Modern Vespa

I was planning on buying a new 2021 Vespa GTS Super 300 for my wife this weekend, but I just found out yesterday that I need shoulder replacement surgery this summer. My wife only rides when I do, so the bike would be sitting until next March or April. I know how to properly winterize a bike, so that's not an issue. Should I still pull the trigger on the bike, or should I just wait until next year to buy it? Appreciate any advice you can share. Thanks!

I would wait to see the news for 2022, in Europe there are important exhibition halls between October and January and the manufacturers present the news.
Then there is me who follows the evolution of the various scooter models of various brands by buying magazines and attending dedicated Italian forums.
If something new comes up I open a topic here ...

Why buy if it won't get used. If nothing of note changes between this model and the next you may get a NOS on discount.

This may not seem logical, but in my opinion it all depends on the color of the Vespa. There are some colors they just don't make often. My first Vespa was a 2007 GTS in yellow. It suffered an unfortunate incident because of lack of grip, gravity, and bad decisions on my part. I knew I was going to replace it. I had to wait several years until they made it in yellow again. So, I bought one last year.

I'm not normally a slave to fashion. I've bought several motorcycles and settled for whatever color was available. But there's something about a yellow Vespa.

Maybe buying now is the way to go. Tough decision. Good luck!

Wait and buy one in December.

The bike she wants is yellow! I was leaning towards waiting, but now you have me thinking about getting it now. Decisions, decisions!

Keep in mind that we have begun a new road to inflation. Just sayin' ...

Please be aware and advised, total shoulder replacement surgery is considered "elective." Why choose to have this surgery in the middle of riding season, since you have control of when to have this surgery? You have the ability to delay the surgery to the late autumn/early winter whereas your bike(s) will be winterized. This will allow the two of you ride the rest of summer and into the autumn.

You mention, you will be purchasing this for your wife. Why not have her make the decision of whether to get it now or later? Considering she'll be the one riding it.

FWIW, I was due to have a total shoulder replacement in 2020, as I had been living with pain for way too long. The pain was debilitating when I was ready for the surgery. Guess what!? Covid19 delayed my surgery four times for nearly an entire year - twice due to the PPE the hospitals were required to have on hand - and twice for an increase in cases, in the state.

All "elective" surgeries were cancelled; most surgeries are considered elective, which are scheduled in advance and do not involve a medical emergency.

I am now six weeks post op total shoulder replacement - released from wearing a sling. Doing exercises with my hand/arm for strengthening. Currently, I am limited to lifting only 1-2 pounds on the one side. I was hoping to get on one of my three bikes for July 4 (to go watch fireworks). Even living rurally, and not too far from where fireworks are happening ... I do not think it will happen. I want to ensure the integrity of the surgery and continued rehab. Would I have chosen mid-May for total shoulder replacement elective surgery? Never! After a year of delays, I made peace with the decision.

If your mind is made up to have the surgery - delay the purchase. Take the money and invest it, and make a bit of money off the investments until the date of purchase.

My 2 cents! Good Luck!

Below is a pic of my left shoulder. I've lived with the pain for several years now. It's gotten much worse as of late. I'm having issues just picking up light objects now.

The wife and I are gonna sleep on the decision to buy or delay this purchase for another night.

I appreciate everyone's insights and comments. You've given us a lot to think about tonight.

Thanks!


[quote="Big_Boys_Mother"]
Please be aware and advised, total shoulder replacement surgery is considered "elective." Why choose to have this surgery in the middle of riding season, since you have control of when to have this surgery? You have the ability to delay the surgery to the late autumn/early winter whereas your bike(s) will be winterized. This will allow the two of you ride the rest of summer and into the autumn.

You mention, you will be purchasing this for your wife. Why not have her make the decision of whether to get it now or later? Considering she'll be the one riding it.

FWIW, I was due to have a total shoulder replacement in 2020, as I had been living with pain for way too long. The pain was debilitating when I was ready for the surgery. Guess what!? Covid19 delayed my surgery four times for nearly an entire year - twice due to the PPE the hospitals were required to have on hand - and twice for an increase in cases, in the state.

All "elective" surgeries were cancelled; most surgeries are considered elective, which are scheduled in advance and do not involve a medical emergency.

I am now six weeks post op total shoulder replacement - released from wearing a sling. Doing exercises with my hand/arm for strengthening. Currently, I am limited to lifting only 1-2 pounds on the one side. I was hoping to get on one of my three bikes for July 4 (to go watch fireworks). Even living rurally, and not too far from where fireworks are happening ... I do not think it will happen. I want to ensure the integrity of the surgery and continued rehab. Would I have chosen mid-May for total shoulder replacement elective surgery? Never! After a year of delays, I made peace with the decision.

If your mind is made up to have the surgery - delay the purchase. Take the money and invest it, and make a bit of money off the investments until the date of purchase.

My 2 cents! Good Luck!
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don't expect any technical changes to the GTS HPE as it's pretty new.

do expect an annual refresh of colours and trim. pick time based on this. eg maybe you love the champagne colour of the 75" or the colour scheme of the racing 60s

Wait

Buy now if you want the 75th Anniversary Vespa. Wait until you can ride for all other models

I say wait.

Yellow is like Kawasaki green. There are people who believe it's not really a Kawasaki if it's not that ugly neon green, and there are people who won't buy one because it's an ugly color. It's a polarizing color. If it has to be yellow, start looking. Otherwise, we as a nation seem to be in a holding pattern right now, and it's either going to get better, worse or stay the same. Buy it when you find one that makes you want to do something impulsive or pay more than you think it's worth. Otherwise, it might as well be a loaf of bread.

After reading all your comments, we've decided to hold off getting my shoulder surgery until September and pulling the trigger on the yellow 2021 GTS Super 300 HPE. This way, it will give us two months to enjoy the scooter before I go down for surgery. Thanks for all your input! We're very excited to take delivery tomorrow.

Remove the battery and put it in the charge maintainer, cover the Vespa with a cloth and spread rat poison around (if you have cats or dogs, no ...). Close the muffler hole, watch out for condensation under the Vespa cover.

Thanks for the sound advice! My attached garage is temperature controlled all year round and the concrete floor was coated with a sealant when we bought it last year. The garage has been dry since we've lived here, and I hope, rodent proof. To be safe, I'll plug the exhaust just in case.

If I disconnect the battery, will that cause a memory issue with the onboard computer when I reconnect it? I leave all my scooters on Tenders year round. Is the battery in a place where I can rig a quick disconnect for the Tender to it? Is there a cigarette lighter port that I can plug my Tender into? I do this with both my Genuine Buddies.

Thanks again!

Adding a battery tender disconnect pigtail to the scooter is easy. If electricity is near your parking place, just leave the scooter on the battery tender when you aren't riding it.

That hurts! I do get what you're saying, however that's more tied to the brand. All Kawasaki's should be green, all BMW motorcycles should be black, and all Ferrari's red.

My love for the yellow Vespa is a me thing. Not a Vespa thing.

Congratulations! I'm sure you and your wife will enjoy it. Good luck with the upcoming surgery as well.

Congrats to you and your wife. She will love her new GTS. Good luck with your surgery.

Good news, and congrats to your wife!
I was going to say:"Buy the Vespa". And during your down period/physical therapy, encourage her to ride without you. Seriously!

The "kawasaki yellow" in Italy is called "pistachio green".
Oh ... my best wishes to the wife!

My wife's new ride....She loves it and so do I. The Windscreen, rear rack and top box are all on order.

Thanks everyone for your well wishes and support. I love this forum!

That's beautiful! Happy riding!

I was hoping you would post a picture. Beautiful! No one can say they didn't see her coming.😁

That's exactly why she wanted that color....to be highly visible to others on the road.

That's a good looking scoot. If you are getting 'extras', look for a seat cover to protect the vinyl and your wife's backside in the hot weather. Also its an idea to use the centre stand instead of the side stand.
my scooter fell off while parked!

well done.

And everybody knows that yellow is the fastest colour.
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Got my shoulder surgery scheduled for the middle of September. That'll give me two and a half months of solid riding time with my wife, as well as being able to ride with the local
RVA scooter club this summer. Doc says I should be able to ride again in about 4 months, which works out perfectly for me. Thanks for your advice MV!

Having it in the garage while you recover will make you feel better just because it is there waiting for you.

According to the legends, Ferrari color is Yellow not Red.. The company logo is yellow as the it is the color of Modena..

The prancing black horse on Francesco Baracca aeroplane was also on yellow background...

The yellow Vespa is not a "you thing"... There are a lots of us out there...

I second this. And, in the words of the estimable Douglas Adams, Don't Panic!

Good to read you have it all sorted. Surely, Mrs. Mopedlar is happy with a new, fabulous, yellow scoot to ride.

P/S I understand the constant crush and grind of bone on bone (pain) - it can be seen in the radiograph you posted. I equate it to a constant action of mortar and pestle and what it does to the substance being pulverized. Best wishes to you!

The wife is loving her new GTS 300 Super. No regrets whatsoever. Thanks for the well wishes!

Mopedlar,
I have been thinking about you. I am hoping your surgery is still on track for mid-September? Unfortunately, the date can swiftly change, as many hospitals across the US are delaying elective surgeries. Again. You may want to monitor the location of where your surgery will be performed.

FWIW, recently I had my 12 week follow up with the surgeon. I was released to lift up to 8-10 pounds with the left arm and continue strengthening using four different size resistance bands. In three months, I will go in for the six month follow up, one more set of x-rays, and final discharge.

I was offered the choice to do stretching and strengthening exercises, on my own, or go to physical therapy. I chose exercises on my own. I was given copies of all the requisite stretching and strengthening exercises and followed them accordingly.
Best Wishes!