Modern Vespa

With the LX125 now to be sold, i've just collected this 300. 1200km and 4 years old. Very surprised at the difference in size and agility of these two.

I've ordered the exact same stickers and just need a 1000 km service. The rear rack is gone, and mirrors removed. Although they look so similar, they ride so differently. Loved the LX, but I need a bit more 'safety speed' on the fast roads.

The mirrors might save your life - take it from one who's had a few close shaves taking my chances on 'progressive' rides - and you have some great opportunities in your area.

Nice looking scoot! Barely broke in, nice catch.

I've never owned a 300 Vespa, but I did test ride one when I bought my 125cc Sprint. I fully agree - difference between these models is more than you'd assume just based on the looks.

I ended up with Sprint because at the time I knew I used it mainly for very short rides, smaller roads and town rides. Worked well enough...but 300 definitely has more presence & power for higher speeds.

I have to MOT the 300, then insure it and tax it before it can be ridden. I hopefully should manage that today. I'll give the LX a quick wash and hopefull drop it off with the new owner. My wife said the new one 'is nice' - which is very good for her. I've ordered a smaller rear numberplate to match the one on the LX. (The required ones in the uk are quite frankly, massive and obtrusive).

I take the opinion about the mirrors, although they make the bike even wider, and don't look too good. Without them I shoulder check a lot. And when filtering between traffic, they are at van mirror height. I prefer not to have them, especially as I will not be doing much motorway or dual carriageway work.

Looking to getting on it, and sorry that I cannot keep both.

Enjoy!

Very nice!
Yesterday I went to the service and removed the head and the mirrors. I rode only 2 miles without the mirrors, but for me it was very uncomfortable. A few years ago I read an article about a helmet with inner mirrors. It was very interesting though I haven't seen a real one.

https://www.webbikeworld.com/reevu-msx1-helmet-review/

I take it mirrors aren't required in the UK?
You wouldn't pass annual inspection here not to mention become a police magnet.

I put shorty mirrors on my GRS. They aren't any wider than my handlebars.

Mirrors are not needed for the MOT :

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/motorcycle-parts-checked-at-an-mot/motorcycle-parts-checked-at-an-mot

However, not having them could conceivably lead to problems with LEOs and insurance adjusters etc...

http://www.bikelawyer.co.uk/site/mcn-law-columns/will-i-be-nicked-if-i-take-the-mirrors-off

it seems insane, and extremely ballsy, to ride in a major metro, without any mirrors, even shorties... hats off to you over the pond.

Nice get shorty mirrors like mine, or bar end ones maybe

LOL. Can we just leave the poor guy alone w/r/t his mirrors? They don't always show you all you need to see, and it's just as quick if not quicker to just give a quick head turn or two as it is to stare at a mirror for a second or two.

Beautiful scooter, tim h. I wish you many happy, safe miles and smiles!

As a (heavily) biased GTS owner, I must say you made a good choice, and think the bike will grow on you ever more as time and miles go by.

And, I'll second (or by now third) the suggestion of "shorty" versions of the mirrors you're planning on removing. I get how the stock versions can hinder filtering through tight spaces, but I can't begin to count the number of times mine have kept me out of close scrapes. I'm planning on switching to shorties before long.

Well, the LX has gone now to its new owner (who I know), although I will still see it.
The 300 passed it's MOT fine. I've put 100 or so KM on it already, and am getting quite used to it.

To describe the difference between the two is a gulf. I rode my mate's old Lambretta 125 last weekend, after swapping with my LX for a few miles. His felt so agricultural and old compared to the LX. Well, getting on the 300 after the LX feels like the same gulf between the Lam and the LX.

The 300 is so so easy to ride, and takes much less effort than the LX which seemed frantic in comparison.

I really like the mechanism for getting under the seat, and love the way that you don't have to use the key.

I'm noticing the extra 15 mm or so on the width, but enjoying the extra legroom.

I changed the engine and hub oil last night - again which was a joy, as I did not have to remove a single thing from the bike to access the filter or drain holes.

Looking forward to a long weekend with it. 👍

I agree that's convenient but you have to remind yourself that if you can open it without the key, so can everyone else!

That's only assuming the bike's immobilizer isn't engaged; otherwise the under-seat storage is secure.

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Or: That's only assuming the bike's ignition key has been turned to the LOCK position - which switches off the power to the underseat opening switch (and also engages the steering lock and immobiliser).
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