Dammit Joe, Get a Vespa!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

When I first got my Vespa LX150 it was purely for the thrill. It captured the thrills I remember from riding as a kid. I was oblivious to how others (men mostly) viewed the scooter. I got the usual ribbing about it being a toy, not a real motorcycle, the minivan of two-wheeled vehicles, and a host of other less humorous criticisms. But when riders began winterizing their motorcycles I was still riding my Vespa to work. And when the snow started to fall I was still riding the scooter to work. That shut them up. And as I rode more and in more difficult environments they grudgingly acknowledged both rider and machine as a "real thing." My Vespa GTS can do pretty much anything other than deep water crossings. It's been on many stretches of the Mid Atlantic BDR including the dreaded expert section near Poe Paddy. Just this morning I was struggling to get my Himalayan through an area that I have ridden my Vespa numerous times. For Joe, making the choice to ride a Vespa is a nod toward being a rebel. A navigator of a riding life based on what's good for you rather than how others might see you. Try one. They are a hoot!

[@michaelhiggins7365]

Steve, your skills as a Writer, are right up there with Antoine de Saint Exupery and Earnest K. Gann. These are two of my most favorite authors.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

@@michaelhiggins7365 Thank you for your praise of my writing. I know of Saint Exupery but haven't read anything by Gann. I'll have to look at his work.

[@scottydoo919]

The funny thing is I’m 5’11 260, full sleeves. I could care less what anyone says to me about my scooter. I kill ‘em with kindness. Joe, get the damn Vespa. It’s nice and chill. Great content broski.

[@flatgrindrides]

Thanks!

[@lostapes9026]

I’m saving up for a Vespa! ❤

[@Vanrides.]

Go for it Joe. Rode bikes since 1964, bought a Xmax 300 three years ago. Hardly ride my bike now.Twist and go is so relaxing to ride.

[@scooter_curmudgeon]

I rode a Honda 700 CC "sport touring" bike as a young guy, somehow avoided being killed. Later, as a 50something dad, I started into scooters with a 125 CC Yamaha, working my way through Buddy 125, 150, and 170 scooters, and finally bought my first actual Vespa, a 2006 GT200, a couple of years ago. The experience is just spectacular, I *love* riding the scooter. I just traded a couple of older Vespa GTS250s for a 2023 GTS300 and a '23 Primavera 150, and feel that I've mostly figured out my riding needs and configured my small fleet to meet them. Get yourself a Vespa, Joe. You will not regret it. Cheers, Bob aka "Scooter Curmudgeon"

[@joseedumont3231]

This is really cool of you helping Joe, I, for my part....realized a dream of mine this year...I bought a Vespa...a 50 but a Vespa....,I'm 60....dreamt of it for the longest time....(I had one 20 years ago) but this time...don't know what I did...turning left...I ended up in the curb....I'm ok but my Vespa got dang up a bit :( , my bf is trying to fix it for a lesser cost...but sadly I lost my summer riding it. Sooooo, when I see you doing your trips and sharing with us, it helps me dreaming again. Thank you for your videos! 😉

[@flatgrindrides]

Keep the dream alive, and I hope you are back on the road again soon. 👍🤞

[@paulbyrumii2155]

Hey, now this video says it all, I ride my Vespa, 25 miles round-trip 3 beach towns, on the way to my retirement job at the golf course, on my Vespa 250 i.e.. Saves gas. Puts a smile on my face Pismo, Paul.

[@Theophilus1968]

I’ve been riding “real motorbikes” for over thirty-five years. I’ve secretly wanted a scooter since high school but was always too embarrassed to pull the trigger. I finally sold my last real motorcycle and purchased an brand new 2023 9hp Honda Trail 125. I’ve never had so much fun!!! I ride for pleasure with my dog attached to a crate on the back rack. I moonlight and deliver food (getting paid to ride my bike), I go camping, the hardware store, the produce stand and coffee not to mention it’s my daily commuter. Did I say it get over a 125mpg and can do all my own maintenance? I test rode a Vespa 300 and love it. I’ll be saving my pennies for an orange or yellow one. The last thing is, I can park ANYWHERE and nobody cares, not even the cops. My only regret is I didn’t do it years ago!

[@damonwsharp]

Love these videos. Your channel sold me on the orange color and I have to say I’m a bit jealous of the locations you get to ride to. Nothing like that near where I live. I just had my first 2 wheel ride ever delivered about a week ago. 2023 Orange GTS 300 Super Sport and I LOVE it. It does make me feel like a kid again and gives me a smile every time I ride it. It’s so well balanced and just a freaking joy to ride. I’ve always been on the side of “I don’t give crap what others think”, so that will always be my advice to anyone considering buying one. If you want one, get one. I personally don’t think you will regret it at all.

[@flatgrindrides]

Congratulations on the new bike! I wish you many happy miles. Before I moved here, a couple years ago, I lived in a giant suburbia. Being able to ride here is fantastic and I am thankful for it everyday. Take care.

[@damonwsharp]

Thanks. Definitely not going to live here forever. Would love to ride this around a beach town at some point. Will enjoy the small city riding until then. Thanks for posting these videos. Really enjoy them.

[@BridgeandTunnelScooterClub]

He is not having dirty thoughts.... he is having an awakening. Vespas Rule ❤

[@vespaenthusiaststimlisah.]

Nothing better than riding a Vespa Joe. Go for it!

[@louiekolbe2776]

Love your videos! My wife is from Rome Italy and every time we go back to visit I see a ton of Vespas and I always thought they look like a blast to ride. So I purchased my first Vespa earlier this year, a Primavera 150 and I love it! ❤️🛵

[@flatgrindrides]

Thank you! Congrats on your new bike and I wish you many happy miles!

[@niclaslindstrom6164]

I ride a Vespa proudly, had a KTM Superduke 1290 and Z900RS a few years back as well as the Vespa. Now I have a GSX1400. If I could only keep one bike, I´d keep the Vespa. It´s so much more fun to ride around with, and I know alot of people that feel the same way. Get a Vespa, Joe!

[@abastible]

There's nothing more "macho" than being confident and not caring about what other people think

[@Scootphoria]

Great video!!! Joe, it's a bit difficult to address your concerns. You state there are many reasons NOT to get one, but you don't list. I've owned 36 bikes/scooters (similar to other scooter owners) over the course of 60 years(List includes KZ's, 7 Gold Wings, several cruisers, a few maxi scooters, CTX1300, etc). A year and half ago I bought my first Vespa as a toy. I now own 2 Vespas and no 'motorcycle'. Except for illness or snow, I'm a daily rider and became a daily rider in 1975. Some people don't like change. My father always complained about the auto industry moving the dimmer switch to the column.

[@CL-gp3pw]

Do it! I looove mine (Primavera 150). They make every trip more fun. Even boring errands are fun when you get to ride a Vespa to go do them!

[@AltitudeRider]

100% on the mark with this video! Joe must be my brother from another mother! I have owned 11 different motorcycles over 60 years of two wheel riding and the Vespa is the pure and simple joy that I had as a 10 year old with a mini bike that I rode to death. Simple throttle and brake and enjoy the ride! I’ve lost all the desire for loud pipes, badass attitude, and expensive customization mods to satisfy my ego. I now just ride my Vespa for the sheer joy of riding on two wheels, wind in my face, looking at the scenery and taking in the whole scooter thing! Great video! Hope Joe gives it a go! He won’t regret it!

[@flatgrindrides]

Preach brother! 👍😂

[@nomad90125]

Yep, I've ridden them all over the past 55 years. Lost the ego, lost the need for speed and ride my scooter everywhere now. It's a great way to travel.

[@sinkandrelax]

Do it Joe! My 2023 Vespa GTS is my first Vespa, and now gets far more riding time than my Harley, which I’m considering selling because I keep finding myself on the Vespa. I’ve had and been on many bikes in 45 years of daily riding and I find the Vespa more fun and more versatile than most. Yes, I admit used to be concerned with image (never more so than when on the Harleys) but now I’m all about practicality, economy, versatility, and most of all sheer enjoyment. So, my advice is just “do it, Joe” and I bet you won’t regret it. Great video - please keep em coming. 👍🏼

[@Zander10102]

To Joe, it can still do 80, it still sounds nice, you can park it wherever and no one cares, and it's still plenty dangerous.

[@thatladliam580]

As a Brit I can vouch for the popularity of mopeds and scooters over here , almost every weekend there will be a big group ride all the mod boys go on , I’d say motorbikes are still much more common , though the mod community definitely engage with each over more .

[@Wussag]

Also being a Brit I agree, just please don't label us all as Mods. Sure, they are there and good luck to them, but I would suggest that most would call themselves just plain scooterists. Riding a scooter doesn't make me a Mod in the same way that riding a motorcycle doesn't make someone a Rocker.

[@rob2stroke]

As a Brit in the the UK I`ve been riding Vespas since the early 1980`s and have had my GTS 300 for the past 15 years. The Mods v Rockers thing is really something in the past now as a lot of scooterists here, have also ridden bikes so there's quite a crossover. A lot of bikers join scooterists for charity rideouts etc so there is quite a lot of mutual respect going on. It is a fun machine to ride though and in my experience has required little maintenance over the years other than regular servicing. The scenery around Fort Collins looks amazing and the roads appear to be in far greater condition than here in the UK! I would just get one Joe, the Vespa is an iconic brand and you won't regret it.

[@neilyplim]

Dear Rob, I'm teetering on the precipice of buying a brand new Vespa 300 GTS. I live in the Midlands, a stone's throw away from the NEC. In your opinion, based on many years of riding Vespas, do you feel the 300GTS can cope with extended periods of motorway riding? I'm asking because if I do pull the trigger, and make the purchase, I would very much like to take my new Vespa over to France (on LeShuttle) and do some touring. Any advice you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Regards, Neil :)

[@rob2stroke]

Hi Neil, Yes the GTS 300 is more than capable of sitting on motorways but it's not something I do a lot of myself. I ride a lot on the A46 (dual carriageway) though and it can get quite grim if it's windy. When it's calm though it's a great ride and I usually cruise around 65-70mph. Obviously you would need to build in fuel stops on motorways. My preference would be to ride on roads like in these great videos, with the scenery to go with it and little traffic outside built up areas. I would get some advice from a local dealer but I`ve never regretted mine at all....even sold my Lambretta a few years ago and kept the Vespa!

[@Wussag]

Hi Neil, just want to add that I recently rode my GTS from northern UK to Switzerland, travelling most of the way on motorways through Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and France at 65 to 70mph for most of that and it performed perfectly. Add in the luggage and spare parts carrying capacity and I would say it's the perfect machine for it. Go for it and enjoy. @@neilyplim

[@erikryde7879]

DO IT JOE!

[@nomad90125]

The scooter is a none threatening bike.

[@H00ndagirl]

I’ve had more positive general public interaction on the Vespa than any other bike I’ve ridden. For me it’s the simple joy it brings not so much about the image.

[@flatgrindrides]

Agreed!

[@adrianstrand1120]

Hi from the UK, I have a Honda adv 350, had I known about these Vespa scooters I would probably have bought one instead, the Honda is practical, efficient but has no soul ! Ride safe and who knows maybe I will get one.

[@johnwalshire2884]

Joe, I have over 400,000 miles on two weeks. In my late 60s, I am now down to the 150 Vespa Primavera, an HD Electriglide. The difference is mostly the same between any large bike and a small one, handling. The feeling of pushing it with lower speeds. When it's 100 degrees outside, the HD motor bakes your nuggets. The Vespa doesn't. My last year of working, I got the Vespa winter rider cover, and as long as it was 20 degrees, a ride across town was comfortable. I leisurely toured on the Vespa last summer and took the HD when I needed to move on the interstate. There is more maintenance with the Vespa because of drive setup, but much like the HD, the dealers love to see them roll in. Full service routine maintenance for the Vespa (Including valve adjustment) is $180 while HD runs $375 locally. I do it myself, different but not any more difficult. When I wear this HD out, I will probably get a 300 for the only ride. As far as what other people think, it ends in ....... 'em if they can't take a joke.

[@FJWH]

Lovely video. I personally don't get the ego thing. I live by the very simple standard: "if I like it, I like it", whatever other people say. Just don't have an ego, don't think about other people :).

[@frankiepavinato]

I personally own a Ducati Multistrada 1200S Sport (150 hp) and an Aprilia RSV 1000 R Factory (140+ hp) and my little Vespa GTS 250 (21 hp more or less) it completes the trio. I don't feel any less "macho" when I ride my Vespa, It's a different kind of riding - more smooth, relaxed...From spring to the first signs of winter I think it's the machine I use the most. I go shopping with it, I go sunbathe in the lakes we have in my region (northern Italy), I take my fiancé with me (she absolutely is afraid of big bikes and power and the Vespa is the only 2 wheel machine she can endure). I use it for almost everything. It really is iconic but for us Italians I think it's even a little bit more. It's the scooter that back in the old days literally moved Italy, it was one of the most affordable machine for private transportation back in the fifties/sixties...when you drive one you have Italian history under your butt...I love mine very much (bought it brand new in 2008) and I think it will stay with me for another couple of years, then I will go with a brand new orange 300 Supersport or the brand new GTV! Ps: scenery may be getting old but it's always beautiful!

[@flatgrindrides]

Thank you.

[@victorhawkins3461]

Dude -- when you said, "...it just makes people smile..." you said everything. I miss my two Vespas more than I've ever missed my Vulcan 2000 or my Honda CB-750 cafe racer or my Triumph Daytona 500 or my first bike, a rip-snortin' Bridgestone 350. Vespas are, quite simply, fun. And after all, that's the whole point, ain't it?! 😉 BTW -- a NEW Vespa will be coming soon to a garage near me! Do it, Joe!

[@flatgrindrides]

Thanks, and congratulations! Have fun!

[@armedferret]

DO IT JOE, I LOVE MINE!!!

[@teslageek9257]

Good video. My two cents is the GTS300 is not only chill, fun, and easy, but it’s a blast in the twisties. I take spirited rides here in the mountains of western North Carolina most times I go out. So, not wimpy at all! I can keep with bikers in most situations if I choose to. Only consideration is not designed for extended interstate riding. It can do it, but not ideal. Everything else 👍!

[@thedirtyguzzi9268]

Go for it. I have a 2023 Street Glide and a 2023 Vespa 300 GTS super. I put a medium windshield on the Vespa. I enjoy the Vespa more

[@ricksanchez2983]

Riding a Vespa is for my own neck of the woods a bit of an act of rebellion, lol and that's how it feels. All good. Love that little riding rig. Cheers!

[@flatgrindrides]

Sometimes the world needs good rebels. 😉

[@K1989L]

I once test drove a Triumph Bonneville Bobber and Vespa GTS 300 in a same day. The conclusion was that I liked both of them! The Triumph were of course more equipped for the highway and the Vespa better on the more quiet roads. I was left with a feeling that I could buy any of one of them and be perfectly happy. And to be honest I'd more likely get the Vespa. It's way cheaper, rides nicely, no clutch (is a big + in the city) and also the storage is great to have.

[@iggyzorro2406]

I have the exact same bike as you, F.G. (year, model, color) Non-bike people have often come up to me in parking lots to talk or ask about the Arancio Impulsivo bike. And I often ride to this place where a motley group of bikers of all ilks hang out. All nice guys and women - Harleys, sports bikes, Moto Guzzis, Triumphs, Can-ams, et al - and they're always fascinated by my 300GTS. They're shocked at the cc's and top speed and fun people. Never any condescension or put downs. As far as my personal projected 'biker' image - I'm very old and as nerdy as one can get. That really is not a concern. p.s. thanks for the ride - always a pleasure.

[@michaelhiggins7365]

Another really great video, please keep them coming, especially the camping videos.

[@johndefalque5061]

I like a quiet bike-my motorino scooter was so quiet, I had to lean over to push rabbits out of the way and I came up very close to deer a few times. Don't want to hear motor farts all day!

[@nomad90125]

Vespa is just a name, it's a good scooter, so is the Honda scoopy, and even better the Yamaha grand filano, Beneli also have a good looking scooter but not so reliable, and many many more scooters to choose from today. I rode vespas & lambretta in the early 70s , great bikes but very bad in the rain, no doubt they have fixed these problems on the new bike's of today. Great vid, keep it up.👍

[@stephanl.4857]

Greetings to all Vespa lovers and to those who want to become Vespa lovers from Germany. You described it beautifully in your video and I can only confirm that. In Germany the situation is similar, many scooter riders are just smiled at by motorcyclists, but in Germany it's a bit different with scooters. Here there are scooters and there are Vespas... A scooter is usually a cheap means of transportation that is used for all smaller trips. A Vespa is something completely different, a Vespa is an attitude to life, an icon among scooters. A Vespa is beautiful to look at, it slows you down and gives you pleasure. The advantage of a Vespa is that almost everyone can find a comfortable seat on it, whether big or small, it is the all-purpose weapon among scooters. A Vespa needs to be stroked by people who also know how to tinker with it, as it is not perfect, but a diva that can be a bit of a bitch. I myself have ridden many motorcycles and three years ago I bought and restored a Vespa ET4 125. Until recently I also owned a BMW F650GS Twin 800cc, which I swapped for a Vespa GTS 300 Super and I think I did exactly the right thing. I love this machine, the powerful acceleration of the 22 hp engine up to 80 km/h. Above 100 km/h it gets a bit tough, but that's not what you want to do with a Vespa anyway. So Joe, buy one of these and enjoy every second. And if you are unsure, see if you can borrow one to try it out. It's not for everyone, but once you've taken a liking to it, it's like an addiction. Greetings Stephan

[@flatgrindrides]

Thank you Stephen. Wishing you many happy miles (and kilometers) 😉

[@Fourwedge]

I just tagged my Vespa GTS 300 super sport in Kansas city MO. They said I was their first vespa title. Crazy huh

[@flatgrindrides]

Wow!

[@Scale_Slotcars_Latvia]

I can't understand how i haven't discovered your channel before now ...gave you a subscription and will catch up on your previous posts 👍 about Joe's comment. Ive been riding bikes and scooters since the 80s ,3 weeks ago I sold my Suzuki dl1000 Vstrom and a week later I bought a Vespa Gts300 supersport (my thoughts on my channel post )Joe... i think if your mind is at a certain way of thinking you should go for it and will love the freedom and different type of mindset an Auto Vespa brings .😎.. Enjoyed the video and your Vespa looks amazing in orange . Looking forward to seeing more posts 👍Greetings from Northern Europe...Harry

[@flatgrindrides]

Hi Harry. Thanks for the kind words and I hope you enjoy your new bike! I’ll check out your channel. Cheers!

[@SlackSloth]

Helo from Turkey! I'm watching you. Best channel about Vespa

[@flatgrindrides]

Thank you!

[@bikerforever68]

After owning several big sports bikes I now ride a Honda ADV 350,I know it’s not a Vespa but it’s still a scooter and it’s so much fun to ride,it’s all the bike I need and cheap to run

[@dennisscoot7194]

I didn't care for the flat floorboard of a Vespa so, instead I got a Honda PCX 150 and love it. For long or highway trips I take my Zusuki Burgman 400. Love not having to shift gears.

[@johndefalque5061]

A scooter is a practical touring bike great for camping and shopping. Many motorcyles just have no storage. Bikes like the Navi are anexception, but technically it too, is a scooter hybrid. I might get a Navi.

[@gaydes1012]

Joe should get the scooter and become a true Vesparado, scooters and mopeds are super fun both as a gateway into full motorcycles, or just a way to recapture the joy from the first time you swung your leg over a 2 wheeled machine

[@frankwhiteiii613]

I ride a 2022 BMW R1250RT and I find my gts 300 Vespa is more fun to ride. It is comfortable, good on the twisties here in east Tennessee, peppy, and very reliable.

[@flatgrindrides]

That's a good combo. Nice to have choices.

[@ralfhoffmann2487]

I ride a SYM 300 scooter and the only thing I find is the lack of exhaust note that you get with a motorcycle. Mine sounds more like a 125 but it's just a practical machine.

[@Sr.D]

I'm a bit like Joe. Nowadays I have an 883 that I love, but I can't stop trying out bikes to see which will be the next one. Classic Vespas have always caught my attention, but somehow I ignored the modern ones. Since I went into a Piaggio dealership to check out some Moto Guzzis, and of course, there were also Vespas, the 946 on display sparked something in me. Since then, I haven't stopped watching videos. I think the first one will be a Sprint 125; it seems more aesthetically faithful to the Vespas of yesteryear. Greetings from Spain, in this case, I suppose I'm more of a José or Pepe than a Joe? 😂

[@flatgrindrides]

I know the feeling, José! 😉👍

[@coleyounger559]

Wow, this guy was great

[@johndefalque5061]

I've had some crappy Honda bikes, a great Motorino electric scooter. a Yamaha, I'm soured on e-bikes-just had 2 lemons. Plan to get a Piaggio Liberty 150. May get a CF 125 minimoto.

[@noonefamous]

Great job with your videos.

[@karelmarx8899]

It seems to be joe is hard in this days. 🤣

[@michaelhord]

The burgman 200 is sufficient and very cheap used. The 400 is a great improvement and cheap used. The 650 is just a slow motor cycle. Twist and go is just better. Do we shame people for having automatic transmissions? The whole clutch thing and the front brake lever and all the thinking and shifting, no thanks.

[@coleyounger559]

What size Vespa is this?

[@flatgrindrides]

GTS 300

[@dallasdandigitalproduction393]

I get what youre trying to do here for Joe, but it seems futile. If his identity is wrapped around a certain brand of bike, no one will be able to persuade him. Theres NO point of trying. And thats ok. Not everyone is chosen to ride one of the most excellent forms of transportation known to modern humans.

[@darrennvalente]

Great video mate. 1981 rd 250 lc 1992 bmw r80 2021 bmw gsa 1250 2021 Yamaha nmax 155 2022 vespa gts 300 I've had a lot more different types of bikes, these are my current ones, my fiancée rides a Suzuki address 110 and a vespa gts 150, she's been every where on Harleys and Beemers with me, we love them all but our vespas are never going Joe, watch scooter in the sticks 🛵🛵

[@flatgrindrides]

That’s a great stable of bikes 👍

[@darrennvalente]

​@@flatgrindrides, thank you mate, you have a great channel, one of my favourites, keep up the great work, 🛵