Modern Vespa

I live in the British Virgin Islands where maximum engine size permitted is 125CC. On August 7th, I will be going to St. Maarten to order my new Vespa LXV125 or GTV125. The problem is that I can't decide between the two models!

I am female, (novice rider), 54 years old, 5'3" and a little on the "chubby" side at 145 pounds. Although I am athletic and "relatively" physically fit, I am concerned that the GTV may be too big/heavy for me. Are there any women out there who drive or have driven the GTV's?

I am getting the scooter as an alternative to my Jeep Liberty SUV. I don't need that gas guzzler just to run a few errands in town! These days, parking in town is getting more and more difficult, so I am looking forward to being able to tuck it out of harms way almost anywhere!

I am looking forward to using the scooter for taking little "toots" around the island on weekends.

I am torn between the Portofino green and the Sienna colours as well. I love the Portofino green but I think the brown leather seats are much better suited to the Sienna model. Any thoughts?

I have been surfing the internet for months trying to find out where I can find a list of all the accessories for the LXV and GTV models. There doesn't seem to be a comprehensive list anywhere! This will be my most expensive "toy" ever ... so I want to have it loaded with ALL the goodies!

Your experiences would definitely help me make a few rather critical decisions. As there is (currently) no Vespa dealer here in the BVI, I will have to rely on the dealer in St. Maarten for any spare parts, so I want to have a pretty clear idea of what I want/need before I get there!

One last thing before I sign off ... I'd like a helmet to match or at least compliment the scooter. I want an open face style with a flip up windscreen and preferably also a sun visor. Do they make such helmets?

Sorry for all the "newbie" questions but I am ... well ... a newbie!

Personal opinion - the LX is sweet.

Take your time adding the goodies. You might change your mind about how much you want to load up. Make it a quarterly birthday. You can order plenty of things from dealers online or purchase from eBay or the For Sale columns here.

Have fun!

I think you need to measure your inside leg.

The LXV has a high seat, which depending on the length of your leg (say under 30 inches), may mean that you can't place your foot flat on the floor when the scoot is stopped. Many people have a problem with this and it is very difficult to correct the problem after you bought the scooter. You might have to get new seats or buy a new scooter altogether.

Your post doesn't say that this is your first scooter, but it implies it. Have you ridden any sort of motorbike before? I would choose the scoot that fits you best and you find the easiest to ride, if your dealer has both models available when you visit.

Great advice! My inseam (barefoot) is exactly 29.5". Do you think I am going to have a problem?

This will be my first scooter. I used to ride a friend's Vespa frequently when I was a kid ... but I haven't ridden in many, many years.

Yes, I think you will. Some posters buy before they try and ride the scooter. It can be managed but you have to learn the right technique if you cannot flat foot the scooter - I'm not saying that you can't ride, but definitely check how it feels to come to a stop on each scooter, how comfortable you feel.

There's some discussion about it here.

What do short people ride?

Deborah, one of our mods, has a specially shaved down seat to address the issue. If you are going to find it difficult to get parts then it is better to see if there is a problem before you buy anything. There are other scooters which are under 125 cc which would better suit you in that instance.

Otherwise, if you've ridden before I don't think you will have a problem with either model.

Bummer!

I really want a Vespa and the closest dealer for the Vino is in Puerto Rico. Nothing against Puerto Rico ... but if I have to go off island to buy parts, I would much rather go to St. Maarten!

Guess I'll have to try both bikes and see if I am able to manage the seat height. If not, back to the drawing board or perhaps I too could have the seat cut down ... though we don't have anyone here who could do that sort of thing. Thick/high soled shoes perhaps?

RATS!

Yes high soled boots can help too.

Definitely try both beforehand, I think the seat height of the GTV is better than the LXV. I know there's all the romance of a Vespa but we've had people in the past who couldn't manage and had to get something else, which broke the romance a bit.

Scooters are great fun, so let us know how you get on.

According to what I just found on the internet, the GTV seat height is 31.1" and the LXV is 30.9".

I would likely have to have the seat cut down quite a bit. How does one go about getting that done? Do you know if they can do that at the factory or is there someone somewhere who specializes in this sort of thing?

Also consider that over some time, the shocks will wear in and ride a little lower.

LOL ... it won't take too long on Tortola for the shocks to "wear in a little".

Don't know if anyone knows the island but it is very hilly here and the roads are not exactly top quality. In fact the road into my place is a combination of cement road part way up the hill, dirt/stone road part way and rutted dirt road the rest of the way.

Piaggio don't do this work, but this gentleman does:

http://www.pirateupholstery.com/

Wow ... thanks for that Wonder Machine! And just as I was beginning to think there was no hope! I really appreciate your input.

So, if I were to assume that the height/inseam challenge can be dealt with by throwing a little (more) money at it ... what do you think about the rest of the questions.

Colour - which do you think is a nicer combination?

Parts - What parts should I keep on hand aside from a spare tire or two. Our roads are quite rugged to say the least and flat tires on all types of vehicles is a common malady.

Helmets - It is HOT here year 'round, so I would be looking for a good quality helmet that isn't going to be sweltering and which will work with glasses. Preferably something with a sun visor and a flip up face shield.

For a nice hot weather helmet, check out the OSBE line. They have a few helmets with a nice open mesh for superior airflow on hot days. I bought one in Italy 2 years ago, but it was just a tad bit too small for me.

http://www.osbe.it/home/index.php?lingua=eng

As for spare parts, if you can afford it, an extra set of wheels with new tires would make changing a flat much easier. And would allow you time to get another one on order without loosing too much scooting time
Oil Filters, Oil, "O" rings for the filter and drain plugs, Spark plugs, light bulbs and other consumables would be nice to have stock of too.

Colour - don't ask, it took me three months to decide. I like the Sienna better but your scooter. Metallic often looks good in sunshine though. Take both colours outside for a good look in the sun.

Parts - tyres are a bit critical because the LX has an 11 inch and a 10 inch tyre on the back. So buy a few, particularly the back tyre. Think about a spare battery/battery tender because that has a rep for pooping out on you too. If you can learn how to do your own oil change then that will save you some money. Look in the Tech section about how to do this.

Helmets - loads of choice, how much to do you want to spend? Designer helmets is a good place to start if money is not an object. Look at a Caberg or Shoei Multitec.

If you are riding on a lot of questionable road surfaces, you might want to look at one of the scooters with larger diameter wheels, like Aprilia. Potholes would sure be a lot less exciting.

Hey, Ifixjets that's great! I hadn't seen those "vented" helmets before. Do you happen to know anything about these http://www.daytonahelmets.com/AllProducts.aspx?categoryid=47 Daytona Helmets?

Do you think shorty helmets are dangerous? Keep in mind our top speed on our roads is 40MPH but a lot of it is up and down large hills.

If you are thinking over the full face/half helmet thing, theres a great thread discussing just that.

https://modernvespa.com/forum/topic20224

IMHO, I'm all about full faces, because I want to keep my full face

I kind of like the Sienna better myself but the Portofino is a lovely shade. Since I would almost certainly have to have the seat cut down or a new seat made to order, I could pick a seat colour I like better with the green. Too many decisions! Maybe the inventory on hand will make my decision for me. I don't object to either colour. I figured having spare tires was going to be a must. Spare battery - great suggestion! Oil changes ... well I guess I can learn. I'm not afraid to get a little dirty. I am an avid gardener so dirt under my finger nails is kind of standard anyway! Not really a question of money. I want safe, comfortable and not too hot as well as something which will work over top of my glasses. This will be for "fair weather" riding only as well as quick jaunts into town. Potholes aren't really a problem. It's just that "some" road surfaces aren't exactly perfect. They fix the potholes pretty quickly around here and even if there were one or two on the way to town, I think considering the size of the scooter versus the lane width I should be able to spot and avoid them pretty easily! Great thread which provides some good food for thought. At 54, I'm not "all that" anymore but I kinda like my face the way it is! Ok, so now I need a full face (round head) with flip up chin guard that will fit over glasses and is vented. No problem right?

Man you guys are just terrific! I truly appreciate your help and advice. I haven't been able to find so much info in months of surfing the internet!

which island do you live on? I used to work on St Thomas. We'd head out to the BVI at least 3-4x a month. Loved Virgin Gorda the baths is an all time fav. Good luck with the scooter. Can't dd any advice except to enjoy that new scooter when you get it

I live on the west end of Tortola! Great place and I think with gas prices such as they are, the scooter population is about to blossom!

Thanks for the well wishes!

I would get the LX. I don't see any advantage to getting a bigger, heavier, more expensive scooter when it would actually go slower and not faster. I have about the same inseam (although I am taller) and the LX works for me. I got a "S" seat and feet touch a little better now. Are you sure you want the LXV? if you get a LX you get a lot more colors to choose from and can buy the accessories you want and a lower more comfortable seat.

I'm less sure now of everything than when I started out this morning! I think I will just have to wait until I get to St. Maarten and try them out to see what is what.

The colour isn't that critical but I know I do want most (if not all) the accessories that come on the LXV. Speed here is not an issue. As I said before, the maximum speed limit is 40mph. The only reason I want the 125cc is so that I will have enough power to get up the steep hills we have on Tortola.

I'd agree with the 125 for the hills. Is the soggy dollar bar still open? We'd stop and anchor the sail boat on the way to the baths for a few

Oh yes, the Soggy Dollar Bar is still going strong and has become quite famous since Kenny Chesney decided it was one of his favourite places to hang out!

Thanks again to all. I'll let you know how I get on.

Two things here. The GTV has a liquid cooled 125 which is MUCH more powerful than the LXV air cooled 125. In fact the Vespa listed top speed of the LX 125 is about 55 mph and the GT is 62 mph. The engines perform very differently.

As to your size and weight issue, I think you would be better with the LXV as the GTV is 50% heavier. My inside leg is 29-30" and I am completely happy on the LX and wasn't on the GT as it has a slightly wider stance.

Just my opinion. I can't get my feet flat on either of them... and yes I know that at five ten I have little short legs!!

I have pretty short legs and have an ET2. Never tried a LX, but my feet certainly don't fully touch the ground. I can get both feet on my toes, but usually I just lean it to the right and use the right leg to prop it up. Works fine for me. Can't imagine it wouldn't work for you.

So ... if the top speed for the LX is 55 mph (I assume that is on a flat surface), do you think it is going to be able to handle steep hills at 30 to 40 MPH? If I go any slower than that, I am going to get in trouble with other drivers and they are going to want to pass me. On some of our hills, that could be a little dicey! I am sure that I could probably make do with leaning the scooter to one side, but I read (in a motorcycle safety book) that to be safe, you should have a scooter/bike that fits you and that being able to put your feet flat on the ground is one of the basics ... if not "the" most basic of considerations when buying.

Yes/No?

If getting a different seat or having one modified will allow me to put my feet flat on the ground, is it worth the trouble and expense?

I think the LX will be all you need. Live on an island and have 2 roads out of here that are mountains. Going up at least 2000ft. One road being straight and one with switchbacks and the LX does well on both. I have the 150 but i can't imagine 25cc is going to make much of a difference. I'm no light weight and am 5'8" . So i agree with those who have said don't waste your money on the bigger more expensive scooter. I've been to Tortola and up those "hills" by car. Your not going to need the speed from the GTV. I can't imagine doing more than 40mph. The LX has the guts to get you up just fine. Hope this helps. Good luck

Well ... I did it!

Choosing my scooter was not a problem at all. The dealer in St. Maarten had only one LX 125CC and one GTS 125CC in stock. Both were silver and the GTS was definitely too heavy for me. So, I am now the proud owner of a silver, LX 125CC! It is being shipped to Tortola next week.

Unfortunately, he had zero accessories and does not stock them at all. So I will have to buy whatever I want online. I am going to call the dealers in Florida next week to see what they have.

As far as seat height goes, I am able to touch the ground with the balls of both feet and lean the scooter to the right or left to support it. But to be honest, I just don't like it, so I will be ordering a cut down, custom seat for sure.

As for the accessories, I will be using the scooter for shopping quite often and will definitely need the top case and I was also considering saddlebags. Has anyone found saddlebags for the LX anywhere?

Congratulations on your new scooter! Now you'll need to change your profile to match your choice

Motorsport Scooters (here) offers SX Appeal and Givi saddle bags, and the SX Appeal Pak Rest seat bag for the LX. I have a photos of the latter on my LX in the Review section.

Enjoy your new scooter!

Congratulations on your new LX. Post some pics. Your going to love the ride it's nimble and light. Enjoy