OP
@progetto_300 avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
2010 GTS 300 SUPER
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1534
Location: Belgium
 
Molto Verboso
@progetto_300 avatar
2010 GTS 300 SUPER
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1534
Location: Belgium
UTC quote
GILERA GP 800

839 cc, 90° V twin, 4 valves per cylinder, 75 HP.
Nothing like the Gilera GP 800 has ever been seen before. Far more than a scooter, the GP 800 is a totally new species.

The most powerful on-road machine produced by Gilera in almost a century of history simply defies definition. More than a scooter, here is a new class of two-wheeler. Riding a Gilera GP 800 is a totally new and exclusive experience. The power of its amazing 75 bhp engine is tamed by a superbly rigid frame and transmitted to the road by a unique chassis. The Gilera GP 800 offers all the comfort and convenience of a scooter around town, plus the performance of a true sport tourer on the open road. And when stationary, the GP 800's aggressive beauty simply exudes power and technology.


AMAZING!

The Gilera GP 800 is born to amaze.
And amaze it does, from the very first glance. The GP 800's impressive, dynamic and clean lines are inspired by the best Italian motorcycling traditions. The chassis features a robust double cradle, steel tube frame. The 90° V twin engine boasts electronic ignition, 4 valves per cylinder, and liquid cooling. This engine marks a turning point in scooter evolution, and gives the Gilera GP 800 the sort of performance that no other scooter can rival. The GP 800 is designed uncompromisingly, to satisfy the most demanding sport tourer rider.

The Gilera GP 800 is designed for the rider who wants all the practicality of a scooter but longs for the sort of performance and emotions that until now only a motorcycle could hope to deliver. Even urban commuting becomes a whole new, thrilling and satisfying experience. The Gilera GP 800 boasts the unbeatable usability of a scooter, thanks to elegant, stylish and classical sporting lines, great manoeuvrability, automatic CVT transmission with plenty of engine braking, perfect ergonomics and the carrying capacity of the classic under-seat storage compartment.

But the destiny of the Gilera GP 800 is sure to be determined by its unique performance. Power, top speed, and acceleration are all unprecedented, so it's only natural to look beyond the city for satisfaction. The Gilera GP 800's advanced engine and chassis really show their mettle on country roads, opening up new horizons for medium and long range touring. On the open road, the excellent protection afforded by the leg shield and electrically adjustable windshield deliver unrivalled comfort for rider and passenger.
Motorways to the beach, mountain passes, and twisting country roads - the world in front of the Gilera GP 800 knows no frontiers.
The Gilera GP 800: beyond the scooter.

THE ONLY ENGINE OF ITS KIND IN THE WORLD

Everything about the Gilera GP 800 has been designed, developed and made to rule the road. Each individual stylistic choice and technical solution speaks of a revolutionary machine, conceived around the first ever 90° V twin scooter engine, and designed to dominate the world of scooters. The new 839.3 cc engine features liquid cooling, Magneti Marelli electronic fuel injection, a single cam, 4 valves per cylinder and twin spark ignition. It develops a mighty 75 bhp at the crank with a torque of 76.4 Nm, 95% of which is already available at 3,500 rpm. These specifications are totally unique in the scooter world. On the road they translate into an extraordinary reserve of constantly available power and a uniquely smooth ride. Thanks to CVT (continuously variable transmission) with engine braking effect, urban commuting is effortless and relaxing, with the ideal ratio automatically selected. But when the road leaves the town and opens up, the GP 800's V twin engine really comes into its own, placing Gilera's flagship scooter in a class of its own.
The Gilera GP 800 engine features dry sump lubrication, and is secured rigidly to the frame by vibration-damping rubber mountings. Final drive can therefore be entrusted to a robust but sophisticated, Regina Z-ring sealed chain.
The exhaust system is totally decoupled from the frame to minimise vibrations. This 2-in-1 system terminates in an aggressively styled silencer with a black heat shield that adds plenty of character to the styling of the GP 800, and emphasises its elegant but sporting nature.

The amazing performance of the GP 800's V twin engine have been achieved in full respect of the environment. Emissions have been minimised by an advanced closed loop injection system with Lambda oxygen sensor and an exhaust with three-way catalytic converter. Fully integrated control of the electronic ignition system also ensures that the GP 800 conforms to strict Euro 3 standards.

The new twin cylinder power plant has been designed, developed and manufactured entirely in Pontedera, the historical home of Piaggio and one of the world's most advanced engine development and production centres. This engine is born from the challenge that the Piaggio Group has taken on: to offer an ever more sophisticated customer a product that guarantees performance, reliability and safety while also leading the field in respect for the environment.


A TRULY IMPRESSIVE CHASSIS

The Gilera GP 800's double cradle frame has been designed around the engine to embrace it and convert its exuberant power into rigorous, precision control. The frame is made from a tubular steel trellis with steel reinforcement and strengthening plates. Excellent torsional and flexural rigidity has been built in at all stages of the development and road testing process, to deliver an amazing sense of control. The Gilera GP 800 corners like a sports motorcycle, reaching angles of lean of 45° while still delivering neutral handling and amazing road holding. The GP 800 holds the most precise lines through fast bends, obeying rider input at all times without ever exceeding performance limits. Absolute control is the result. The generous power of the GP 800's engine demands a superbly rigid chassis. Simulations and road tests have demonstrated that the GP 800 has a coefficient of stability at full power similar to a motorcycle (1 rad/sec) and almost twice as high as a conventional scooter.

The swingarm catches your eye as soon as you see the GP 800. This impressive component symbolises how the Piaggio Group has drawn on its experience in motorcycle design in developing the amazing GP 800. The swingarm is in cast aluminium and is secured directly to the side plates of the frame. It is damped by suspension linkages that are dominated by a horizontally mounted, lateral hydraulic monoshock, adjustable to seven different preload settings. Reduced unsuspended mass and a generous 133 mm of rear wheel travel ensure excellent suspension performance.
The front wheel fork is also in aluminium, with 41 mm stanchions. Once again, stability and safety, even under harsh braking, are at a level never previously found on any scooter.

The hollow five spoke wheels, 16" at the front and 15" at the rear, are manufactured from aluminium alloy in a lost core, gravity casting process to minimise unsuspended mass and guarantee motorcycle-type precision handling. Overall performance is also helped by standard equipment radial tyres, 120/70 at the front and 160/60 at the rear.

The braking system incorporates Brembo Gold double piston floating calipers and two semi-floating 300 mm steel discs at the front. At the rear, a floating caliper with two opposed pistons brakes a 280 mm steel disc. Metal braided brake hoses and adjustable, 4-position brake levers are further testimony to the GP 800's cutting edge braking system.

The GP 800 is even equipped with a parking brake operated by a practical lever on the right of the leg shield.


GILERA STYLE

The Gilera GP 800 is made to amaze even when stationary, exhibiting as it does abundant power, unrivalled technology, and technical and stylistic solutions that are designed for looks as well as functionality.
The body is totally innovative for a scooter. Alternating concave and convex surfaces and a clever use of reflection confers a unique sense of dynamism. Seen from the front, the GP 800 seems to divide the air and attack the road. In contrast, the tail is streamlined and slender, distinguished by graceful air vents and terminating in an original double LED tail light with obvious sporting pretensions.
The nose of the GP 800 is characterised by vertically twinned headlights, a solution chosen to keep the front streamlined and narrow. The windshield has been extensively tested in the wind tunnel and is electrically adjustable from a handlebar switch to optimise protection or air penetration to suit riding conditions.
The bodywork welcomes and protects the rider who completes the symmetry of the design when seated.

The GP 800 reveals its exclusive style in the care and attention lavished on every little detail, in the very best Italian traditions. Nothing is left to chance: the pressed aluminium handlebars feature a prestigious sporting design; the passenger footrests fold away; the seat is upholstered in top quality materials, and the limited step between the rider and passenger sections improves comfort and control when riding two up. The storage compartment under the seat is easily big enough to hold a full face helmet.

The GP 800's dashboard, which combines analog and digital instruments, is generous and elegant, as a scooter of this class demands. The easy to read, classical rev counter and speedometer are accompanied by a fuel gauge. The LCD display incorporates an odometer, two trip counters and a clock, and displays outside temperature, distance travelled on reserve, a service indicator and an engine coolant temperature gauge. Information on the LCD display can be selected quickly and easily from a mode button behind the right hand control block.
The instrumentation is completed by a series of warning lights and function indicators for the direction indicators, oil pressure, fuel reserve, high beam, injection check, hazard warning lights, side stand, and parking brake. A LED in the middle of the speedometer flashes when the electronic anti-theft system with engine immobilizer is engaged.

In full respect of Gilera's racing traditions, the GP 800 comes in a choice of sporting colour schemes. The Graphite Black and Emotion Red finishes (both metallic) enhance the aggressive looks of the Gilera GP 800.


ACCESSORIES

Your Gilera GP 800 can become even more functional with a range of dedicated accessories:
- 48 litre matching paint finish top box
- Passenger backrest
- Tom Tom sat-nav system with dedicated mounting system for the Gilera GP 800
- Electronic anti-theft system
- Leg cover
- Bike cover customised with the GP 800 logo.

The Gilera GP 800 is ready for testing in Second Life.
A circuit has been created on a Telecom Italia island in Second life to let you experience in advance the thrills of riding a GP 800.

The Gilera GP 800, the most powerful, most definition-defying road-going machine produced by Gilera in almost a century of history can now be tested by your avatar on Telecom Italia's MyGP circuit in Second Life.

The GP 800 is destined to deliver truly unique emotions, and these can now be experienced for the first time ever in Second Life.

Thanks to Telecom Italia's partnership with Alice, starting from the GP 800 launch date on the 5th September, the revolutionary new Gilera will be available for testing on the Alice MyGP circuit on Telecom Italia's third island.

The circuit has already been personalised with totems so your avatar need only touch a totem to materialise a Gilera GP 800 and experience the thrills of riding at speeds of up to 200 kph.
GP 800 totems will appear on all five Telecom Italia islands after the 5th October, making the super-sporty new Gilera available for all visitors.

The Gilera GP 800 is born to amaze, and amaze it does, from the very first glance. Its impressive, dynamic and clean lines are inspired by the best Italian motorcycling traditions. The chassis features a robust swingarm, large 16" and 15" wheels, triple disc braking system and a double cradle, steel tube frame enclosing an 839 cc, 90° V twin engine with electronic ignition, 4 valves per cylinder and liquid cooling. This technology, totally unique in the scooter world, can now be experienced in advance, exclusively in Second Life.


Milan, 5th September 2007
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@huskyteer avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
Honda NC700D Integra
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Posts: 5027
Location: London, UK
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@huskyteer avatar
Honda NC700D Integra
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UTC quote
I am so having one of those when my Nexus finally wears out.

As long as I'm strong enough to get it on and off the stand!
@scoots avatar
UTC

Moderatore Dedicato
GTS250 Gilera Runner SP180
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Moderatore Dedicato
@scoots avatar
GTS250 Gilera Runner SP180
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UTC quote
0-100 in 10 secs,apparently.
@kam avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
Black GTS 250
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Posts: 1827
Location: London, UK
 
Molto Verboso
@kam avatar
Black GTS 250
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Posts: 1827
Location: London, UK
UTC quote
I want one!
@kam avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
Black GTS 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1827
Location: London, UK
 
Molto Verboso
@kam avatar
Black GTS 250
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UTC quote
Having just read the review in this month's Scootering magazine, I've changed my mind. Probably not best suited to the way I use my scooter - Lots of driving in heavy London traffic.
@suit_scoot avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
Vespa GTS 250ie, and a GO-PED hehe!
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Location: cleveland, UK.
 
Ossessionato
@suit_scoot avatar
Vespa GTS 250ie, and a GO-PED hehe!
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Location: cleveland, UK.
UTC quote
Scoots wrote:
0-100 in 10 secs,apparently.
BYE BYE GTI!!

whoever gets one has GOT TO put a *YES, ITS A MOPED!*
sticker on it.
@smirnoff avatar
UTC

Hooked
oooww
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Location: Pie land
 
Hooked
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oooww
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UTC quote
MOTORBIKE
UTC

Ossessionato
2003 ET4, 1972 Primavera
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Posts: 2140
Location: Lawrenceville GA
 
Ossessionato
2003 ET4, 1972 Primavera
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Location: Lawrenceville GA
UTC quote
It's UGLY!!
What is all this need for speed.
We RIDE SCOOTERS!
@michael_h avatar
UTC

Moderator
2006 LX150 "Amadora"
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Posts: 7131
 
Moderator
@michael_h avatar
2006 LX150 "Amadora"
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UTC quote
Seems more hybrid between a scooter and a motorcycle to me. Probably too much motorcycle to appeal to the die-hard scooter fans, and too much scooter to appear to the sport bike crowd. I'd consider the Mana instead.
@jimh avatar
UTC

MV Saint
Haud yer wheesh't if ye cannae be nice
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Location: Camden, Maine
 
MV Saint
@jimh avatar
Haud yer wheesh't if ye cannae be nice
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UTC quote
Stan wrote:
It's UGLY!!
What is all this need for speed.
We RIDE SCOOTERS!
Because we Must!


That's is Fugley though. There's no way i would sit my arse on it unless the engine was in an old Lambretta frame.
@sethwas avatar
UTC

Hooked
Aprilia Scarabeo
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Hooked
@sethwas avatar
Aprilia Scarabeo
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UTC quote
It's probably to pull people from their 800cc cruisers.
People like to shop displacement independent of other factors and this will put it up against triumphs and harleys.

Seth
UTC

Addicted
GTV250 GTS 300!! MP3 500, Lambretta TV200 S3 77 07 Aprilia Tuono 1000R 64 Vespa Vbb150
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Addicted
GTV250 GTS 300!! MP3 500, Lambretta TV200 S3 77 07 Aprilia Tuono 1000R 64 Vespa Vbb150
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UTC quote
This is the same motor as found in the Aprilia 850 mana. I like the looks of bothof them, but the mana will be available state side sooner from what I hear.


Jon
@olhogrider avatar
UTC

I Break Jets
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I Break Jets
@olhogrider avatar
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Location: Concord, California
UTC quote
Only 75 horsepower from an 839cc V-twin?? Who designed it, Harley? Looks like a Honda Pacific Coast mated with my Chinese scoot ROFL emoticon
@theoz avatar
UTC

Sir Frets-A-Lot
Vespa GT250ie/L, Honda Ruckus 50, Honda NT700V, Honda CB125
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Location: Bee eff eee.
 
Sir Frets-A-Lot
@theoz avatar
Vespa GT250ie/L, Honda Ruckus 50, Honda NT700V, Honda CB125
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UTC quote
If this is coming to the states... sigh....
@vespa1 avatar
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Member
GTS 300, Harley Road Glide
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Location: Jupiter Florida
 
Member
@vespa1 avatar
GTS 300, Harley Road Glide
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UTC quote
looks like a Burgman
@2011super avatar
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Banned
2021 GTS 300 Touring
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Location: Irvine, CA
 
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@2011super avatar
2021 GTS 300 Touring
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UTC quote
I love my scooter and would be happy with a 400cc Vespa if it still looked like a slightly bigger version of my 250. As for the Gilera GP 800 I do not like it at all. There are so many other bikes I would rather have that are much faster. Yamaha R1, Triumph T100, BMW 1200GT, BMW 1200GS, even an Heritage Softail classic.
@msgts avatar
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GTS "Alessandro"/ MP3 "Thor"
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Addicted
@msgts avatar
GTS "Alessandro"/ MP3 "Thor"
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UTC quote
Maybe you'll prefer the bike from this angle

(Yikes, is it standing up on it's own ?? That's some scooter....! )
Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
@ericalm avatar
UTC

Wiki Moderator
LX 190, Aurora Blue + Stella FOUR STROKE FURY! + '87 Helix
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@ericalm avatar
LX 190, Aurora Blue + Stella FOUR STROKE FURY! + '87 Helix
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UTC quote
MsGTS wrote:
(Yikes, is it standing up on it's own ?? That's some scooter....! )
Must have learned it from a MP3.
@spikedlemon avatar
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Honda Fireblade - Suzuki DRZ-SM - Ducati 900S
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@spikedlemon avatar
Honda Fireblade - Suzuki DRZ-SM - Ducati 900S
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UTC quote
Looks similar to the Honda abomination (errr.. Akira bike).
@rover_eric avatar
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Moderator
1965 Vespa SS180, 1963 Lambretta LI150
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Moderator
@rover_eric avatar
1965 Vespa SS180, 1963 Lambretta LI150
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Posts: 6980
Location: Detroit, Michigan
UTC quote
This vexes me like no other.

Don't people get it? Scooters ...Mini's ...Macs ... various iterations of Smartcars ... They're all things that value aesthetics and good design ... form AND function and at the same time practicality. They were things designed to perform a useful purpose and their beauty comes from elegant styling along with their innovation and functionality. They're things that aren't corrupted by the very American Big-Box-Store SUV / Hummer bigger = better supersize it kind of mentality. But GODDAMN if people aren't trying to make them just as retardedly huge / expensive / overpowered as they can.

Give scooters back to the little guy. Go buy a soul-less full dresser harley or goldwing or crotch rocket if that's what you really want ....and leave my hobby alone.

Seriously... feck off.
@bicky avatar
UTC

Enthusiast
gtv
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Location: so cal
 
Enthusiast
@bicky avatar
gtv
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Location: so cal
UTC quote
Rover Eric wrote:
This vexes me like no other.

Don't people get it? Scooters ...Mini's ...Macs ... various iterations of Smartcars ... They're all things that value aesthetics and good design ... form AND function and at the same time practicality. They were things designed to perform a useful purpose and their beauty comes from elegant styling along with their innovation and functionality. They're things that aren't corrupted by the very American Big-Box-Store SUV / Hummer bigger = better supersize it kind of mentality. But GODDAMN if people aren't trying to make them just as retardedly huge / expensive / overpowered as they can.

Give scooters back to the little guy. Go buy a soul-less full dresser harley or goldwing or crotch rocket if that's what you really want ....and leave my hobby alone.

Seriously... feck off.
+1
You, Sir, are a genius
@david_h avatar
UTC

Addicted
06 LX150 SILF Midnight Blue
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Location: Greensboro , NC Vesphalia
 
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@david_h avatar
06 LX150 SILF Midnight Blue
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Location: Greensboro , NC Vesphalia
UTC quote
Preach it Rover Eric!!
UTC

Member
BMW R1200C
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Posts: 42
Location: Singapore
 
Member
BMW R1200C
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Location: Singapore
UTC quote
not for me
I guess they've done their market research and found that there's a feasible market for this. Maybe this will appeal to people who want a bigger bike but do most of their riding in the city (where constant shifting and having to hold your clutch when standing still can be a pain).

It wouldn't be for me though. If I'm going to give up on agility and go for such a big bike, I can easily think of 10 motorcycles that I'd rather have.

Same thing with the Aprilia Mana. Maybe if I could have 10 bikes, I'd get one, but not as my only bike.
⚠️ Last edited by eurotrash on UTC; edited 1 time
@bobrk avatar
UTC

Hooked
2005 GT200L
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Location: San Jose, CA
 
Hooked
@bobrk avatar
2005 GT200L
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UTC quote
Re: not for me
eurotrash wrote:
I guess they've done their market research and found that there's a feasible market for this. Maybe this will appeal to people who want a bigger bike but do most of their riding in the city (where constant shifting and having to hold your clutch when standing still can be a pain).

It wouldn't be for me though. If I'm going to give up on agility and go for such a big bike, I can easily of 10 motorcycles that I'd rather have.

Same thing with the Aprilia Mana. Maybe if I could have 10 bikes, I'd get one, but not as my only bike.
+1 completely.

Not my style. If I had some reason to ride one, I'd be all over a Thruxton, for sure.
@rscott avatar
UTC

Hooked
04 GT200, 58 VNA, 74 Rally 200, 06 Bonneville T100
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Hooked
@rscott avatar
04 GT200, 58 VNA, 74 Rally 200, 06 Bonneville T100
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Location: Seattle
UTC quote
Why does every moderm scooter other than a vespa (sorry, including the MP3 and other Piaggios in this) look like some kind of crappy snowmobile from the front?

I'm still not sure myself why anyone needs more than 200ccs to move a 2 wheeled vehicle, but I suppose when they are as heavy as a hideabed I suppose 400 is necessary.

--Scott.

(blame the vodka for the spelling)
UTC

Member
BMW R1200C
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Location: Singapore
 
Member
BMW R1200C
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Location: Singapore
UTC quote
Generally I hate the look of maxi-scooters (except the previous edition of the Aprilia Scarabeo 500), that elongated spaceship look. I may get flamed for this (I was, sort of, on the MP3 thread for one post which I thought was innocuous Razz emoticon) but I think people going for maxi-scooters tend to be older and less style-conscious. It's my impression from the people on the MP3 thread at least, but it could also be something to do with the purchase price (out of reach for the average college kid for sure).

I second the Thruxton thing. Last time I was in Milan I saw quite a lot of them. You have to see them in the metal to appreciate their good looks, it doesn't come out from the pictures alone.
⚠️ Last edited by eurotrash on UTC; edited 1 time
@bobrk avatar
UTC

Hooked
2005 GT200L
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Posts: 236
Location: San Jose, CA
 
Hooked
@bobrk avatar
2005 GT200L
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Posts: 236
Location: San Jose, CA
UTC quote
eurotrash wrote:
Second the Thruxton thing. Last time I was in Milan I saw quite a lot of them. You have to see them in the metal to appreciate their good looks, it doesn't come out from the pictures alone.
I had never seen one before (been out of bikes for a while) until I saw one down at a scooter dealer near here. Love at first sight.
@beelzebubbles avatar
UTC

Hooked
Genuine Blur (PGO GMax)
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Posts: 127
Location: SF
 
Hooked
@beelzebubbles avatar
Genuine Blur (PGO GMax)
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Posts: 127
Location: SF
UTC quote
Rover Eric wrote:
This vexes me like no other.

Don't people get it? Scooters ...Mini's ...Macs ... various iterations of Smartcars ... They're all things that value aesthetics and good design ... form AND function and at the same time practicality. They were things designed to perform a useful purpose and their beauty comes from elegant styling along with their innovation and functionality. They're things that aren't corrupted by the very American Big-Box-Store SUV / Hummer bigger = better supersize it kind of mentality. But GODDAMN if people aren't trying to make them just as retardedly huge / expensive / overpowered as they can.

Give scooters back to the little guy. Go buy a soul-less full dresser harley or goldwing or crotch rocket if that's what you really want ....and leave my hobby alone.

Seriously... feck off.
If people are interfering in your hobby by leaving you Gilera GP 800's in your garage, I'll be happy to take them off your hands.

I don't believe in static aesthetics or "good enough" efforts at innovations in technology - aren't these partly the reasons why we're buying scooters originating outside the USA in the first place?
@morvran avatar
UTC

Addicted
2008 GTSie and 1986 T5
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Posts: 713
Location: Cleveland
 
Addicted
@morvran avatar
2008 GTSie and 1986 T5
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Posts: 713
Location: Cleveland
UTC quote
Judging by the number of Burgmans and the like that I see motoring around Rome, it's not just the Americans that want bigger muscle and power...but if I wanted a ton of power I'd opt for a motorcycle. Not sure why scooters are going this route, aside from maybe the fact that they get the power in a twist-n-go version so they don't have to shift.
⚠️ Last edited by Morvran on UTC; edited 1 time
@jacqui avatar
UTC

Addicted
2005 PX150 Limited Edition
Joined: UTC
Posts: 975
Location: Not where I want to be!
 
Addicted
@jacqui avatar
2005 PX150 Limited Edition
Joined: UTC
Posts: 975
Location: Not where I want to be!
UTC quote
Rover Eric wrote:
This vexes me like no other.

Don't people get it? Scooters ...Mini's ...Macs ... various iterations of Smartcars ... They're all things that value aesthetics and good design ... form AND function and at the same time practicality. They were things designed to perform a useful purpose and their beauty comes from elegant styling along with their innovation and functionality. They're things that aren't corrupted by the very American Big-Box-Store SUV / Hummer bigger = better supersize it kind of mentality. But GODDAMN if people aren't trying to make them just as retardedly huge / expensive / overpowered as they can.

Give scooters back to the little guy. Go buy a soul-less full dresser harley or goldwing or crotch rocket if that's what you really want ....and leave my hobby alone.

Seriously... feck off.
They can't buy a harley, goldwing or crotch rocket, because they don't know how to SHIFT!

jacqui
@dru avatar
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Piaggio BV500, Genuine Stella, P200e
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Posts: 822
Location: Atlanta, GA (Milton)
 
Addicted
@dru avatar
Piaggio BV500, Genuine Stella, P200e
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Posts: 822
Location: Atlanta, GA (Milton)
UTC quote
Bah, this is part of what annoys me about 'scooter' communities in general.

The Gilera GP doesn't target the vintage lovers nor is it intended to. What it does do is target the sport bike, sport tourer and tourer crowd, as well as the suburbanite 'you have to have enough power to run with the big dogs' set. In all of the above cases, 600cc's is barely enough. Most of them think in terms of liter or more.

In order to get those people to embrace the non shifting / bash around town and light tourin of a scooter, the GP makes a fine draw, and if it peaks an interest in the smaller more capable scooters than better for the community. Not that most of us would notice, we save all our invective for people that don't already have a love of the vintage bikes.

After all, I love scooters in general, but I have to admit that while I love the looks of a vintage bike, I have no interest in owning one, and despite having had the choice of a Vespa over other options all three times I've bought a scooter, I've yet to buy one as a daily driver. Yeah, I had a project PX for a short while, realized that I wasn't interested in wrenching and sold it.

As far as I'm concerned, Twist and Go's *are* the now of scooters, and larger displacements *are* the future, regardless of what the old school scooter advocates preach, shame and belittle. The GP800, SilverWind 750, Xciting 700, Burgman 600, Fuocco 500, MP3 400, Scarabeo 500 etc are going to continue to grow as a market segment and if they don't already, will soon outsell the entire Vespa product line by 2 to 1 in the US.

This is a culture where bigger sells, and that's not going to change as people transition to 2 or 3 wheels to reduce carbon footprint.
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dru_ wrote:
What it does do is target the sport bike, sport tourer and tourer crowd, as well as the suburbanite 'you have to have enough power to run with the big dogs' set. In all of the above cases, 600cc's is barely enough. Most of them think in terms of liter or more.
Sportbikes >1L are absurd. I'll say it.
Rover Eric wrote:
Go buy a soul-less full dresser harley or goldwing or crotch rocket if that's what you really want ....and leave my hobby alone.
Seriously... feck off.
Don't knock my bike as "souless" simply because you don't appreciate them the same way as your scoot.
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UTC quote
spikedlemon wrote:
dru_ wrote:
What it does do is target the sport bike, sport tourer and tourer crowd, as well as the suburbanite 'you have to have enough power to run with the big dogs' set. In all of the above cases, 600cc's is barely enough. Most of them think in terms of liter or more.
Sportbikes >1L are absurd. I'll say it.

I don't disagree. They make a cdertain amount of sense when you are my elder brother when he rides two up with his wife (combined weight, over 700lbs), but that's about it.
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Dunno,
The sportbike people I know pretty much stay away from the litre bikes unless you're completely crazy or use it purely as a toy and not a primary means of transportation. You can do enough damage with a 'middle weight', and they're lighter and get better mileage with cheaper insurance.

Seth
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Did you notice how the rider in the clip sticks out his leg in the bends? What atrocious riding skills. As if it's going to help him if he leans too deeply at 50mph. It's more likely to cause him an accident than prevent one.
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I'd love to see his leg after his boot catches the ground rounding those corners!
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He's riding it like a dirt bike - go look at super moto cross riders, you'll see them do the same thing. It's not a skill that should translate well to non-dirt bike riding, but... in some circles it's a very acceptable way of maneuvering.
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Kymco Downtown 300i the 'Dolphin Noise'
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meh. i'm sure it's big and fizzy but it looks like a baby transformer. 800cc would be totally useless in london anyway
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Vespa GTS 250ie, and a GO-PED hehe!
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UTC quote
genie wrote:
meh. i'm sure it's big and fizzy but it looks like a baby transformer. 800cc would be totally useless in london anyway
it wouldnt be useless if i got hold of it
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