Modern Vespa

hey experts i have a question for you, since the prices of the GTS's are fallin to level i can afford i have started to take a keen interest in pickin one up, i found a good deal locally (a great deal in fact) on an 07 with just over 12 thousand miles on it,

my question is what at 12k would i be looking to replace if it's been kept serviced and ridden in manor you would expect of a 250 scooter is there anything in the drive side thats goin to need special attention when i check the bike out?

and generally what else should i be looking out for when i go too see it and what kind of miles have you guys done on yours?

cheers
bloke

You will need to see the service records or if the owner has done his own service, you'll need to see a service log and proof of purchase for belts/rollers/oil filters, etc.
You will also need to know the last time the belt & rollers were changed and if the valves have been adjusted.
If the scooter has had regular oil/filter changes and the belt/rollers and valves have been serviced per schedule, a GTS will run for many miles. I have read where some have ridden 40k plus miles with no problems.
If the scooter needs an oil change, filter. belt, roller and valve adjustment, you will spend $500+ to get those things done at a dealer.
*Does the scooter have the Red Master Key and a Blue Key?
If it doesn't have the Red Key, be prepared to spend some money.
If the scooter has NOT been serviced per the specified schedule, I wouldn't purchase it because you may be buying a bunch of future repair bills.
BTW: There is a GTV that looks like it's worth taking a look at in the Atlanta area on Craigslist: http://atlanta.craigslist.org/mcy/1243958599.html

thanks, excellent advice! when are the belts and roller sposed to be replaced anyway? and we did see that GTV but i cant get on with the seat on those it kinda pushes me to far forward and i cant move back, great looking bike tho but also sadly out of my price range!

You can find the service intervals here:

https://modernvespa.com/forum/wiki-service-intervals

The important points are:

Has it had it's 12,000 mile service?

Oil changes; have two been done (it's due for it's third change)

Hub oil was it done at 600 mile service (it's due for it's second change)
Has the variator rollers been changed at 6,000 miles (it's due for it's second set)?

Has the (transmission Aka CVT) belt been changed at 9,000 miles?


Regards
Harvey

i see my e mail to the current owner gettin longer and longer LOL

thanks fella's

out of interest with a 300lb rider wots an estimated crusin speed on the interstate? im not talkin full stick flat out and forgettin gradients and winds wot would one (a 300lb p i e eater) expect to be able to cruise along at 80% of the bikes potential and for how long?

say i woz to buy another GTS located 2000 miles away and want to ride it home (i like an adenture) myself !!!

Ask him when you see the scooter- it will help bring the price down (factor in the needed maintenance costs into your offer price- check with the local vespa dealer for service costs). The only things which would stop me from buying would be no oil changes or no 600 mile service.


Regards
Harvey

If you're a new rider I wouldn't recommend it. You will not enjoy the highway experience, AT ALL. You need to work up to that at a pace within your comfort level.


Regards
Harvey

no worries harvey i not exactly a newbie

and i like an adventure

Two other things that I thought of to check for:
1. The scooter is due for a brake fluid change
2. A coolant change.

The speedometer on all GTS's are optimistic by around 10% so if you're registering 75, you;re really going around 67. You could easily cruise at a "real" 65 mph for a long distance trip but if you don't have a windshield, the wind will beat you to death after a few hours.

I noticed in the ad for the scooter that you're looking at that they seller says the scooter gets 85mpg: This is not true. If you weigh 300 lbs, you'll probably get around 62-65 mpg at freeway speeds. My wife rides a GTS and weighs 130 lbs. She gets around 73-75 mpg. at a "real" 60 mph. I weigh 225 and get 65 mpg on my GTV riding the same route with my wife so weight has a definite bearing on your gas mileage.

OK, go for it!
Top speed is limited to 82 mph.
They're good to run WOT all day long (make sure you use the specified motorcycle oil & know that the CVT belt wear will increase).
Typical cruising speeds are 65-70 mph (true) (hills will affect it).

Have fun!

Regards
Harvey