OP
@wbdvt avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
'16 Sprint S 150, 2 x '06 GTS 250, '12 GTS 300, '74 Vespa 150 Super
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1588
Location: Vermont
 
Molto Verboso
@wbdvt avatar
'16 Sprint S 150, 2 x '06 GTS 250, '12 GTS 300, '74 Vespa 150 Super
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1588
Location: Vermont
UTC quote
This is on a 2012 GTS 300 with about 17k miles. It is wife's and she complained of excessive, violent wobble in front. She said it was not the normal wobble around 35 mph.

It does seem awful soft and able to really compress it with little effort and coil seems to be compressed more than my GTS 250.

So, is my diagnosis correct that the front shock has given up the ghost and I need a new one? Next, which one do I buy?
Front shock at rest
Front shock at rest
Front shock with her sitting on scoot
Front shock with her sitting on scoot
My shock at rest, no weight
My shock at rest, no weight
@giallo avatar
UTC

Addicted
GTS 300 hpe
Joined: UTC
Posts: 816
Location: NYC
 
Addicted
@giallo avatar
GTS 300 hpe
Joined: UTC
Posts: 816
Location: NYC
UTC quote
Possibly. My front shock lasted about 5k miles with good ride quality and another 1k where it was mostly acceptable. I swapped it out for a Bitubo front shock and my GTS 300 rides much better now. Adjustable damping combined with adjustable compression is awesome!

There are other brands such as Malossi, which seem equally good. If I would but another Vespa, I would swap the shocks right away. Not that the OEM ones are bad, but the aftermarket has much to offer when it comes to improved handling. Of course that comes at a price.
@wleuthold avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2006 Vespa GT (Rocket): 2007 Vespa GT (Vanessa): 2009 Yamaha Zuma 125: 2018 Yamaha Xmax (Big Ugly), 2023 Vespa GTS300 (Ghost)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5304
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@wleuthold avatar
2006 Vespa GT (Rocket): 2007 Vespa GT (Vanessa): 2009 Yamaha Zuma 125: 2018 Yamaha Xmax (Big Ugly), 2023 Vespa GTS300 (Ghost)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5304
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
UTC quote
Barry,

I get around 40,000 miles out of my front shocks.

They do exactly what yours is doing.

Spring only with no damping.

Time to replace it.

Bill
@gotmojo avatar
UTC

Hooked
GTS 300, BV250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 167
Location: Orange County, CA
 
Hooked
@gotmojo avatar
GTS 300, BV250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 167
Location: Orange County, CA
UTC quote
Tell her that this is a sign...

...to get the fork outta her mouth!

*ducks*

ROFL emoticon

It's dead, Jim.

As am I when she reads this.

I put Malossi R24's on my GTS but the springs may be too stiff for her. See if you can find the spring coefficients for them and some other brands and go from there. I really like how planted they made the bike but squishy they are not.

Don't be cheap. If the front is gone, the rear is probably close to being shot as well. Don't forget to replace the donuts!
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