Modern Vespa

I am about ready to pick up an '07 GT200. I was originally considering a 150, but after seeing the larger bike, thought maybe this would be a better fit for my 6'1" body. The seller bought it a few months ago, put on a few hundred miles and is looking to move up to bigger bikes.

Any thoughts from the gallery? Any reason to second guess the 150 to 200 decision? The bike is mint, but is there any mechanical aspects I should look for in particular?

You'll be happier with the GT than the LX. Good choice.

I have had my GT only about 2 months (first bike) and I love it, glad I got the bigger bike (I am 6'5").

bigger is better for many reasons....
Plus the GT is luxurious to ride 8)

don't do it! Ride the GTS first!

I've got to agree, try a gts. You'll love it.
It's the best scooter I've ever owned.

The GTS and GT ride almost dead identical. The fuel injector n the GTS is nicer (easier starting) but overall not to big of a difference.

My wife has a '07 GT 200 and I have a '09 GTS 250 Super.

Oh the fuel injection does give you quicker take offs. But my the GT has almost the same top speed as the GTS. either bike is an exellent choice.

I got a used GT last xmas and its great ,I ride it more than my bmw motorcycle. the GTS is a great ride but I have heard the fuel injection can be an issue,so the GT and carbs it was.speed not much different .

Do it..do it...do it. GT is a great scooter. I'm sure you will love it!

GT is a great choice, more sensible choice and more versatile than the 150.

Enjoy it!

You'll love the GT! If you've got a chance at a lightly used one for a good price, ignore those who suggest looking at the GTS and get this one.

(But then I may be a wee bit biased.)

I love my 150, but having lived in your neck of the woods for several decades, and the way people drive on the expressways, you'll be happier with the 200.

I like my '07 GT. I saved a few bucks over a GTS that then went to getting my riding gear since I was just starting out and didn't have any.

I don't think I'm missing anything significant in ride, power, top speed, or style over a GTS.

There's also a hidden benefit to owning the GT. When/if you want to "upgrade" to one of the new 300 Supers... it's an easier job to "justify", since the GT to the 300 Super is more of an upgrade than from just the GTS to the 300 Super. And if you prefer the GT analog style dash, like I do, then you get to keep that when jumping to that future 300 Super.

I'd go with the GT200 if it's to be your only bike. I like having 150's here too though.

How much is this lightly used '07?

I rode a ET4 150cc for about 18 months, but always had my eye on the GT200.
I like the slightly larger wheels, better rolling and stability. Plus the extra "grunt" compared to the 150cc is really good, when you need to get moving in a hurry.
Coggo

I'm 6'2" and about 215lb. I love my GT and I fit ok on it. It's fine in town but not too great, comfort wise, on the freeway.

Maintenance wise, remember to take it in. My last service was at 2k and I let it go to 5k, and my mechanic chastised me. Plus my rollers were worn out. So now I'm bikeless and waiting for those rollers to come in.

You will love the GT 200....a great machine!!!

Do IT!!!

I just bought a used 2006gt from a guy who posted it for sale here on mv. I have had it a little more than a month and I love it. I also have a buddy 125 which I love - but the gt is smooth and powerfull.

Took it on a pretty good test ride, and agree with the yes votes - size, power, weight are all pretty well balanced. The bike is just a blast to ride. While the GTS was certainly a consideration, this was a pretty nice deal from a guy who obviously takes care of his toys. This is my first scooter although I have rented them before and had many motorcycles.

It is sort of odd grabbing for the clutch and trying to shift, but I suppose I will get used to that. Will take it on a longer ride tomorrow...

Absolutely not. And, next year, the same folks who are telling you above that you must get a GTS250 will be telling you that you must get a GTS Super 300. It must be nice to be able to afford a new scooter every time Piaggio makes an announcement. Anyway, if you've found a deal on an '07 GT200, ride it and enjoy way fewer problems than the GTS250s. I'm still sorry I sold my '04 GT200.

This post was not quite
What we were hoping to see
Try again, perhaps?

Wonderful narrative and some great points!

Clearly you've been out riding rather than hanging around posting on MV, but with a great post like this it would be wonderful to see more of you here once the weather keeps you inside a bit more.

EDIT: For some reason, the posting to which this was a response is gone now. It was only the second post from someone with a "Lurker" membership located in Colorado, and it was really nice, informative, and useful. I have no idea why the poster removed such a great post, but without it my post makes no longer makes any sense at all.

+1
i was looking for a 150 but found a great deal on a GT and i am SO happy i did.
we also have a GTS now and there really isn't much difference.

I took my son's scooter tire into a small store in Fort Collins to repair a flat. Three weeks later, I left that same store with a GT200, having never owned a motorcycle but rode bicycles a lot.

I thought I'd stream-of-conscious a bit of my newbie experience, for others.

Since my purchase, I can count the number of times I've driven my car on perhaps one hand, and I've been in the store nearly every week treating my GT to fun and safe features. (Read: you'll use less gas, but don't count on spending less money.)

I, too, pondered the GTS/GTV questions, and because neither were available at the time, made my decision easier. There is one decision for which I have absolutely no regrets. The local store, and the good people in there, had the GT. The fancy store an hour south had a GTV in just my color. Developing a relationship with the local store has been a very important part of my purchase.

Here is what I can say after putting almost 5000 miles on the GT.

1. I truly enjoy it. It took a mundane part of my life (commuting) and made it fun.

1.5 The GT is a great sized bike. The way I figure, now, we make decision-making too laborious. If you want to ride on city streets, get a 50cc; if you want to ride on busy city streets, get at least a 150cc; if you ride on state highways and frontage roads, get a GT; if you contemplate the freeway, get a 250 or 300. Now, the 250 or 300 would work terrifically on the state highways, too. They may be able to get you out of a pinch that you fail to see one day. But for me, I suspect they'll allow my ego to try to pull away from bigger cars, and ego on a bike that goes over 30mph is, for me, the biggest risk to cycling. For me, the GT seems to have great power and stability, and terrific synergy with my sometimes-addictive personality that loves things like adrenalin.

2. It's stable at speed (>70mph), it's stable in grooved highways (I ride them a lot), it's stable in high crosswinds on the front range of Colorado (60mph buffetting regular), it will pull away from a 4-cyl car rather easily.

3. I swore myself to Toreador Pants. My full-face helmet keeps wind and cold comfortable and safe. I miss being able to drink a cup of coffee, but I stop sometimes. The coat protects from wind and unexpected rain. The jacket in under the seat adds warmth when needed.

My perception is that with good gear, drivers who notice you perceive that you'll do something competent and predictable, and you know? I think that raises them to a higher level of driving when around me.

I have had lots (and lots) of big trucks and SUV's brush past me. As often as not, they have some sort bumper sticker on their cage, or something incompatible with the stickers on my scoot. I believe it's testament to how petty we American drivers can be, and as a scooterist, how silly it is to provoke them.

4. A topcase is essential. It holds my helmet, gloves, light jacket, or laptop, and when not those things, a surprising amount of groceries. I also have a lock which frankly, I have never used. This think parks with motorcycles, and "seems safe." I also park on sidewalks in unobtrusive locations, and never leave it long.

5. I recommend a pair of light gloves for summer and go for electric for winter. I wired the connection to the left plastic panel along with the temperature adjustment. And yes, the gloves hook to the jacket.

6. I rode all summer with no windscreen. I purchased the large windscreen with the intent to cut it down, as it looks, well, goofey. . I assure you, I will never take it off until the weather warms, as it's like sitting around a campfire back there. Wind and noise off my chest, face, and hands, and why, I often forget to put down my face shield. If you're after function, this will give you more comfort and easily 10-degrees more riding. And the buffeting winds? No worries; hold lightly, imagine that the bike is drifting: it's not.

Full screens and windscreens collect bugs. Carry Plexus spray and a microfiber cloth.

7. The Leo Vince pipe was a genuine surprise. I put it on in 45-minutes myself, and it's easy. And, it adds power to the entire power range without unnecessary noise. I am extremely happy with this.

8. For most of these 5000 miles, the throttle has been "full on," winding up to 70mph plus on state highways or frontage roads (yes). I have been sometimes tempted to hop onto the interstate to catch a late meeting, etc, and with a 250 or 300 I just might have. But the GT is a scooter. It has danced right up to the threshold of motorcycle but has not crossed that line.

I've realized that a lot of my full-on throttle has to do with wanting to keep things in front of me rather than having them sneak up from behind. I have never had scary moments from cars coming up from behind.

Practice the habit of watching the mirrors as much as the front, and you'll begin to pull out leisurely, reach speed comfortably, and enjoy the purr of the bike with plenty of throttle to spare.

I have not done everything right. I have not yet taken my MSF course, and must simply make that a priority. I have, however, developed a reading habit about the bike and the rider. The Proficient Cycling series is really good, and has kept me thinking about my habits and methods. Learning to turn correctly, panic stop, read corners and anticipate car behaviors is critical.

Enough!

This is the post about which I'd made my positive comments earlier. Thank you, dshaner, for reposting.

Dear Cynic,

Between my wife and me, we have had ET-4's, three LX 150's, two GT200's, and a GT250. GT200 is my favorite for all around goodness. Hope you get it!

Agreed!! This was a great post and if there ever was a specialness to riding a GT200 versus some of the other GTS models, I think dshaner captured it very well!

Thanks from me too, for reposting this for us all to enjoy and associate with.

That was a great post. Good info from a first time owner.

I ended up picking up the GT. After about a week and a half of riding it around, I am convinced it was the right choice. I have about 80k miles of motorcycle experience and 15k miles on a bicycle and am convinced the scooter is infinitely more practical than either. The ability to carry a fair bit of cargo, wear more or less normal looking clothes and secure your gloves, jacket, etc., really makes the scooter more of a vehicle than just a hobby.

As far as the 200 vs. 250 goes, I will say that while more power is always good, the 200 is not lacking for around town. Probably I would not freeway this scoot, but that was never the intent. It is, however, more than adequate to get out ahead of the cages at a stop, and on any city street, you never feel as if you are holding up traffic. Much of my motorcycling (in absolute miles anyway) was freeway, and I will say that this was never the enjoyable part of 2 wheels. I have taken the 200 on some of the backroads here in the South Bay, and in most cases, did not want for more power.

It will take a bit more time for me to get used to the riding position, but that is coming around. I have been using the scoot for some errands, and it certainly makes a trip to the store a lot more fun.

About the only thing I would change about the GT is to make the pet carrier a bit bigger so a full size helmet would fit. That would make it complete...

What color is it???

Congrats on the GT200! Just for the record, I do take mine out on the freeway - sometimes Hwy 280, last week Hwy 85 from the 280 to the 101 interchanges - but like you say about your motorcycle, it's not the "enjoyable" part of the experience. I only take the freeway when I absolutely need to make time, and even then I avoid the worst bits that I don't even like in the car. I've had the GT200 up to 76 mph (indicated) for short bursts on the freeway, but usually stay firmly in the slow lane around 65-70 indicated. (Vespa's are notorious for optimistic speedometers.)

Enjoy your ride!

I'm buying a Vintage green GT200 on a 03 plate with only 950 miles in the next two weeks. Lets compare notes when you get yours ?
The clock is ticking.
Regards Billy-no-scoot

The GT is graphite black, which really gives a subdued, classy look. I ordered a sidestand from Scooterworks and will be installing that this weekend. (I understand the controversy about the sidestands, but also feel that having a second option is good in some cases.)

The bike only has just over 400 miles on it, so I have been careful about continuing the break in. Hopefully the weather in N. Calif. will continue to cooperate for the next few weeks and I can get some more riding in.