Modern Vespa

I'm considering returning to Arkansas for a visit up to Petit Jean State Park. In coming down that mountain in a car, I've always used my auto transmission to downshift into D2, using the brakes sparingly. There are several tight twists and turns, and a couple of really long downhill straight stretches of road. Other than climbing the mountain with a 200cc scooter, I'm more concerned about the brakes overheating on the way down. It's a distance of probably 1-2 miles. Do I need to be concerned?

I know the area you're talking about... I also know the Tyler area fairly well. I doubt you'd have a problem. Where I live, there are a couple of very large hills, maybe a half mile in length. I regularly take these hills on my GT, modulating the brakes all the way down the hills, and I've not experienced any fade, even on very hot days. That may be the key - don't let the bike get up too much speed and then try to brake all at once.

Ha, sorry to sidetrack, but I had to chuckle a bit. There are very few hills around here that are taller than my scooter itself.

In June I took my GT200 over the Sierra Nevadas (Eastern California), and had no problems. I don't know the road you're talking about, but I went up and down 8,000 feet in one day with no problems other than having to decide when to stop to enjoy the views.

You will have a surprising amount of engine braking above 20 mph. If you drop below, you will start freewheeling and gain speed rapidly. To re-engage, blip the throttle.

Otherwise, take it like a car - don't ride the brakes. You have the added advantage of being able to switch between front and rear brakes to give them a rest if necessary.

Thank you everyone for your replies. You really helped a lot to reinforce what I already thought about my Vespa...it's the greatest and can handle any uphill or downhill road...even flat roads like Nebraska! I hadn't thought about blipping the throttle when if I start freewheeling, although I know exactly what you mean. Thanks again! MVers are a great bunch!