Modern Vespa

I've been riding my Vespa GTS 250ie for a long time now and thought it was time so share some thoughts about the machine and the experiences riding it. It may be preaching to the choir here but there may be some new members trying to decide what to buy. Or if the investment is worth it.

I can't remember what I paid for mine back in 2007, but whatever it was, amortized over 15 years, it is well worth the cost. I'm not sure what the future holds for my scooter, but for now, it's still a joy.

https://youtu.be/nC8KfWdwORA

Great video and a good review.

Nice video

While many of your points are well taken, a couple of observations. You didn't mention the rust repair or the blown regulator. The fussiness of motorcycles moment is only relative. In the past my motorcycles had center stands also. Today's bikes don't simply from design limits like cross over exhaust or fairings. My 1983 Kawasaki has both a centerstand and side stand as did my 2000 W650.

As for motorcyclists looking down on scooters. Those are usually the same jerks who look down on anything not made in America. Indian riders haven't gotten that bad...yet, but the other fraternity passed it a long time ago.

Damnit Steve your excellent videos have me looking for a dual sport now. I really love my smaller scooter for getting about town and where I live there are some awesome trails to explore. your well thought out and inspiring message is infectious, I need to check out some of these trails in person.

I forgot about having the bottom side repainted. The downside of speaking off the cuff while riding. Thankfully no repair was needed other than sandblasting and painting. There was no rust through. I was, for once, being proactive! And the mention of the center stand reminded me that I had it replaced when it took some hits.

I never had a blown regulator. At least I don't remember that. The only electrical issue was the fused link that burnt out. Is that what you're referring to?

The fussiness of motorcycles is definitely relative. If I never had ridden a scooter I would never have known of the relative ease of riding in comparison. No cowboy mounts and dismounts with a scooter!

Both my BMW K75C and the Himalayan have center stands. Putting them on it is nothing like the ease of putting the Vespa on its center stand. (Note to self: When I get old and grumpy, get something light with a center stand)

It's strange still how motorcycles crept up on me. For several years I always had one in the garage because a local motorcycle dealer wanted me to write about his wares. He was selling BMW, Ducati, Triumph, URAL, and Vespa. But despite exposure to the motorcycles I wasn't too interested in having one. Well, I did have some aesthetic lust related to some specific bumble bee bikes but it was not about riding.

But eventually, I found myself wanting to investigate in ways the scooter wasn't good for.

Sorry to have led you astray!

Right after the paint job you had a battery go dead. If I recall you replaced it and it went dead. That was when you checked the charging system and found it not to spec. You replaced the regulator.

As a faithful reader I take in every word.

Geez. I trust you. I had to look it up and sure enough you're right. I didn't remember it. The regulator was replaced 7 years ago along with the driven pulley, belt and such. I found the post.

https://scooterinthesticks.com/2016/05/living-without-a-scooter/

You've got a good memory considering there are over 1500 posts and nearly 3/4 million words!

Steve, when you bought your Vespa, did you know you were going to write about it? Or was it simply convenient transportation?

I bought my Vespa as a toy, something that was fun to ride. I had no plans to use it to commute to work or as a subject to create a blog around.

The blog started by accident. At work, we were discussing social media to support our college and in a meeting, our leadership group was wondering aloud about blogs. After a moment of silence, I volunteered to investigate. At home that evening I was looking at Blogger and decided to create a blog. As I wondered about a focus I thought I would just write about the scooter. My wife was sitting on the couch and I asked her about a title and out of her mouth came "Scooter in the Sticks." And after I saw what was involved and reported back to my team I could have stopped blogging but I was having fun doing it and just continued.

Commuting began because I loved riding and started using the scooter for everything I could.