Modern Vespa

There seems to be a mixed reactions to the self-retracting side stand stand from USA riders.

I'd really like to know if rider's in other countries where the side stand is standard equipment either remove the stand or never use it.

I had mine removed by the dealer (and handed to me), when I picked it up.

They recommend to all their new GTS buyers to remove them.

If you want a side stand in Canada, I believe that you have to order one. At least my LX150 didn't come with one.

I left mine on, rarely use it - no I lie, I use it when I pull up to my gates at home.
Also helps in photo shoots and getting that parked "cool" look.
Yes, I've had a couple of close calls with it when it has retracted when not set right.
No big deal for me and I'm glad I have it.

I hate the non-latching side stands. This is purely to save money, as if a side-stand latches down, there has to be a kill-switch incorporated. Non-latching side-stands are a potential disaster, and should be proscribed.

Piaggio are losing immobilisers too, the Fly, Zip and the S seem to be without them.

Those GTS sidestands are a real liability. Mate of mine had his GTS on the sidestand and it tipped over due to a strong gust of wind.

I almost never use the sidestand on mine. Its main function now seems to be to grab my trouser leg when I'm putting my left foot down.

I only use the side stand on hard, level surfaces, like my own patio/driveway. But even then I only use it when I am doing something quickly, like closing the garage door.

I find it very useful when working on the exhaust or rear wheel - that lean gives a lot more access without standing on my head.

Mike

I use the side stand most, except on soft surfaces.

hi not used mine yet, but can't see any prob,s so long as your careful. it may come in use one day.... like when that other post on here, spoke about there stand breaking in half....,

I have got a side stand on both my LX50 and GTS250ie

It is very used on the LX for opening ports/gates, but for longe term parking I always use the middle stand.
But I am pretty confident in using the side-stand...

Same with the GTS, but I am even more carefull for putting the side-stand on. The GTS is way more heavy and the angle is larger too

Never use it on mine, terrified it'll flip up on me

Used to use it, but stopped after she nearly tipped

Now only use the centre stand

There's a blob of weld added at the top of the stand leg, where it pivots, to stop it opening far enough to actually stay open. Five seconds on a grinding wheel and you've got a stand that won't close the moment you tip the scooter upright.

took mine off

however, going to check this out....

I never use mine to stand the scoot as I just dont trust it.

what I use it for is a handy visual indicator for the lock point. if I line the protuding edge of the stand up with whatever Im locking it to once Ive moved it on to its stand its correctly placed!

this locking point???

I put a side stand on and use it all the time in two places: 1. My garage 2. Where I park during the day (and no one can mess with the scooter).

It's a tool, if used properly performs well, use it in the wrong situation you will tip the bike.

My LX 50 didn't come with one, only the centre stand.

yeah well I cant get my chain through my wheel unfortunatly so please dont show the thieves in the south west of england that pic!

The immobilizer is one of the reasons I bought my Vespa. If "they" can steal it, I hope they can't start it.

I bought my '05 GT 200 in march '08 for $3200 with 26 miles on it. The owner bought it for his wife and paid $6300 out the door, but she couldn't get it up on the center stand because of the top box. I found out that a side stand was available, installed one and use it constantly. It's a real SOB to get up on the center stqand from along the right side. With the top box it's not possible to stand to the rear of the scoot to reach the pull handles under the rear of the seat and the foot hold on the center stand so that you can lift and pull from the rear. Dumbest system I've ever seen! The guy that designed that lash up wasn't the swiftest arrow in the quiver!
All the Lambrettas I previously owned were real easy to put up on the center stand. It was much further forward and didn't have near the weight on it. You simply pushed it down with your foot , lifted and pulled on the handlebars.
I like the Vespa engine a lot better than the old two cycle power plants, but I liked the Lambretta scooter a lot more and much preferred the manual transmission.

I have never used the side stand on my LX150.

I used to have one on my PX, but never used it again after the scoot fell while it was on the side stand.

You're not supposed to put the Scooter on the centrestand from either the rear or the right.

I never had a problem getting a GT onto the centrestand with a top box on. Something must be wrong with your technique. You shouldn't really have to lift from the rear at all, your weight pushing down through your leg onto the stand should almost be enough to lift the scooter up and over onto the stand.

Still have it, rarely use it, except idling scoot while I unlatch front gate.

Agreed. I'm going to post a video of me putting mine on the center stand. I stand on the left side of my scoot, grab the handle under the seat, hold the left handlebar, step on the center stand and lift. Viola!

Are you playing an instrument?

Quiet, you. Isn't that the right spelling? Voila? Yeah, I have no idea.

Youve never owned a vintage scoot, on an older Vespa you can put the stand down from either side and/or while sitting on the seat. Piaggio, you should have remembered that was well as giving us a spare tire.

The GT stand is diff from the GTS stand, the GT is more difficult than the GTS. Jess can prob verify this.

Richard:
Wouldnt the new Vespa motor be kicking Chicken with a manual transmission.
How has the transition from a Lamby to GT been? Do you still find yourself riding with two fingers on what was once the clutch lever?

Manny

Took it off both the GT and GTS - a liability when used and gets in the way of your left leg when not.