Modern Vespa

Hey everyone, first time poster here and new-ish Vespa owner

I'm planning my first road trip (solo) on a 2022 Primavera 150 S. This isn't going to be an enormously long trip by any means, but it will be my first, and, well... I'm a bit nervous.

I live in Central TX and I've been trying to meticulously plan a suitable route that won't leave me in a sticky situation. I think this is where my concern comes from, so I'm hoping some experienced riders - especially any of you TX folks, might be able to lend some advice or even just validation.


Here's a link to my planned route: https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1pILyxVK09xYNHRMb8-gQutHl0P3x97t1&ehbc=2E312F



Day 1: New Braunfels to Pedernales falls. I'm taking mostly back roads here, with only a small quarter mile stretch on what I believe is a 60 MPH FM road in order to turn off on to more back country roads.

Day 2: Pedernales Falls to Bastrop. I'm going through South Austin here, so I know for a decent distance I'll mostly be in outskirt city roads, hitting into the countryside again.

Day 3: Bastrop to New Braunfels. I'll be taking a short sprint down a state highway to hit mostly country roads, and then down one of the main 55MPH back roads that runs parallel to I-35. I think this day is what I am most nervous about.


What do you think? Is this adequate? Is it too conservative, even (as in I can push the bike more on different roads I might want to consider)?

Appreciate all of you! I've been lingering in this forum for quite a while and ultimately was motivated to buy my own and live out my scoot dreams.

Welcome !!! IMHO If this is your first trip, take your time and make it easy, why push it? you can always do more on another trip if you enjoy it.

Welcome to you in the land of kolaches!

How much riding experience do you have do far? What gear are you bringing/how are you carrying it?

A warm welcome to MV from here in the UK and good luck with your first road trip. As mayorofnow asks, if we know what you intend to take and how you are going to carry it might help promote some useful suggestions.

Don't forget you can always let us know how you get on in the 'Ride Reports' section.

There was a thread this winter where someone asked about long distance touring on the 150cc.

I remember thinking it was a great read. I remember linking to an ADVRider post in there about a friend who rode almost halfway across the US on a new 150 he flew out to buy.

I can't find it for the life of me.

Does anyone remember and can find what I'm talking about? Might be helpful reading material for the OP.

Ha, I've actually read that whole thread I think it was a member who flew to Austin for a new 946 and then drove it back home, right?

First, do not waste much time planning---just do it. Most important proper riding suit/clothes, warm/vented, multiple pairs of gloves, waterproof boots or over boots, ear plug and comfortable helmet-----windshield nice, look over. Stop every hour/ pee-walk around, eat right and enjoy----tire repair kit or and pump?

YES! That's it. Eric aka Kraken. This is him: https://www.youtube.com/c/KrakensGarageAdventures

Sorry for the late replies everyone! Still looking for some tips here.

Re: my gear and set up, here's what I am planning. I'm going to be taking a back basket and loading up the camping gear (none of it is water sensitive) and using a cargo net to hold it down.

I have a trunk back I'm also placing on the passenger side of the seat which will have my spare clothes, water, and the food I will be stopping to buy for dinner. I plan on stopping to eat at lunch on the road.

The under-seat storage will have a 32oz TruFuel, Vespa tool kit, Tire repair kit (including Co2), and a mini air compressor. My longest drive day is only 86mi and I'll be passing through towns as I ride.

Back basket gear:
- Backpacking tent (Big Agnes)
- Backpacking quilt
- Thermarest Inflatable Pad
- Small ground pad
- Inflatable pillow
- Jet boil/French press + small fuel canister
- Snowpeak bowl/pan-lid + mess accessories
- Camping chair
- Snowpeak cup
- Hammock (for lounging)
- Rain jacket

Trunk bag gear - which has a rain cover if needed:
- Food
- 64oz water
- Dry clothes
- Battery pack/USB cables

Under seat storage:
- Disc lock
- Tire repair kit + Co2
- Mini air compressor
- Vespa tool kit
- 32oz Can TruFuel

Hey there - sorry for the delayed response!

I'm still a new rider. About 4 months in to it, though I've been moped riding for a few years. The 45mph+ realm is what is newest to me.

I've posted my gear below as well.

Looks like you've done your homework, that's a pretty comprehensive set-up you have there. Have you thought about a cup/bottle holder to keep hydrated on the road? You can buy some inexpensive RAM cup holders or you could splash out for one of these floor mounted racks...

https://www.classic-racks.co.uk/product-page/cup-holders-primavera-sprint

I've never seen anyone touring with an open basket like that. Seems like it invites more opportunities for bad luck (theft, things blowing away, critters getting in, etc).

The only place I've ever used a wheel lock is the south of Italy. That said, if it's something you plan on using, I wouldn't keep it under your seat if you've got a bag strapped to the top. That sounds like a pain in the ass to access.

What's your plan for water? I keep a Camelbak under my seat which is handy for hiking, but also for being able to hydrate as needed. Especially if you're camping, seems like something you'd want on-hand.

I also tour with a travel-sized bottle of (preferably unscented) liquid soap and a microfiber towel to keep my glasses/visor clean, not just of bugs but also of dust. Work zones are particularly dusty - dust leaves a film on your visor that can make it particularly hard to see at sundown, and you never know when you'll pass through one. By carrying soap, I can restore visibility anywhere there's running water.

I also keep a chamois under my seat at all times. It's useful to wipe the dew off.

You could remedy that by placing a small piece of plastic sheeting over the basket before attaching the cargo net. The microfiber and chamois are both good ideas and could be placed in one of these..

I think you got it wired. You have planned and thought it out well. You cannot cover every problem, but you have addressed the big ones.

I road my 150 lx from Florida to California and back. I did not camp so I can not advice on that. I did have a breakdown in Death Valley that I could not resolve in 118 f and without the right parts. That is when I learned tow insurance is the most important tool in your bag. This turned into one of the highlights of the trip because of the people I met through this misfortune and I got a unplanned night in Vegas.

I have never worried about locking things up "because someone might steal it" and nothing has ever been touched on my many many long distance rides.

Get on the scooter and GO. Send us pictures!

I do not know if you are set up for rain. If everything is soaked - the
camping trip is a Bummer.

If it looks like rain, wrap everything in the back basket in a garbage bag.


Bob Copeland