OP
UTC

Member
2015 Vespa 300 GTS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 27
Location: Wisconsin
 
Member
2015 Vespa 300 GTS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 27
Location: Wisconsin
UTC quote
Hello!

After thinking this over for WAY too long, I decided to pick up a two-wheeled ride. I looked at larger full motorcycles, but... Why? I'm in Milwaukee WI, so a Harley is THE default option. Along with their ridiculous vibration and noise. A classic Indian Chief is truly my #1 choice, but a basket case is 2x the most expensive (and working) Vespa. Speaking of expensive, I don't want to drop five figures. The KLR-650 is on my list for an eventual ride to Alaska, but... Eh. Not right now.

I also have zero interest in the normal motorcycle penis-measuring competitions. Engine size this, overpriced chrome additions that, and you spent HOW MUCH..? I just want something to get around town, trips to the countryside, and maybe come with me on a carrier on longer trips out west or down to gulf coast.

Sounds like a 300 is what I need. I fit just fine (6'01" / 225 lbs) and can handle one fine. But what I can't figure out:

1. What's the difference between a GTS, GTS Super, and a GTS Super Sport?

2. My main use will be around town and into the burbs, but sometimes I want to do day trips with overnights here or there. Aside from the tall windscreen, do you recommend any specific accessories?

3. How's the reliability on a new Vespa? Aside from normal maintenance, do they have a lot of problems / lemons?

Thanks!

Mike
@dooglas avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
GTS 300ABS, Buddy 125, Buddy Kick 125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 13505
Location: Oregon City, OR
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@dooglas avatar
GTS 300ABS, Buddy 125, Buddy Kick 125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 13505
Location: Oregon City, OR
UTC quote
Well, I sure enjoy the heck out of the GTS. Your questions -

1. The differences are only cosmetic. Pick the one you like.

2. When doing longer trips and overnighters, I find a topcase, as well as a windscreen, useful. I personally prefer a mid-height windscreen. In a couple of instances, I have cut down a tall screen to the optimal height for me.

3. I have owned 2 GTS - a 250 and a 300 ABS. Both have been consistent and reliable. Scooters generally go thru rear tires fairly quickly, but that is just the nature of the beast.
@raputtak avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
2016 GTS 300 Super - red, of course.
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4755
Location: Hertford, North Carolina
 
Ossessionato
@raputtak avatar
2016 GTS 300 Super - red, of course.
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4755
Location: Hertford, North Carolina
UTC quote
Welcome to the forum.

^^^^ what Doog said.


Find a scooter club in your area and ride, ride, ride.

(Are you anywhere near Lake Geneva?)
@lobo104 avatar
UTC

Hooked
2019 Vespa GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 383
Location: Towson, Maryland
 
Hooked
@lobo104 avatar
2019 Vespa GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 383
Location: Towson, Maryland
UTC quote
Welcome! I have a GTS 300 SS and it is only cosmetic. Got a good deal so couldn't pass it up. You will find that the GTS300 will suit your needs very nicely. 😎😎

Bob
@davelx avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
2016 Piaggio BV-350
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1879
Location: Virginia, USA, from London, England
 
Molto Verboso
@davelx avatar
2016 Piaggio BV-350
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1879
Location: Virginia, USA, from London, England
UTC quote
Don't discount the Piaggio BV-350 either. A little more power (33hp vs 22hp) than the GTS, longer legs, more storage space. Might come in handy on your overnighters.

Having said that, my last ride was a GTS 250 and man, that thing totally rocked.
@michael_b avatar
UTC

Addicted
GTS 300 ie - traded in; Honda CB300FA; Honda Ruckus scooter
Joined: UTC
Posts: 742
Location: Toronto, Canada
 
Addicted
@michael_b avatar
GTS 300 ie - traded in; Honda CB300FA; Honda Ruckus scooter
Joined: UTC
Posts: 742
Location: Toronto, Canada
UTC quote
Hi Mike,

a tall windscreen may not be all the sparkle it may seem. If you look through the windscreen, your vision will be affected by scratches, reflections, dirt, rain drops, bugs, etc. IMO the best is to get a 3/4 windscreen and perhaps a laminar lip (that attaches to the top of the screen) so you're looking over the top of it. The laminar lip really helps with reducing noise and turbulences a lot.

Front and rear luggage racks make a Vespa into a pickup truck. If you add soft panniers, you can go on self-supported camping tour (as I did).
The 300 can handle all the legal speeds just fine.
Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
@mystery2me avatar
UTC

Enthusiast
2015 GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 89
Location: Central MD USA
 
Enthusiast
@mystery2me avatar
2015 GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 89
Location: Central MD USA
UTC quote
As others have said the GTS, GTS super and GTS SS are the same other than color choice graphics and a missing back rack on the super and super sport. Get the one you like or get the deal on. If you are 6'1 then the mid height shield will be below your eyes but high enough to bust the air off your chest and neck based on what I experience welcome from another rather new member!
Phil
@dmpawley avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2073
Location: Northern California
 
Ossessionato
@dmpawley avatar
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2073
Location: Northern California
UTC quote
Welcome from the left coast!

Ride whatever makes you happy.

If the pic makes you laugh, the. A Vespa will be fun for you!



Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
@fledermaus avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2007 LX150 2015 GTS (running like a charm!) 2017 BV 350
Joined: UTC
Posts: 12418
Location: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@fledermaus avatar
2007 LX150 2015 GTS (running like a charm!) 2017 BV 350
Joined: UTC
Posts: 12418
Location: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
UTC quote
^^^ Bit of hyperbole there. I only get 65 mpg. Razz emoticon Laughing emoticon

Welcome to MV from a fellow cheesehead. I LOVE my GTS... First, models differ in (superficial) cosmetics.

As for longer trips, we have a member here that put on 4K miles one year crossing the country. Not everyone's taste for a touring bike, but it's up for the task.

As for accessories: I'd do a bit of research before picking a screen. My "summer" screen is a mid-size. I also use a tall screen for colder weather when I want to feel cozy. I'd start with a top box. If you're wanting to load it up, a front rack can come in handy as well, but you can always add one...there are different styles/mounts and prices. Rear crash bars are helpful to save your in case of an "off."

I'm not aware of any current issues with the newer models.

If you pull the pin and are up for some rides, definitely check out Scoot Jockeys in Lake Geneva.. I've put together some informal rides as well-check out Wisconscoot in September!

Good luck in your decision!
@wleuthold avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2006 Vespa GT (Rocket): 2007 Vespa GT (Vanessa): 2009 Yamaha Zuma 125: 2018 Yamaha Xmax (Big Ugly), 2023 Vespa GTS300 (Ghost)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5303
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@wleuthold avatar
2006 Vespa GT (Rocket): 2007 Vespa GT (Vanessa): 2009 Yamaha Zuma 125: 2018 Yamaha Xmax (Big Ugly), 2023 Vespa GTS300 (Ghost)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5303
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
UTC quote
fledermaus wrote:
As for longer trips, we have a member here that put on 4K miles one year crossing the country. Not everyone's taste for a touring bike, but it's up for the task.
Two weeks ago 35 scooter riders rode 3700 miles crossing the us in 11 days. And many covered each day's 260 to 480 miles before 1:00 in the afternoon.

At least a dozen were on Vespas. I would much rather make this ride on my Vespa GT than my Honda NC700X.
@fledermaus avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2007 LX150 2015 GTS (running like a charm!) 2017 BV 350
Joined: UTC
Posts: 12418
Location: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@fledermaus avatar
2007 LX150 2015 GTS (running like a charm!) 2017 BV 350
Joined: UTC
Posts: 12418
Location: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
UTC quote
WLeuthold wrote:
fledermaus wrote:
As for longer trips, we have a member here that put on 4K miles one year crossing the country. Not everyone's taste for a touring bike, but it's up for the task.
Two weeks ago 35 scooter riders rode 3700 miles crossing the us in 11 days. And many covered each day's 260 to 480 miles before 1:00 in the afternoon.

At least a dozen were on Vespas. I would much rather make this ride on my Vespa GT than my Honda NC700X.
I didn't forget about you guys! 8)

Just didn't want to intimidate the OP.
@maggiegirl avatar
UTC

Addicted
2021 Primavera 150 touring, 2016 LXV 150 ie, 1978 Vespa P125, 2019 Piaggio Liberty 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 816
Location: central Illinois USA
 
Addicted
@maggiegirl avatar
2021 Primavera 150 touring, 2016 LXV 150 ie, 1978 Vespa P125, 2019 Piaggio Liberty 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 816
Location: central Illinois USA
UTC quote
On those windscreens, do check your state laws. Here in IL a wind screen has to end below the face/chin. And those high rise handlebars known as 'ape hangers' have to be below the height of your shoulders when sitting on the bike. I like the screen on my Rebel, it 'lifts' the bugs up over my head which sure beats them thumping my chest or helmet. I am smaller than you so am more comfortable with a smaller scooter, and don't need or want to go interstate speeds. Let us know what you buy, photos are great!
@kshansen avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
GTV300 (wife's)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1927
Location: Central New York
 
Molto Verboso
@kshansen avatar
GTV300 (wife's)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1927
Location: Central New York
UTC quote
And don't forget the GTV 300. Again think it is more or less the same as the GTS but with fender mounted headlight and at least wife's 2013 a bit different in the gauges.

Picture to the left
<-----------
@skunkhome avatar
UTC

Hooked
Burgman 400, BV250, CH80, Helix
Joined: UTC
Posts: 450
Location: SE Louisiana
 
Hooked
@skunkhome avatar
Burgman 400, BV250, CH80, Helix
Joined: UTC
Posts: 450
Location: SE Louisiana
UTC quote
DaveLX wrote:
Don't discount the Piaggio BV-350 either. A little more power (33hp vs 22hp) than the GTS, longer legs, more storage space. Might come in handy on your overnighters.

Having said that, my last ride was a GTS 250 and man, that thing totally rocked.
My exact thoughts. Plus you will get more mileage out of your rear tires with the 16" rims. I had over 5000 miles on my last tire and had to change it due to age it still had 85% of the tread.
@fubar-retiree avatar
UTC

Member
Lurker-GT300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22
Location: California, United States
 
Member
@fubar-retiree avatar
Lurker-GT300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22
Location: California, United States
UTC quote
in the event you enjoy most excellent reading about scootering I'd like to suggest "Scooter in the Sticks."

This blog is not only a wonderful bit of writing style filled with poise, but a fine entertaining read as well.

And I don't even own a scoot!!!
@znomit avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
LX190 Friday afternoon special, [s]Primavera[/s], S50, too many pushbikes
Joined: UTC
Posts: 10787
Location: Hermit Kingdom
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@znomit avatar
LX190 Friday afternoon special, [s]Primavera[/s], S50, too many pushbikes
Joined: UTC
Posts: 10787
Location: Hermit Kingdom
UTC quote
WLeuthold wrote:
fledermaus wrote:
As for longer trips, we have a member here that put on 4K miles one year crossing the country. Not everyone's taste for a touring bike, but it's up for the task.
Two weeks ago 35 scooter riders rode 3700 miles crossing the us in 11 days.
How many got laid?
@mingo avatar
UTC

Hooked
GTS300 SuperSport ABS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 226
Location: Toronto, ON
 
Hooked
@mingo avatar
GTS300 SuperSport ABS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 226
Location: Toronto, ON
UTC quote
Rather than start my own thread, I just have one question:

What model year did Vespa add ABS to the 250 or 300 models?

Looking to add a Vespa 300 to the stable. Thank you.
@roadrider13 avatar
UTC

Member
None (yet)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 11
Location: Rhode Island
 
Member
@roadrider13 avatar
None (yet)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 11
Location: Rhode Island
UTC quote
Michael B. wrote:
Hi Mike,

a tall windscreen may not be all the sparkle it may seem. If you look through the windscreen, your vision will be affected by scratches, reflections, dirt, rain drops, bugs, etc. IMO the best is to get a 3/4 windscreen and perhaps a laminar lip (that attaches to the top of the screen) so you're looking over the top of it. The laminar lip really helps with reducing noise and turbulences a lot.
Plus one on this. I have a Cee Bailey on my CTX. I look OVER the top, but the height was causing some buffeting with my helmet. I added a MRA X-screen. It is adjustable and lets you tailor the flow to get it just right. When i get The Scooter I plan to do the same thing.
UTC

Ossessionato
2016 Vespa GTS300ie abs/asr/ess Settantesimo '70'
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3766
Location: East Anglia, UK
 
Ossessionato
2016 Vespa GTS300ie abs/asr/ess Settantesimo '70'
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3766
Location: East Anglia, UK
UTC quote
mingo, the abs/traction control model was released in 2014. And very good it is too. But calibrate the traction control properly as per instructions in the manual first before you start to ride it, and it's all dandy.
@roadrider13 avatar
UTC

Member
None (yet)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 11
Location: Rhode Island
 
Member
@roadrider13 avatar
None (yet)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 11
Location: Rhode Island
UTC quote
Stromrider wrote:
mingo, the abs/traction control model was released in 2014. And very good it is too. But calibrate the traction control properly as per instructions in the manual first before you start to ride it, and it's all dandy.
Good to know! When i got the CTX the dealership had zero idea how the DCT transmission worked. I got no guidance from them at all. Everything I learned was from the support forum. Maybe someone should put together a new buyer check list for the scooter models. Not everyone is a great wrench turner or motor vehicle savvy. having a good checklist would be helpful to those who do not know what the right questions to ask.
@gloria avatar
UTC

Addicted
Bea 2007 LX150.
Joined: UTC
Posts: 725
Location: Santa Fe
 
Addicted
@gloria avatar
Bea 2007 LX150.
Joined: UTC
Posts: 725
Location: Santa Fe
UTC quote
Welcome from the Land of Enchantment.

If you have your motorcycle endorsement already, test drive each to see which one better suits your needs! and post a picture when you get it!
@fledermaus avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2007 LX150 2015 GTS (running like a charm!) 2017 BV 350
Joined: UTC
Posts: 12418
Location: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@fledermaus avatar
2007 LX150 2015 GTS (running like a charm!) 2017 BV 350
Joined: UTC
Posts: 12418
Location: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
UTC quote
There is the option of an adjustable mid-size screen from FACO. I like it, but I'm tall enough it hardly matters.

FWIW, I've seen nothing limiting screen heights here in Wisconsin. Nerd emoticon

mingo: 2015
@crazycarl avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
2007 250 GTS, 1980 P200E, 2010 ThunderFly 190 (SOLD) 2015 Yamaha SMax (SOLD)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3522
Location: Springboro, OH
 
Ossessionato
@crazycarl avatar
2007 250 GTS, 1980 P200E, 2010 ThunderFly 190 (SOLD) 2015 Yamaha SMax (SOLD)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3522
Location: Springboro, OH
UTC quote
I have the Faco Twin screen, which has a height adjustable inner screen to suit your needs.

Additionally, a rear rack is the best way to secure cargo to the scoot. A topcase is a great option for secure, lockable and weather proof storage. Givi and Shad are both excellent options to the Vespa branded topcases.

One other item to think about is seat comfort. I've had excellent experience with my AirHawk, but other options include gel pads or sheepskin. You can also get your seat custom molded and upholstered, but that gets really expensive, really fast.

Don't forget to budget for riding gear. A comfortable helmet is a must, but don't forget about gloves, jacket and boots. Moto specific gear can be pricey, but it's made specifically for the task of riding and will enhace your riding experience over generic options.
faco twin screen
faco twin screen
Mine all gussied up
Mine all gussied up
OP
UTC

Member
2015 Vespa 300 GTS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 27
Location: Wisconsin
 
Member
2015 Vespa 300 GTS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 27
Location: Wisconsin
UTC quote
Thank you all so very much!

I'm grateful to hear that it's only about cosmetic differences. My dealer has a new 2015 GTS and a new 2016 Super Sport on the floor. There's not too much of a price difference, but I'll still save some money by taking that 2015. I just wanted to be sure that I wasn't losing out on anything important by doing so.

Thank you also for the windscreen advice. Looks like I need to consider mid-size with a laminar lip. I'll also look into rear racks and top cases.

My dealer also recommended the BV-350. It seemed nice enough, but just not what I wanted. It's good to hear that he wasn't just trying to sell me in a different scoot with a better markup.

Raputtak, I'm maybe 1.5 hours away from Lane Geneva in the Milwaukee area. It's nice down there- maybe that'll be one of my first trips..?

Flendermaus, thank you! I was offline and passed through FDL a lot last week with the EAA in Oshkosh. Crap- I would have stopped in town and covered the first round. What's the scoop on Wisconscoot?

Maggiegirl, Wisconsin seems to be pretty loose on motorcycle laws. I don't think they regulate windscreens or those ape-hangers. (If they do, it's definitely unenforced.)

FUBAR-Retiree, looks like my type of blog. Thank you for the advice!

Gloria, thank you. I'm jealous too- while I lived next door in Arizona, I always loved Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Both places weren't so extreme in temps compared to my old home. If I ever left Wisconsin for year-around living elsewhere, I'd probably move to Santa Fe.

CrazyCarl, thank you for that sound advice and brand recommends. I'm going to try the stock seat and see how I do, but maybe a gel or some zany custom is in my future. So long as it's NOT black- I learned what it's like to sit in black when I lived outside of Phoenix AZ. I think the last burn scar from the steering wheel finally faded after nine years. Tan for me!

Mike
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