Modern Vespa

I am planning a year-end solo trip from Melbourne to Sydney roundtrip.
I have a 2008 Vespa GTV 250. I have never gone beyond a 60km stretch on my Vespa so far. However, to prep my trip, I plan to go on slightly longer trip of 100-150km. Will also service Isabella before the trip.
My question is: If I take a slow ride (80-100km/hr) with 2-3 stops over 12 hours, can I make it to Canberra (700km) realistically, taking into consideration fatigue factor and also the stress on the Vespa? Any seasoned rider out there who can advise? (my subsequent ride to Sydney and back will be less punishing)
Thank you in advance!

You can happily do that at WOT, no need to go slow! Assuming the speed limits allow it of course...

jimc, what's WOT? Pardon my ignorance.

Wide Open Throttle

Your scooter will have no issue at all with a 700km ride in one day.

I find my Vespas to be very comfortable on all-day rides.

Your GTV seat won't offer the ability to move around as much, but should be fine.

Have a fun ride.

Bill

In my experience, long distances is one of the strengths of the liquid cooled GTS/GTV engine. Three to four hundred miles in a day is not an unusual challenge, so long as your fanny holds up.

Good idea to build/test your bottom muscles well before the trip.

The healthiest way is to stop for a walk/strech quite often, say once an hour.

For a schedule estimate, I often calculate 45min riding + 15 min rest for an hour, whether I actually follow this or not: gives a good enough estimate for my personal style. I do like to spend time looking around, mayby taking pictures etc., more fun to me personally than just ride. I also prefer small roads and de-tours, so 100miles tend to take ages for me....😂

Go the coast route rather than up the inland Hume Freeway. Say go via Lakes Entrance and then head north via Cooma from Cann River. If your ultimate destination is Sydney then stay on the coast and skip Canberra. In my uni years we used to take a few days to get to Sydney by stopping off at some of the coastal towns , much prettier scenery too.

My personal best was 525 miles with wmak. Think that comes out to around 850 km....

We probably ran 60 mph most of the way, stopped for gas and a quick lunch break. My butt wasn't thrilled, but I'd do it again if I needed to.

Pro-tip: If you finish in a full-on thunder shower, once the icy water hits your crotch your butt feels fine!

As now 83 year old rider with over 1.4 million miles and 67 years with 2 wheels, including 11 Asian maxi scooters and 4 Vespa 2 strokes-----bike in good condition, rider able to fix stuff as it happens, 400 mile days are possible-----#1 you need professional quality motorcycle clothes and boots to be comfortable....and safe. #2 Proper look over windshield makes things more comfortable # 3 comfortable helmet and foam ear plugs-----gas is problem with Vespa small tanks...carry spare fuel in can---remembering with modern Vespa, anything strapped on rear seat has to be removed to get at gas tank.

I tend to follow stopping every hour or 50 miles, walk around bike, drink water, old...pee!
Smoke my pipe, too.
I find after 400 miles with ear plugs, my inner ear gets uncomfortable, so I quit for day.

Getting bored can be problem, getting cold/hot can be problem////wet if rain if you have wrong gear. Don't hurry----worked for me in 15-20 countries and if bike does not break or I fall asleep---I get there. You also need to be in good shape.

Rallygeek - I need to go the Hume route because I am visiting a friend in Wodonga and also stopping to stay the night at my aunt's place in Canberra. However, my return will be along the coast.

And thanks to all the rest with your feedback/comments. It seems like doable thing by the looks of it. It gives me confidence as a newbie.

I rode from Houston, TX to The Blue Ridge Parkway (1100 miles) in 2 days on a BMW motorcycle. I could have trailered there in 1 day with more comfort & safety. I would have saved 2 days of travel, 2 nights at a hotel, many meals since I could have packed food in the car and would have a means to get back home if something went wrong with the bike. Droning down the highway on a small bike doesn't sound like too much fun really.

As a newbie you really must start with smaller rides. Obvious but needs to be stressed that this is very important. Maybe a nice simple ride to Yea and then Seymour and then back home. Or simply ride to Queenscliff.

PS, rather than come back via the coast i'd personally come back via the mountains, there's some brilliant roads and scenery

That's good advise. I do plan on some shorter rides come spring to see if my bum can take it.

I have driven thru Kosciuszko National Park before and had a puncture. I am not sure if I want to risk it on my Vespa. I might take part of the Great Alpine Road if my schedule fits.

Kosci is lovely on a Vespa, here's a few pics from February when I rode there (with detours) https://modernvespa.com/forum/post2526770#2526770

re punctures: you can carry a repair kit (there's other threads on this). I've had two in inner melbourne and one that was half way between Queenstown and Strahan on the east coast of tassie. I rang a mechanic in Queenstown who helped me get to their shop by sticking air in the tire every 1km or so and me riding very slowly and gently behind them. they stuck a mushroom plug in the tire from the inside and I continued my road trip. don't be scared of punctures unless you are going into the middle of the bush with no phone reception. (Edit: his trailer was out on another job)

The Vespa will be fine. The limiting factor will be your bum. Get an early start and have a bit of a walk around every gas stop.

Yes. A puncture repair kit is on my list of things to bring.
And great pictures btw. I also took a peek at your IG posts and that's great motivation for me to start venturing out of Metro Melbourne even as I write.

For practice, try an easy day trip to Bendigo for a vanilla slice.
https://www.timeout.com/melbourne/things-to-do/victoria-is-officially-home-to-australias-best-vanilla-slice

Haha. Thanks!
I thought the best vanilla slice in Australia is Sharps Bakery in Birchip? Pre-Covid, I had actually driven there from Eastern Melbourne to buy them and they don't disappoint. And they sell out by 2pm daily.

Update:
Happy 2023 everyone!

How time flies! It's been more than 6 months since I asked the questions. I did take all of your feedback into consideration as I planned my Melbourne-Sydney-Melbourne trip.

I successfully completed my solo trip over the New Year. It took me 7 days. I'll definitely do it again in a heartbeat.

Thank you all for your generosity in advising me. It was very helpful.

I have compiled a short video which I posted on YouTube. If you have a few minutes, please have a look.

Great Tour, nice Video, like your playlist…

I think I'm a wimp... My a** already hurts after 200km.

Respect & Thank you!

This, as others said don't just hop on and go hundreds of kilometers when you are used to under 100. Make sure you've done at least a couple 300-500km if at all possible. You have some lovely scenic options though your GTS is perfectly capable of droning on the highway the whole way it would be boring and mind numbing.

Take breaks every 1-1.5 hours even if all you do is stretch or visit the toilet. Making sure you stay hydrated will help with that and with fatigue.