The Vespa Brotherhood!
March 20, 2007
When I was new in riding a Vespa, I got to chat with the other riders hanging out in 2211Works to get some tips. That was when I heard the ‘odd’ habit that these Vespa riders do whenever they see another Vespa on the road. They said they honk their horn to acknowledge the other rider. Some even flash the ‘V’ sign. It was strange hearing this since I’ve been riding a big bike (a Yamaha) back in college and I never experienced something even remotely close to that.
The first time I experienced that phenomenon (if I may call it that) was on the way up to Antipolo with my daughter. A motorcycle behind me kept honking his horn since I thought he wanted to pass. What puzzled me is that the road was big enough for him to pass so I kinda got annoyed that he kept beeping. I kept my pace but moved a little to the right so he can finally pass. When he did, they (he had a backride) smiled back at me and I finally understood what’s with all the honking: we’re bonded by our scoots.
I had the same encounter while riding along Rockwell, Ortigas, T. Morato or even in Diliman but those times, I knew better. I even honk my horn whenever I come across a Yellow Cab pizza delivery and they always nod and honk back. It appears that it’s a ‘rule’ that every Vespa riders know. One time, I even had a small talk with the delivery guy while riding withinthe residential area of Maginhawa st. in QC. The other time, my scooter was parked by the sidewalk as I chatted with the Threelogy boys outside their office when another Vespa rider passed. The rider raised his hand as I raised mine in return. It was an actual scene of this Vespa bond I’ve been telling the boys about. Still, they were amused. I think the reason behind this ‘ritual’ is seeing another Vespa on the road has gotten few and far between here in Manila. So every chance we get, we feel an instant affinity.
I don’t know if this phenomenon also happen elsewhere in the world. Maybe it does since when I was planning my trip to Hong Kong, I contacted an email displayed in one of the Vespa forums based there. When the guy replied, he was so friendly and helpful that he even offered to take me to the scooter shop I wanted to visit and introduce me to the other riders there. That kind gesture was something I didn’t expect. I was touched by the offer but unfortunately, our schedules didn’t meet. He gave me his number and told me to feel free to call when I get there.
It’s really strange, yet very heartwarming. It’s nice to know that the road will not always be a sea of strangers. A Vespa rider will cross path with another unfamiliar face yet there will be THAT connection. Call it a bond or affinity. I call it, the Vespa brotherhood. 
I beep-beep for a Vespa!
-o-
{▫}
J0HNRANA
john[dot]rana[at]gmail[dot]com
Happens here (Estonia, Europe) but not just among Vespa riders (there are only a handful of Vespas in the country, yet) but among a lot of scooter riders. And bikers. Because cars rule and everyone riding a bike/scooter is still part of a special gang
Wow! Great to know the riders’ brotherhood there in Estonia is alive and well. Thanks for sharing, Teller!
[...] I had the same encounter while riding along Rockwell, Ortigas, T. Morato or even in Diliman but those times, I knew better. I even honk my horn whenever I come across a Yellow Cab pizza delivery and they always nod and honk back. It appears that it’s a ‘rule’ that every Vespa riders know. One time, I even had a small talk with the delivery guy while riding within… (READ MORE) [...]
Good sign of a good bonding, however, is it not much better if all MC riders will be making a friendly honk with each other as a sign of recognition and brotherhood? Ihave been experiencing this what you cal phenomenon, but not all bikers are doing it and a little more exertion of effort, I think percentage wise the friendly honking will affect a lot more.
happy riding and a BEEP,BEEP TO THE VESPA AND ALL RIDERS…
I ride a Vespa and I always honk my horn or wave at other Vespa boys. There is something about the Vespa that is special… people on Vespas are generally nice.
Happens here in LA, too. Just as in Estonia, not just Vespa riders but two-wheelers in general. The only difference is the honking. Unlike in the Philippines, honking is not done on a regular basis here.
nice story, i really enjoyed reading.
In Europe (BEL,NED,UK,FR,DE,SP), every biker will honk, wave and nod to another rider. Simply not an everyday thing sa pinas.
Cruiser riders also acknowledge each other on the road with a wave or a thumbs up sign. My impression on Vespa riders tho is that they are generally a nice and polite bunch. I plan on getting a Vespa or Lambretta soon.
I’m a new rider here in Europe (only got my license last year). When I’m riding (my ride is a Transalp), I notice that most of the riders who wave or wave back to me are those who ride (generally) 400cc and up bikes. When I come across with an scooter, or a light enduro, their riders don’t wave. Maybe they will wave when Im also riding the same rides as them. Or maybe because most of the riders of this segment of bikes (atleast in this part of the world)are youngsters and they did’t graduate yet as true riders. Or maybe because of their great number, that they find it not convenient or safe to wave every 100meters especially when approaching schools when the youth riders (there are plenty of them) are rushing to or from school. As for me I will always wave back to a rider regardless of the ride.
I was also amazed at the first time that riders waved to me. I was riding for several years in the Philippines and I seldom experience this wave thing. Maybe because Europe has longer and therefore richer riders culture. But the last time I went home to the Philippines I notice a big increase of number of riders. I only hope that waving will also become a symbol of camraderie among fellow riders there the next time I visit my birthplace.(psensya na unang subok ko to ng post na puros ininglis)
if youve ever been riding bicycles (whether road or mountain) there is a similar salute among riders who meet on the road.
also, among volkswagen enthusiasts, there is a similar flashing of lights, honking or saluting acknowledgement
glad to see that you vespa enthusiasts are catching on
I think its a good practice.. not only among specific rides but across the biking community, whatever the scoot or motorcycle is.
I agree, the story is really nice and true. Really feels good to know. Im in vietnam for 2 yrs now. everybody knows this country is one of the Vespa havens right? Honestly, i haven’t seen this gestures from strangers around here. Im sure i can see this within the members of Vespa clubs. But since there is a great number of wasp riders here, not just vietnamese but even expats from different nationalities alike, its probably feels like not a phenomenon. Adding the fact that there are millions of motorbikes on the roads at the same time and in various brands and mades, probably they dont feel that sort of thing anymore.
Please DO NOT beep!…. You attract attention to other motorists (drivers) and pedestrians that can cause an accident.
This act of recognition is also done in the entire United States. It is NOT done by honking, but by extending the your arm to the side on a downward position. Your hand should hang STEADILY as the rider or the rest of the group passes by from the opposite direction. This act is very recognizable on the passing riders because all riders are attentive. At the same token, this should not affect other motorist (drivers) on the road.
So please don’t beep… Beeping is a sign for caution or distress. Please extend your hand instead to show your CAMARADERIE with your UNKNOWN fellow riders.
Also, I would like to share another hand gesture that we use a lot here in the States. If you are riding and you see a police, TAP the top your helmet TWICE to inform other riders behind you that there is a cop on the road. And you should do the same if you see a rider from the opposite lane headed to the cop’s location.
HyperCBR