Modern Vespa

Don't think I've posted pictures of this scooter before, so here it is.

GTS300 FL ABS ASR 2015. Wheels painted to match, and knee pads replaced with metal ones, also painted blue. Tail light replaced with earlier, more flush version to eliminate the chrome surround. Black mirrors and passenger handrail. Horn cover replaced with later chevron version, also painted to match. Some of the chrome lettering removed.

Malossi V4 kit, lambda emulator, air filter mod, Bitubo front shock, Malossi RS24 rear shocks, Brembo brake callipers.

Have just washed it and changed the oil and filter. Next job is coolant.

Definitely a beautiful machine Mike. I'm still stumbling along with my ancient GTS. My next one hopefully will have some of the features you've employed.

We're both getting to be old-timers on MV. Not sure how many who joined in 2005 are still active.

Very nice and understated , my kind style.

Have a question on the Bi-tubo front shock. Does it "significantly improve"
the ride ??

Is it a "softer" ride than the OEM ?

I'm thinking about a change for my 2020's suspension. I find it way too stiff, virtually no travel , and the ride is very harsh . At least to me it's harsh and choppy.

Thanks, Doug

As our join dates are so close, I presume you also migrated over from the earlier ScooterBBS forum. So much has moved to facebook now, but I still prefer an old-fashioned forum.

Doug, the first mod I would make to any Vespa (after removing those side reflectors) is to replace the front shock. The Bitubo is a very good one and has been around for ages, but there are others like BGM that are well worth looking at. Makes a big difference to ride and handling.

I have had Bitubos on my PX200, GT200, GTS250 and GTS300 scooters.

Mike

You paint matched the wheels. Wet paint (type?) or powder coat?

TIA

Thanks for the tip Mike;
I looked at the Bitubo's from Scooterwest, that's a lot of coin .
I think I should shop around and see if there are any reports on other options.
I'm not necessarily looking for a more sporty ride, I'm looking for a more cushy or softer ride.

very nice 8)

They are fully adjustable. So it is your choice whether you set them harder (sportier) or softer (comfort), and the rebound can be adjusted for the roads you normally ride - bumps and potholes or smooth bitumen or concrete.

Nice color. Blue looks sharp.

Not much to do during the lockdown, so I blacked out some chrome.

Nicccce

Nice Mike.

Did you replace the chrome or actually black it out?

If you painted it, what did you use, and how successful was it?

I have a matte grey GTS 300 SS and would like to matte black all the chrome.

Many thanks

I painted the exhaust heat shield with engine enamel and painted the footpegs and transmission cover. The rest were bought - legshield trim, mirrors, brake levers, headlight trim. I swapped over some speedo parts between my two scooters to get an all black speedo which looks lovely.