Modern Vespa

I'm new to this forum but have been scootering since 1966. On the Vespa front I have a GTS300 and a PX200. I'm also a big Lambretta fan and I have a modern BMW bike as well as a R60/2 Beemer. I ride most days if the weather isn't too bad and knock up serious miles on my daily commute. My wife and I travel a lot and we've visited the USA more times than I can remember. I try to get in one serious bike trip a year. One of the best was touring Tuscany on rented scooters. We went on an organised tour run by a Kiwi and his wife. I was the only other guy. To sign up for the tour you had to certify that you could ride a scoot. This was something that the others seemed to have glossed over!. Never the less we had a great time and was one of those memorable trips with countless good memories. I look forward to reading posts on this forum and if I can help in any way with assistance I'll try.

Paul

Welcome aboard, Paul. Hope to see you regularly.

There's a bunch of us that like to ride away from home as well. You can find our antics here on MV or www.scooteurope.com Perhaps you'll be able to join us next year. Schedule will be up by end of Sep or so.

Al

Paul,

Welcome to this great forum from another 1966er in New Zealand.

I didn't know that the Italian vespa tours were run by a Kiwi. As I have a dream of going back and exploring on a scooter this time, I would appreciate your sending me the details by PM.

Best,
Ken.

Ken, His name is Nick Meeteen from Christchurch. I think he only did 2 or three trips and moved on to other projects. He and his wife and 3 kids are now in southern Germany working over there (well the kids aren't but you know what I mean!) We still keep in touch. Our tour was pretty laid back as befits a Kiwi but we did see a whole bunch of all red Vespas on tour. They were an oganised trip and I still think they still operate. You'll have to google to find the company. My wife and I retire in 2 years and will be back down your way. My wife has a sister in law in Aukland. If we have long enough a scooter trip is on the cards for me.

Welcome to MV Paul - there are not a few of us here who enjoy touring on our scooters.

welcome mate great forum here

Aloha and welcome to the forum. Glad your back into the scooter scene. 8) Post some pics of them when you get a chance. Ride safe.

welcome fella. Lets see your bikes then

Hi Paul.
I too am new to the forum.
How do you get on with the GT?

My main bike is a Suzuki Vstrom but I am seriously thinking of replacing it with a 250 GT/GTS so I can get my wife a smaller VESPA maybe.
Do you think it's up to regular commuting of upto 200 miles each way?
I wonder if its possible to carry much luggage though.

Cheers and welcome,
Mark

Pack light and you don't need much luggage. Here's our two scooters packed for a month in Italy.



Home from Bella Italia! - with link to Pics

Cheers

Al

Thanks for the welcome everyone but lets clear up one point, I've never been without a scooter since I started, it's in my DNA.

Mark, yes you could commute 200 miles on a GT but wouldn't it be easier to move?. Joking aside the 250 and 300 will cruise at an indicated 80 mph (probably a true 70+) and take most moderate hills in their stride. They are a capable touring classic styled scooter. The only draw back is the small fuel tank. They will get 80mpg with a light right wrist but at high cruising speeds you will be looking to fuel up every 80-100 miles.

Paul

welcome

Paul...welcome to MV!

Thanks paul.
I dont often ride my bike over 70 anyway (love my licence too much).
I live in Fareham (nr Portsmouth) and have to travel to Plymouth occasionally with work, as well as Bristol (much closer).
I love the look and the 'ethos' of a Scooter and think I might go for it.

Your holiday photo looks great BUT, a months lugage?????
Is that a top box or a TARDIS????lol

Believe it or not, when we got back to our home in Greece, each of us had one or two pieces of clothing that we had never worn!

The small duffel on my front rack was only foul weather gear. Kept it separate for quick access. Never used it.

It can be done. Laundry in a hotel sink is not so hard to do.

Meanwhile, think about joining us in Greece next year. Dates will be finalized in Sep, but tentatively 29 May-10 Jun 2011.

Al