Adjusting to Cold Weather Vespa Riding

#vespa #scooter #vespagts
I went for a ride today on my Vespa GTS 250 scooter with the temperature a brisk 21F. Transitioning from warm weather to cool weather and on to cold winter weather is something I take slowly. Like dipping my toe into cold water when swimming. Each season I am reintroduced to the challenges of winter riding, and those first rides remind me of the areas I need to improve or adjust so the the ride is reasonably safe and comfortable.
Cold weather riding is not something to venture into without a lot of serious consideration to the risk and potential damage to body and machine. I advise people not to ride when the temperature drops below freezing unless they are serious about developing the right gear, skills, and mindset.

[@wanderingsoul4104]

See, this is golden advice born from experience. I will learn from your wisdom and ride on better informed.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Glad it was helpful! Be careful if you decide to venture out in sub-freezing weather!

[@TIMG128]

I agree with much of your advice. Over the years I have owned and ridden all sorts of bikes, including large tourers and six Vespas. The whole process, the ritual of owning and riding a scooter is what it's all about. The noises, the smells, the thrill of being in TOTAL control over a machine. (With a large motorcycle I never really felt I was in control of it... more often it felt the other way round!) Being part of the scenery instead of just viewing it through a glass frame. Meeting other riders, sharing a coffee. And then riding home...let's take the long way home and enjoy it a bit longer eh?!!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Your comments and experience echo my own. On a big machine I always felt like I was being taken for a ride. With the scooter I feel a part of it and it me. Riding is just great. And the longer way home is almost always the best route!

[@bobd.4967]

Boston Bob here. 2022 GTS 300. 70 years old. Been riding only for a few years and love it but, it time to hunker down people😂 Love your videos Mr. Sticks.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks for your kind words about my videos. Hopefully I'll be able to produce a few through the winter when we all should be hunkering down. Good thing I don't live in Buffalo. There would not be much riding now.

[@michaelhiggins7365]

I just continue to enjoy your channel more and more Steve, lots of great info and encouragement. I appreciate all the hard work and effort which goes into making these fine videos, please keep them coming. Wishing you all the best from Avondale, AZ.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you for your kind words about the videos. I enjoy the process of making them. Knowing someone finds some value in them is a gift. It’s 28F here now at 5:45AM. I hope you wake to something warmer in Arizona!

[@wunyons]

Just found your channel as riding my Lml star (Vespa px) in the ice and searching up tips and tricks as I don't really have any other option of commuting, and I found this a really calming and enjoyable video to watch and definitely given me some good tips

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Awesome, thank you! Being vigilant and relaxed is a trick to accomplish. I wish you well in your winter commuting.

[@peterhobbs7609]

Very enjoyable Steve, good advice

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks!

[@tanja5867]

Nice to see another video from you, thanks for taking us along. I made a hot drink first so I was warm😉 -6*C is too cold for me, glad you’re bundling up. I have heated gear yet that’s for Fall rides. In the winter, I sit on my Vespa in the garage and play with the slot car track! Ride safe🙂

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I'm sitting with a cup of hot tea as I respond to comments this evening. Just after returning from a chilly dog walk under the stars. -6C is getting cold for me as well. As I creep toward 70 years on the earth, the cold seems to bite harder and harder. Hard to say how much longer until I'm doing what you are. Until then, I'll keep sharing the rides I do make. And thank you for taking the time to comment! I appreciate them.

[@josephkent3238]

Thank you

[@Scootphoria]

Good job Steve. I've ridden down to 0°F BUT not on the Vespa (yet!!). The lowest, so far, has been 29°F on the Vespa. I installed hand guards and used ski gloves for 30 minute ride to town. I either use an Artic Rainsuit or my Bilt Jacket with fleece jacket underneath and have fared well so far. I've traveled your area in the past and I know that the cold is different in different areas due to things like humidity. Muffs are great too. Thanks for sharing your view points and how you handle it. Still beautiful scenery.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

0°F is pretty cold territory. I've been there often but I suspect I won't be going there much anymore. 20F is comfortably manageable but below that gets to be work. Who knows though. Thank you for taking the time to share your perspective on the cold!

[@gerardgerard5681]

Great video Steve!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks!

[@kevinvarley9234]

Your video makes me feel so fortunate I live and ride in a tropical country. Too hot can also be a problem, but I know which one I prefer 😏 I always enjoy your content . Thanks

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I used to love winter. But as I've gotten older it's more and more of a drag. I would be happy to have a little tropical weather right now. It's supposed to reach 40F today!

[@talltree3534]

Hello Steve. Mike here again. This will be my first winter with my license and these bikes that I've spoken about. Have acquired some of the warmer gear although I know it takes some time to find the right stuff for those kinds of temperatures. I intend to take the scooters out in the cold when, let's say, weather permits. My challenge is keeping my chest warm ...I'm trying out a new electric vest along with the extra clothing underneath. Thanks for this video... like yourself I find not riding at all throughout the winter is not acceptable but as you say the approach must be completely different and I better get that through my thick head. Here we go!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Finding the right mix of gear to stay warm is a bit of a challenge. And we are all so different in terms of cold tolerance that what works for me might be a disaster for someone else. I wish you luck in your search. Be careful if you ride below freezing. I've encountered ice on a day that seems completely dry under blue skies and sunshine. Ride safe!

[@clydeosterhout1221]

Back in 2007-2008 I was commuting from Perry County to Boalsburg on my Ninja 250 every Sunday. One Sunday it was 33 degrees when I left Duncannon, but it was down to 21 by the time I reached 7th Mountain. That’s a bit chilly, especially at 70 mph on the highway! I used an electric vest under my riding suit, those “handwarmer” packs in my gloves and boots, and a ski mask inside of my helmet. I wouldn’t say I was comfortable, but I wasn’t miserable either. My main problem was that my face shield would fog up and then freeze. Good times! But these days I try not to ride when it is below freezing. PA dumps salt everywhere, and washing your bike in sun freezing weather isn’t easy!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

That's a 90 mile ride. In cold weather it easily becomes a torturous ordeal, even with a lot of protection. The Vespa is better suited than a motorcycle for cold weather in terms of protection. The handlebar muffs combined with the apron keeps things pretty toasty. A serious winter riding jacket and pants really helps as does a full face helmet and balaclava. I'm still tinkering with my own gear. You are right about PA loving to dump salt. Once they start they keep piling it on. It's done a fine job chewing away at my Vespa GTS.

[@victorhawkins3461]

Ahhh...cold weather Vespa riding. Here in the SoCal desert, just across the I-10 FWY from Palm Springs, that's something I don't have to worry about. Now, summertime, when it's 114 degrees +/-, THAT'S a different story!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Weather always seems better somewhere else. I've sat on some cold winter days dreaming about the warmth of the California desert! Seriously though, all riding everywhere requires some sort of adjustments. I've ridden a few times with temperatures above 100F and high humidity and it's just awful. That's when I ride at dawn or near dusk. I couldn't deal with the heat that you are.

[@BabaG]

A good video despite the battery snafu's and a good story to tell. I don't wear gloves in the winter here in NYC as I have the muffs and the heated grips. Between those two they keep mu fingers relatively warm. I have the termoscud blanket along with a full size windshield. I ride in the city and even if it is an hour long ride it a lot of it is stop and go, though the winds across the bridges and the three highways I use can be a bit unruly.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you for the kind words about the video. Muffs and heated grips are generally enough for me though I always wear gloves for protection from the pavement should I fall. I feel naked without them just as I do without a helmet. I will wear the battery operated electric gloves too when it's really cold. The Termoscud is amazing. Be well and ride safe in New York City!

[@sspradley11]

I use the Tucano Urbano Termoscud for riding in the winter. On the Vespa 300 the warm air from the radiator makes a noticeable difference as it is discharged under the blanket.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Yes, the blanket and the radiator discharge sure does make cold weather riding cozy. Now if I could only figure out an easy way to have hot cocoa!

[@alessiomoro5512]

Just for saying, on a forum I read that the 2023 gts can have heated grips and seat. If you are planning a new purchase you can consider that, also because abs and asr would add a bit of safety in low-temperature scenarios :)

[@ScooterintheSticks]

A heated seat and heated grips are nice but if you plan to ride below 40F they aren't really enough for me. Wind protection is essential for me anytime I ride below the freezing mark. Muffs and an apron are the key to the cold weather puzzle. Electric gear is nice but a pretty fussy solution in my experience. We're all different though and what I find fussy someone else won't be bothered by at all.

[@captainjim605]

You are tough, Steve - too cold for this island boy. ;-) I would be like your GoPro battery.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I’m not as winter-tough as I used to be that’s for sure. Most of me making winter riding tolerable now seems like some sort of Jedi mind trick.

[@Stefan_trekkie]

A bit late response but.. I use handlebar mittens too.. If you have heated grips too to complement that.. Your hands will never feel cold in any temperature. Scooters are the best motor two wheeler for the winter with all that protection. There is no comparison at all.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I have the muffs, electric grips, and electric gloves. It's the trifecta of the hand warmth race. My hands are never cold anymore. I agree -- for winter riding, aside from a car, the scooter is the winter riding choice of champions!

[@RogierYou]

Adding a scooter skirt will keep your lags warm with the radiator heat venting under the skirt

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I have a Tucano Urbano Termoscud apron. It's a bit worn from years of service but I'll dig it up in the garage and attach it soon. I tend to resist attaching it until the weather is continuously cold. Today it will reach a balmy 45F. No need of a skirt!

[@RogierYou]

@@ScooterintheSticks ah Apron is the better word 👍

[@kz1000st1]

Here's some "Dead Battery in the Cold" irony for you Steve. Right now my two scooters are on trickle chargers. When the temperatures dropped into the 20s at night they both croaked after working just fine all Summer. Of course the two motorcycles are both well and the batteries are ready to rock and roll right now. Go figure.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

One of my three Battery Tenders croaked yesterday. I already ordered a new one. I need to see all those green lights!

[@KrakensGarageandAdventures]

Another great chat about cold weather riding. I too have been through a plethora of gloves and gear trying to find the perfect solution. Have you thought about heated jacket and pants for the Himalayan? I don't think the alternator is strong enough on the Vespas.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I never considered heated gear beyond gloves because the Vespa could not handle the power drain. With the Himalayan there will be adequate power for more extensive heated gear. When I think of what gets cold it's always my hands and my feet. I have heated gloves and socks but I'll have to do some experimenting to see what makes sense with the motorcycle.

[@alessiomoro5512]

What is the vespa and himalayan alternator output power?

[@joeh773]

Enjoyable vid, thanks Steve! Has it been 5 years since you retired? Time flies... I guess there's that whole Brick ownership that passed... Can you please share again the name of the heated gloves you have? I bought "Highway 21" and they aren't very warm. I did just install National Cycle Plexistar on my Ural (ice, leaves, gravel in turns? so what?) in hopes it will take wind of hands, have yet to test it, cold and snow arrived but so did sickness keeping me out of office. So, you're gonna hardwire power supply for the cameras? Cheers and stay warm!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Time sure has flown by. It's hard to imagine working now. The Brick has come and gone. I don't miss it. The Himalayan is a much better fit for me in terms of the riding I would like to do. I have two pairs of heated gloves. The newest are powered by lithium batteries and made by KemiMoto. I also have a pair of battery powered socks from them. The other gloves are Gerbing Classic Leather gloves. They work great but the cords and stuff are a pain. The real miracle though was the addition of bar muffs. Wind comes through every pair of gloves. No wind penetrates the muffs. I'll be adding a pair of Oxford muffs to the Himalayan. I'll post something about how they work out. No hardwiring for the cameras. The problem was I think that even though the indicator on the GoPro showed "100%" I suspect that was not an indication of the juice available under a load. I had not charged the batteries since the last use and when exposed to the cold they quickly dropped. I usually charge them before going out and don't have a problem. Lesson learned.

[@TheCoopdway]

I'm working on mine, not riding them. Be safe Steve!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Mine need some work too. I'm sure there will be plenty of days I won't feel like riding!

[@joesifdirtthe2nd499]

Greetings

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Merry Christmas!

[@ikariku]

Hello Steve. Good advices! your ET4 discharges the battery? or is for the cold weather?

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I keep everything on a Battery Tender year round. The ET4 has an immobilizor which draws current. Not a lot but over time it will drain the battery.

[@lostboater2186]

What's that white stuff on the ground? I leave Sunday headed north into the cold. For me that is anything below 67F.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

67F??? What’s that??

[@user-mq7bs9bl7p]

Do change the weight of the oil when in those cold temperatures?

[@ScooterintheSticks]

No. I run the same oil year round.

[@twloughlin]

Am I crazy, or weren't you talking about no more winter riding last winter? Hmm...

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I think I probably did say something like that. I know I said I wasn't going to turn anymore wrenches and then I go and adjust the valves on the Himalayan and help my friend Andy fix the clutch on his GTS. Maybe I need to keep my mouth shut...

[@LifeontwowheelsRocks]

Heated grips, heated gloves, grip muffs!!!!??? OMG your hands are good to sub-zero for sure. Now for your feet…. Tucano Urbano Termoscud! I guarantee your feet will be almost as happy as your hands.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Yeah, I need to attach the Termoscud. Both the air bladders on mine have leaks somewhere so it is a droopy mess. It still works fine but it's not as easy to get in an out anymore. I'll keep my eyes open for a sale and probably buy another one.

[@LifeontwowheelsRocks]

@@ScooterintheSticks Mine had a leak. It was quite easy to find and fix with a vinyl repair patch kit. Once plugged, it never leaked again. So there is hope :)

[@fineartukulele]

Hey Piaggio, get awake! You sold me a defective new Vespa 125 that does not ride and you just don't mind about it! You are unreliable, Awful! We received our brand new Vespa (Primavera 125cc) 8 October 8th. We rode it for 5 days and got an electronic problem! Now already 6 weeks later still no Vespa waiting for a replacement part from Italy. OK, no actions from Vespa. I start to get angry and will tell it worldwide! 🥵🥶

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Well, I doubt Piaggio looks at my channel. I'm well outside their target market. But I understand your frustration. Dealers can make things happen if they choose to do so. When we still had a local Vespa dealer he bent over backwards to help. A friend rode down to visit on his GTS and his fuel injector failed. The dealer didn't have one and it would take some time to get one. So he pulled an injector out of a scooter on his showroom floor and installed it for my friend. THAT is not typical but why I took my scooter there. I hope you find some satisfaction soon. I'm not sure where you live, but in the US, a call to the Piaggio brand manager for the US might grease the wheels. Or see if you can buy the part and give it to the dealer for installation rather than wait for something from Italy. Or try another dealer. It all would sour a person on a Vespa though...

[@fineartukulele]

@@ScooterintheSticks Belgium. I contacted Piaggio Italy as well "No help" So......