Modern Vespa

SO,

I've been riding my LX 150 for a good 5 years, I bought it in 2010 (used - 2007 model) and I've got nearly 10,000 miles on it. I've run through more rear tires than I'd have liked, but it feels like it's breaking in nicely. I may be imagining it, but it feels faster than when I first bought it! I only have a 7 mile round trip commute, and the LX is perfect for around town, and I do like how easy it is to shoehorn into sneaky little parking spots.

Problem is, I'm never quite satisfied with what I have...always wanting something newer, bigger, better, etc.

I have 2 primary wants for a new bike - first is that I'm 6' tall 34" inseam - so the small frame does feel a little toylike when I'm riding. Second, I'd like more acceleration in the 30-50 mph range for in-town passing on 2-lane roads.

The 300 GTS is certainly attractive - rumor has it that it's at the apex of the model line. With the larger ones rumored on the horizon, I feel it's better to buy the most refined version of a particular model, than an early model year of a new design. Also, at the moment, Vespa USA has the 0% financing option, which is kind of a no-brainer! So anyhow, I hope to try to get some test rides in on Wednesday of this week.

My plan is to ride the following bikes: GTS 300 (I like the looks of the supersport, but I figure that's money better spent towards a top case or windshield), the Zero FX, and the Honda NC 700x ABS DCT model. Frankly, although I really like the new 2016 FSX motard (not yet out) I'm concerned about reliability and feel it's better to wait on E-bikes for technology and pricing to work out. The Honda is a bit of an outlier, since I'm not in the market for a huge bike, but if I'm buying, I may as well compare.

I've done all of my research on the 300, but if anyone would like to chime in on thoughts and advice, please feel free to do so. Also, I'd like to hear what "must have" mods one might need to plan on for the 300. For example, I upgraded the LX horn and the battery - the latter made a HUGE difference in reliability. Anything like that that needs to be done on the 300 - please let me know!

Happy trails,
-Raj

Like many here, I've had several scoots, 400 and 650 burgies, Hondas 110 and 600 and a couple Chinese 150s. I really love my GTS. Very good compromise between the maxi scoots, and the small ones. Comfortable at 70 on the interstate, yet nimble in town ( I live on the coast in SoCal, lots of traffic). Plus, IMHO nothing has the looks/charm of a Vespa.

If you are going to check around, you might want to look at a BV 350 as well. Wasn't for me, but owners love them.

Good luck!


Ps. The factory top case looks great, and really adds to storeage space. I also have a Faco twin screen, which I can raise and lower easily depending on conditions and where I am riding. I didn't like going over 35 or so without a screen.

Everthing greg said. ^^^

I moved from a 125 to the 300. Many advantages to the speed and power.
The only downsides for me is that the 300 was a little taller and heavier, making it harder to park/move around while sitting in the saddle.

Test drive a BV 350 if you can. I am about your size and also came from a smaller engine Vespa (S150). The BV is a sweet ride, and cheaper than the GTS.

I can't get past the seven mile commute in this. If that's all you're going to do regularly then the 150 is more than adequate. If longer rides are in your future then you have to choose between apples and oranges. A Honda NC is not a scooter no matter what kind of gearbox it has. If you are only doing a seven mile trip daily with a possibility of the occasional longer jaunt then a Vespa 300 or a Piaggio 350 are more in keeping. Having a bike for a seven mile commute is overkill but a good bet for longer trips.

If the X10 350 is available in your area I wouldn't rule it out. It is supremely practical and would certainly fit your physique. Huge amounts of storage space, very smooth transmission at low and high speed. Excellent brakes. Surprisingly good performance especially for overtaking and getaway from junctions etc.

Of course I may be biased!

I could be biased, but definitely do test ride the NC. It might not be for you, especially if you do a lot of town stuff, but trying out the DCT for the first time is a really interesting experience!

I'm 6'3" and the GTS fits me fine. I'd avoid the matt black colour on the GTS, it looks great but petrol spills affect it. I had a look at the BV300 a few years back but for some strange reason found I couldn't find a comfortable riding position - something to do with reduced legroom I think. The NC750X is actually the current version of the NC700X, so you could argue for a discount on the NC700X. The NC700X is a completely different type of ride to the GTS and I can't see much point having one if you only cover 2k miles per year. Actually that's probably the reason why you were having issues with the battery on your LX.

If you want a change then the GTS is a real nice ride.

Tell the dealer you want a red 2016 GTS 300. Vespa won't make them but if enough people ask for that color...

Nobody mentioned ABS brakes and traction control.

I'd keep the 150,even if you get a 300. I lived in C'Ville for a few years (ran the burn center at UVA hospital). The 150 is perfect for riding around. Where do you live? I didn't live far from Crutchfield. Didn't have a bike when i lived there tho.

I made the exact switch you are contemplating in 2013. I've never regretted the choice for a moment. The 300, obviously, has more power and torque. Your midrange acceleration is better as well. What really impressed me is how "planted" the 300 felt when going down the road at 50 mph or more compared to the 150. The larger wheels are part of that, as well as the double shocks on the rear suspension. Additionally, you have a real hydraulic disk brake on the rear, rather than a puny drum actuated by a cable.

If you intend to do any sustained driving at 50 mph or more or travel on multi-lane roads in heavy traffic, get the 300.

Thanks for all the great replies. Yes, my commute is great (short, and also on some lovely windy low-traffic roads to the University). Still, if I had a larger machine, I may be tempted to take longer trips - my highway rides with the 150 have not been that relaxing.

The real proof will come when I ride the thing to see whether the plusses of the speed and suspension outweigh the negatives of the weight and size. I do love the LX, but a bigger machine may give me more range / flexibility.

The main factor driving a decision at this point is the vespa incentive. If the 300 doesn't wow me, I won't buy yet - OR if for some reason the NC-700x (I don't think we get the 750 in the USA yet) wows me more, I won't buy anything at the moment.

The allure of the NC is that I've always wanted to do some occasional overnight trips. Of course, with a 6-year old, this a fantasy for now.

Speaking of fantasies, Judy, I think I'm pushing my luck with the single scooter, no way my lovely wife and chief common sense officer will let me have two.

-Raj

Available on the GTS, the BV350, and the NC700.

Jeeves,

My bride was the same way. You have to maintain harmony
in the household. But, a scooter aficionado has got to do, what
a scooter aficionado has got to do.

I simply kept my first scooter because the trade in was not
significant. Also, I loved my Suzuki Burgman 400. When I
brought home the Vespa 300, my blushing bride made fun of
me for the next six months. "What do you need two for.....
....blaw, blaw, blaw".

She finally realized how much I love to ride.

Bob Copeland

Hey dude,

I'm 6'4" and ride a 2015 GTS 300. It's the best vehicle I've ever moved myself around on.

Before the GTS I was on a Genuine Buddy 170 and this was a big upgrade. The extra power to accelerate and maneuver makes it completely worth it. And I ride on the freeway daily.

I say go for it!

With Skyline Drive, River Road, and Rte. 33 and 211 over the mountains, the Copper Fox distillery tour in Sperryville the GTS or the BV 350 are the bikes to best enjoy your part of the world. You have lots more important things to do than to just ride 7 miles to work!
My scooter gang from DC Metro area made several trips a year just to enjoy those roads and hills.

Not Vespas but I just made the 150 to 300 switch and I'm glad I did. Went from a Scarabeo 150 to Sport City 300. The extra speed is worth it alone but that Quasar engine is a real gem. Fuel injection is also nice to have, not sure if your 150 was carbed or injected though. Just having the extra speed to hit the interstate is worth it alone and it never hurts having the power to get out of a dicey situation.

Thanks again all for the helpful thoughts! I rode one today - fantastic. I knew it'd be faster, but I had no idea how much faster. Hard to say no to this, although I do have to make that final "do I really need this although I want this" decision! After that, I can go back to the dealer.

Dealer noted that he was willing to entertain offers, so I'm just working out a counter offer and we'll see what happens.

Best,
-Raj

The GTS gets faster with a bit of riding naturally. It will get even more faster with a few mods, etc....

Judy my hat isvoff to you. Running a burn center is a tough gig. Working in any critical care is stressville. I would say its harder on the emotions than me being a cop was. Fork the sound of you I think you did it well. Enjoy the sunshine girl you have earnedvit.

Thanks Igor. The units i worked it admitted them and we took care of them until they were discharged. If we hadn't i might not of lasted that long. I got to see them get better. Most of them.

The Honda NC 700 is a full-on motorcycle. It is way bigger, heavier and more powerful than the Vespa. It is a fantastic vehicle for riding on the freeway, I find it extremely good for long-distance rides (and it gets scooter-like gas mileage, better than my BV!) but it can't compete with a smaller scooter for around town riding though it does just fine for what it is. The DCT is great, much more of a direct connection to the engine. You really need to ride the NC - it is not a scooter at all. I love mine.

Unfortunately there were no NC700 DCTs in the area available to test ride. Good news, I brought the GTS 300 home with me on Saturday! I know I'll be happy with this for a number of years until I am ready to transition to longer distance riding. Got it in the metallic black with a matching top box. Will hopefully get a small windscreen soon.

Of course it has rained heavily here every single day since! First chance of clear skies this Thursday. I will try for a ride report in a new thread soon...



Thanks for all of your helpful thoughts!

Raj

Congrats on the purchase Raj, you won't be disappointed the GTS 300 is an awesome machine and quite capable on longer trips!

Congrats - looking lovely there, despite the weather!

Congrats on the purchase. I really like that color combo and was going to buy that same model when I purchased my GTS.

But after we got to the dealership. my wife and salesman talked me into the Super Sport.

Looks like a future scooter rider there!

Congrats. Sweet looking scooter. Wish they had the automatic Vespa's when i lived there. Skyline Drive would of been a blast to do. Especially in the fall. Ride safe.

Congratulations on the new ride!

Very nice looking...you won't be disappointed.

Just got my 2017 GTS 300ie in exchange for my Primavera 150. Except for the seat height, I'm loving it!

Nice!!

I've owned two LX150s. Both fun and reliable rides. I'm now on my second GTS. It is definitely the best scooter I have ever owned. The GTS 300 is a great combination of size, power, and capabilities in a scooter. IMO it is the best all-round scooter on the road - and a ton of fun to ride.

Congrats on the new scooter. There are just two mods I regard as must-have. Firstly, an aftermarket front shock. A Bitubo makes a big difference to handling and ride. The second is the saddle. I like to sit in the middle of the saddle, and so fitted the mono seat - but then flattened that a bit further.

Mike

WoW Ray, you just got the Prima to where you wanted it and barely broken in and now this step.
I love the color of that new 300, ride in great health..


I gotta figure a way to get my scoot up to the Island, without riding it all the way, sometime to ride the east end with you....

Hahaha! I know...I'm just a US (Uncontrollable Senior)! Thanks. With lighter Variator slider weights and the Malossi exhaust, I got my Primavera to do 0-30 in 3 secs and 0-60 in 13secs and this stock GTS does about the same - but the feeling of smoothness and stability is incomparable. I've ordered the Dr. Pulley sliders but keeping the exhaust stock as I don't think the Malossi actually improved the performance much. I haven't gone over 60mph yet while I'm breaking it in with the progressive up/down power method so we shall see!

I'm now seriously looking for a good upholstery shop to shave some stuffing off the seat so I can put both feet flat on the ground when stopped.

Maybe we can meet halfway! Jones Beach perhaps...Soon! I'm pretty sure I can keep up with traffic on the HOV lanes on the expressway but I'm not comfortable with the idea of constantly being at 70+ mph. I have to test the trailer hitch rack I got but I don't think I can load the bike by myself. If and when I do, I'll post pics of a clip.

The actual seat height of the Primavera and the GTS are very similar. The bigger difference is the width. You might consider having a bit shaved of the sides where you sit when you have the seat reshaped.

I just switch from my 150 to a GTS300. I just got tired of vehicles riding my ass.

Congrats! Same exact route for me. Loving the GTS 300 but having battery probs right now. Dealer's giving me a new one tomorrow. Charging now so I can just ride it over there.

Hey! NYPD? A best friend and flying buddy was with TARU for many years. John Tucci. Maybe you know him. Big Harley and Beemer fan.

I just picked up the '13 300 Super at the beginning of the month. I'm in that phase of the relationship where I'm trying not to compare her to the old love as we are getting used to each other's quirks.

There are things I miss from the LX150 but LOVE the additional power and uniform tire size! I just have to watch out. She gets up to 35-40mph REALLY fast. I've taken off from a light and had a few cops side eye me.

Over all with almost a month of riding under my belt on the new ride, I do like the power and weight of the bike under me.

Keep us updated as to how you like the 300

Congratulation on a very nice bike! Great color combo, only problem I foresee is wrestling the keys from your lovely daughter...

Hey Ray. My niece and nephew are on the job. Just a supporter.