I Said I Wouldn't, But I Bought a Vespa!

[@charlessouza6475]

Glad you like the Vespa. As a senior citizen, I am unable to wrestle a motorcycle, so scooters are the answer. Ten years ago, I got a deal on a used Honda 150i, and I love it! Smooth ride, very maneuverable, fuel-injected, liquid-cooled engine and auto tranny. Oh, it’s made in Italy! Safe riding!

[@ScooterNewbie]

I love it! I've met quite a few men looking for something more manageable as they age, so I'm always happy to hear when they find scooters work out!

[@MatthewBrowne1959]

Great video. I have the GTS 300 HPE Supertech and have just completed a 1,500 km tour of the north Island of New Zealand. There were fantastic backroads as well as motorways to contend with and no problem at all with the 12" wheels. It felt stable and safe and I could easily cruise at 100-120kph....so, don't worry on that issue. I had a rack and a pretty big bag strapped to the back too. It makes a brilliant touring machine.

[@marcmugzy1309]

thats great to hear. I want one to be able to tour on as well.

[@chrisjackson9626]

That's good to know I live in Whangarei and need something that can cope with SH1. Sure there's other brands, but I like Vespas.

[@crdiamond225]

New to your channel and new to the scooter world. I rode motorcycles for over 60 years. Switched to a 2021 Vespa GTS 300 Touring less than a month ago. Like you, I just fell in love with the Vespa. Thanks for the great video!!

[@clydeosterhout1221]

Having taken a number of long trips, the 2.4 gallon tank is about perfect, because it makes you take a break every 1.5 hours or so. Those breaks are important for maintaining focus. I carry a 1 liter camping fuel bottle full of gas. I put fuel stabilizer in the gas, and just put it under the seat and forget about it. On two occasions I couldn’t find a gas station when I needed it, and that 1 liter of gas was enough to keep me going long enough to re-fuel.

[@vesparama]

As a newbie deciding whether to go for a Primavera or GTS, the weight concerned as I'm not very tall and haven't got my license yet so I haven't ridden one. But you've put my mind at ease mentioning that sitting on a bike at the dealer and riding is completely different.

[@lambodp]

I've got a Yamaha Smax (155cc scooter). It's surprisingly freeway capable for how small it is, and I've taken many multi hour trips on it. 11k miles later, still loving the bike. I've got a Burgman 650 for the bigger trips now, but the Smax never disappoints for its utility, speed capability, and ease of riding.

[@BL-zt4es]

I have a 300 supertech and up graded to a 13 inch wheel with a new speed sensor. The best upgrade you can do. Comfort, steering, lean angles are so much better. Top end also is much better.

[@ScooterNewbie]

THAT sounds like a fantastic upgrade! I’ll look into that. Have you done other mods?

[@SmartFamilyMoney]

Oh my, that's a BEAUTIFUL scooter! And this is such a nice video. I really enjoyed your riding footage. 😁

[@wesleydejong6196]

smart family money heel lief voor wesley de jong

[@richardgajdowski3178]

Love this video! My bike is the same year racing green version of this model. When I heard your comment about you forgetting to cancel the turn signal, the mod that fixes that problem is the SignalMinder SM-2. I'm sure Scooterwest has them. It is an auto cancelling unit for the turn signal as well as giving you four way running lights and light flashing when the brake is applied. You have to modify the turn signal switch which is an easy mod, or Scooterwest will sell you a switch that is already modified to a momentary switch. I have it on my Racing Sixties and I love it. For storage for your helmet, just get the color matched top box that is made for that bike. Finally, for this bike the modified ABS sensor tone wheel is a must. The stock HPE's are speed limited and come from the factory with an inherent speedo error. The after market tone wheel simply replaces the stock one on the rear wheel, eliminates the speedo error and gives you 6 MPH more top end. Your Bianco White Racing Sixties is the bomb straight up!

[@ScooterNewbie]

Whoa! Thank you for the helpful information!! I never even thought to look into an option for turning off the turn signals. I thought it was just an accepted motorcycle thing I was supposed to just get used to! I still haven't bought a top box! I have my eye on a slick Givi one for going camping, though. I just haven't been prepared to fork over the cash just yet!

[@errolforster2226]

I’m sure people have told you this but the answer to your problem is getting a top case for the back of your bike. I had one on my 150 mL Piaggio scooter and it made a huge difference with storage. Easily took my full-size helmet. Especially great if you’re planning trips on your Vespa.

[@kristofferrydquist8384]

And a white matching one would add to the looks.

[@chuckvt5196]

Vespas are beautiful machines! I had a 300GT that I loved but eventually traded it for a Kymco X-Town 300i. (Which I also love!) But if you talk style, you cannot beat an Italian scooter!)

[@robertwoolstencroft5946]

Once many years ago I had a lambretta GP 200 in 1971 great fun, my farther bought a vespa125 but wasn't happy with it ,but in those days they were a completely different machine the motor was hung on the side and the spare wheel under the opposite side cover counter balanced it. Any way my dad came back with a Lambert 125cc your scooter looks very smart ,and I'm sure it handles fine.best of luck

[@sonang7721]

What a beutiful scooter. I test rode the Racing Sixties version of the GTS300 back in 2020 and fall in love with it ever since. Extremely smooth ride and not torquey at launch.

[@Tonycrossfit]

Hi Renee, just wanted to thank you for your videos and all the good tips and information you’re giving to new scooter riders. Because of all the good tips and information you have given I went and bought a Vespa Primavera 150cc ie. I do own a motorcycle but the reason I decided to buy a scooter was because all I do is go to the supermarket, the beach 🏖 , D&D, etc plus I wanna save money on gas. The reason I went with a 150cc was because I don’t have to go on the highway and we’re I live traffic speed os about 45-50 mph. Thank you again for your great videos.

[@ScooterNewbie]

Way to go, Tony! Thrilled that you joined the scooter club! I know what you mean- zipping around town on a scooter is simple & fun. 150 is a sweet spot, so I can’t wait to hear how your rides go!

[@Tonycrossfit]

@@ScooterNewbie thank you Renee. I’m really enjoying my scooter 🛵. It’s totally different from my motorcycle and definitely easy to zip around town.

[@johnbellamy6449]

we are in the u k . i am 73 and my wife 71. we both ride vespas.ihave bright red 300 gts 2020. my wife a dark blue metalic primavera. we ride most days usually together. we have pactalk intercoms which are clear up to 1 mile between us. we have had two wheels all our life.we live in the countryside and this is living the dream at our age. your super 60s looks lovely.

[@gustwowheeling7337]

This is the crème de la crème of scooters. I'm still saving my lunch money, so I can buy one someday. Congratulations Scooter Newbie, that is one beautiful Vespa GTS 300. Ride safe.

[@ScooterNewbie]

FOR REAL! So much lunch money! 😂 Safe riding, and look forward to checking out your channel.

[@oldcrow187]

She is good looking, the gold rims, the white & black, I really like it. And I drive a GTS Notte myself. Bought it in 2019, to commute and for joy rides, did 12000km so far and looking forward for every next ride. And yes, I explored some beautifull back roads since then, would have missed all those in my car on the autobahn. Enjoy your ride!

[@ScooterNewbie]

Oh my! The Notte may have been the scooter that really got me looking at Vespa. That’s a sharp scooter!

[@eleanorlovesearl]

Thanks for the great video! I just started cruising for info on scooters, mopeds, etc and I really appreciate a woman’s perspective. Looking forward to watching an update when you’ve been riding the 300 for a few months!

[@ScooterNewbie]

Appreciate the kind words! I still love the 300, but I've been thinking about key things to include in an update these days. It's swirling in my head, so please let me know if you have anything you're particularly curious about as I'm getting my thoughts together.

[@jamesyee4143]

Good Luck on your new toy! Thanks 😊

[@tdemask]

If you’ve ever ridden away with the side stand down, you’ll discover it on your first left turn, just before you hit the pavement. Also the click sound on the Buddy scooters is terrific because leaving your turn signal on accidentally ( super easy with no audible feedback) is really dangerous because it can encourage other drivers to pull out in front of you, potentially leading to a crash. It’s amazing how many motorcycle review videos show the rider going straight down the road with his or her turn signal on. Both the side stand kill switch and blinker clicks actually can save you from a crash. I know this from many years of riding motorcycles that had neither. That’s an awesome looking Vespa!

[@BridgeandTunnelScooterClub]

The GTS is a great bike, solid and stable at any speed. Nimble in the city. I consider my GTS a platform more than a scooter. Solid ride. Ride one and you will know exactly why the GTS is the best ride.

[@Charlie-cf4hy]

I just bought a GTS similar to yours. It is great! Re the ASR light always being on… The ASR icon is displayed when the traction control is turned off. The traction control should be activated (icon off) when you start the scooter/ If your ASR icon is on all the time as you say the most likely explanation is that the ASR calibration procedure was not completed correctly. The manual has the procedure for calibrating the ASR to make it work correctly.

[@ScooterNewbie]

Thank you! I’ll look into this tonight.

[@ranman1959]

I had the same problem with the GTS I got 3 weeks ago. Took it to the dealer today for the 600 mile initial service and they did the calibration. Now the ASR indicator is off except when I turn ASR off, then the ASR indicator appears. It resets to ON (no ASR light) next time I start the bike; the ASR indicator should disappear when the ABS light stops blinking.

[@Matahalii]

Woo-Hoo! I watch this because I myself bought a brandnew Sprint 125 racing sixties in green the other day and later today I will pick it up and i am soo exited!

[@ScooterNewbie]

I'm late to the party here, but still just as excited. 🥳 How has the break-in period been going?

[@80sDweeb]

Those stripes are pretty sweet!

[@ChrisUhlik]

I'm definitely interested in a 300cc Vespa and would LOVE a video about the various option details

[@goru426]

Last year I sold my Kawasaki Versys motorcycle and bought a Kymco AK550i scooter. I live in a metro area and scooters make so much more sense. The AK550i comes with 15" wheels front and back.

[@braxtonperry1981]

Quality pays it does not cost 🛵🛴🛵

[@donelmore2540]

Some years ago I bought a used 2014 Vespa 300 GTV for my CA house. Very fun scooter, but is not really happy above an “indicated” 70mph. I had a windshield made for the Vespa which makes it more comfortable at high speed. For my TX house I bought a new out of the box 2018 Suzuki 650 Burgman Executive a year ago (they quit importing them for some reason in 2018). The Burgman’s CVT is not a smooth as the Vespa’s, but it is much more competent at high speeds. There is a “Scootroute” app for your phone that will give you routes that avoid freeways which is pretty cool.

[@ScooterNewbie]

I am almost sad that I didn't get into scooters before I missed the chance to see a 650 Burgman! I keep hoping to see one in the wild, so I'll be keeping an eye out for ya! :) I will check out the app, too!

[@JTChi]

Your Vespa is soo pretty!!!

[@richicago20]

i bought a 150 a month ago and sooo wish that I had gone for the 300! great job on this review

[@jarrettreckseidler]

Great choice...once you go Vespa you can't go back! Do get a rear chrome protection bar to ensure your body doesn't get thrashed in the event of an (unlikely but still possible) fall!

[@goldilocks913]

I’m in my late 50’s and rode motorcycles all my life , only getting a scooter three years ago and went everywhere on it, and loved it. Lots of motorway miles without a problem.Sadly it was stolen last week so I’m watching this with joy for your lovely scooter and sadness my gts 300 touring called Vilma is being tortured by some spotty youth stealing laptops somewhere. Enjoy your beautiful ride!

[@ScooterNewbie]

Nooooo! I’m so sorry to hear about Vilma!! 😫 Sending warm scooter thoughts and well wishes as you grieve for your beauty.

[@goldilocks913]

@@ScooterNewbie Awww thank you 🙏

[@goldilocks913]

@@ErrorMoose thankfully yes

[@drazenbabich]

For your frame type and height a Sprint or Primavera would have been a better fit, but that's just me. They both have almost as much grunt and can reach close to similar speed of the GTS. I own a GTS and am 6.5', my wife rides Sprint S which is plenty for her.

[@babolababs4732]

Agree. I am a lady of similar stature and ended up with Primavera after trying GTS 125/300 and others. The power difference between 150 and 300 (278cc) isn't that noticeable when on the scooter, riding.

[@rcatastrophe]

Disagree. I have 4. An S150, a GT200, a GTS250 (heavily modded), and a GTS300. My 5’4” 120# wife rides the GT. It’s perfect for her. We routinely get on the freeway and there’s a huge difference trying that on the 150. There is no comparison in speed. The 150 is lucky to keep pace at freeway speeds and the bigger bikes, well, it’s funny to see peoples faces in cars when a scooter passes them :)

[@davidcopple8071]

As far as the turn signal not making any noise. I see that as a major safety concern. Personally, I definitely want to be able to hear my turn signal. Especially if I have to manually turn it off. I rode bikes for years from Bergmans to Honda 1100s . Many times they were my only means of transportation for years at a time. I don't know how many stories I've heard. And on the odd occasion, experienced it myself. When a rider leaves his turn signal on. Every car pulling out of a side road or parking lot. Looks and sees a rider coming but looks like they are going to turn in to the parking lot or down the side road they are turning out of. So many people say, "They looked right at me and turned out in front of me anyway!" Sometimes that happens because the driver thinks the rider is going to turn. You can even test this out while driving your car and see how many people will just assume you're turning and jump right out in front of you. Noisy turn signals save lives.

[@jrnumex9286]

wow dave if turn signal noise is a must how 'bout making a visual look a priority?. i wear a full face helmet and can't hear a click anyway. but yea, i always hit the blinker off button all the time doing a driving check list in route. my "right -away" on cycles is not a good thought to began with, clicking blinkers or not,

[@BusterHWJones]

Add a beeper. Problem solved.

[@peaceagain6316]

Had one in the 70s 50cc blue. Freaking thing was great. I was 10

[@johnharper2016]

I have a 2010 GTS 300 ie Super. LOVE IT! Get the Vespa tall windshield and the really nice back rack and storage box. Expensive? Yes. Worth it? YES!. Hit that freeway and gas on it. I ride mine on the freeway often. Cruise at 65/70 MPH easily. I would love to have the Green/Gold Racing 60's 300.

[@ifrit35]

I'm from France so there's a way bigger market scooters here but I encountered the same issue as you did. Being that if you want anything bigger than a 125cc you'll get into the maxi scooter category with the like of Yamaha Tmax, Honda Forza 750 and BMW C650 which are all land yacht compared to a traditional scooter like a Vespa. Personally I have no interest in these and the Vespa 300 is appealing because it stands out without any competition. And you're absolutely right about having a rough idea about what you want to achieve with your next purchase. Personally I already have a Rebel 500 and I'm looking for a second smaller 2 wheeler like a scooter or a Honda Dax.

[@m12ttd]

Fantastic revue! I bought a New GTS300 last June 2021, I love it!!!

[@ScooterNewbie]

Thanks! These scooters are blast, so I’m glad to hear you’re still digging yours!!

[@markkulyas2418]

The way I look at things is price is irrelevant if it makes you happy and it makes you smile.

[@ScooterNewbie]

So true! It's hard to put a price tag on that (my bank account does not agree). 💰

[@stephenheys6851]

the Honda super cub or hunter cub could have been a good 125 alternative perhaps, the super cub also has a neat iconic look

[@ScooterNewbie]

It does! I was on a trip recently & saw so many Super Cubs. They have a lot of spunk & personality zipping around.

[@lstavenhagen]

I know this is from about a year ago, but I'm practically sold on the GTS 300 based on your review! I was looking at the Kymco AK 550 and the BMW C400GT, but they violate a couple of my main rules for vehicles - can't find any information about them, no visible user/driver community, no visible history and no/very scant visible dealership/parts support. Anyway, hope to see an update on your experience with yours! Great review!

[@ScooterNewbie]

I keep meaning to get the updates published! Tldr: Vespa- perfect still & happy with it. AK550- 1 warranty service issue & 1 wear & tear (forks leaking) issue. And Rich semi-regrets buying it.

[@lstavenhagen]

@@ScooterNewbie No worries at all! For what it's worth, when I went to check out the GTS 300, I actually ended up getting a Piaggio Beverly 400 instead. Mainly because it has more power and is better suited to the highway, but also because it has a remarkably comfortable seat - it's also strangely less expensive than the Vespa too. It is a bit bigger and taller than the Vespa and more beasty around town. But those are ok compromises for me. I may eventually do a video review of it on my fledgling KZbin channel.....

[@MsBubbles1970]

Have used the sxl 150 for the last 3 years.Waiting for the gts300 to come to India

[@egilandersen1844]

Nice video :))...i have a orginal vespa box at the back of the scooter, that fits a helmet. Vespa lover 😊

[@darrelgrove5304]

I love my 2004 ET-4 (150 cc) but want a newer bike and larger engine. Thanks for the review!

[@mikef9126]

I bought one today. Exact model. 2022. Get it Monday. I cant wait. Oh yeah. Great video.

[@ScooterNewbie]

Score! I'm excited for you!!! 😍

[@mikef9126]

@@ScooterNewbie thanks. It really is cool looking. I almost got the SuperTech but the color scheme wasn’t as clean as the super sixties.do you know the story behind it? Pretty cool.

[@Samtasticlife37]

I've lived in Houston and rode motorcycles and I could not imagine riding a Vespa on a Houston Freeway.... that seems like a Kamikaze trip... best rides ahead.

[@stevewhite791]

Well done, big scooter fan here. Nickname suggestions...VesBra, La Dolce Newbie?

[@volvotron]

I had a 2006 Vespa 250 gts. It was fun for the five years I owned it. However you better learn how to do the maintenance yourself because you’ll be spending an arm and leg at the dealership. Check out what they charge for a complete service or just roller replacement. $$$.

[@joh8379]

If you loke the Vespa, check out the Royal Alloy GP300S.

[@crpth1]

I had a Piaggio XEvo 250ie 2005 or 2006 (I can't remember). It was my first middle size automatic scooter. It had a damned ugly butt! LOL BUT what an amazingly practical and sensible daily/commuting vehicle! On top it had impeccable road manners and didn't shy away from any highway competition! With excellent performance for it's size! All inline with an awesome fuel consumption. Due to i.e. Euro 3 engine, I think it was EU3! Remote control to open the luggage compartment. Onboard computer with real fuel calculation, etc. Resuming except for the fact it had no "charisma"! It was everything that a Vespa 250ie can be, but with several improvements and more practical aspects! All in all sold me the Piaggio bug! To this day I only tend to repeat two brands, Piaggio and Honda! ;-)

[@coyote8777]

If you want to bake your helmet put it under the seat. That compartment gets very hot. I did put reflective material on the underside, but still not interested in putting on a hot helmet (I'm in Florida).

[@jarrettreckseidler]

Two additional points to address your points: (1) NEVER use the small side kickstand...not stable enough; (2) get a TOP CASE: provides solution for storing your helmet

[@thezone3946]

My 2006 Grandtourismo GT200 is the same as yours size wise and chassis. It's MUCH larger and more stable feeling that my 150cc 2018 Primavera. Always go large frame if u want a ccomfortable city bike or touring bike. And yes I always leave my signal on whilst riding lol..vespa needs a better directional signal. Use the rain cover and YES Your. Helmet will fit in under seat storage....play Legos with it and it will fit. 12 inch wheels r perfect for interstate travel.....11inch r the suicide wheels lol, backroads r always fun tho , it's not an interstate cruiser really as I hate be8ng maxed out rpms to keep 75mph

[@dutchy1121]

A good motorcycle would be a Honda NC750X with DCT (automatic transmission) it is a lot more expensive than a vespa but you can ride one at your height and it is very good for the highway.

[@mig50cc]

At around the 9:10 mark I assume you're referring to the Rebel 1100 DCT. I can see how a 1000+ CC engine would seem a bit much especially for a new rider. I actually bought one within a few weeks of completing an MSF course and when first riding it I honestly thought I made a mistake. Fortunately there is a spacious parking lot near my home where I was able to get really familiar with the bike while practicing the low speed maneuvers learned at MSF. After spending about 30 minutes there I decided to just ride it around town even though I was still somewhat nervous. But riding it was an absolute blast! A big plus, imho, when it comes to that bike is the 3 riding modes: standard, sport, and rain. Since buying it I've only had it on standard mode except the last time I rode when I had it on rain mode (least power, most braking ability and traction control). I enjoyed riding it this way because it felt easier to handle as opposed to standard mode, where the bike is still very much easy to handle. But for any beginner rider who ends up with the 1100 DCT, I would highly recommend using rain mode first because the power just in standard mode can be a bit overwhelming.

[@cakrawalajingga]

I like your review and the humor along with it....subcribed! ( mostly because of the beauty beside you there)

[@ScooterNewbie]

Ha! Thanks! And I couldn't agree more about the beauty... Rosie gets more beautiful by the day!

[@fasteddylove-muffin6415]

Very thorough review. New subscriber, thanks for posting.

[@malnatt1715]

Ottima scelta, non ne rimarrai delusa e rispetto a altri scooter il suo valore di mercato rimarrá sempre quotato.Buone gite,goditela🛵👍😉🇮🇹Ciao!

[@simondent2196]

Hello, Ref.your ASR light there is a maintenance recall for that the scooter needs to go to Vespa and be put on the PADS to have it reset.

[@ScooterNewbie]

Aw man! Looks like I need to do a road trip. 🌞

[@LogicvsLuxury]

yes would love to hear about the diff types and trim levels!

[@ScooterNewbie]

Sure thing! Added it to the list & will try to get it out soon-ish!

[@ScooterNewbie]

Oh & let me know if you have a specific question, and I’ll be sure to include it with a shout out!

[@paulsymonds820]

Really good choice and great video!

[@bronrayner6280]

I have the same one. I call mine Luca. Hello from Newcastle in Australia

[@ScooterNewbie]

Love hearing from scooter pals everywhere! Great name! 😉

[@90330]

This would be my choice of colour too.

[@widgie161]

I would love a video breaking down all Vespa models and comparing them

[@ScooterNewbie]

Sure thing! I forgot how confused I was when I went to shop, but the differences are more subtle than you'd think!

[@RogierYou]

I test drove the Piaggio BV350 and the Vespa GTS 300 hpe. The BV350 was a better bike certainly for the money. The Vespa brought a big smile on my face. So I bought it 😄

[@ScooterNewbie]

Ha! I understand that sentiment COMPLETELY!! 🛵 💨

[@dennisloving8214]

Where in Houston do you live? Houston Scooter Battalion rides first Sunday each month. Leaves at 3 from Drift in the Heights.

[@ranman1959]

Really enjoy your content. Just took delivery of a 2022 Vespa GTS 300 a couple of days ago and already have about 100 miles on it. Only thing I dislike so far is where they placed the dipstick. Not only is it in an awkward place, I find it really difficult to remove and re-insert.

[@ScooterNewbie]

I can’t wait to get the clear glass viewer for this. It is annoying! And I finally figured out how NOT to get gas everywhere when I fill up! What color did you get?

[@ranman1959]

@@ScooterNewbie I got Arancio Impulsivo, or Impulsive Orange.

[@ranman1959]

@@ScooterNewbie And please cover how to NOT get gas everywhere in a video. I haven't figured that out yet, lol. I know the cap under the pet carrier trick, which at least get keeps gas out of that. But I still haven't been able to keep it from spewing elsewhere. At least there's a drain hole!

[@ScooterNewbie]

@@ranman1959 Ha! Yes! I do have a few tricks now. I was waiting for true FIX for a video, but if you finesse a couple of of ways + the cap under the bucket, I'm a lot better now. (oh & love the head-turning color!)

[@MarioMartinez-pt1fr]

I ride a Vespa 150 sprint, 2018, WHITE. I REGRET not buying a GtS 300! Would have LIKED to take road trip, 150 is great for CITY riding, but! Not ENOUGH horsepower for the highway. Enjoy your scooter, MAX WORLD WINS 🛵🛵🛵🛵🛵🛵🛵🛵🛵👍⚘🌻

[@ScooterNewbie]

I know what you mean! It’s a viscous cycle to want more I hear, but that 150 Sprint is a zippy fun-machine!!

[@MOLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE]

I love my 2017 Sprint 150. Sure the 300 is better but I’m poor ❤

[@binderrobert4909]

You did the best investment, congrats!

[@ScooterwolfsMotovlog]

Congrats and welcome to the Maxi club! This is exciting. Once I started riding a bigger bike I realized there were no obstacles in my way and I could ride and travel anywhere while still having the fun of being on a scooter. Will you be getting a top case for extra storage? Back before the 80's or earlier, a lot of motorcycle riders were in crashes (some fatal) from taking off and forgetting to put their side stand up. That's why a lot of scooters have that function, along with the headlights always being on. I'm okay with safety features like that. That is a shame about the full face helmet. The backroads are the best, but the interstates aren't as bad as you'd think (unless you're in Pennsylvania). Yes -- Twist and Go is the Tops! Gear changing is more about operating a bike, but not always about riding a bike. It can be fun, but a lot of work too.

[@geraldscott4302]

I have always removed the nanny switches from all my bikes, like the sidestand and clutch lockout switch. After 46 years and over a million miles, I know how to ride a bike. My 2006 GT200 has a "self retracting" sidestand. When you lift the scooter upright, the sidestand retracts. An accident waiting to happen. BMW motorcycles used to have sidestands like that, and many of them wound up laying on their sides because of it. My GT200 keeps up fine on the freeway in the right lane. It will hold 75 mph at full throttle, but you almost always come up behind a vehicle (usually a semi truck) doing about 65 mph in the right lane. I just fall in behind them. Those 12" wheels will do just fine on the freeway.

[@redpunkt4542]

I owned a GTS 300 before and still misses its power and smoothness. As most scooters goes into keyless etc. must say the power this 300cc gives compare to others is incomparable. New, I’m riding a three wheeler scooter but vespa still has a place in my heart.

[@ScooterNewbie]

I am curious - what led you to a 3 wheel?

[@redpunkt4542]

@@ScooterNewbie I’m riding a Peugeot Metropolis 400i. Stability definitely, even for city ride, occasionally I’ll see pot holes or uneven roads. So it sorta helps to have maintain balancing. Plus when I’m at a traffics light, I dun have to put my legs down. With self-balancing function, it’s easier on my back also.

[@alejandrollamas692]

Love my 2022 400 Suzuki Burgman!

[@ScooterNewbie]

Such a smooth, fun ride!

[@alejandrollamas692]

And you can ride them on freeways...

[@live1030]

Good and thoughtful details on your scooter. However, I have an unrelated question. The only time I have heard the term 'stop and go lights' was in WI . Do you have ties there or do more places say that? They are 'stop lights' here and 'traffic lights' in some other areas I visited.

[@ScooterNewbie]

Ha! No, I don't have connections with anyone in WI other than being a semi-Packers fan for Sunday Funday only. 🙃 I'm going to ask some friends this week about what they say because reading your question about what I said makes me think that it is odd. If that's the case, I was likely stumbling over my words. Like usual. 🤣

[@carltonhobbs]

I have a Honda Reflex with 13 and 12 inch tires. To me it is stable at a bit over 70 mph with top speed of 75 a little less. I heard about a "4000 mile scooter cannonball run" where Reflex riders chose a car tire for the back tire and I decided to do that too! It's awesome. I had to search the net for a German 12" car tire. What is better than going 70 mph and 70 mpg at the same time on a 21 years old scooter?

[@thackerybrown2860]

I'm surprised the full face helmet doesn't fit. I know this video is 9 months old - maybe you figured this out by now - but try turning the helmet around to face forward and center its opening for your neck in the bottom. I had no problem firing a full face helmet in my old vespa ET2 so I'd be surprised if they sacrificed that on a larger model

[@25Soupy]

5:00 minutes of the video: Hindsight is 20/20. Before you bought the Buddy Kick you just would have never imagined buying a 300cc scooter let alone a Vespa as you stated last video, "Vespa: Best Brand or Just Overpriced?" Sept 24, 2021. You weren't even sure if you would want to keep riding after 1 year. Although, you have me thinking I should just buy the 300 and just skip over the 155cc Vespa.

[@ScooterNewbie]

That is such a hard decision! I still can't bring myself to sell the Buddy Kick. For all of my local driving, it does the job just fine in that engine size, so that 150 Vespa is nothing to sneeze at! 🛵

[@babycornell49]

What jacket were you wearing when you were riding in this video? Link to it please

[@joesifdirtthe2nd499]

Need more videos of you riding this scooter

[@Duckie903]

That’s a really fun-to-watch-video. and informative too. Thanks a lot! Could you please tell what helmet you’re wearing in that video? It looks really good for an integral-helmet. I‘m asking for my girlfriend and we live in Europe - so you wouldn‘t see your helmet on another Vespa. 😇

[@ScooterNewbie]

I hope to ride in Europe! 😂 This helmet is the Bilt Eternity Women’s version & has the ECE sticker, too. It’s so affordable & a good value for the features.

[@kentwilliams4152]

With gas prices way ^^^ I am seriously thinking of a 300 GT. I would add a tail trunk and a windshield. 🤗

[@ScooterNewbie]

Join us! It's super fun! I just installed a windshield, and I'm trying to decide if I like it or not.

[@jimbobaggans1564]

What I dislike about my gts is it doesn't have a kick start. In my Honda Metropolitan it does have a kick start which has saved me a few times. In fact I can take the battery out of the Metropolitan and I can kick start it and away I go! Do that with the Vespa and you're dead in the water. Still the Vespa is beautiful. A rolling work of art. That's what I paid for. Is it worth it. NO. Dependability is my first priority. How do you beat Honda?

[@ScooterNewbie]

I definitely hear you - dependability is my first priority, too! I would love to try a Honda, but they have so few options!

[@PeterBex_ArtDirector]

Well done.

[@tedfisher2272]

😀 I live in Houston also and have not found a Vespa dealer. Usually a scooter shop will sell a used one, but not a new one. So could you provide some guidance to find a Vespa dealer in H town?

[@ScooterNewbie]

:( You have to work with The Motorcycle Shop of AF-1 in Austin. Both are great but for different reasons. They will help you work on transport to Houston, but we ended up loading them in a back of a truck. No Vespa on the horizon in Houston from what I understand.

[@criticalfriend2300]

Thanks for the video. How tall are you please? Trying to gauge how comfortable I would find the size.

[@ScooterNewbie]

I’m almost 5’6”. I put an IG Reel out with the GTS, Buddy Kick & Like to help with a little more frame of reference. instagram.com/reel/CUOHXVMpSpH/?

[@aussiekingofmongrels]

Can you do a mpg review? Thanks

[@saru_chanofficial]

How did u get the license? Like the process

[@redhook1960]

Do you need a motorcycle license and how fast does it ride. Also what is the price of a 300 cc

[@samuelfink4799]

I’m considering a Piaggio Liberty 150s and am curious as to any information you have as to the costs of the scheduled maintenance intervals. I know this will vary geographically and somewhat with model variations but any info you have as to your model would greatly be appreciated.

[@jasonlow5600]

Hi Renee, lovely Vespa you have. Can you update us after owning it for a year? Service cost and rust if any ? Forums a full with Vespa owners complaining about rust appearing in lower frame area. Many TIA, Jason from Australia

[@ScooterNewbie]

You got it! I hit my year next month, and since we moved I’ve been leaving my scooter covered but outside of the garage where it gets some rain action just to entice some rust if there will be some….

[@seadweller8458]

Does your engine burn oil? I hear the 2019 and up gts engines are flawed

[@jeffreyhurst9552]

I had a 2004 200cc Vespa and loved it until the water pump went out. I fit on the bike (at 5’8”) and the seat was comfortable. The 70 mph potential top speed was fine for commuting. Storage was good. My next scooter, the Suzuki 200, was good but the seating position was cramped. I liked the sporty style of the Burgman, but also missed the classic european styling. I do miss the Vespa very much. Love the passion and analysis in your scooter videos. Ride safe.

[@ScooterNewbie]

Thanks for the kind words. I'm surprised the Suzuki felt cramped... I always imagine the maxi scooters are more spread out, but now that you mention it, I don't think I love the riding position on the AK550. Now you've got me thinking about that! I'll have to pay attention next time I pull it out.

[@wesleydejong6196]

mooi video met scooter newie

[@ScooterNewbie]

bedankt!! 💕

[@tracyhendersonh4-houteam361]

Saweet looking… Congrats!

[@spookytook]

Can you put bigger wheels in Vespas?

[@rosesmith9345]

Her name is La Bella Luna, in an Italian accent of course. You can then call her Bella or Luna

[@clangerbasher]

No Piaggio BV400 in Texas / US?

[@madogblue]

It is too bad the large frame Vespa doesn't hold a full face helmet and the glove box is hot. Storage is one of the draws to a scooter over a MC. Bummer. It is nice looking though

[@ScooterNewbie]

You are so right! On a 100 degree day recently, my phone overheated in that glovebox. I just put it in my jacket, but that isn't what I expected.

[@garyteague4480]

Beautiful

[@AMiah-jz8uu]

Did u consider other colours ?? What do u think of the mint green one

[@ScooterNewbie]

I love, love, love the mint one! I think it's called Relax Verde or something along those lines, but it is also the hardest to get. I would have had to wait, and I was worried I wouldn't love the color in 10 years anyhow. That led me to consider primary colors. The red stripes on the Racing 60s appear to be vinyl stickers, so I'll remove them if I feel froggy down the road with white serving as an excellent base for customizing.