Would you ride this Vespa?

[IBJanky]

300ccs of scooting power

Vespa GTS 300 Super

Looks pretty cool in black

I should buy one and go cross country on it

F***ers are expensive though

myke

 

[fritzl]

Originally Posted by IBJanky

300ccs of scooting power

Vespa GTS 300 Super

Looks pretty cool in black

I should buy one and go cross country on it

F***ers are expensive though

myke

this is not a "Vespa"...

it's a scooter with auto transmission.

 

[Albern]

No, but I would ride this one

 

[Bexhill]

Originally Posted by Albern

No, but I would ride this one

A good man shares his ride with the poor and needy.

 

[Albern]

Originally Posted by Bexhill

A good man shares his ride with the poor and needy.

My response to that...

It should go without saying that I'm on the right, Eva is represented by the bear.

 

[KnowYourRights]

Disclaimer: I don't know how much riding experience you have, so forgive me if my comments seem rudimentary.

If you're considering a 300cc scoot for the power, just buy a small-displacement motorcycle. Better brakes, bigger wheels, more power. I've commuted on scooters in the past (newer Honda and old Vespa). When you're tapped out on the throttle and the light turns yellow...it can be a puckering experience. WIth a 500cc or 600cc motorcycle, you've got enough juice (and gears!) to drop a gear and get through the intersection (or away from whatever kook is currently trying to kill you).

If you're considering a scoot because you think it will be easier to ride (or handle better), get a motorcycle. I have a '70 Vespa Rally 180. My wife has an '04 LX150. They're fun, but my motorcycles handle much, much better at any speed (and they're older than the scoots).

One thing I've noticed about scooters of any vintage is the feeling that they're "not as dangerous as a motorcycle." And so I see a large number of scooter riders wearing little to no protection while they buzz around town. I'm not a gear-Nazi, but it just seems that scooter riders have a false sense of security when it comes to their rides.

Of course, if you really want a step-through, then get the scooter.

 

[AndrewO]

I just got this one 2009 Aprilia Scarabeo 200

 

[Modernist]

Originally Posted by fritzl

this is not a "Vespa"... it's a scooter with auto transmission.
+1 My best friend had a GTS 250. Saw the light, sold it, then got a PX 200, and then a Rally

A friend of my girlfriend's also got a GTS about 6 months ago. And he has now asked me to find him a classic, preferably a Rally or a Sprint.

Originally Posted by KnowYourRights

Disclaimer: I don't know how much riding experience you have, so forgive me if my comments seem rudimentary. If you're considering a 300cc scoot for the power, just buy a small-displacement motorcycle. Better brakes, bigger wheels, more power. I've commuted on scooters in the past (newer Honda and old Vespa). When you're tapped out on the throttle and the light turns yellow...it can be a puckering experience. WIth a 500cc or 600cc motorcycle, you've got enough juice (and gears!) to drop a gear and get through the intersection (or away from whatever kook is currently trying to kill you). If you're considering a scoot because you think it will be easier to ride (or handle better), get a motorcycle. I have a '70 Vespa Rally 180. My wife has an '04 LX150. They're fun, but my motorcycles handle much, much better at any speed (and they're older than the scoots). One thing I've noticed about scooters of any vintage is the feeling that they're "not as dangerous as a motorcycle." And so I see a large number of scooter riders wearing little to no protection while they buzz around town. I'm not a gear-Nazi, but it just seems that scooter riders have a false sense of security when it comes to their rides. Of course, if you really want a step-through, then get the scooter.
Excellent points. I'm all for Vespa, and IMHO (perhaps even in my misguided belief) they are one of the best means of urban transportation, especially when considering its low upkeep, the capacity to carry groceries, shopping bags, etc, and the ability to wear a nice pair of shoes without them being scuffed from gear changing , or a suit without the trousers getting covered in oil (I wear a scootering parka by Armadilo on top of that, or a lighter jacket in the warmer months, with shoulder and elbow shielding, plus gloves and helmet). But they do handle poorly when compared to a motorcycle. One reason I'm against the new "Vespas" is because of their price, the aforementioned advantages pale in comparison to the power and handling of motorcycles, who are not that much more expensive.

 

[Yo-han]

Originally Posted by IBJanky

300ccs of scooting power

Vespa GTS 300 Super

Looks pretty cool in black

I should buy one and go cross country on it

F***ers are expensive though

myke

needs more pieces of flair

 

[Wallcloud]

Lonestar would.

 

[TRINI]

I'm not sure what the laws are in your city but one of the good things about scooters here in TO is that you don't need to pay for parking. You can park 'em right up on the sidewalk.

 

[wetnose]

Vespas are lovely - got one as a stand-in when I took my Honda Jazz in for an oil change. Like night and day - the Vespa chassis was solid and the engine was peppy. Of course 2 different weight classes entirely but if I had the choice I'd go with Vespa.

 

[emptym]

Originally Posted by KnowYourRights

Disclaimer: I don't know how much riding experience you have, so forgive me if my comments seem rudimentary...
I think IBJanky has quite a bit of experience.

I'd ride one on vacation if that was all that was available.

 

[KnowYourRights]

Originally Posted by emptym

I think IBJanky has quite a bit of experience.

Arrgh! Figures.

IBJanky, ignore my post.

 

[ratboycom]

I think a GTS would be really uncomfortable to ride cross country or any real distance. Though I do know a few clubs that have ridden a good 400mi on older vespas to go to rallies, those guys/girls are pretty hard devout riders.

Personally, if I wanted a distance scooter not just round town putt putt I would go with Honda or Suzuki, and get rid of the stupid huge wind screen they put on them in the US. The Japanese models of the Skywave and Forza look soo much cleaner and more sleek.