Modern Vespa

First there was 2009's How many fingers do you use? and 2009's 2 fingers....Front Brake?

They're threads where riders shared how many fingers they use when braking on their Vespa. I saw a lot of people saying 'one' or 'two', and here I am using all four, full force before I feel strong braking power on my new <300km 2023 Vespa GTS. And I'm reasonably strong, I crush cans you know.

Further, when at a stop even pulling the rear lever hard, it cannot lock. Using one foot I can slide the bike forward or backward and the rear brake won't hold it. In fact a slight wind will blow the bike forward if I'm not white knuckling it.

My questions for you:

Am I right in thinking this is not normal for a GTS?

Is this typical for a break in period?

I read elsewhere that a reasonable number of Vespa's arrive with air in the brake lines and need to be bled, and this might explain the weak stopping power.

Or is it just the nature of a one-piston brake?

It's not the normal for a one piston brake caliper. Something's not right. Does the brake caliper feel normal, or is it sort of squishy? It should not be squishy. If it is it needs bleeding. If it feels normal but doesn't stop you anyway check to be sure the bolts holding the caliper on are good and snug (about 25 ft. lbs. torque). If that checks out ok it could be the brake pads are glazed for some reason and, if you know how, just replace them.

Not right. Get it sorted under warranty.

2 fingers here, towards the end of the brake levers...

It depends!

I can almost do a stoppie on mine now.

big brake GTS

Thanks for your response! And to others. I'll chase up the dealer to sort it out before I put the work in, they can pay for it.

Regarding the Big Brake GTS, I'm very attracted to this! I'll fit sintered pads and new discs anyway as I'll be spending a decent amount of time in the mountains. But I'd wondered about fitting a larger disc or 4/2 piston brakes front and rear. I think the larger disc is the more affordable option, but possible unbalanced...

I always have 2 fingers on my brake lever!

depends on why i'm braking.

sometimes there's one finger pointing upward.

Thanks everyone for your advice. The dealer bled the brakes and there was indeed air in the system. Braking is stronger now, I'm no longer having to grip the brakes with white knuckle intensity