2018 Vespa GTS Touring - 6 month Follow-Up

[@TheMitchEnfinger]

Hey Chris, just want to let you know about the key fob, it says in the manual that you have to hold the button for 3 seconds for it to open. It is a security measure to prevent you from opening the storage accidentally as you're walking away from the bike. You can also have the top box re-keyed to match your scooter key too. That's what I ended up doing because carrying two keys got annoying.

[@chateaunoirnashville]

Chris, an excellent review. I purchased the 2019 GTS 300 Touring 2 months ago, and am absolutely in love with it.

[@TheCerealHobbyist]

Have you had any issues with your side stand dragging while cornering? Mine seems to do it a lot....

[@pccoder]

@@TheCerealHobbyist I never lean that far over.

[@TheCerealHobbyist]

I'm going to bend it in a bit. Happened again the other day.

[@pccoder]

@@TheCerealHobbyist I think if you start messing with the kick stand then I wouldn't use it at all. It's already unreliable as a stand. I'm always concerned when I put it on the kick stand and only do it for short bits of time, like backing out of the garage and realizing I left something in the house. Quick in/out and back on the scooter.

[@TheCerealHobbyist]

@@pccoder Yeah, I double check it every time I put it down on the side stand. Lean it down, have it in hand and shake it a bit. I don't use the side stand much. I've contemplated just ditching it and figuring out how to short the kill switch in it that stops the motor if is down. I rub it all the time. Startles me.

[@jeremoe1]

I have the 300 GTS Super with 11,641 miles and no rust underneath it. I live in New Orleans, with lots of humidity. I also keep a rag under the seat to wrap around the opening when filling with gas. Nice video and nice scooter! I love mine too.

[@michaelryerson1315]

Well, it comes through loud and clear you love your scooter! And why not? It's beautiful and very practical. This is the best red that Vespa ever had. I wish they still had this red. Nice vid. Thanks. I wish you'd do a road vid too.

[@davidbrooksbank7444]

I know have a 2018 GTS Touring since July 2019. It had done 600 miles when I bought it and I have put 2,000 miles on it since. Last August I went on a short tour of the UK's West Country, great fun. I agree with most of whats said here but would like to add the following. I previously had a 2012 GTS and in all the time I had it there was no sign of under body rust. I did however wash and polish it regularly even underneath, especially at the front just back from the front wheel. I added extra paint to the front seam and if mud or dirt accumulated in winter I was he it off as soon as I could. I don't ride every day in winter, mainly when it dry. Some of the marks you have pointed out are due to parts rubbing on each other but it was never a big problem on my first GTS. My new GTS handles far better than the 2012 model, I suppose it has upgraded string and suspension. I love it! I had big biles in the 1990's but love my GTS far more than those. Its comfy, stylish, practical, economical and has all the power I need for main road traveling as well as in town. Happy motoring.

[@jkentsan]

Glad you like your Vespa. I have a 2012 GTV-300 with 13,500 miles and ride it two or three times a week running errands etc. Also a tip regarding the front spring loaded rack; often our grocery store will put 6 packs of 16 ounce sodas (or 8 pk 12 oz) on sale. When I'm maxed out on space with the top box and under seat storage, you can invert the six or eight pack bottles of soda and they will wedge nicely and won't move. Even though I also have a 2018 Harley-Davidson Limited CVO, I choose the Vespa for quick runs and I don't feel guilty riding in shorts and sandals. LOL

[@pccoder]

Jim San thanks for the tip on the front rack. That’s a great idea.

[@woongtv-naturehealing273]

That's a great channel. The design of the motorcycle is so beautiful. It's an honor to be a friend of your beautiful channel. Have a nice Thursday. 👍👍👍🤙🤙🤙👌

[@lisagordon6355]

Colour is exquisite

[@thomassonntag8237]

Don't worry about rust. I can see you wash the Vespa on a regular basis. You might want to use a wax which helps to keep it in good condition. If you remove the battery you could use a wax based spray to protect the battery box. I had a small frame Vespa ET2 (2-stroke) for 18 years/ 14000 km. I normally didn't ride it when it was raining and not during winter in Germany. When I finally sold it to a student last summer there was no rust at all (no joke) and that includes the exhaust as well, it was in excellent condition, no expensive repairs, only tyres, belt, battery etc.. When selling it, I got half of the price back of what I paid for it 18 years ago. Not bad for a scooter made in Italy. So don't worry about rust as I said and enjoy riding.

[@jameskrell4392]

Thats what I have done. I use a good quality car wash with wax and I have had two GTS's over six years. No rust, but on my 2018 GTS I have wax oiled the underside as I have become paranoid Lol.

[@pccoder]

I haven't had any rust either.

[@johnredmond6677]

Hey Chris I have four.keep the area under the foot step.bottom clean this helps keep corrosion at bay.if rusted treat with rust converter then undercoat high in zinc.then paint with colour matching paint.use a paint brush as it can't be seen.colour code is on sticker in the seat sticker.when the bucket is removed.enjoy .

[@digitaldion]

Thanks for the great video. I am still riding a GT200 Vespa. They are stunning - I drive to work and back every day (about 15 miles each way). It is wonderful! I have a larger screen (the mid size between yours and the full screen). I also have a top box and find it very handy!

[@chavezding8935]

How medium screen protects from wind nad rain in your opinion? I’m planing to install one. I’m 1,77 cm

[@irishrover63]

They do rust here in the U.K. due to salt on the roads in winter. In sunny Florida everything should be rust free even though you are close to the sea. I'm not a fan of the top box as I think it detracts from the Vespa look, same with motorcycles, I've never put one on a bike. As David correctly points out that trim is not metal, but plastic. :)

[@pccoder]

I've never been a fan of the top box. However now that I have it I wouldn't ever go without it. I agree that it's not the most attractive but it's no incredibly practical that it allows me to ride the Vespa every day of the week.

[@theflyingbrompton4787]

Agree totally. Top box is simply ugly.

[@davidcarroll2035]

Also wanted to mention your rust comment. I’m on my second one of these now I do genuinely love riding them. In the uk we get, in winter quite a lot of road salt thrown down when the snow and ice is around and what causes rust to get an hold is stone chip damage not being attended to straight away. You might not have noticed but the front bumper is too short, over here people fit after market front mudguard flaps that extend the protection, if you don’t then unless you’re not riding in winter rust will kick off. I know you have atmospheric salt from the sea but it’s not so direct. Have a good look around your front end and see if you can see where stones have chipped the paint while riding. Your one lucky dude if you can’t find any xx

[@pccoder]

thanks.

[@michaelevans1658]

Little tip ,use the gas cap to wedge the seat bucket up a bit when filling with gas .Stops gas filling the seat bucket .

[@1960ARC]

Love the colour. Keep it clean and dry and I think you will avoid rust. I have a mid size screen on my primavera . think I've done around 6000 miles since I got it in 2016.

[@richvogel6902]

Love the “real world “ review! May I ask about reliability? Any problems or smooth sailing? Thanks again!

[@pccoder]

All good so far

[@jrnumex9286]

nice owners review of daily things.i have racks on back of moto bikes about same size rack. i carry a square canvas or nylon bags with more capacity than the top box no problem with ROK straps. on my scoot with a about worthless size rack i placed a larger bicycle rack over it and clamped down. front rack a must even just to see it as most all scoots/bikes don't offer that.

[@addeade231]

I have a 2018 Vespa with almost 9,000 miles (14000km) it stands outside (under a chapel) and there is no rust on the chrome parts even if i do not clean it a lot now during the winter. Quality seems great so far. Mine (50cc) is exactly the same color as you, and the touring version. I use it as a commuter. I have had zero issues what-so-ever as of yet, with only basic service.

[@pccoder]

I agree. I have never had any rust issues either.

[@autoby4981]

I've heard they did improve the rust issue with the latest models! My Vespa GTS 300 (4th generation) did have some rust where the battery is located. I did a video about it, too!

[@pccoder]

Agreed. I've never had any rust issues either. I occasionally pull out the battery to check and still no issues.

[@autoby4981]

@@pccoder that's nice to hear!

[@realStefanLowe]

Great follow up!!! Thanks for the info.

[@a.fontaine633]

With putting the gas in I just take the bucket completely out or you can use the gas cap to prop it up High Enough to avoid spilled gas in your storage but always put it in slow and keep your eye on it , yes that is the downside to owning a Vespa .

[@davidcarroll2035]

Hi, just have a check on that trim for me if you would, because the trim is made of flexible plastic there is no metal in it to corrode, the plastic trim has a very tight fitting cellophane wrap on it. It’s so tight that it’s hard to distinguish it. However moisture gets trapped under it and can cause this illusion. Try in a corner so if it’s different from mine you won’t see it, but try to lift it off. I’ve found that if it’s not took off from new it tends to go brittle and comes of very slowly but give it a go my.friend. God Bless you from another Vespa freak x

[@pccoder]

I agree it looks like it could potentially peel back but I've been very reluctant to try that. The dealer said he could warranty fix it, but I didn't feel like driving 100+ miles each way for what he called a 4-hour job. I've watched videos and it's not quite 4 hours, but it definitely involves taking a lot of stuff off to get to it. I'll take a look and see if it looks like it'll peel back.

[@TheCerealHobbyist]

I got the 2019 version of this bike (same color), I am absolutely in love. I have a vintage Vespa for tooling around, but love having a bigger reliable scooter I can take on the highway and still has the classic looks. Have you done any mods or upgrades other than the top case? I added an air horn (the stock horn is so pitiful), a modulating brake light, LED bulbs for all rear lights, a passenger back rest, extended pegs, and various chrome bits.

[@pccoder]

No upgrades yet. I've been considering the LED light kit from Scooterwest. Funny thing, I actually like the stock horn. :) It definitely yells "Vespa" when people hear it.

[@TheCerealHobbyist]

My problem is people hearing it in the first place. Doesn't grab attention at all. After I got cut off off and the person had no reaction to the stock horn I wired up the air horn. The Scooter West kit is my next upgrade.

[@pccoder]

@@TheCerealHobbyist that makes good sense. I used to ride Harley's all the time, but even with that super loud engine the people in cars are simply oblivious. Gotta keep that head on a swivel.

[@Dinotti]

That failure of paint under seat is because of seat. I noticed the same. Ill just put sume rubber between

[@pccoder]

sounds like a good idea.

[@wanderingbox7971]

i agree. I love being on it

[@Ben-db5re]

My best bet for why you don’t have rust is maybe because you live in a warmer climate. Do you ever ride it in rain and dry it off after or ever have salt on the roads. My other hypothesis is that if you payed extra for your paint work as an optional extra maybe it’s got an added thickness / laher of protection to it? Also how much was your vespa!? Nice video.

[@pccoder]

Thanks. I think it was around $7,000 new. Yes, I've been caught in a downpour or two. ;) After rain I don't usually clean it that day. Typically a few days later. We don't have salt on our roads. It's stock paint.

[@nikos-giorgos]

What added thickness? Do you think that when you order a vehicle with colour as an optional extra, they respray whatever they have in stock and then send it to you?

[@SweetLilyofPeace]

Ok I have a question for you scooter experts. I have been looking at the Vespa GTS300 touring and also today at the Vespa GTS300 Super 2019 models. Does anyone know what the differences are in these two scooters please? I have searched everywhere and cannot see a simple comparison. I understand they both have the same engine. I did look at a spec which included both models with the same spec. So I still do not know what the difference is. Is it just the look or is one bigger than the other for example? Are they both the same top speed? They are both beautiful bikes but I am leaning in favour of the tourer. I will start with a 125 cheap scooter but am aiming once experienced to go straight for my A2 or even my DAS. I will wait until I am experienced to decide which one. However my aim in the future is to get a Vespa 300 and I love the look and seeming performance of this scooter. I just want something that I would feel a little more comfortable on dual carriageways and even eventually motorways. I know some ride 125s but I think a 300 would be a more comfortable and safer ride on them. I am not saying I would ride on motorways frequently but my future move will mean occasional motorway rides.

[@pccoder]

L Mac nothing. These scooters have the exact same engine, shocks, etc. the differences are simply color, accessories, color of wheels, etc. In the end it’s just cosmetics.

[@SweetLilyofPeace]

Lovely looking scooter. I have been looking at the 125 and they are so expensive here (UK), around the 5k mark. It would be my first scooter and am considering it as I just love the look of it and it seems has quite a superior engine compared to some others. I have seen some negatives and positives and still thinking about. The most prohibitve thing so far though is the price. Thanks for the video :) The rust issues I have seen have been mostly UK so if they use to commute to work the salted roads to prevent black ice in the winter could be a contributory factor. It to me though is the best looking scooter I have looked at so far and the one I am looking at is same colour as yours. I kept pausing your video at the full shots of it from different angles just to look at it. I just need to decide whether to fork out the cash. Do you think this is also good as a beginners scooter as I have heard they are pretty stable and comfortable to ride or should I wait to spend all that cash once I am more comfortable on the roads?

[@pccoder]

L Mac have you owned motorcycles in the past? Scooters are a great way to learn how to get on two wheels. Unless you want to ride 35mph is definitely recommend the GTS, Primivera or similar. Anything from a 125 and up is going to be great for you. As far as highway travel...it’s just not practical although it will work. I did 20 miles on an interstate a few weeks ago. I rode around 65 mph while everyone passed me doing 80. It’s just a matter of staying on the right and keeping your head on a swivel. If you’ve never owned a motorcycle or scooter I plead with you to take a safety course. You’ll learn things you never realized you didn’t know. I hope this was helpful.

[@SweetLilyofPeace]

@@pccoder I am a non driver and I have thought about a scooter for a while. I have taken driving lessons in the past and loved the freedom of driving on the open road. However now I wouldn't want a car. I am a beginner and will start with my cbt and a cheap 125 I have decided. Then down the line when I am more experienced I will take my test and buy a good but rather expensive one. I want the Vespa GTS 300 tourer in red and they are pricey. My aim is to move to Spain inland and to get and I want the freedom of living rural but visiting all the lovely cities there. They have some great motorways over there and I think that is why I would go for the 300 tourer rather than the 125. I wouldn't feel comfortable on a motorway with anything less. I must say getting around by scooter looks fun and I think I would really enjoy it but I am also the careful type and would most definitely take extra lessons apart from the cbt (compulsory basic training we have in the UK which is just a one day course and we have to pass before we can even go out on the road over here even with L plates) So decision made start with a cheaper 125 used I think and then down the line invest in this beautiful tourer when experienced :) I am quite excited really. Watching all these videos has made me sure that it is for me. I should have done it years ago :) PS I have heard that Piaggio will bring out a 400. Not sure if a sports or tourer though. So who knows by the time I get to the point of buying the tourer I may make a different decision. However currently the Vespa gts tourer is the one I have fallen in love with. It just sings to me haha. You would probably laugh if you knew how many videos and photos I have looked at in the past few days :)

[@johnnyboy1586]

Just try a rubbing some steel wool on that alloy strip, should get oxidation off. Then maybe find some type on protective coating🙂

[@pccoder]

the strip is plastic.

[@gerrynightingale9045]

*The 'Rust!' issue has more to do with leaving the machine outside that anything else...water-vapor condenses at nightfrom temp. drops, and a 'mist' causes rust faster than any hose ever could!* *High-quality waxes are a 'must' for any machine...and leaving dirt on the undercarriage for days at a time invites 'pitting' because moisture is trapped in the dirt and it forms an electrolyte-action because of iron present in 'dirt globs'...a 'cathode/anode' scenario is at work, and for some reason Vespa's paint is very vulnerable to 'pitting'...it may well be because of some static-field created by the 'CVT' belt itself...I've heard from some who say "Wrap some aluminum-foil on the center-stand and the static will discharge into it!" but it sounds like BS to me because the charge is still 'there'* *Maybe a jumper-cable on the center-stand to any copper or steel-pipe that goes into the ground would work*

[@kennethgraversen5329]

If you buy something Italian made, you will have rust. Its the shittiest mechanic in the world. Try buying a Fiat. Oh my good.

[@davefram4653]

Do you think the corrosion on the chrome trim might be due to a manufacturing defect?

[@pccoder]

Can’t say for sure but it did happen on one side.

[@coastalhillbilly3419]

@@pccoder Cool scooter, If it’s real chrome/metal try some fine steel wool and WD30 on the oxidation

[@jackt1400]

on most of Vespa review videos, most of them are displaying rust problems, and this is not good for owners planning for long term ownership. I guess Vespa should look into this issue seriously.

[@rickhovarter8780]

Please tell me what does not rust… It’s an ongoing oxidation problem that we all deal with one way or the other.

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

Enjoyed your walk around and talking about some of the in's and hour's. Had you ever considered a small bike like the Kawasaki Versys 300? I was wondering why you decided on the scooter instead of a small adventure bike or something? Enjoy your summer!

[@pccoder]

I've owned a sport bike and 3 Harley Davidsons. I wanted a change and always wanted a Vespa. I lived in Sicily 30 years ago and they were everywhere. It stuck with me and when I decided to buy a Vespa it wasn't even about buying a scooter for me...It was about buying a Vespa.

[@tinddu]

hello chris,im about to purchase a 2019 gts touring just like yours.{left over model}.im buying a vespa I don't like scooter ,I live in sicilia also for 2 years 30 years ago,i was in siracusa,catania,and I stay for while in Taormina ,giardini naxos sound familiar to you?

[@stewartdenton1189]

Always take my underseat bucket out before refilling.

[@vahntalur7273]

Another Vespa video I saw the man said when filling with gas, prop up the under compartment by slightly pulling it up. It makes a small gap and gives about a 2 inch deflector. Personally, I am thinking about getting some type of dollar store cups, keep 2-3 under the seat, previously cut the bottoms out for the cup to fit on the outside of the gas tank lip. Then throw away when done at the gas station.

[@kentwilliams4152]

Rust can occur in climates where road salt is used during winter.

[@darrellclark9596]

Dope scooter!🤙

[@throughmyeyes9940]

Vespa has had 74 years to make it perfect, no issues perfect and "rust"?!

[@NoPastNoFate]

The fact that you do the same thing every time is evidence that it probably is caused by where you are parking it. Likely one side is in the sun more than the other. One side likely has more moisture condense on it and stay on it longer. Or one side has more UV light for longer.

[@pccoder]

Seems like that would be it, but it's not. Evidently this is a common issue.

[@C-64]

Polish the rust off and wax it, or throw some clear coat over it after removing the rust

[@pccoder]

have never had any rust.

[@BOYVIRGO666]

I had the keyfob problem too. I just sorta never bothered with it.

[@pccoder]

Virgo v agreed

[@michaelevans1658]

Talk to Robot at Vespa motorsport San Diego here sort any problems out you have with the vespa .Nice paint job by the way .My opinion the Honda sh300i best scoot .

[@craigcampbell1843]

Some bronze wool will take that corrosion right off without damaging the chrome.

[@pccoder]

Craig Campbell that’s actually a good idea.

[@craigcampbell1843]

Chris Kirkman I know.

[@kevindarkstar]

If you bought it new I'd be having a word with the dealer in regards to the left trim tarnish

[@pccoder]

It was covered by warranty.

[@mrglasswindowwashing]

It’s like New Yorkers come to Florida and the cars are all rusted same thing with her bikes but when they bring their Florida cars to New York no rust

[@tiomyun]

the washing product maybe do the corrosion on chrome parts

[@pccoder]

that's the most likely reason of all.

[@tostibrand1273]

how is the milage, maintenance intervals and cost?

[@pccoder]

Jonathan-David Pieter Heij I get 100 miles per refill, and that’s about 1.5 gallons. It’s really inexpensive to maintain. It’s a tight fit in the engine compartment but with very little mechanical skills you can do a lot of your own maintenance. Even though it’s not ready yet I still did an oil change a couple hundred miles ago. You can find videos for that as well. I changed out my air filter also and replaced the stock spark plug. Plug was $10, oil and filter were about $30. Air filter and filter lubricant was around $25. I got everything from Scooter West in California. They’re a great shop and they post a lot of Vespa videos.

[@philc128]

@@pccoder Hi Chris. Thanks for the great video. I just bought my Vespa 300 GTS last week. Waiting for the top box and full windshield to arrive from Italy before the scooter is delivered to me. I was a day late in deciding to get the red touring model! Sure is beautiful! So, I decided on a black model with camel seat. I decided not to get the touring model as I wanted a full windshield and didn't really find a need for the front rack so I kind of built my own with what I wanted. Can't wait! Thanks for the great review!

[@TheCerealHobbyist]

@Joseph Marton I'm curious what your $12k in upgrades are.

[@pccoder]

@@TheCerealHobbyist me too. did he install a jet pack. :)

[@pccoder]

@Joseph Marton You're filling the tank 4 times a day? How many miles are you riding? I think if I were riding enough to need to re-fill the tank 4 times a day I'd be considering a car.

[@theflyingbrompton4787]

What is the name of the color?

[@pccoder]

Rosso Vignola

[@picniconmars]

@@pccoder Vignola is a village renowned for exquisite cherries

[@pretzelogic2689]

He painted his car to match the Vespa.

[@kevindarkstar]

These are over £5000 in the UK to be honest you can get much better maxi scooters for the money, and as for the look it's very much in the eye of the beholder, personally I find vespa a bit slab fronted and bulbous, but I'll admit they have provided cheaper transport for decades

[@pccoder]

Very true, you either like it or you don't. Much like any form of transportation.

[@georgegkiokas4946]

Is it 300cc?🛵

[@pccoder]

George Gk 278

[@davekuebler8782]

wax your leg shield trim several times a year to stop corrosion

[@ee232jensen]

Who manny cc?👍

[@pccoder]

Erik Jensen 278

[@kevindarkstar]

So yeah it would class as a 300

[@321PCX]

still riding scooters on the space coast?

[@pccoder]

Not anymore. Since COVID it has basically sat in the garage.

[@Shifty-t5w]

@@pccoder They didnt tell you that Covid is long gone? Shame for such a great scooter.

[@pccoder]

@@Shifty-t5w obviously it's long gone. Has nothing to do with my comment about not riding it since Covid. I didn't say that I don't ride it anymore because of Covid, I said since Covid.

[@yodubba]

How much was that Vespa bout 6 gggggssss 😋

[@pccoder]

I think it might have been closer to 7, but I still enjoy it more than any motorcycle I've ever owned.

[@seattlegrrlie]

she so pretty

[@kombo731]

This is a really nice video review. But I have to tell you that the whole Roll Tide aspect is a distraction. I'm not a college football fan, so I don't care whom you support. It just doesn't belong here, IMHO.

[@pccoder]

Charles huh? Where did I mention Alabama?

[@europainvicta3907]

1 mile to work? You could walk that. And get some exercise.

[@pccoder]

or...living in Florida where it rains just about every day, I could ride to work and put on the rainsuit? Not to mention it gets so hot and humid here that I would need a shower by the time I get to the office.

[@theodavis9778]

Nonexistent quality control .....

[@pccoder]

Not sure I'd say that. If we're being honest, this is a scooter, not an automobile. I would expect quirks. I think if a buyer went into this purchase assuming everything would be perfect then he would be disappointed.

[@paulbunyun3663]

Clean it off with 0000 steel wool

[@pccoder]

It's plastic, would likely ruin it even more.

[@kennethgraversen5329]

Be patient. Italian made. It will for certain rust.

[@pccoder]

lol

[@nikos-giorgos]

Had my 2006 gts 250 for 7years(actually sold it and bought it back again) , never seen rust anywhere except the exhaust can. And that was superficial...

[@jameskrell4392]

This was true once but I have both a Vespa and an Alfa Romeo and guess what? No rust. I bought my Alfa when it was 2 years old and it is now six. I wash and wax it and it looks almost new.

[@mrglasswindowwashing]

Until you walk a mile in another man’s shoe from where he starts you cannot make remarks because you do not know shit except for your own life your own problems or non-problems like this Florida guy they have no salt on the road

[@hockey161616]

Ignorance is bliss. Cars rust like crazy I’m Florida. The salinity on the air caused for a lot of rust.