If you lie the CX on it's side the cylinder sticking out keeps the frame a legs width off the ground:-) It's a V-twin with the V being viewed from the front (or back) rather than the side as usual. I was very glad of that during the disk-lock incident. It weighs close to 500lb! That was how I pulled my side - not falling over but standing the bugger back up again!

I have been looking at a 750 Shadow - seeing as I have decided I will never afford the Harley V-rod VRSE. I will certanly put crashbars on for that very reason. I would agree about the scooter though. It was far easier to 'roll out' of a falling Lambretta than out of a falling 1/4 ton machine. I must admit I never found the small wheels a problem but I never went off road or in the snow. Centre of gravity on the Lambretta was very low due to the long central engine - Much higher and to one side on the Vespa.

Cheers

DtG