looks like some kind of flaccid light sabre so I’ll look into a tail tidy at some point.

Cheers Tom in Sydney

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Reactions: 1

anotheronetoday

· #5 · Jan 27, 2019

Shultz said:
Hi all -

After 20 years on various 1000cc+ Beemers I happened to buy a Vespa last year for local stuff. I did the city commute a few times and next thing I know I was riding it more often than my ‘real’ bike. For those who don’t know, city traffic is a sh/#tfight and a narrow scooter is the best way to get through. My 30min commute was back to 25min but I felt like a sell-out. The R1200R cowered unridden in the carport.

Next thing I sold the R1200R and looked at the possibility that I was a scooter guy now.......

But I couldn’t give up on bikes - shifting, leaning, blasting... I don’t know what. I didn’t want a big bike anymore - I knew that. So I rode the 390 Duke. Wow what a bike. It weighs nothing, handles like a peach and is quite punchy. Engine tops out a little early for an experienced rider but would make a great commuter. Plus here in Australia they are so affordable.

Then I tried the 790D. So compact. Nothing in front of me but the speedo. That engine. That suspension. If it was adjustable I would have set it to ‘How it is Now’ because it is really smooth. At first I struggled - because it needs very little rider input. The bike goes where you look. I’m used to visually scouring a turn for multiple data points as I’m tipping in. This bike just wants you to look at an exit point and it will tidy up the line for you.

Anyway this jaded old man is loving the little 790D so far. The TFT is psycho, it runs as hot as a Mr Whippy van and the quick-shifter seems to choke on 3rd a lot but overall this thing is awesome.
Cheers from Tom in Sydney

welcome to 790 ownership
I have a 390 790 and 1290

I town I prefer the 390
my favourite is the 790
I keep the 1290 for when I go riding with the big boys on the jap bikes

if I could only have one bike it would be the 790

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