🛵 Early Vespas used one of the coolest manual gear-shifting systems ever fitted to a scooter. Instead of using a traditional foot shifter, riders selected gears by twisting the left handlebar grip while operating the clutch lever with the same hand. The original 1946 Vespa 98 already used this setup with a three-speed manual transmission controlled from the left side of the handlebars. Gear numbers were marked directly beside the rotating grip, allowing the rider to twist it into position for first, neutral, second or third gear. The actual gearbox remained beside the engine near the rear wheel, with cables connecting it to the handlebar-mounted gear selector. This unusual layout helped keep the Vespa’s step-through floorboard clear while giving riders direct manual control over the transmission. Would you rather shift gears like this or use a traditional motorcycle foot shifter? What are your thoughts? 🤔💭 ( Media: initialscooter ) #vespa #scooter #motorcycle #engineering #...