Modern Vespa

I used to ride a Vbb, back in 1962/63. Moved on as they say. I have done a fair amount of bicycle touring-see link-but now am interested in doing some more long distance riding. I think the 150's are a bit anemic for what i envision so my question: What model of used Vespa would you consider best for a series of two week rides? all camping, etc. I would appreciate your thoughts but mainly your experience. Thanks to all. Philip in Galveston, soon to be the owner of SOMETHING!

bicycle touring: www.dataman.cc/philp

Moved to General Discussion.

If you're use to bicycle touring wouldn't a 150 scoot be like flying?

Seriously though, I would go for something 250cc or over. There are a few members here that have done long distance rides, they should chime in soon.

I do 600 mile days on a 150. Which seems nuts to most people. However I feel like it is nothing compared to 85 miles on a fully packed bicycle, or 20 with a full backpack.

Sure the 150 does have it's limitations. However if I were buying with touring in mind, I wouldn't get a scooter at all. I tour on the 150 because is is what I have. And it's stupid fun.

Chime!!! I just did a short trip with a GTS 300ie and it was awesome! I didn't get my scoot for touring however but for city commuting to the job, so it was more of an excuse to ride my scoot more. If I was buying a scooter spefically for touring, I would probably lean towards a Bergman 500 or the like, or just get a touring motorcycle. Now, if they would just drop a 500cc engine into a Vespa!!!

hands down get an MP3. they have a 250, 400 and 500cc models

I'll mention something about load...

In the Vespa line, I recommend the GTS/GTV with crashbars (and other accessories that will enhance load capacity). If you're going to tour, chances are you're going to carry a lot of stuff with you. The crashbars will allow extra 'anchors' to bungee your stuff onto. The rear rack alone can hold many things. If you get a front rack, you can strap on more stuff on it. The GTV has an edge over the GTS on this. Your stuff might obstruct the GTS's headlight. The GTV's headlight is on the front fender so you can load more stuff.

Check out this post: 12-Hour Vespa Trip: San Diego to Lake Tahoe [VIDEO] (Post 713358)

(by the way, I have seen an LX with a much heavier load than what I have!)

I always suggest people buy at least a 250cc for highway touring. Vespa makes a 350 and 300.

Piaggio makes 250 and 500 in both the BV and MP3 and added a 400 MP3.

There are other scooters Suzuki Burgman, Yamaha Majesty and Kymco makes several in this size range. Honda made some but not at this time but you can still get them. Some models are better in-city commuters while others are designed for the highways and longer rides.

I was looking through the catalog and there was a photo log of one of their former employees who did an across country tour on a vespa. Looked pretty cool. If I were doing such a thing that would be the way to go. Skip the interstates and take old routes where a scooter in the 200-300 cc range would be more than capable.

Taking the small highways also gets you a much nicer journey if you are into local history and flavor. Despite growing up in Washington state I have been discovering little towns all over the place that I never suspected were still around. I just wish I could transport the Vespa to central Europe - I would love to do a tour of southern of the small byways of Germany/Switzerland/Austria/Czech republic on a GTS!

Highways, 250cc minimum.
Blue Roads, 150cc will do nicely.

Blue Roads....nice. 8)

if you want to stay Piaggio


a GTS300 or a BV500

One of my dream vacations was to do a motorcycle tour of Spain, southern france, Germany austria etc. Now that i've tried scooters i think that would be the way to go. Probably would be cheaper to rent a scooter than a motorcycle and the scoot works out for the whole sightseeing thing.