Modern Vespa

I am looking into scooters and have never ridden before. I am 6'5", 230 lbs, with 35-36" inseam. I am not looking to ride on highways, but want enough power to get up hilly roads (maybe up to 50 mph if necessary). With most other brand of scooters I have sat on, my knees touch the handlebars when turning, but the Vespas seems to have much greater handlebar height. I also like a model with relatively flat seats so I can sit back further. I am looking to spend less than $5k (otherwise the GTS250 would probably be my choice), so I would like some opinions on some suitable models from Vespa (150, 200cc maybe?). Any comments would be appreciated.

You could also try a piaggio BV 250 if you want a bigger engine with a lower price. I don't think you would be super comfortable with an LX or Vespa S. You could also try buying used.

I'm 6'3 and I weight 270 (yes, I'm fatter than you...) and I have a Vespa GT200 and it will pull my big ass up down the road at close to 70mph. I am comfortable on it unless I'm on it for 6 hours with no break to stretch my poor, aching muscles.

I don't know much about the Piagio BV anythings, but my Vespa is comfortable and fun.

Man you're tall! I would try either of the GT 200 or GTS 250 if you like the Vespa look. Otherwise the BV 250 or BV 500 fits tall people well as does the Scarabeo 200 and 500.

I'm 6' w/ 32" inseam (not as tall as frankf).

I fit perfectly on:
Vespa GT200
Vespa PX150
Piaggio BV250
Scarabeo 200
Suzukui GS500f (oh wait, how'd that get on this list!)
the Suzuki Bandit series

I don't fit well on:
Vespa GTV
Piaggio MP3 (and you'll fankf will ***HATE*** it more than I did)
Most "true" sport bikes
Most cruisers, especially those in the 250cc range

I have the circus elephant on a tricycle syndrome when sitting on the Vespa LX150. I sit a little too close on a GTS250 (the hump in the seat).

The Piaggio MP3's seats are too close to the floorboards for taller folks. Having your knees above your hips is painful after 5 minutes.

I was looking at the scarabeo and the bv as an alternative to the GTS because of the price difference. From what I understand they are similar engines...

A used GT200 is well within your price range, and offers similar performance to the 250. Good used GTSs can even be found for less than 5k.

If you're looking for a new scooter, try the Scarabeo or BV. Either one would be right around 5k out the door, and are a bit larger. Though, they both have scooped seats rather than the flatter Vespa bench style.

Go for the GT200 and sit on the back part of the seat. I know many tall men who do that.

(And hey, SiberTater...I wouldn't call a 6'5"guy who weighs 230 "fat." frankf could be solid muscle for all we know!)

Thanks for the responses, I am going to look for some used ones and test drive some new ones.

No mystery here...I'm gonna recommend the BV500. I am 6' and about 210#. This scoot hauls ass (specifically mine) up any hill at pretty much any speed. I cruise the freeway comfortably at 70-75MPH and get 60-70MPG.
We have lots of mountains up here in the Northwest and it always has more to give when going up them...even at freeway speeds with a passenger.

I also like my BV500, because it was the Piaggio/Vespa scooter that fit me best (a Suzuki Bergmann also fit well).

My wife has a GTS250ie, which is also surprisingly fast and comfortable. I have ridden it up to Seattle (about 200 miles) and back. It will also go 70MPH, although it is not as stable at high speeds as my BV500. What are you going to use it for? I have also heard someone mention the BV250 (yes it has the same basic engine as the GTS250ie Vespa). It may be the best choice for you if you don't absolutely need to leave BMWs in your rear view mirror.

Id look for a good treated used GTS or GT. Im not into the large wheeled scooters myself.

Dont go with a LX150, it wont give you the umph you want.

I saw a Rukus 250cc at the Las Vegas Rally and I liked it, not sure if you fit, but it kept up with me and plenty of storage space.


Good luck

Manny

Piaggio BV500. You won't regret. Very comfortable and powerfull. I had BV200, then change to BV500, perfect decision for me. For BV200, I always try to avoid freeway, but for BV500, no problem. Good luck.

+1

They (used GTs) are not easy to find but they do pop up and you'll get one if you're patient.

I'm 6'2" and have weighed as 220 since I've owned my GT (now, thankfully, I'm about 185!). The GT has plenty of power to move you at up to 70 mph.

Kevin