Modern Vespa

Hi all,

I'm thinking about taking Harriet on a road trip.
The idea is to go from Hasselt (Belgium) to London (UK), that'd be like 500km each way (that's according to google maps if I avoid highways).

I'm quite confident riding but it'll be the first time I do this kind of road trip. Any tips of what to bring with me? I was thinking if I should get some kind of basic tool set to carry with me, but to be honest I have no idea of motorcycle mechanics so not sure that makes sense.
I basically will carry the plug kit to repair a flat tyre as well as a pump. Maybe oil in case I need to top it up? And that's it.

Suggestions of things I need to keep in mind? Or take with me...

Cheers everyone!

You can never go wrong with a good bicycle multitool: it will have various metric Allen's. A small crescent, small pliers, and an assortment of small open end/box in metrics. I always carried one on my Triumph. Also some zip ties and electrical tape
Just my 2 cents worth

Thanks for your reply!
I'll check around and get some tool set. I'll see if I find some reason on basic motorcycle maintenance as well 😅

Don't forget some water and toilet paper! The toilet paper has more uses than just the obvious. I carry a small bicycle pump too. Tire gauge is handy.

I have a mini electric pump which also measures pressure, so pump and gauge are covered.
I will take wet towels with me, neater than TP I thin 😊

Xussma,

If you have maintained the Scooter well, you should not have a problem. My scooter riding group's extended four day rides are at about the same miles.

But, I am a nut about replacing belts, tires and oil. Thus, I have never had my Vespa breakdown. Of course, you can always catch a nail in the tire. I know there are others who just ride tell they bust.

Good luck, you should be fine.

Bob Copeland

The tire repair kit with pump/compressor is a good idea. Taking some extra oil is another smart move. I would also take a spare spark plug...cheap, small, and easy to replace (on a cool engine) in case it gets fouled.

As for tool inventory, take a close look around the bike and make note of the different fasteners; check them carefully to ensure they are all tight before leaving. I prefer a bit driver with various sized bits for all the different hex, phillips, and torx fasteners on the scoot. You'll want to be able to tighten anything that might come loose. Pay close attention to fasteners in tight places; sometimes you'll need a smaller or longer tool to do the job.

A small adjustable wrench (or two), needle nose pliers, a long and large flat-blade screwdriver (can be used as a pry bar as well), some medium length zip ties, baling/florist/picture frame wire and wire cutters (zip ties might not always work), and a pair of vise grips (in case you need a 3rd hand).

Before you leave, make sure your belt and rollers are in good condition, tires should also be in good shape. Check/change engine oil, check coolant level as well.

It's such a short distance that i wouldn't bother with thoughts of a toolkit.

Just the usual checks of oil, coolant, tire pressure etc before you go.

Take photos!!!!
A notebook or take notes on your phone of things you think of while traveling(things you wish you had brought and things you wish you hadn't). This will be the most memorable trip you make on the scoot because it's all new. Next trips may be more fun or adventurous, but this one will be memories.

As long as the bike isn't overdue for a service - just go!

A ~1000km trip should be maintenance free, if you've otherwise kept the maintenance schedule.

Tyre plug kit & pump sound good...at least give you the sense of preparedness if nothing else .

Have fun, plan short enough rides to be able to look and walk around!
My personal ars-o-meter has about 250km per day comfort limit, but I'm way past 'best before' date and have collected multiple physical issues to deal with.

As others have said, you're pretty much covered and shouldn't have a problem, but it wouldn't be a bad idea to make a note of nearest Vespa dealers along your route.

Also, if you're heading into London, think about security devices.

Have fun.

Hi xussma, I do a lot of touring and the only other tools I take other than the tyre inflator and tyre repair kit is a spanner in case the mirror stems loosen and pliers big enough to undo the fuel cap in case it decides it doesn't want to open.
If I'm going over 1000 miles I'll take some oil but you wont need to.

Obviously Europe wide breakdown cover and a satnav is a must.

Take a spare pair of gloves and depending on where you are stopping, decent bike security.

I'd recommend anyone who rides a CVT bike and intends on doing a bit of 'long distance' to learn how to do a belt change. I've had one go on me on a 600km round trip, and my mate had one go on his 500 Fuoco. Both repaired at the roadside.

oh, and waterproofs (good ones)

That's a summer day ride for me.

do you carry a spare belt?

Mobile phone and breakdown cover 👍.

Wow.... thanks all for the great comments. Lots of info and things to thinks about and plan.

I will be leaving in 2 weeks, so still some time to prepare things

Thanks for the comments, any suggestion where to find info on where to learn basic scooter repair things?

So, regarding the bike security... you make a good point there! I am spoiled from living in sfae places, back in Singapore I used to just lock the bike handle and that's it. Now here in Belgium I usually park the Vepsin the street infront of mu house with the handle locked and a cover. And just use the locl disc when I go to a bigger city...

Anyway, any suggestion what to get? A U-lock? Or a chain? In London I will park in a private parking inside the gated estate.

The Wiki section on this website is the best place to be honest.

I just used the MV search engine for 39 secs and found this one..

Video - GTS-CVT (drive belt/variator) Removal / Installation

lol... the ars-o-meter I think I can manage 300km in a day at least that is the plan

PS: I see you had a Suziki VanVan 200. I also had one back in SG, I loved it!

So 1k kms and no spanner skills.
As observed a thorough service before leaving should make it trouble free.
Don´t bother about tool kit, just find out how to call road side service.
Do take a tyre repair foam can.

In the UK you should be ok with fuel stations but 2l. extra will get you a bit more margin.

Regarding bike security be aware that these things can be easily picked up by two and shoved into a van so you need a cable and loop around an immovable object.
For opportunity theft the steering lock is ok enough.
For the rest take theft coverage for the trip and don´t let worry spoil the fun.

Going to the UK in autumn I would ´worry´ more about the weather and staying dry/warm
Do not know if yours has any wind protection but if not even the lowest screen will help big time.
For the hands you might want to consider fitting hand guards. The photo below illustrates a good improvement on creature comfort.

Regardless of how far you go, a rag is always handy to have in your P.C.

Thanks for your message.
Good point with the windshield suggestion! I actually don't have any installed. I just did a quick search, the one you show in your picture is what they call a flyscreen, right?

I think I am ready for the weather, I am moving to Ireland towards the end of the year, so this trip is a warm up (or cool down I guess) for what is coming for me!

Modern clothing with Gore-tex or such is a salvation. Beejeezus what was waxed cotton something else in winter (I commuted from Amsterdam to Bremen and/or Munich back then).
Was before full face too so balacava it was. Wét balaclava and eventually leaking down the neck/throat.

Anyway, yes a fly-screen. Like the hand guards the function is to deflect most of the direct air and rain from you/your hands. You will be surprised how much pressure even the slightest screen deflects. Ditto the hand guards.

Travel light and safe.

I haven't had a GTS since the 300's came out, but back in the 250 days, the flyscreen added 5mph to the top end

which may increase your average speed in London to about 12mph

Stands to reason as the rider with his/her arms windcatching is basically like a parachute.

I ordered one for my Primavera btw as part of the ´project´ of increasing performance.

Nice! Me too, it is one of those bikes that is hard to forget.
Also, still amazed of the quality, superb.

Update on this one... I MADE IT, I'M IN LONDON!!!

What a journey! So I fitted Harriet with a mid size windshield, not the most beautiful looks but oh boy that makes a difference riding in the motorway!

So I left on Sunday to do the 300km between my place and Calais (France), I did the first almost 100km in the motorway, stopping from time to time. After that I change to national roads just to take it easier, but the idea was to go back to motorways from time to time, just to speed up the trip a bit.
The bad luck for me was that it stated to get very very windy so the riding became challenging and in the end I had to stick to national roads and take it slow... It took me almost 4 hours to do the last 200km

I spent the night in Calais and took Le Shuttle the next morning. Very easy process, basically just put the bike inside the train and 35 minutes later you are in the UK.
Riding from Dover to London was easy enough, the storm had passed so no more wind, it was rainy but no issue with that...
Now, riding inside London that's a different thing! I ended up shadowing a delivery rider who taught me the tricks of the bid city, but still stressful as heck!

Happy yo be here and getting mentally ready to the ride back on Thursday 😅

Thanks all for the hints and tips!

Shout out to the one who suggested to take an extra pair of gloves. Nothing worse than riding with damp hands.
For my ride back I'm buying a thermal shirt. I thought my riding shirt would be enough but once the cold gets in is bad, I want to be toastie on the way back.

I need to learn to relax during my stops, I usually just stop stretch my legs maybe eat something and back to the bike. I see people taking lots of photos but I can't seem to find the spots for that or maybe I'm just too anxious and don't enjoy the stops... Anyway, it's a learning process I guess

You're welcome.

Next time you come over make it late spring or early summer and give yourself more time.

The South East of England is the most boring and congested area of the country, North and West are where all the best roads and sights are.

Good to see you made it over in one piece

Looks like you've picked a good spell of weather your time in The Smoke and the journey back, which is nice.

What you got planned??

Thanks for the update!
Good to read all went fine.

And 200 kms in 4 hours is not bad actually.

Windshield is indeed súch a relief on longer trips.
I do not like them at all but boy, even a minute deflector makes for very welcome extra creature comfort.
See that yours has extensions which also deflects air from the hands

Enjoy the stay!!!

I'm surprised there aren't companies or individuals who assemble and sell custom portable tool kits for various scooter models.

I see a business opportunity here

manufacturers offer a basic OEM kit for various models and anything requiring more tools is beyond a roadside repair by the average user.

p.e.
https://www.scooterwest.com/vespa-s-lx-lxv-original-tool-kit.html

I'm thinking more like this amazing pack that the intrepid Quezzie assembled and so kindly documented during her adventures.

Minimalist Tool Kit for GTS Touring

The crux being the mechanical skill set of the average scooter rider. No sense in taking a tool set exceeding that.
I´d say spark plug tool (multi use), basic ´Leatherman´ and some tie-wraps rolled in a rag.

You've established that you would not be in the target market for this. There are plenty of stickers, phone holders, top cases, windscreens, and seat covers for the "average" rider.