Modern Vespa

...and turn it into a GTS 271. Currently looking at 2. The first one is a 2007 in great shape with 2500 miles. Problem is the seller is either not getting my messages or has something going on making his communication terrible. Multiple emails unanswered and the one time I got a response it went to my spam folder and I found it 4 days later. I've offered two weekends straight to come and pick it up, no response.

The second one is a 2009 with 15,000 miles. My S150 had about 2700 miles when I bought it. My GTS 300 was brand new, and the GT 200 I got last year had just over 500 miles. I have no working knowledge for what's going on with these bikes when they get up to 15,000 miles. I also haven't even seen this one yet, the ad had no pics, but the seller responded immediately and promised me he'd "clean it up and take some pictures for me".

Assuming those 15,000 miles were hard miles with lots of spirited riding ( I assume everyone rides like I do) should I steer clear or might this be a good candidate for what I intend to do with it which is to make it my hot rod.

Here's my take on buying a used Vespa to modify:

The more pretty chrome, the lower the likelihood someone rode the bike like you intend to.
The 2006, and to a point 2007, GTS has had a number of electrical issues. Check the harness over well for signs of overheating, especially under the seat and on the left side of the engine compartment.
The crankshaft bearings are cast into the case and cannot be replaced. For that reason alone, I would look for one with lower miles.

Thanks for that super helpful feedback.

If you are interested in coming out to California, I have a 2007 GTS250 with options such as leather seat and backrest on top case, windshields (3), led turn signals and brake lights , also have turn signals and brake lights in top case with modulator, tools, spares, new Heidenau tires, etc.

It runs great, have had zero problems but I'm in my 80's and it's time to sell.

I'm almost crazy enough to do just that. What's the drive time from Houston to your town. Once I know I can sit back and think on it

It is 1,545 miles from Houston to LA. How long it takes you, depends on how you do it . It could be driven in one 24 hour day, or two days, or three days, or more. How far do you want to drive per day?

That could almost be fun. I could drive there and back but what's the adventure in that? What about fly in and then RIDE it back to Houston. Now THAT would be an adventure!

That's absolutely what I'd do if the bike was one I was after. It'd be a great leisurely 5 or 7 day ride back - you'd have to factor in Motels etc or be prepared for some 'inventive' camping.

And I'd be doing it 2 up because the wife of 2 months would certainly want to come play.

It would be kind of like a Cannonball only not WOT the whole ride. I don't even know how to plan for that. What would I bring, a belt and the tools to change it?

Presumably you'd be replacing a belt anyway sometime in the future - so yes, why not. Also include an exhaust gasket (graphite collar). I'd always take a tyre plugging kit and a mini compressor - they stay under my seat as standard!

Last month, I did something similar (fly to scooter, and drive it back). If you take a belt, there are really too many (larger) tools you need to change it out. Best would be to take it, and assume you will find some shop that can help replace it . That said, the only tools I took were a few basics, phillips screwdriver, 2.5mm allen key to remove the brake covers, 17mm box end to adjust my mirrors or tighten up rear shock mount, 10mm and 13mm box end for most anything else on the scooter, a few sockets with a ratchet handle (8mm 10mm 12mm), the above mentioned plug kit and small compressor, 6mm allen key for wheel bolts, a pair of needle nose pliers, and an 6" adjustable wrench/spanner. Not much else.

Those basic tools could get me back on the road, and to a motorcycle shop for any larger repairs. (none needed on my recent trip- the tools and spares were merely insurance for me)

While my parents were still living, every year I would drive to east Texas (Palestine) and back. It took two long days each way with a 1985 VW Vanagan.

Alright dreams of a 3000 mile round trip are dashed. As luck would have it a 2007 with 4300 miles popped up on Craigslist locally and I ran over today and scooped it up. Haven't had a chance to ride more than a few miles so far but I love it. It accelerates way faster than the GT200 and idles better. Next time you hear about it here will be in the Projects section

One more on the way home.

Blasphemy.,..
But that is a beautiful Vespa.

Hahaha I know you know!

I can't promise a time frame since getting the project bike was a major part of the plan and now Im going to relax a bit. At some point you're going to see some fun orders coming in.

The one thing I don't like about the GT200 is that they never offered it in that Red.

I made some compression release bypass kits, let me know if you want one when you order the top end. I'm not charging for them, because I don't want to feel guilty if it burns up your starter (it shouldn't)

I'll definitely ask for it because if it was important enough for you to make it it's probably helpful. What benefit does it add and how does it work?

So it's been a week and I really like this bike. Figured I'd start taking it apart to keep myself from riding it since I only changed the title but didn't register or insure it. I learned something when I took apart the ass-end. The lower panels have bolt towards the back instead of the screw I was used to on the GT. The left one didn't sit flush and that worried me but upon disassembly I see someone broke the plastic off the back of it. I found a red one on eBay and it's on the way.

Here's a side shot that shows the DIY repair the previous owner did on the left side. I'm certain he broke the tab off the lower panel when he fixed it.

And eBay is sending me this...

One thing I am envious about on the GTS is that side panel. You can get them in Faux carbon fiber, chrome, almost see through blue or red plastic, and ones like the one you got. Piaggio makes neat ones, and aftermarket companies also make them. There are a lot of really neat sticker kits for it too.

Wonderful looking scooter! The pictures are always my favorite part of this forum.