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2007gts250ie & v7 moto guzzi stone
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I along with many others will continue to ride as long as our health will allow. I fear VESPA will not make available B4 I pass a gts that would allow me to handle our interstates without fear of doing long term harm to the motor. I have purchased a Moto Guzzi V7 stone for my long distance touring until my mind or body tells me ALASS enjoying the roads on two wheels is best left to others.
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GTS300 Super 2015 Blue, GTS300 Super 2023 Beige
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GTS300 Super 2015 Blue, GTS300 Super 2023 Beige
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I'm 86 and I still ride my GTS300 just about every day, frequently on the motorways at motorway speed (or higher!). There's no rule that says you must stop, just what you are happy doing and feel comfortable with.
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
2019 GTS 300 HPE Supertech E3 63,000km
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Posts: 6233 Location: Batmania aka Melbourne, Australia |
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
2019 GTS 300 HPE Supertech E3 63,000km
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Mike Holland wrote: I'm 86 and I still ride my GTS300 just about every day, frequently on the motorways at motorway speed (or higher!). There's no rule that says you must stop, just what you are happy doing and feel comfortable with. 👍
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frank thomas wrote: I fear VESPA will not make available B4 I pass a gts that would allow me to handle our interstates without fear of doing long term harm to the motor. It genuinely is not an issue.
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Good thing you are in USA, speed is not to bad, however on some parts of German highways with no speed limit, I would not even try, however I find that weight of bike or scoot becomes more problematic with advanced age, my wife started struggling to get on my BMW GS1200, so I swapped out for a Piaggio MP3 500, no problem for wife to get on with scoot on tiltlock and me holding the bars, also on highways no problems with big trucks or fast cars, but the main thing is, the day I start questioning my and others safety, will be the day I stop, you do not get 2 chances on 2 wheels.
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Most likely me not being a native speaker but like Jess I do not understand what the interstate speed has to do with it?
With 68 I am still a relative pup in this company yet find that lighter, less powerful bikes are éasier to ride. Always found that btw. despite being 6"2. Lighter bikes are simply more nimble, easier to stop and less challenging to flog over the twisties. As I understand it, US interstate speeds range from 75 to 85 and that should not be an issue for a modern 250/300 Vespa should it?! Over here the highway max speeds are usually between 60 and 75, occasionally 50. Main provincial roads max. 50. Only because of the steep long inclines on the latter I find two up on the 125 Primavera to be too slow*, but have no qualms about the highway. Just avoid rush hours and tricky road splits; rather do a few kms detour than cross over fast lanes. As to being áble to drive I have had several challenges and am happily buzzing about with to ti hip replacements and one such shoulder. Been riding bikes/sidecars for 42 years now and on the public roads you need to drive like NOBODY will notice you and have NO right of way. Big bike, high viz clothing makes NO difference to these basics. Being pensioner means I can choose my time and place to ride so avoid the highest risk roads/times. The travel has now become ´really about the journey and not the destination. Secondary roads are more fun/adventure anyway. * plan to tackle that with tuning; prefer that over the increased bulk of a 250/300
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I got my first bike when I was 15, a 150 cc James with a Villiers 2 stroke engine, with money earned over the summer in Hudson's' Bay Canada.
Rode a 650 AJS for a few years in my late teens. Bought a 650 Burgman when I was 65 and rode that for 12 years, and 50,000 kms. Just bought a Vespa 300 Super (red) HPE in May, 2024, and have almost 5000 kms on it so far. I turned 82 ten days after I bought it. Granted, I have some stiff days and some other health issues but I try to ignore them. Love riding my red rocket. A ride this fall.
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I finally got my Rally 200 back on the road after purchasing it off MV during covid era. After a 15 mi ride I'm happy to say vintage vespas with big motors are WAY TOO MUCH for me and I'm not even 50yo. Back onto my BV I go.
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tonyc wrote: I finally got my Rally 200 back on the road after purchasing it off MV during covid era. After a 15 mi ride I'm happy to say vintage vespas with big motors are WAY TOO MUCH for me and I'm not even 50yo. Back onto my BV I go. I find even my 2019 Primavera 125 more than my P200E. Mind, very easy to live with e-start, cvt and proper brakes but without a doubt notably heavier. Chapeau lilleyen !!! |
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2013 Vespa 300 Super, 2022 Kymco AK 550
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2013 Vespa 300 Super, 2022 Kymco AK 550
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Still riding at 76, but, feel father time sneaking up on me. Attitude is important and living an active physical life is also important. I hand it to you good folks that are able to stay on two wheels later in life.
Despite this, some of you lucky dogs have good genetics. This last year has been tough with health issues. I love riding and will stay in the saddle as long as I can safely. When I am done, I will sit in my garage, next to my Vespa, and live in the great memories of all the great rides. Bob Copeland I am the past, you guys are the future - ride on. These machines bring such joy.
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'06 GTS 250; '18 GTS 300; '21 Liberty 150
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Don't sell yourself short, Bob, you're an inspiration to many. Twist that throttle as you see fit.
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voodooskin wrote: Don't sell yourself short, Bob, you're an inspiration to many. Twist that throttle as you see fit. |
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Petrus wrote: Granted that the 10" wheels take some getting used to, especially in the perspective of the BVs 16", I am a bit surprised by this as the Beverly weighs about half more than a vintage large frame and is also significantly larger. I find even my 2019 Primavera 125 more than my P200E. Mind, very easy to live with e-start, cvt and proper brakes but without a doubt notably heavier. Chapeau lilleyen !!! Chapeau indeed, I was in Paris n Normandy this summer and saw everyone riding scooters no matter the weather condition. The French are much tougher than Americans despite y'all losing World War II. ⚠️ Last edited by tonyc on UTC; edited 1 time
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1980 Vespa P200e (sold), 2002 Vespa ET4 (sold), 1949 Harley-Davidson FL
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tonyc wrote: Chapeau indeee, I was in Paris in Normandy this summer and saw everyone riding scooters no matter the weather condition the French are much tougher than Americans despite y'all losing World War II.
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I'm 74 and hope to ride a few more years. The farthest I've traveled round trip so far is 64 miles. It sure is fun, though I still check out used cars on the internet now and then. If I start working again, I may switch back to driving a car. For now, though, my 7-speed Electra bicycle and Vespa are perfect fit for my lifestyle.
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2013 Vespa 300 Super, 2022 Kymco AK 550
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2013 Vespa 300 Super, 2022 Kymco AK 550
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Caschnd1, tonyc
You are both right. Actually, the French got smashed by Germany and bailed out by the combined Allies. To this day, the French take a bad hit on their military. To be fair, at that time, Germany had the largest army. They were also modern and mechanized. Hey, the Brits were also smashed and had to retreat to Dunkirk and back to England. Speaking of two wheelers, the Germany Army utilized motorcycles with side cars to run ahead of the army and scout out paths to out flank their adversaries. The big change in tactics was mechanization and the ability to transport troops and move them quickly. Bob Copeland Semi Miitary HIstory Nut |
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tonyc wrote: It's not the weight that bothers me, the vintage Vespa idles high with really rough, unstable ride. Also, the shifter is really much harder to operate than a standard motorcycle, to me. 20 km on the rally makes my back hurt and my hands really numb. The 10" wheels and the twisty shifter make it an acquired taste. There is no doubt that it is neither easy nor comfortable. Once acquired the taste though it is só much unadulterated fun!! They are from an ´unsanitised´ time; when one still had a large amount of own responsibility. I mean, compare an NSM with a modern drivers aids car So ok, no for average commuting in this changed world anymore but when pensioner age that does not apply: Once can choose when and where to ride. I love my P2 becaúse of its quirks, but yes indeed I agree, no difference in opinion about the objective aspects. Well apart from the weight and that weighs heavy too for me Especially my shoulder replacement and three immobilised vertebrae loath having to manage weight When cccóld getting a leg out at standstill is not the smoothest either with the hip replacements. Again the lighter the scoot the less of a challenge. Ah, the perks of aging |
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Bob Copeland wrote: Speaking of two wheelers, the Germany Army utilized motorcycles with side cars Just kiddin´ of course but there ís a serious side to it. The traditional motorcycle with sidecar attached is something on its own. Driving one has naught to do with moving either a car or a motorbike. I am on my fifth sidecar now; a 1936 Nimbus type C (750cc). Used to commute with MZ sidecars. They are the erroneously motorised equivalent of the late 19th/early 20th c. bicycle with wicker chair on the side. They are fundamentally unsafe, unstable and yoú rule. It only goes straight or wherever if YOU steer it such. Again unadulterated, unsanitised great fun. If you are into that. Otherwise they are horrid. Much like old Vespas Back to old age riding, I would LÓVE a modern Vespa 250/300 with sidecar. There are a few about over here. They are quite well mannered as sidecars go. Not toppling over and cvt are neat qualities for the aging. Alas have only space for the Nimbus. |
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Bob Copeland wrote: Caschnd1, tonyc You are both right. Actually, the French got smashed by Germany and bailed out by the combined Allies. To this day, the French take a bad hit on their military. To be fair, at that time, Germany had the largest army. They were also modern and mechanized. Hey, the Brits were also smashed and had to retreat to Dunkirk and back to England.. Bob Copeland Semi Miitary HIstory Nut |
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2013 Vespa 300 Super, 2022 Kymco AK 550
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2013 Vespa 300 Super, 2022 Kymco AK 550
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Tierney,
Right on, the French made it possible to win at Yorktown and discouraged the Brits from pursuing further military action against the colonies. Although I understand that the Brits were spread out to thin all over the world. So, thank you France - Big Screw up by the Brits. Good history call Tierney. I think Ben Franklin had something to do about it with the French Court while in residence in Paris getting a measure of good sex. Bob C, Minnesota |
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jess wrote: I definitely appreciate the goal of continuing to ride as we age. I'm not sure I understand the sentiment about interstates and the GTS engine, though -- any GTS engine, of any year they were made, will handle US interstates without harm. Your fuel consumption will be worse at freeway speeds, and your belt will wear slightly faster, but the engine itself is governed to an RPM that is safe, even for sustained wide-open-throttle riding. It genuinely is not an issue. |
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frank thomas wrote: Again our opinions differ, ty for yours but mine continues to remain the same. |
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Nancy80 wrote: Wouldn't it make sense to include your age in post about age? |
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
2019 GTS 300 HPE Supertech E3 63,000km
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jess wrote: This is not actually a matter of opinion. Trivia: the highest speed limit in Australia is 130kph - iirc only in the outback in the Northern Territory |
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SteelBytes wrote: Wiki tells me that some speed limits in the US are 80mph/129kph. This is higher than the speed limiter in the HPE which is 120kph/75mph (real/gps. Ignore Speedo). The 2023 and the 310 increased this limit |
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
2019 GTS 300 HPE Supertech E3 63,000km
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2019 GTS 300 HPE Supertech E3 63,000km
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jess wrote: Speed limits above 65mph are exceedingly rare in the US, though some roads in Texas are 70mph. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_limits_in_the_United_States Portions of the Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming road networks have 80 mph (129 km/h) posted limits. The highest posted speed limit in the country is 85 mph (137 km/h) and can be found only on Texas State Highway 130, a toll road that bypasses the Austin metropolitan area for long-distance traffic. |
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LX190 Friday afternoon special, [s]Primavera[/s], S50, too many pushbikes
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SteelBytes wrote: Trivia: the highest speed limit in Australia is 130kph - iirc only in the outback in the Northern Territory |
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SteelBytes wrote: Fun reading https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_limits_in_the_United_States [i]Portions of the Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming road networks have 80 mph (129 km/h) posted limits. |
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
2019 GTS 300 HPE Supertech E3 63,000km
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Posts: 6233 Location: Batmania aka Melbourne, Australia |
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2019 GTS 300 HPE Supertech E3 63,000km
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jess wrote: Those are the remote wilds. ... but i always look for more interesting roads than interstates |
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SteelBytes wrote: I love the remote wilds ... ... but i always look for more interesting roads than interstates For most people in the US, just getting to those roads would be a multi-day trip. I think people really underestimate how large the US is. |
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
2019 GTS 300 HPE Supertech E3 63,000km
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Posts: 6233 Location: Batmania aka Melbourne, Australia |
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
2019 GTS 300 HPE Supertech E3 63,000km
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Posts: 6233 Location: Batmania aka Melbourne, Australia |
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jess wrote: For most people in the US, just getting to those roads would be a multi-day trip. I think people really underestimate how large the US is. |
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LX190 Friday afternoon special, [s]Primavera[/s], S50, too many pushbikes
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SteelBytes wrote: Dare i suggest Australia is pretty similar size |
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
2019 GTS 300 HPE Supertech E3 63,000km
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Posts: 6233 Location: Batmania aka Melbourne, Australia |
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2019 GTS 300 HPE Supertech E3 63,000km
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jess wrote: I didn't say it wasn't. Nor would I pretend to know what is common vs. uncommon in Australia, since I've never been there. |
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jess wrote: Speed limits above 65mph are exceedingly rare in the US, though some roads in Texas are 70mph. Of course MY scooter tops out around 35-40, so the only way it will ever see a highway is in the back of a pickup. |
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DaleB wrote: These are well traveled routes with readily available gas, hotels, food, etc. that's NE, IA, MN, SD, ND, KS, MT, WY, and MO |
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DaleB wrote: that's NE, IA, MN, SD, ND, KS, MT, WY, and MO that I've been to in the past year or so. |
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