Modern Vespa

I'm sitting here snow bound in Lynden, Wa, a small town that borders Canada, in the Pacific Northwest. During my time I've been viewing YouTube videos about the Cannonball run, and pondering should I or not, take on the challenge? I have a 2016 sprint 150, with 1700 miles on it. I'm wondering if a 150 is adequate for the grueling ride. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Why not? There were Like 150, Primavera 150, Smax, Adv 150, PCX 150, and Monkey 125, Zuma 125, Super Cub 125.

Take care of the machine and rider, you'll prolly make it. But some have bad luck and trouble every day while others seems to putt along and make it seem like a Sunday ride.

While there are a few who say they won't do it again, most say it was one of the best experiences they've had on 2 wheels

Even Quasimotard, who had trouble daily, had a blast and repeats the adventure.

Tiny Travel Channel never finishes, but he keeps going back. He is mentioned by several riders as an inspiration.

If you go, start a thread and post pics. Many of us who wish we could will enjoy sharing in your adventure!!!!

Keep in mind that the Cannonball handicapping system, as I understand it, only takes engine displacement and age into account. As a result, the Vespa 150s with their lower-powered engines, smaller wheels, and shorter "gearing," are not competitive with Hondas and Yamahas, which have higher top speeds for similar displacements.

(The Buddy 125/150/170i models have the same issue - maybe even moreso than Vespas. They almost never show up for Cannonballs.)

Of course there are lots of reasons to do a Cannonball aside from a desire to be handicap-competitive. And there are lots of reasons not to have a complex handicapping system.

Well as i have gotten older the winning part has turned into a just being happy to be able to play. The cannonball looks like a team effort and a way to make friends. I'm still pondering 🤔

I can say with authority (having completed two cannonballs, and won my class in one) that it is a worthwhile adventure that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

Heartily recommended.

Those things aren't mutually exclusive.

I'll probably never do it but when I fantasize about it, it's always on a 150. Imagine being able to tell people you rode across the continent on that (points at humble scooter in driveway.)

I have started three Scooter Cannonball Runs on Vespa GT200's and the last one on a new Vespa GTS 300 HPE.

Every ride was fun, even though I dropped out of two of them.

I highly recommend running if you enjoy seeing the country from the seat of a scooter.

It suits me well.

Bill

I believe in 2018 feb31st ran a 2016 Sprint 150 in the Cannonball

The aircooled Honda 125's only have 9hp (Grom, Monkey, Supercub) and quite a few have completed cannonball - some even towing a heavy trailer!

Your 155cc should have about 50% more power!

Edit: 125cc Vespa Sprint / Primavera have 11hp, and I think the 155cc is around 13hp?

Feb31st did so in 2021 and there has been at least another couple Vespa 150s that have run. Sprint does better than the LX. If I were to run a 150 I'd probably choose the a Piaggio Liberty because I prefer it the Vespa-Piaggio style over the Honda unless I got my hands on a Honda SH. Only reason I wouldn't run the Sprint is because I'd be getting it specifically for the cannonball and I'd go for a less expensive scooter that I wouldn't care so much if I dented it.

Liberty 150, Sprint, & Primavera share the same power train.

OFG

I believe the gearing is slightly different in the Primavera vs Sprint. Not sure about the Liberty.

It would have to be different on the Liberty, given the larger wheels.

There were a couple of folks that rode Vespa Primaveras in the '23 Cannonball and I think Seth Hersey rode a Sprint in '21 and did well.

I believe the last 2 winners (2021 & 2023) were riding 150cc Yamahas. Current handicap system seems to favor this displacement. The run has been finished on 50cc bikes so displacement does not seem to be the main issue.
Make sure you have a scooter in good condition, know how to fix minor issues like flat tires, broken belts, regular maintenance and carry spares. If your dealer handles all your maintenance Cannonball might not be for you (not saying it cannot be done).
Make sure you can handle 8-10 days of 300-500 miles, one after another, without major pain, and without getting lost.
Well prepared riders usually finish without issues. Some dry runs might be advisable.

Gold Bond and air pad.......
Great if'n you don't need 'em, but if ya do......

Plenty of folks have completed a Cannonball on a 150 cc modern Vespa. You won't compete for top honors, even in your class, but you'll have a great time.

I did my 2nd SCBR this past summer and it was fantastic. I played a very small role in helping plan that route and have offered to help route planning for 2025.

Expect long days in the saddle (8-10 hours) covering 375-425 miles per day. But the experience is just fantastic! You'll see parts of America in a very unique way.

If you haven't done so already, join the SCBR forum. Tons of info about planning and prepping for the event http://forum.scootercannonball.com/

Yes final gearing is different but the I-get engines are the same.

OFG