Modern Vespa

Looking for some first hand experiences .

I will need to change both my front and rear tyres soon.

Considering a move to 13" wheels at the same time, but unsure of first hand experiences.

Seen some videos on YouTube, but they seem to concentrate on the lighter wheels adding to the performance.

I am more of a tourist rider, don't push the scooter hard.

Any comments and recommendations appreciated.

Do it if you want the look, not really much difference in ride or handling. With 60 series rubber height/circumference is about the same.

About the only thing I noticed is seems a bit more stable, like a bigger bike. Think this might be because weight is moved outboard, increasing gyroscopic effect.

They do look good though.

Gilera Runner 13s

I tried 130/60 & 140/60 13" City Grip. Way more stable and definitely less agile so I took them off. Back to standard 120/70 & 130/70 12" Diablo Rosso. Would like to try 120/70 & 130/70 13".

Also note that although some 13" rims are lighter than piaggio 12" rims, the tires will be heavier and this will counter the savings.

(I only tried those tires because they came with the 2nd hand 13" bgm rims)

PS, I recommend the pressures in the manual, not higher pressure unless you are a 'big' person

I agree with steelbytes definitely more stable, my 60 series tires are now worn out so I'm back to 12,s until I purchase 70 series tires, I was running mp3 sport front rims and they did look great.
I'm definitely looking forward to running 13,s with 70 series tires in the not to distant future.

I moved to the Sip Pordoi 13s when it was time to change tires, because I really like the red "window" on the wheels. Also the rear rotor won't allow my lock chain to go all the way through the wheel with the OEM 12s, but the 13s have just enough space so that's another big bonus for it.

I threw on CG2s and really love the higher-speed stability. It's ever-so-slightly lowered acceleration off the line (wife's equivalent on OEM 12s juuuuuuust pips it to 40) but the speedo is correct now (especially when paired with a better tonewheel) which is a huge plus, and the top speed remains the same at way faster than I really ever need to go on it.

I agree with the others, its mostly cosmetic. I considered doing that too. One thing to remember, while the taller lower profile tires look nice, you will suffer in ride quality as there is less side wall cushion, which was the deal breaker for me. But you can go up in size on the side wall.

End of the day, everything's a trade-off. The GTS is surprisingly quicker than most people expect. I didn't get it for its 0-40 time or anything, I got it for fun local commuting (and occasionally going from near the former Key Bridge to Walter Reed on nice days) without using much fuel. It does that with supreme excellence.

If I wanna get to speed faster I have the Bonneville, the Stage 2 GTI, and (eventually lol--Spaniards after all) the Tamarit.

God now I just remembered I have to sort the AC on the GTI. Ugh. Never ends lol.

My main consideration for 13" wheels and tyres is for a little bit more stability , and to have some nicer looking wheels really.

I am more of a tourer, laid back rider, my days of speed are long gone.

Just posted this up, as I will need new front and rear tyres soon, so seems a good time to change over,

Thanks for the responses,pretty sure I will change over in a short while.