Modern Vespa

On Sunday, I was on my way back home from a long ride, and I took the opportunity to hop on the only 55mph (speed limit) highway in the immediate area that I'm aware of in lieu of taking surface streets the rest of the way home.

I typically do not ride my LX on the freeways around here for distances farther than 1 or 2 exits from where I start due to the speeds on the roads and my inclination to ride by myself much of the time (i.e., no "blockers" for me).

While on that particular road, I took advantage of the extremely light traffic conditions, downhill onramp, and less-than-1-year-old smooooooth blacktop by getting down into the tightest scooter tuck I could and *pegging* the throttle for as long as I could.

I got my little beast up to 75mph indicated, and I quite liked the sensation there. It felt very stable, very smooth, and not strained, so I'm considering doing more highway riding now that I realize it can be done on the LX. However, I'm wondering what extended periods (i.e., 20+ minutes at a time) at WOT would do to my engine in the long run. Would I want to make any changes like switching to a cooler plug? Any other considerations from the more seasoned freeway riders among us?

I have no intention of taking my LXV onto the freeway either, but today I accidentally merged onto the 101 from on the local street and the merge was into the left lane. I had the throttle WIDE OPEN to save my life and I got to as high as 60 while the rest of the traffic was easily doing 75+ I had to got off as fast as i could. I don't know the LXV topped out at 60 is b/c the first tune up wasn't done yet or b/c of my fat arse...either way it's an experience I hope I will never repeat.

I was told, that WOT will burn oil. I did have to top off my oil three times in my +8800 mile cross country journey, much of it WOT. My mileage went down the crapper too.

I haven't looked at my variator, but several others have reported a groove gets on the surface of the variator driving WOT long distances. But I can't see how 20 minutes or so at a time would cause any problems.

WOT, much of it on the freeway, is how my LX has spent most of it's life. I took it to LA and back in December and it did use about half a quart of oil on that trip though I may have started a little low. I also found that I tend to flatten the rollers in about 4000 miles and for safety I change the belt every 4000 as well.

I've only had one issue with stability at freeway speeds and that was a tank slapper from VERY hard braking when a car changed lanes into me. It recovered without pitching me so I can't really complain.

i've heard that they like it. certainly mine both run better after a nice long motorway ride at top speed. i think suit scoot is the person to ask - he does most of his riding WOT.

I can't see it hurting the engine. However, roller wear, belt wear, tire wear, possibly a variator groove... but these things will happen WOT or not. But you're saving on brakes by going on the freeway.

Thank you for tip about oil. Gotta check that.....
I have been slowly getting on the Interstate a little more each day I ride...
I started out at only 1 exit between getting on and off..
For the past week I have been on for a 4 mile stretch...
This morning I said heck with it... I was on for 12 miles....
At WOT this little thing will peg 74-75 indicated with no problem...
Today I was surrounded by 3 18 wheelers ( articulated lorries) and was caught in the suction draft.. Pegged 80 MPH indicated..
Maybe by this time next week I might take highway all 30 miles from home to work...
Must check oil.....
Does the hub oil vanish quickly at speed also?
Check oil.......

Regarding cars, we used to call it the 'italian tune up'

Ever done a Mexican Tune up?
Put a couple of drops of water in each cylinder..
Smokes like all get out but will remove carbon from the lifters and head

Fixed!

Yo, Got Mine!

I see that you're in Crofton...are we talking the Beltway??!! Or I-95??!!!

should be called the "german tune up", cause we are allowed to go flat out over the autobahn.

Vespas normally have no problem with WOT.
But driving on autobahn with a Vespa is no fun at all. You are somehow trapped in nowhereland. The trucks in the right lane at 55mph are too slow for you, but on the left lanes its no fun having cars with 80+mph in your back.

bye

I 495-I 95 Capitol Beltway.....
I am not completely crazy..
I 95 has a 65mph speedlimit
( I really think that is a suggested speed, not so much a limit..)

Still, you a brave mon!

Correct about I 95 - 65 is the minimum speed, Beltway-to-Baltimore...Fredericksburg-to-Richmond, it's "obstructing traffic"...

Due to me living in West Sac and having to physically go to my jobsites (Roseville, Folsom, Rancho, Citrus Heights, Woodland, South Sac) I have to hop onto the freeway. I'm WOT most of the time.

I'd of course check tire pressure before riding. That's a big one.

I'd also check oil levels.

I'm sure I'll have to get a new belt ahead of manufacturer's recommendation but so far she's handled fine.

I met Curt & his wife in Vacaville. She rides the freeway on an LX150 longer and further than I feel comfortable with and mentioned that she likes to cruise in the "dead air" behind semi's. I personally try to avoid them. To much wind being pushed/pulled in crazy ways near them.

As best as you can remember that they are still cagers. They feel that they need to get passed you no matter what and many of them don't check their blind spots. I haven't sadly noticed improved driving since the cell phone ban started last week. The difference being now that people are using ear pieces(Most of the time) It free's up their other hand to hold coffe/soda's. Cagers are still driving crazy and not paying attention. I had a guy STOP in the middle of an intersection while on his cell two days ago!!! THAT was fun to be behind!

am i the only member that doesn't know what wot means? by the way, what does it mean? i thought it was without tags.

Wide open throttle.

I prefer WFO.

Thank you to all those who have responded so far... There are some important things to consider here that I hadn't thought of, primarily the burning of oil... Keep the ideas coming!

Is that like the WWF ?

I read just the other day that this is a big NO because of the tread that breaks off the semi's. I passed one some years back just as the rubber broke loose and it was like like being in a war zone. . .

I can't believe that your LX150 can get up to 70MPH. I can reliably go 55 MPH and once hit 60 MPH with the wind on my back. Have you done any modifications?

+1 I prefer WFO


as in Reno to Vegas baby!!! WFO


wooo hooo

No - it's bone-stock, performance wise. I have the small Vespa "fly screen", which may or may not do anything for my top speed.

How many miles on your LXV? If still new, it'll pick up speed as it continues to break in....

post deleted by Salima

Unfortunately no.... I have a love for taking pictures, but I've never attempted anything like that. I just found it through a Google Image search.

I only have about 400 miles on it so far, so hopefully it will speed up some. Thanks for the info.

Chris

It will speed up. And remember, my scoot's engine was well warmed up after my ride, I was on a slight downhill in a full tuck, and I had just checked tire pressures that morning. I plan to do it again, but this time with GPS on board so I can see the "true" speed vs. the Vespa speedo's indicated speed.

WOT on both the GTS and Scarabeo 500 cause some oil use in my experience.

WOT on my X9 500SL uses no extra oil. On the Fuoco it does a teensy bit - but the extra seems to be all aimed at the air filter. So no problem.

I've had mine up to 75, indicated.

Masala, Mikey was a contender on his ET4 on the last Cannonball. You live in the best area for first-hand knowledge of stuff like this...

Was that a serious question?
WFO = Wide Fkn Open

I am not dumb..
I only play dumb on TV..