Modern Vespa

I am fixing to buy a Vespa GTS 250ie and I was wondering a few things!
First off what its the top speed and if I was to run at say 70mph for a while would I over heat? I live about 30 miles from the nearest store and might use the highway to get there so it would totally suck to get stuck on the side of the interstate!
Second what is the average gas mileage I can expect? I weigh about 120 and would not be racing around on it! lol
Third should I get a wind screen or a bug screen? The vespa wind screens I have seen are kinda ugly! lol
Fourth how do they handle, expecialy going at higher speeds (55-70) and how well does it do in the rain?

I know I have a few more questions but I cant think of them now...
Thanks guys!! I cant wait to get it (they are on back order )

Welcome!

The GTS is a champ! Nothing to worry about. Top speed is about 80 to 85mph before the rev-limiter kicks in. In the 8500+ miles I have put on mine, the temp gauge has never gone past the 1/2 way point, so over heating is not a problem as long as you have coolant at the correct level. I do a mix of mostly surface streets with some highway a little, and average about 65mpg. Im not much of a rain rider since I hate cleaning a bike after it rains.

If you think you might be doing a lot of highway, you might want to look at the BV200/250. They have a larger tire diameter which would be great. But the GTS is sooo nice!

I love my GTS 250. You may want to change the tires. My stock Savas like to wiggle in the rain grooves, a little unsettling at 70mph. I got mine up to 75 and it didn't overheat after being on the freeway for 45 minutes. I've seen those guys with the MP3 and they look rock steady and the 250cc was hauling butt pretty good. Look at those if you expect to ride in the rain a lot. I plan to get my girlfriend an MP3 and then she can use her car when it rains and I would ue her scoot. Good luck.

I agree with Osteopath:

just buy your GTS.

if you are 120pounds, you will have shitloads of power to spare.

I am 120kg, and the thing still goes like a shower of shit

been up to 100km/h - handled pretty well.

I get around 3 to 3.5l per 100, 3 with me 3.5 with me and the missus.

I have run my GTS in 43c temps and she has kept her cool.

It is easier to keep it cool on the open road - stop start traffic the fan comes on a little more often, but that is what it is for.

I have a fly screen - it shoots (most of) the air over my head nicely. I am 196cm tall!

I bought my GTS on spec, never ridden before. My one regret is not doing so earlier!


so go and buy it!

I'm at 65 on mine nearly daily - not for 30mins at that speed - but overheating doesn't seem to be a large concern with the engine being liquid cooled - just keep an eye on the coolant levels.

Also, I've ridden in the rain here in FL and was surprised at the stability, etc of the ride. Maybe I was expecting something way worse than it was.

My '08 came with Pirelli tires, which from what others say are a step or two up from the Savas. If you are going with an '08, it will likely come with a nice set of 'shoes'.

Overall, my experience has been great. To say I am hooked is an understatement.

And aside from wet conditions, I actually think that wind affects ride more poorly. The afternoon gusts make for a lively ride on the way home, but after the first week or so I just roll with it... Singing 'hang on loosely' in my head works great in these situations. Riding with tension in the hands and shoulders isn't the best way to enjoy the ride.

And as others have said - just go for it. Regrets on a GTS are few and far between.

And for what it is worth, I originally wanted the MP3 - but after riding the GTS it was love at first ride.

I weigh 220 lbs. My daily commute is 40 miles each way.

About half is on I95, at speeds of 65-75 mph. We have had temperatures here of 90°F and above for weeks.

1. Plenty of power. Even passing traffic at an indicated 80 (more like 75 real), I am never at full throttle.

2. Temperature gauge goes to the mid point and stays put. Stop'n'go or blasting the temp is steady as a rock. Don't forget--liquid cooling, thermostat and even a radiator fan to keep things steady.

3. I love my Vespa flyscreen. Keeps me from having to do constant pull-ups to the handlebars on the highway. Also directs rain away from my torso, and doesn't affect handling negatively. Windscreen choice (or even if) is a personal thing.

4. Handling is superb. I am coming from an 800cc BMW motorcycle and have no complaints about handling at all.

5. Fuel economy is a big variable. I get a consistent 75mpg over the long run. Some tanks down to 70, some tanks up to 80. I am twice your weight, and not shy with my right wrist.

6. Rain. Rain is rain. Drive carefully, especially when the road is just becoming wet. Any single track vehicle will be problematic in the rain. I've been riding motorcycles for 40 years, I was a pretty good bicycle racer. I don't feel insecure, so the GTS isn't a real problem. Again, coming from a motorcycle I can't say handling is "worse". It is what it is.

In summer of 2006 I rode my GTS on I-40 through Oklahoma in 103 degree heat with no sign of overheating. I did have the exhaust packing come apart outside of OKC but it is not a sudden thing; it will get louder slowly. Chad at Vespa Oklahoma got me going again. I am pretty sure the new GTSes have the 1-piece exhaust so that won't happen to you.

I think the windscreens are ugly too but the low one that comes stock on the GTV does deflect a lot of bugs at speed. I rarely ride in rain but the windscreen should deflect some of that too.

Thanks guys!
My biggest deal was worring about it over heating! Living in Oklahoma, the summers get pretty toasty, but you have squashed all my fears on that!

Im sooooo excited I can hardly wait for the call telling me to come pick it up!

What are y'alls average service costs U.S.? I'm debating over the GTS since I've been waiting for the MP3 500 forever. Now I think I'll be just as happy on a GTS than a 500. I would ask my dealer but they're 2 hours away until Valdosta finally opens one up.

Cortnie, congratulations on your decision. I can't imagine you being disappointed with your choice of scooter. It is more than enough scooter for the vast majority of people around. It look gorgeous, it handles well, it is fast and has great pick up. It is also fuel efficient and you can't not enjoy the ride. 8)

I've done a constant 70+ mph for maybe 40 minutes w/my GTS (Sunday in L.A. is the best). No problems other than bumps on the freeway.

I have ridden pretty much wide open throttle for hours and hours in 90 degrees plus ( F ). No overheating. Its the sitting still in traffic around NYC that makes the fan kick on all the time. Not moving at a good clip. It is a liquid cooled bike, so thankfully there is a fan/radiator. you will be fine.

Ok so I was reading around on some of the other topics and came across someone who was worried about their hight and getting a vespa... Im 5'4, you dont think I will have a problem handling at stop lights and such? I have sat on a gts250 and I was on the balls of my feet (wearing flip flops) but of course they wouldnt let me test drive it! lol

I think you'll find that if you can put both feet down even if it is the balls of your feet when you're on the scooter you'll be fine. I have only a 29" inseam so when I stop at lights I step down with only my left foot. I feel fully in control this way even more so than with two feet down with the balls of my feet. Wearing thick soled boots will also help.

Nah, you'll be fine. Most motorcycles and scooters don't allow most people (including 5'8" me) to stand flat-footed. You just put your feet down to keep balanced at a stop, you're not holding up any weight.

PS--please no flip-flops or sandals when you start riding. A good sturdy pair of shoes or boots, OK?

P.

+1 to all the above.

Get a short windscreen the tall one is useless and you can get tossed around in a crosswind.

Good luck

Recently I made a 120 mile (180 km.) ride on the highway in one go.
Constant speed between 70-80 mph (100 - 120 kmh)
Total trip fuel consumption about 7 liter.


I had a large (ugly ) Vespa screen. That is just GREAT when it comes to these kind of trips...no wind, less noise...didn't even wear glasses/goggles!

The only minus are bumps on the road (just a bit unpleaseant), turbulence from trucks you pass...and their terrible noise .

I just completed my MSF course on my 08 GTS. If you have taken the course you know how much sitting and idling you do as well as the slow speeds.

It was 96 yesterday, and very high humidity. The fan kept kicking on ever little while during many of the exercises, but the temperature gauge never read above mid range.

After the two very hot and humid MSF range days, I feel pretty confident that it can handle almost any high temperature day.

Enjoy the scooter-I do!

The wind screen is still a worry for me. I read that you are 120. If that is pounds not Kilos then good crosswind could knock you into another lane. All bets are off if you are a pro weight lifter. My second problem with the tall windscreen was seeing at night. The first week I had it I almost ran into a large orange traffic barrel because of the weird opticals it has. Some people love the tall ones. I liked mine on cold days but ended up cutting it down. Good Luck.

I know better then to ride with shorts and flip flops! lol My husband has a harley and I grew up with a Biker for a father so believe me when I say "I know"!!
I also know what you mean by cross winds! Riding behind my husband there has been a few times I felt like I was going to be picked up and tossed on the road by the wind off of those semi's and by the Oklahoma "breeze"