Modern Vespa

After riding my GTV 250 my GF has decided she wants to get a scooter. She already has a MC license and has ridden a HD Sportster in the past (which spooked her a little). This will not be primary transportation for her.

She has a lot of trouble getting mine off the center stand and this bothers her. Do you think she would be better off and more comfortable with a LX150 or try to conquer this problem and go with a 250 or 300?

Personal experience and thoughts? Thanks

I can't get my GTS 250 ON the center stand, but I bought a side stand for it, and that works perfectly. I know, you'll get people telling you that the scooter will blow over or sink into soft asphalt with a side stand, but that is largely nonsense. Get a flattened can to put under the side stand toe when you're on a dubious surface, and you'll be okay.

An LX150 will suit her just fine. Cheaper to insure, too.

I always find centre stands tricky at first. It gets easier as you practise and get familiar with your bike and how the weight is distributed; at first you can be too scared of dropping the bike to use enough force.

Let her have a few more tries before you dismiss the idea of a 250/300.

It is actually quite easy to get off the centre stand when you practise the easy way. Standing on the left side of the scooter. Left hand on the left grip holding the brake in. Right hand on the grab bar. What you want to do is use the bike's momentum to push itself off the centre stand. Apply a rearward and downward pressure quickly onto the rear of the bike with your right hand on the grab bar. As the bike bounces back up because of the way the bike is balanced on the centre stand, you apply a bit of pressure with both arms to move the bike forward. The momentum will do most of the work and the bike will come off the centre stand. Having the rear brake activated with the left hand is essential so the bike doesn't move forward and out of your control.

I hope that helps, I'm not sure if I explained that very well. But take it from me, I'm only 125 lbs and I don't strain anything to get the bike off the centre stand.

Since we have some men chiming in, I will too. Get the 300 and lower the seat.

Practice will see her right with the centre stand.

I also found it tricky to get my GTS onto the center stand initially. Now I'm used to it, and it is actually very easy. I don't think she should limit her selection to how easy it is to put on a center stand. It should primarily be based on what type of riding she'll be doing. If' she's short, I would definitely look into getting the seat shaved down.

Oh, and then there's always the side stand option. Much more stable than people make it out to be.

But that's a guy's reasoning...

300

i have a 200.
i got a guy at a dealership to show me how to roll it on and off the center stand, and its been easy, ever since.
the guy i bought my scoot from showed me a different way, but i think he was using a lot more upper body strength- i could never do it his way.

i would be more concerned about here feet touching the ground than, being able to get it on the stand.

I bought my 150S because it's a small scooter-the GTS was too big for me and I went from motorcycles to scooters and wanted a small bike.

I didn't want a big scooter to maneuver around. She will at some time have to push the scoot and moving the 150s around is easier for me.



How does she feel about riding your GTV?

Let her try yours out and then go check out an LX150.

For me, I had no problems at all using the center stand on my 150.

My BF takes my BV500 off the center stand for me. But I never put it up on the center stand all spring, summer and fall. When it is warm, I stick a little flattened can under the kickstand, just incase. But during the winter, it goes back up on it.

I would get her what you are riding, the GTV. since she seems comfortable with it.

Riding is what is important, the center stand issue can be resolved over time, in one manner or another.

I have trouble getting my GTV off the center stand sometimes, too. I either do throwing my full body weight forward thing (while sitting on it), or I use my side stand if I feel it will be a problem getting off the center stand (due to angle of the surface I'm parking on). Just takes a combo of practice, confidance, and common sense.

After some practice, most everyone finds that using the centerstand is more a matter of technique than strength. My 5'2" riding partner puts scooters on the center stand just fine. And I side with those that observe that the sidestand is a problem on slopes, soft ground and warm asphalt (I'm sure not trusting my $5 thousand scoot to a flattened beer can!).

My partner has as much trouble flat footing my LX150 as she does a 250GTS, so either way a seat mod may be necessary for a small rider. The most noticable difference between the 150 and the 300 is the weight of the scooter itself (other than higher top end, of course). If she is riding mostly in urban and suburban settings, she may well prefer the LX150. If the point is to ride together on more ambitious trips, two 250/300s may be the right answer.

(Heresy on a Vespa site, but she might also try the sitting position on a 150 Buddy. They are more friendly to a shorter rider. It makes a good comparison if nothing else.)

I know this is off the reservation, but how about an MP3? No center/side stand necessary.

I have a small Buddy 125 and never have any problems with getting it on or off of the center stand. I also have a Sym RV250 and the only time I use the center stand is when I am getting gasoline, and then I very carefully select the location to gas up making certain there is not the slightest slope.

I have dropped my Sym trying to get it off of the center stand, and when I do put it on the center stand I stand on the little lever and then pull up with my arms as I push down with my legs to pull them apart and get the center stand to come down and the scooter comes up. It takes everything I can do to use the center stand and I am not a tiny woman. I have experimented on flat surfaces and I can stand on the lever for the center stand and it just sits there, it takes me pulling with my arms and pushing with my legs, it is not a matter of technique.

I do not know what the weight difference is between the Vespa and the Sym.

I have a plastic coaster type thing (reminds me of what I use on my wood furniture to protect the surface from watermarks) and if I am on a surface that I have even the slightest concern about I just slip the coaster under the side stand. I find this to be safer, less risky, and far easier than using the center stand. I literally have gotten the scoot stuck on the center stand and had to go find someone to help me get it down before I could go anywhere. When I dropped it, I was pulling it to try to get it down and when it finally came down it was just a tiny bit off center and I ended up lowering it very slowly on it's right side. it took my daughter and I to get it upright again.

Would I allow the center stand issue to determine the size of the scooter I get, well, obviously I have not, I just use what is accessible and what works.

-v

I appreciate all the great replies. She is 5'8" and thin, so the height is not a problem. I think the weight is more of a concern for her. I want her to read this thread and hear what others have to say. I just want to get her one that she will be comfortable with and use.

The scoot will just be for local stuff and having fun. We have a motorcycle for all of our long travels.

Again, thanks for the replies. You can't beat experience.

Sounds like she might well like the LX better
They aren't actually shorter, but it's much easier to handle their weight
(Although I think my GT is perfect in every way )

There are a number of ways to get the scoot of the center stand. My technique is to...
- sit on it while its on the center stand
- start it
- throw my momentum back on the seat to lean it on the rear tire
- then quickly throw my momentum towards the front of the bike to roll it off the center stand and give it throttle. I don't even put my feet down
- if it doesn't come off the first time, I use the backwards momentum to 99.9% of the time to get it off the center stand on the 2nd cycle

Best
Miguel

Where will she ride?

In city, I think the lx or s is perfect, but I haven't ridden the bigger frames.

If you will be out on longer/faster rides, it might not cut it. I went out for the first time on 50/60 mph roads on my lx last weekend. It was a total thrill, and I'll do it again, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little nervous about a lack of top end. A few stretches made me feel like I was on the starship enterprise, and she'd given me all there was. We pulled through ok, but it made me think a bv250 might be in my future.

On the other hand, one of the best pieces of advice I've ever heard from a rider is "if you can't pick it up off the ground, you shouldn't be riding it".

Pardon my ignorance, but it seems to me that if it requires such a degree of strength, coordination, technique, etc., to get the damn scooter on or off its center stand, then perhaps the basic design of the center stand might need some improvement. Any other consumer product that had such a blatantly faulty method of employment would soon be redesigned or off the market. Why do we put up with it? Infallibility might be acceptable in religious circles, but not in commerce.

Initial reaction when I saw the subject line..."this is going to be fun...I wonder what path we're heading down..."

O.K. not bad...perhaps my best recommendation is to have her practice getting the scoot off the center stand.

Standing to side with hand brake applied...get wheels straightened...place foot in front of center stand...release hand brake and push forward...make sure not to roll over foot.

To supplement on the dismount off the scoot and getting up on center stand...recommend a side stand as an assist device.

I'll sell you/your GF my nicely modded gts 250 WITH SIDESTAND and some other stuff like an extra seat and lv pipe etc. pm if not already overwhelmed with offers. available in alabama
cheers...

Most Harley riders would have a heck of a time picking up a Road King or a Fat Boy unassisted - of course, maybe that is what he was saying

That was definitely the point. If you can't deadlift it off the ground, think about another bike.

Ok, I confess, I have never managed to get my 150 off the center stand while sitting on it.


But it's no big deal to do so while standing next to it.

I do notice the weight of the bike when I'm rolling it around, say, to back it out of the garage. But it's not a problem, just a matter of paying attention. Perhaps also true of a bigger one?

Does she feel comfortable with the power weight of 250/300?

I would suggest getting a used LX150.

Hello, I'm a mid-aged lady-kid and I had a heck-uv-a-time getting my GTS 250ie on AND off it's stand. Finally my friend told me, "don't hold the brake on when trying to put it on the stand or take it off" just brake after it has rolled off the stand. All by standing next to it.

I cannot believe how much of a difference this has made. Sometimes I can sit on it and roll it off it's stand, but it's an effort and I'm in this hobby for FUN!

However, I also have a 125cc Buddy, and the weight difference is tremendous after I got used to the Vespa 250.

I will likely list my Vespa 250ie, Giallo Lime with custom painted Givi topcase and lots of extras - JUST because it's harder for me to manually manipulate. It's a dream to ride and much easier and more comfortable than my Buddy, but I have Horrible wrists and not much strength, so the 125cc will be best for my declining strength.

I will GREATLY miss my Vespa, and as long as I drag my heels about listing it, I'm not missing it at all as it's sitting out there in the garage looking FINE.

The thought of an LX 150 crossed my mind, but it's a LOT heavier than my genuine Buddy 125cc, and the Vespa 150 is, from what I've read, one of the most sluggish scoots because of it's weight. If she can handle and get used to the 250ie weight, you both will have a TON of fun. I'm not sure she'd be happy trying to keep up with you from a 150-standpoint.

If you're on the freeway, don't get a 150. It all depends on the roads and speeds you want to travel.

good luck!

depends if she's got an inseam of 33 or longer. I can just barely manage my GTV. If the sportster was intimidating, you might have that same problem where a larger Vespa spooks her too. I'd say maybe start with a used LX150 and get nice and solid on that then upgrade after the confidence levels go up. It took me 3 years to make the jump and for six of those months I had a 150 and 250 that I alternated on.

I bought my 250 with no motorcycle/scooter experience. I knew that I needed a larger ride (big girl here) and the sales lady (petite) at the Vespa dealer in Jax showed me how to get the scoot on and off the center stand. I stand to the left of the scooter, left hand on handlebar, right hand on the rack under the seat and usually put my right foot in front of the center stand so that I don't end up sliding it around! You get the hang of it pretty quickly. Getting it back up on the stand is even easier. Just hang on, step on the stand and up she goes! Let the stand do the work. Good luck! Whatever she chooses, she'll love it!

Someone mentioned trying it from the side. That's the only way I can do it due to height and strength. There's a video somewhere showing a small, thin woman putting a Burgman up and off the center stand. Search for it and show it to her; it helped me a lot. It's about shifting your weight. Someone else also mentioned the brakes. Be sure they are off right before trying to put it up or take it off. I have also noticed that the stand seems to loosen up a bit over time. I have gotten complaints from other GTS owners whose scooters are older/have more miles that my center stand is stiff. However, it feels a lot looser than when I bought it. It just takes time and practice. Have her practice on yours with you standing on the opposite side to catch it in case of an accident.

Sorry I'm answering in the ladies area here but I had to chime in.

You don't have to dead-lift any bike off the ground. I saw a 5 foot 2 woman demonstrate how to get a fallen Goldwing off the ground. As you lift you let the bike roll forward and lift itself. There is never a need to dead-lift a bike if you don't want to or can't. It's all about technique.

As far as getting the 250/300 off and on the centerstand it takes practice too but will be mastered quickly. The benefits of the bigger bike on the road will quickly overshadow any problems with the stand. If she is coming from any motorcycle a 150 will be too small and she will want more. Go for the 250 or 300.

I had a short fellow drop an R1200 BMW at a stop sign in front of me a couple years ago. The road was highly crowned. He put his foot out on the right side and the bike leaned so far to the right that he could not hold it up. Over it went with the seat and handle bars resting lower than the wheels. Darned if I know what technique would have allowed that rider to right his bike. It took fiour of us to tip it back up on it's tires. Sometimes you are just plain defeated by mass.

The center stand takes some getting used to, but she'll be able to do it with practice. If she ever rides your 250, she won't want anything less.

Maybe she just needs a wee bit of practice taking yours off and on the stand. Now I'm gona embarrass myself here and admit that when I got my 1st 125 Vespa 3 yrs ago, I couldn't get it back on the stand for about a week!! So I practiced in my garden. I just hadn't got the momentum right of getting it to spring back onto the stand and I'm by no means small (5'7" and 150lbs). Its second nature now though.

I've got side stands on both my Vespas and I use them mostly in my garage. If I use the center stand the garage floor is so slick I can hardly get them off the stand without them sliding all over the place.

I don't have to worry about someone knocking into them in the garage so they're always on the side stand in there.

I have both a 300 and an LX150. Since you are in FL, which is pretty flat, getting the scoot on and off the stand in hills is not problematic. Sandy soil would be more of an issue.
The 300 (and the 250) is a heavy beast, and although the pivot point of the center stand is positioned pretty good, in sandy soil, she'd be wrestling it around.
After about a year of using the 300 as a daily commute vehicle, I can say that my LX150 almost feels as light and plasticky as a Kymco by comparison, whenever I ride it.

I am only 62", so given her height, odd are that she'd be able to get either scoot off it's stand while sitting on it, and using it's momentum, rather than tiny me, who has to do it before mounting the scoot, as I can only get one foot on the ground.

If it's a just for fun vehicle, then get her the 150 in the new fuel injected models and save yourself some dough.

I have the slick garage floor too, but instead of sitting on the scoot and trying to roll it off, I put my right foot in front of the stand, lift up on the back seat handle, and pull gently up and forward. I've done this in flip flops too; doesn't hurt your feet at all and you don't slide the stand.

Just to chime in here...as others have said, the center stand technique can be taught and should not be a limiting factor. What you should be concerned about is her ability to move the scooter around (garage, driveway, parking lots) and handle the weight at low speeds. It's all technique that can be learned, but it can be very frightening in the beginning.

I vote for the LX (or my personal fave, the Fly 150). Unless you're doing freeways, either of these would be perfect.

I bought a rubber doormat. Saves the garage floor from damage and provides a nice firm area for the center stand.