Modern Vespa

I have been enjoying riding my scooter these past few months, but admittedly there are times when 163 cc doesn't make the grade with me. I have been thinking I might be better off with a 300 cc, like a GTS 300. Since a test ride is not going to allow me enough time needed to determine if a 300 is right for me I want to ask you all what are the riding characteristic of a 300 vs 150? I will primarily ride around town and the backroads where I live (San Francisco Bay Area, with San Jose/Los Gatos/Saratoga being my most traveled areas).

We have an GTV 300ie and an LXV 150ie.

The GTV is much smoother:
- The extra power available for acceleration brings a more stable feel
- The more stable feel (100+ pounds heavier bike) brings a more stable deceleration to stop
- Rough roads are smoothed out greatly
- Less rider fatigue
- Less steering correction (also reduces rider fatigue)

Also, in the hills, foothills, and mountains around Denver (and probably also SF), the 150 can annoy other drivers quite often, especially when taking off on an uphill grade. Cagers respond by making sudden moves to pass, sometimes even forcing us to share the lane with them while they do it, when oncoming traffic exists. For this reason, the 300 is just plain safer, and brings less stress.

The LXV 150 is more fun, if you want to 'feel' the road, and want to be a sport rider. We take both scoots out on trips, and enjoy both - but that GTV is the finer ride by far.

I agree with sharpcolorado. The additional power and weight of the GTS 250 or 300 makes quite a difference in the riding experience. The only downside of the bigger GTS (other than cost ) is the extra weight when maneuvering at very slow speeds or walking the scooter around when parking, etc.

Great information. Thank you for your replies.

Given the lower center of gravity will the extra 100+ pounds be noticeable say when pushing or taking it off it's center stand from the side of the bike as opposed to when you are mouunted? I find my scooter to be easily handled because the weight is low to the ground.

I rode a Genuine Roughhouse 50cc for a little more than three years. It was a great little bike for downtown, in the city and I loved it, but I needed to move up after a while. I had a 1000cc motorcycle for a while and sold it about three months ago. I've been riding a GTS 300ie since. It's actually easier to get on and off the stand than the 50cc was, because the stand is designed better and located in a place on the bike that makes for better leverage. The difference in weight will change the ease of pushing it around, but it's balanced so well that it's really isn't a problem. I know a woman who is just pushing five foot three and has no problem handling a GTS 300.

I've ridden it everyday for the past three months, with the exception of the days when it's been both cold and wet. I downgraded from a 1000cc motorcycle to this, and I don't regret it one bit. I can legally ride anywhere the big bike would have and it's much more convenient.

I definitely think a bigger scooter is what I need. Having ridden street bikes on and off for thirty some odd years I find I like some heft to my ride and power to spare.