Modern Vespa

Dropped my scoot off this afternoon for the 600 mile service and here is my report.

A little background, I am a 65 with about 25 years of motorcycle experience, mostly on BMW's with a few Triumphs, a Ducati and a few others thrown in. Current stable is an 11 BMW R1200R and 13 Triumph Bonneville SE. Got my first 125cc Chinese scoot about 10 years ago. Upgraded to a low mileage 09 GTS 250 Super a few years later. From what I remember I loved that scoot, but during a period of MBS acting up, I sold it to add a Dual Sport to the garage, downsizing to 2 bikes.

Fast forward to the present, DR650 is gone replaced by my current Bonnie. But there is a void that I miss. Yes, the scooter!! Specifically a Vespa. For about a year I had been on the lookout for a low mileage GTS with abs and tc. However as my 65th Birthday is approaching, I decided, what the heck, and bought a brand spanking new Touring model.

In the showroom after signing the deal.



As winter was approaching, I was on the fast track to get my 600 mile service before winter sets in. FYI I fall into the break in camp as ride it like you will ride it to break in without being stupid. It bounced easily off the rev limiter on the way home during a short freeway jaunt. This thing is smooth and sneaky fast. My initial impression was that it was a little bit better in every way than what I remembered my 250 Super was. The engine is smoother making 70 fill like 60 and 50, 40. The suspension is more comfortable even over bumps than what I remembered.

During one of my first rides.



Along the way I have decided to add some flair with Italian stripes using reflective pinstriping.



Then I added Race numbers which are a bit subdued (on purpose) but reflect that it was my 65th Birthday Gift.






Of course I need a matching helmet!



Back to the scooter. I am impressed with the fueling of the engine. No hiccups even at walking speeds or tight u-turns. Very nimble handling that is starting to feel very intuitive, which is what you want. I am beginning to learn how to maximize handling in corners by moving forward on saddle, leaning forward to load up the front suspension and tire. Easily flicks from side to side.

The only area not very impressed with are the brakes. Now of course I am used to the brakes on my Beemer which are nothing short of incredible, even encouraging me to upgrade the brakes on my Bonnie. The front brake does not have very good feel. You squeeze it and nothing happens until you are really pulling. Fortunately the rear is much more responsive and found myself relying on it more than I care. I spoke with the service manager at the shop about it and he informed me there has been some concern about the front brakes that Vespa is ignoring at this time. He will blead them again and we will see how they are when I pick up next week. Going to have the rear body guards installed and an extra accessory outlet installed as well.

A few more pics from my ride today to the shop.








That is all for now!

Ride on!!

Rick G

The front brake on my GTS 300 was not particularly strong, either. Small caliper, small tire, not great bite compared to a big dual disc motorcycle. Adequate for city speeds, I suppose.

Lots of threads on MV about upgrading the brakes, with pics, so maybe a winter project, eh?

Nice pictures, good report.
I have the same issues with the front brake on my 2020 ( same color as your's)
Interested to hear your follow up comments.

The stripes look great, the reflectivity is a bonus. I might add something similar.

I notice you have one of those glove box carrier/bags. Wonder if you like it, how does it fit , is it something you recommend or would buy again. Is your's sort of an olive drab color or another color ?

Thanks, Doug

Doug,

The glovebox bag is green camo. Yes I like it! Gives me easy access to garage opener, my hearing aid case and other small items not to mention a bottle of water. I am a tank bag guy with my motorcycles, so this is kind of like that for my scoot. I bought it on Fleabay for about $16.00. Appears to be well made. Fits my glovebox door easily. The Vespa logo is embroidered and it has a Vespa tag. I wonder if this is a bootleg item??? I think it came all the way from China in about 5 days. But I do like it.

Rick G

Thanks Rick,

Any hint where on E Bay I might find one ?

This is the one I purchased.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Camo-Saddlebags-Storage-Bag-for-Vespa-GTS-LX-LXV-Sprint-Primavera-Bag/253531468172?_trksid=p2485497.m4902.l9144

From there you should find others suit your taste.

Good luck,

Rick

PS Google is your friend.

Your brakes are not bedded in yet so they won't be optimal with efficiency. They get considerably better as you get nearer to 1000 miles. Of course, if the front brake is spongy, it will need bleeding. But from what you are saying I think it's just the brakes are not bedded in yet. You cannot rush the bed in process, and the main thing to avoid is heavy breaking during the first 1000 miles as this glazes the pads. If that's already happened then a de-glaze will be required if the brake is still not good at 1000 miles.

Your motor too will improve with both power and fuel economy if you don't thrash it too much during the first 1000 miles. Vespa's don't like to be bounced off the rev limiter during break in! Take care with that. Remember break in carries on well beyond the first 600 miles. Sorry, not trying to preach, but I don't know what you know about Vespa engines.

Check your oil often during the first couple of thousand miles and thereafter you won't need to check it quite so often depending on the sort of riding you do. Fast hi-way riding, check very often.

Great choice for a bike. I love your colour. May the two of you be very very happy and post often!