Modern Vespa

So, I got my GTS 300 for freeway commuting, since my old commute changed to go further up the peninsula, and if I rode the route on surface streets it would take me over an hour to get to my new job location. This wasn't my choice to move, my old company was bought by another, so now I have to run the Sunnyvale to Foster City route on the 101 5 days a week.

In any case, since I have to ride in the HOV (black diamond) lane to make it to work in a timely manner, my speed is usually 65 mph. This means I am mostly WOT or close to it.

I have been reading on other threads about issues with the stock exhaust pipes, etc. among other things.

So what do you more experienced scooterists think I should be doing to mod my GTS to withstand this daily punishment?

Current mods include a tall windscreen (which I intend to cut down some), a GPS mount and front and rear crash bars.
I will be looking to install a headlight modulator, a louder horn, and a 12v outlet in the near future.

So I am looking for suggestions which will improve performance, and reduce the risks of freeway breakdown. Gas mileage improvement would be a bonus.

Stebel Nautical Airhorn so you can let freeway traffic know you are in the lane.

I think you will be best served by your Vespa in the stock config for a day to day rider, Mid size windscreen may save you MPG. but it looks like your doing fine.

Oh get a small air compressor and keep tires to proper inflation that will be #1 fuel saver

It will go just fine. Take it easy for a few kms to get engine to operating temps.

Tuning and commuting doesnt always mix well.

As posted by others: there is no free lunch. Added performance generally means more maintenance and reduced reliability.

The main thing I would suggest is changing your belt more frequently--high speed riding is quite hard on the belt. Piaggio recommends 9,500 miles and this is on the outer edge of reliability.

I would have the belt and rollers changed every 6000-7500 miles. If you time your oil changes to 6000 miles, then this would be a convenient time for the change.

My daily commute is 67 miles, 30 of them on the interstate at 65-70. You'll be fine.

P.

For safe performance gains, my experience has been that a fly windscreen or mid-size one gets you better acceleration and top end without sacrificing reliability.

For engine reliability, I agree about changing the belt at 6000 miles. When I changed mine, I got the bonus effect of improved acceleration, as the original had stretched.

I also agree that keeping tires at the proper inflation is key. You will probably wear out the rear tire faster than before. I am currently on my second set of Heidenaus. They grip better and seem to last longer than other tires I have used.

I'd also recommend frequent oil changes as a cheap form of insurance for long engine life.

Don't do anything to the engine. Fit a screen (if only to give you some respite from 65mph of wind in your chest), but otherwise just treat it normally (normal tyre checks, service intervals, etc). Your scoot is made to do this sort of trip. Have fun.