OP
@tim_the_mod avatar
UTC

Hooked
2000 Vespa ET2 50, 2012 lexmoto xtr s 125
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Hooked
@tim_the_mod avatar
2000 Vespa ET2 50, 2012 lexmoto xtr s 125
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Location: somerset, uk
UTC quote
So as it's basically winter was wondering, when it snows, if you guys have any trouble riding in the snow? because me and my mates are going to arrange when it snows to ride out to a huge field and have a huge snow ball fight and mess about.

So in short any tips for riding in the snow?

Tim
@the_mocker avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
2010 Orange S150
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Location: Olympia, WA, USA
 
Ossessionato
@the_mocker avatar
2010 Orange S150
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UTC quote
My advice? Don't.

I got caught out in the snow once. I dropped the scooter twice

I'm not saying it is un-doable, but it isn't easy.
OP
@tim_the_mod avatar
UTC

Hooked
2000 Vespa ET2 50, 2012 lexmoto xtr s 125
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Location: somerset, uk
 
Hooked
@tim_the_mod avatar
2000 Vespa ET2 50, 2012 lexmoto xtr s 125
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Location: somerset, uk
UTC quote
Cheers, don't really want to drop it to be honest :L maybe I won't be seeing my mates till after the snows blown over :L

Tim
@old_as_dirt avatar
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
2007 GTS
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
@old_as_dirt avatar
2007 GTS
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Location: Harriman, Tennessee, Tn
UTC quote
stud the tires.
@nigelthefish avatar
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ET2, PX150
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@nigelthefish avatar
ET2, PX150
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UTC quote
Like everyone else I suggest not doing it at all. I've done it and can't say it was a good time....didn't drop the bike but came way too close too many times.

I did put some zip ties around my back tire to add traction but wouldn't suggest it with a disc as it's a pain to clear the rotor cleanly and you dont want a zip tie in your brakes.
@witch avatar
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Moderatrice Strega
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Moderatrice Strega
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UTC quote
You've only got two wheels. If you loose traction, you're highly likely to loose balance at the same time.

I'd say if you're burning to do it at all, do it on a beater bike you won't cry over if it gets trashed. And wear any and all protective gear you've got.
@tomjasz avatar
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Grievance Farmer
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Grievance Farmer
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UTC quote
Strong legs, able to flat foot, on a light scooter with aggressive tread or studs? Go for it! I intend to do just that with a beater chinese smally sized. A nice MV? Not for me!
@raputtak avatar
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2016 GTS 300 Super - red, of course.
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@raputtak avatar
2016 GTS 300 Super - red, of course.
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UTC quote
You have snow in Zummerset? I thought you just had cider apples.

Oooooooh, Coates ...


Actually, (in his best Terry-Thomas accent), we had a bit in Devon. Lots on the Moors, hardly any in Torquay.

Just like the others, I have ridden in the nasty stuff. All the way to Manchester. But I would not recommend it. Unless, like I was, you are a teenager, i.e. immortal.
@huskyteer avatar
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
Honda NC700D Integra
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
@huskyteer avatar
Honda NC700D Integra
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UTC quote
If you can, ride on the fresh stuff, rather than in the tracks of other vehicles where it will be icy.

I've ridden from my house to the end of my road in snow (the main roads were gritted but my side road wasn't) and it was one of the most loathsome riding experiences of my entire life, but I'm a coward!
OP
@tim_the_mod avatar
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Hooked
2000 Vespa ET2 50, 2012 lexmoto xtr s 125
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Hooked
@tim_the_mod avatar
2000 Vespa ET2 50, 2012 lexmoto xtr s 125
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Location: somerset, uk
UTC quote
Raputtak wrote:
You have snow in Zummerset? I thought you just had cider apples.

Oooooooh, Coates ...


Actually, (in his best Terry-Thomas accent), we had a bit in Devon. Lots on the Moors, hardly any in Torquay.

Just like the others, I have ridden in the nasty stuff. All the way to Manchester. But I would not recommend it. Unless, like I was, you are a teenager, i.e. immortal.
Hard to believe but for the last few years we've been hit pretty bad. So bad that at one point last year my village got snowed in. I think I may just leave it. I'm a teenager but I'm not immortal (only when under the influence Razz emoticon )

Tim
@ronin avatar
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Vespa Rally 180 BMW R1150R Suzuki Burgman 400
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Addicted
@ronin avatar
Vespa Rally 180 BMW R1150R Suzuki Burgman 400
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UTC quote
Nothing is a problem with the right equipment:
External inline image provided by member with no explanatory text
@max57 avatar
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Member
Heinkel Tourist 103A2
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Location: Calais, Vermont
 
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@max57 avatar
Heinkel Tourist 103A2
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UTC quote
A long wheelbase helps, but it is a bad practice. When you lose the front wheel, you are down.
@tomjasz avatar
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Grievance Farmer
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Grievance Farmer
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Molto Verboso
04 GT200 & 2005 PX150(sold), 2005 Bajaj Tuktuk
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Molto Verboso
@brodyfrompa avatar
04 GT200 & 2005 PX150(sold), 2005 Bajaj Tuktuk
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UTC quote
here is a diy for ya if you REALLY have the itching to do it....
would not work on a tube~less tho..
would not work on a tube~less tho..
@phuocsandiego avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
Former owner of an ET4, GTS 250, BV 500, and Buddy 150
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Molto Verboso
@phuocsandiego avatar
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UTC quote
^^^^^^^

Make sure you read the fine print under the pictures before you try this mode on your own tires! Laughing emoticon
@jroseborough avatar
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Hooked
GTS 300 Super White Mr. Beefy
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Hooked
@jroseborough avatar
GTS 300 Super White Mr. Beefy
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UTC quote
I ride year round here in Reno, NV but this will be my first on the GTS300. My ET2 handled pretty well in the snow but I had to be very carefull. 3 inches was my limit. If the underlying road was icy I wouldn't try it. Several times over the years I would get off from work to find a good layer of ice from freezing rain/snow. It is a 1 1/2 mile commute for me. For most of the way there is a wide sidewalk/bike path and almost no foot traffic. I rode home on the bike path at 5mph with both feet just above the ground just in case.

Riding the ET2 wasn't bad because there is a slight delay in acceleration with the carbed engine. I'm worried this winter with the GTS300 and the injected engine and instant acceleration. I may be walking to work some days this winter.
@jimc avatar
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The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
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@jimc avatar
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
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UTC quote
If you keep the rear brake on a tad that'd help with the GTS300 instant torque. I tend to all the time when taking off anyway.
@allanc avatar
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Enthusiast
GTS 300 Super
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Location: Austin
 
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@allanc avatar
GTS 300 Super
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UTC quote
Fresh snow's not that bad; it's when it gets packed down and thaws and refreezes that it gets pretty dodgy. But if you're not prepared to dump it, you'd be better off leaving well enough alone.
@hendon avatar
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Molto Verboso
2004 ET4, 2003 ET4, 1980 P200, 1963 Li150
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Molto Verboso
@hendon avatar
2004 ET4, 2003 ET4, 1980 P200, 1963 Li150
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UTC quote
The delivery guys here ride in snow all the time. This video illustrates the usual technique, with feet suspended just above the road:

Brendan
@teabow1 avatar
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Piaggio BV 250 i.e. & Trek 520
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@teabow1 avatar
Piaggio BV 250 i.e. & Trek 520
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UTC quote
The feet being suspended above the road would work, but it could be dangerous especially when hidden in the snow-packed road is a big lump of hard-packed snow/ice, a rock, or some other obstacle.

I was actually wondering about the possibility of adding "training wheels" to the scooter for these reasons. I know, sounds silly but I think it's possible. Maybe not wheels but some kind of outrigger like ski? And maybe not attached to the wheels since the back wheels are so inaccessible, but maybe attached to the floorboard?
@jroseborough avatar
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Hooked
GTS 300 Super White Mr. Beefy
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Hooked
@jroseborough avatar
GTS 300 Super White Mr. Beefy
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UTC quote
teabow1 wrote:
The feet being suspended above the road would work, but it could be dangerous especially when hidden in the snow-packed road is a big lump of hard-packed snow/ice, a rock, or some other obstacle.

I was actually wondering about the possibility of adding "training wheels" to the scooter for these reasons. I know, sounds silly but I think it's possible. Maybe not wheels but some kind of outrigger like ski? And maybe not attached to the wheels since the back wheels are so inaccessible, but maybe attached to the floorboard?
How about a short pair of skis on a frame strapped to the front wheel? Turn a Vespa into a "Vespamobile"!

External inline image provided by member with no explanatory text
@teabow1 avatar
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Piaggio BV 250 i.e. & Trek 520
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@teabow1 avatar
Piaggio BV 250 i.e. & Trek 520
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UTC quote
Neat! Love those motorcycle skis! If some company really offered this option, it would really make the scooter pretty much year round riding in snow country. Well...in ploughed or mostly ploughed streets, of course
@smokey avatar
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Member
Aprilia Sportcity Cube 250 i.e.
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Location: Beverly...Hills that is, swimmin' pools, mooovie stars
 
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Aprilia Sportcity Cube 250 i.e.
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Location: Beverly...Hills that is, swimmin' pools, mooovie stars
UTC quote
I weathered snow in Tokyo and Paris by tying short lengths of nylon 1/2" rope every 4-6" around both tires...made great improv chains for fresh or packed snow. Off snow was a bumpy ride...
@dooglas avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
GTS 300ABS, Buddy 125, Buddy Kick 125
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Location: Oregon City, OR
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@dooglas avatar
GTS 300ABS, Buddy 125, Buddy Kick 125
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UTC quote
hendon wrote:
The delivery guys here ride in snow all the time.
I'll bet they don't do it with a new GTS. (Finally, a use for a still running Chinascoot )
@vespasfw3 avatar
UTC

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2006 Vespa GTS250ie, 2004 Vespa ET4, 2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan, 2001 Kawasaki W650.
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@vespasfw3 avatar
2006 Vespa GTS250ie, 2004 Vespa ET4, 2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan, 2001 Kawasaki W650.
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2400
Location: Central Pennsylvania
UTC quote
Dooglas wrote:
hendon wrote:
The delivery guys here ride in snow all the time.
I'll bet they don't do it with a new GTS. (Finally, a use for a still running Chinascoot )
I've ridden my new (now older) GTS through several winters now. It's possible to ride in the snow but requires a big, BIG adjustment is attitude and skill. I dumped my previous LX150 once when I first started riding in the winter and it occurred because I thought I could ride in much the same way as I did when it rained.

Since then the scooter has not been down in the snow. Or ice.

And I have the good luck to ride in an area where traffic isn't as heavy as it might be in a city.

I've posted some of my winter rides on my blog with pictures. You can seem them in the post [url=http://vespalx150.blogspot.com/2008/11/winter-riding.html]WINTER RIDING[/url].
Vespa GTS250ie
Vespa GTS250ie
@t5bitza69 avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
T5s
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Posts: 17005
Location: The West Of Yorkshire ... Gods Country
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@t5bitza69 avatar
T5s
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Location: The West Of Yorkshire ... Gods Country
UTC quote
waxy
wont ya chrome rust
@vespasfw3 avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
2006 Vespa GTS250ie, 2004 Vespa ET4, 2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan, 2001 Kawasaki W650.
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Location: Central Pennsylvania
 
Ossessionato
@vespasfw3 avatar
2006 Vespa GTS250ie, 2004 Vespa ET4, 2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan, 2001 Kawasaki W650.
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2400
Location: Central Pennsylvania
UTC quote
Re: waxy
T5bitsa69 wrote:
wont ya chrome rust
It will and it does. Salt is hard on a Vespa. Don't ride in the winter if you like a shiny new looking scooter.
@t5bitza69 avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
T5s
Joined: UTC
Posts: 17005
Location: The West Of Yorkshire ... Gods Country
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@t5bitza69 avatar
T5s
Joined: UTC
Posts: 17005
Location: The West Of Yorkshire ... Gods Country
UTC quote
sod it
i ride all year .... snow dont stop me ..... make sure you stay on top of rust spots n theyll stay away .... ohhh n let the chrome rust away
⬆️    About 6 years elapsed    ⬇️
UTC

Member
Gts 300ie and vespa lx125 3v
Joined: UTC
Posts: 36
Location: lincoln, england
 
Member
Gts 300ie and vespa lx125 3v
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Location: lincoln, england
UTC quote
I have ridden my lx125 3v in the snow and many icy mornings. I just go slowly and put feet close to road.
I haven't tried gts 300 yet but will do on my icy road tomorrow. I think I'll hold rear brake to reduce power to rear wheel and see how it goes
@amateriat avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
2015 GTS 300 Super (Melody: 2015-2021, RIP), 2022 GTS SuperTech (Thelonica; bit the dust 02-22-23)
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Posts: 3919
Location: Asbury Park, NJ
 
Ossessionato
@amateriat avatar
2015 GTS 300 Super (Melody: 2015-2021, RIP), 2022 GTS SuperTech (Thelonica; bit the dust 02-22-23)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3919
Location: Asbury Park, NJ
UTC quote
It can be done...with the following caveat from Yrs Trly:

https://modernvespa.com/forum/post2211284?highlight=#2211284
@tomjasz avatar
UTC

Grievance Farmer
Joined: UTC
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Grievance Farmer
@tomjasz avatar
Joined: UTC
Posts: 15921
UTC quote
Heidenau does make a snow tire. K58. I found it to challenging on a GTS. I think were those tire available and I had a LX50 it would have been as comfortable as my eBikes in snow. BUT spring snow with no ice under would be the most manageable. Snow on ice makes for a completely different experience.
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