The Vespa GTS Repair or Replace Decision

For months I have been struggling to decide whether to repair or replace my 2006 Vespa GTS 250ie scooter. It needs some work and it will be expensive. But so will a newer used scooter or a brand new one. I have the money to but a new one but is that the right choice or just an emotional reaction to the situation I'm in.
Finally I'm done struggling and have made a decision.
#vespa #motovlog #vespagts

[@dionmoore879]

Did I hear you say you purchased your Vespa in 06? Well Steve, you have something money cannot by. Braggin rights for riding the same scooter for over 17 years. Well done.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I purchased my new 2006 GTS scooter on January 18, 2007. So almost 17 years. It's been an excellent riding companion and I hope to keep it so into the future. As I get older I will be riding less. And since I have four machines now it has to share my riding time!

[@capthook8066]

It’s been said that some scooters will last for years but a Vespa lasts for generations. I think you made a good decision. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Well said! And a Merry Christmas to you and your family as well.

[@clydeosterhout1221]

I think you made the best choice, both financially and emotionally

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I hope so!

[@bugscooters]

Great decision. Looking forward to the follow-up video. I hope that wobble gets fixed up. That would make me bonkers.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Fingers crossed! I'm hoping for a smooth ride!

[@peterpawlus8306]

I expect the new shocks (especially) and the bearing/race replacement will be a noticeable difference. On my 2016 GTS300, the rear shocks were failing (I was 3rd owner) so I replaced front and rear with Malossi. I believe my bike rides better than the new ones now. Mine also has the ESS front end. I've never had a wobble..even with the old shocks. Several of us in our club enjoy your channel and look forward to your next update (s). I wrench on my own and club members bikes here. Rebuilt my engine last year due to a bad exhaust rocker arm and corresponding camshaft lobe divot (presented itself as a click) It was nice having a spare Vespa (2012 LX150ie) while I took my time rebuilding it. Have a Merry Christmas! Peter & @VespaClubof Sarasota crew

[@ScooterintheSticks]

The replacement shocks I bought are all Malossi. I'm hoping the ride will improve and the sloppiness in the steering will be gone. I don't expect the deceleration wobble to be gone though but it isn't really an issue for me. Any concerns I have about my decision to do these updates relate to some of the engine issues you had. I would hate to invest $2K now only to have some engine issue emerge in a few months. Especially considering the mileage on the engine already. We'll see what happens. Worst case is I make it a garden sculpture and buy a new one!

[@Retro_Iron]

Well thought out. Good decision. You’ll be delighted with the results and at the very least you’ll have a machine worth selling off if and when it comes to that. And you shouldn’t have any trouble recouping those costs. I have several scoots, currently two of which are Vespas and one of those is a 2023. “Sometimes the devil you know” is the best choice. Even the new ones are not always completely trouble free and then there is the added headaches (and costs) associated with building it out to suit your needs. Can’t wait to see you back on it! And, um, I trust you gave the mechanic instructions to fix the seat latch!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Lest the engine explodes or some other catastrophic mechanical failure occurs I think I made the right decision for me. Regarding the seat latch, it’s still back ordered. So whenever I haul the scooter now I will secure the seat with a bungee cord!

[@ricbarnes6272]

Hi, after listening to your pros & cons , my own feelings would be to carry on with your olde friend, my bv 500 is a 2006 machine which i bought with only 4200 miles on it about 5 yrs ago, i have had & still have other bikes which i have sold but the bv has a special place in my heart ,so to speak, i will let it ride me to the end of my riding career. It has cost me quite a chunk but i think that because of the pleasure i get from riding it outweighs the cost of its' up keep. Right now it's in for it's second head bearing , pain in the ---. She has about 32,000 km on her now, sophia by the way & touch wood is still going strong. I couldn't part with her. I also ride a 2011 suzuki 650 boulevard that i bought last year privately with only 1900 km on her, she now has 16plus thousand on her clock. Like you, riding is my passion, i resent taking time out for winter, what a waste of time. In your videos, your vespa looks grande, she is worth the 2 grand if you can spare it for all of the pleasure you have gotten over the years, besides, you know that bike thoroughly inside & out. Well, just an opinion from an olde geezer in ontario canada. Sorry about the long windyness, merry christmas & happy new year, i really look forward to your videos, keep on riding, bye now, ric.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

While I don't think the price of my repairs will be heavy, I do agree that the pleasure received from riding my GTS outweighs any costs incurred. I hope reality doesn't prove me wrong. I've never stopped riding in winter so far. And our winters have had less and less snow so that helps. But I suspect the time will come when I just won't or can't ride in the cold. Until then I'll keep going. My Vespa still looks good despite the hard use it has endured. When you get really close you can see some rough edges but it's still a pretty machine. Another video will drop on Tuesday morning. I'll apologize in advance for the rain induced fog and mist on the camera lens. Merry Christmas!

[@Irinaha]

Hello! I have the exact model and year and color of your GTS! Excalibur Grey and all. I just dropped 2K on it in November 2023, when I heard that quote i was about to junk it. I went through all the emotional swings as well and decided "what's another 2K on my credit card? " so now she runs like new again. I say do the work and I'm not the richest dude walking this earth thats for sure. The front end wobble was corrected and got new tires. Hit me up if you ever want to discuss because I thought I was the only one still riding this one! I also ride a Triumph Tiger but all I have to say that riding them each has their own experience and caters to whatever vibe i'm feeling.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I am happy to hear the results were positive. I haven’t heard from the mechanic but told him I was in no hurry. Our “old” scooters still have a lot of life in them. They’re not junk yet!

[@danzuelch]

I always add the "you know what you have" factor. Worth extra points in the equation to remove the unknown.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I agree!

[@peaceandcalm-paulruby9304]

Today I thought an exciting thing might have happened if we had two ramp boards pushed together. With the weight of the scooter pressing down at the very edge of the boards, the boards might flip up and the scooter would fall between the boards. That would have been a good video shot!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

You keep hoping for some unfortunate catastrophe happening while the cameras are rolling! Let’s try the fall from the tailgate on YOUR Vespa! 🤣😎🙈

[@victorhawkins3461]

You did the right thing...I think! Aw, heck...that scoot's part of your family. She should simply hangout for the rest of time!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

When the GTS is finally done and no longer on the road, my plan for it is a garden sculpture!

[@captainjim605]

Another fine video, Steve. A few years ago, I was making a similar decision: keep the 2009 GTS or get a new 2020 GTS HPE. There was some lobbying from my wife, probably because of a medical situation I was in the middle of. I decided to treat myself to the new GTS... it was faster, better acceleration, better brakes, better suspension. The downside: it required more frequent maintenance service (as per Vespa). Still, I have to say, I really enjoyed that ride experience. Alas, the itch for another motorcycle meant another decision. We only had room for one bike each. That said, I appreciate your reasoning and enjoyed you sharing your thought process.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

More than once I thought I should just treat myself to a new scooter. I'm not get any younger. Probably the biggest resistance though came from the fact that a new scooter would intrude on my riding. I wouldn't want to bang it up riding on dirt and gravel, and I wouldn't want to ride it in the winter slush, salt and grit. I want something I can ride and not get finicky about the cosmetics. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences. I always appreciate reading them.

[@oscartravis5740]

To look at the bike it's in great condition for its age, and then to hear how you talk about it, it's obviously a beloved machine, so I think you made a great decision

[@ScooterintheSticks]

When you get up close you can see the wear and tear. The finish of the body is still in good shape and it runs fine. But the steering and suspension are ready to be rejuvenated! I agree with you about keeping it being the right decision.

[@marcus6902]

I think it’s a great decision you’ve made there, Steve, both financially and environmentally. I reckon it’ll be like a new scoot when you get her back and you’ll have many more k’s of happy riding on the beast you’re familiar with. I look forward to your next video. Have a fabulous Christmas from Australia!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

The decision feels right. I am looking forward to the return of the scooter to determine if it was a good decision. Happy Christmas and best wishes for the coming new year.

[@heritagehillsecurity8778]

I think you made the smart decision. Looking forward to your ride rewiew after parts replacement. Thank you.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I hope so. I'll post something once I get the scooter back. Hopefully good news!

[@heritagehillsecurity8778]

@@ScooterintheSticks I'm new to your channel. I really like it. How many miles on the Vespa?

[@ScooterintheSticks]

@@heritagehillsecurity8778 45K on the clock.

[@heritagehillsecurity8778]

@@ScooterintheSticks Wow. That is awesome. 🛵

[@daveyjones6465]

Good decision Steve looking forward to the return of the renovated scooter it should be like riding a new one. Happy Christmas to you and your family

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I definitely will post something when the GTS hits the road again. Have a great Christmas!

[@simonhall5086]

Brilliant Steve. I hope it revitalizes your scooter. A lesson to everyone. Make do and mend like our forefathers did. Thanks 👍

[@ScooterintheSticks]

There's something luxurious about repairing and maintaining something old. Especially a vehicle. At least for you and I. The advertising and marketing campaigns for vehicles has convinced us that utility, status, and safety are connected to having the latest and greatest machine. No wonder people will borrow so much money to have one. I'll keep my submission to marketing and advertising focused on flannel shirts, riding jackets, and boots!

[@simonhall5086]

Yeah, you / I definitely get a contented feeling with owning the older vehicles. Looking forward to seeing the Vespa and getting your thoughts on it👍

[@ScooterintheSticks]

@@simonhall5086 Me too.

[@vincenz0]

Riding a motorcycle built in 2006 means that you have a very old motorcycle.. I guess these kind of repairs are to be expected. I'm personaly no longer fond of scooters. My 2012 honda ruckus has been a money pit in the end of it's life... I replaced the shocks and a lot of electrical components. I lost the entire exhaust system while I was on the road at some point and had to get back home with a scooter that was louder than a harley davidson. I'm currently in love with my Kymco k-pipe 125 that I purchased brand new in 2018. This thing is lightweight and is very reliable for the 2000$ it was priced at brand new. I did the regular oil change and valve adjustment maintenance. I have replaced both tires. It's a blast to ride in the city. Never had an issue with it but I'm aware it's getting old now... I hope you can find your vespa seat along the highway ;-)

[@ScooterintheSticks]

My GTS scooter has certainly been well used. And at 45K miles on the odometer the engine is still purring but I suppose something could go wrong. We'll see what the mechanic thinks when he pulls the head to check the valves. It's nice to not worry about the mechanical aspects of a scooter or motorcycle. I hope you continue to have good luck with your Kymco!

[@stephenmundane]

You are a wise man.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I’m going to show your comment to my wife!

[@grahams6390]

Sounds like a logical choice… I’ve been in that dilemma myself and gone through similar thought processes.. looking forward to pick up video.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I think it is the right decision for me. Those smart decisions seem great when everything works out, but when they don’t, they look like the stupidest decision ever!🤣🤪😎

[@mikewoodall1599]

Well done Steve , the emotional value of your Vespa is priceless 💯. Hope to see you soon back on your Vespa. Take care and a Happy X-mas to you and Ur Vespa.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you. And you're right, I have a special attachment to my GTS. Have a great holiday!

[@mikewoodall1599]

Thank you GTS the best rider. Happy holidays🥂.

[@ImEricdoingEricThings]

🎉I think you made the best decision for you! Totally agree with the line of thinking. Best wishes and many more rides and selfishly many more videos to come I hope!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you for your thoughts and comments. I hope the repairs bear fruit so I can ride my Vespa for many more miles. And for it to provide fodder for more videos!

[@RonniesRambles]

I think that was a good choice. new life into an old faithful. In spite of its imperfections you know it well, can't buy that in a new modernized machine. Thanks for sharing

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Well said! Thanks for sharing your comments.

[@Winterbiker333]

Good choice. So many good reasons to keep it and repair. 👍

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I agree. We’ll see how it pans out.

[@secretariat-13]

Wise decision Steve, I wish I’d had someone give me advice when I purchased my ‘23 Vespa, let me explain, 10K out the door after add ons, windshield, and racks, front and back plus I added a 42L Givi top box, what I should’ve done was purchase a used Vespa which they had at the dealer and save at least 4K but I was overwhelmed by the new shiny ones and ended up getting one of those, I’m over that and are very pleased with my my ride.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

It was difficult for me to wrap my head around buying a new one. And even though I've seen people posting that they've found a low mileage GTS for $2K it's often one that has sat unused for years. That opens another can of worms. So fixing mine just seems to make sense. Now I just have to wait to to see if it was a good choice.

[@twloughlin]

I think the generational consensus would be to repair rather than replace. But what I am discovering is that labor costs are skyrocketing, and being someone with zero mechanical skills or inclination, I feel a tipping point is coming between repairing something and replacing it with lightly used. I just had about $1200 worth of work done on my 2011 Kia Sorrento. $550 of that was labor @$105/hr. If the $2K was a sunk cost anyway, I might have searched for lightly used with less mileage. Since you are skilled in some measure with repair work, I am sure you would have found one in good shape. Sell yours for the $2K, and perhaps it's a wash. A contrarian view, perhaps, but just my two cents.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

The repair or replace math always seems fuzzy to me. Made more cloudy by telling myself I'll do some of the work. My position now is I will never do any work on any of the machines again. And while I might stray from that position from time to time it makes calculations easier. My 2003 Honda Odyssey van is worth $3500. I had to replace a window motor, front brakes, and the air conditioning compressor last year. A bit over $2000. I've had people tell me it is never worth spending more that 30 percent of a car's value on repairs. By that logic I should have gotten rid of the van. But all of those things are wear items. And now they'll be good for years. And I spent $2K for a perfectly reliable van. Or I could have sold it and bought a 5 year old one for $25K. It was kind of the same with the Vespa. It makes my brain itch to think too much about money and vehicles. But I could have easily rationalized a new Vespa or a new one. Repairing just felt right to me.

[@Stefan_trekkie]

Hi, Steve .. Now picture if you where to do the work yourself, that will coast just the 700$ for the parts. Short resent story.. My new SYM scooter that I've bought it almost new on 3k km, died on me in front of the supermarket on my commute back home. That was just few months ago and I had to push it few kilometers the rest of the way back home. It was the same as your first problem, the hi voltage wire snapped on the turn to the spark plug. Easy fix. The bike was on 4k km since new. Even if you got new one, that means that the bike is not been long turn tested for weak points and maybe problems can pop here and there like with my Sym. Be save too, Steve.. I've just purchased leg cover and I am extremely pleased, works as a charm. Like you, I ride in the cold but hate to be cold

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I definitely could have saved money doing the work myself. But I think most of my wrenching days are behind me now and I'm happy to pay someone to do that work. You're observations about pretty much any vehicle can have a failure -- new or old. I suppose the key for me is to learn how to trust it. I think once this work is complete on my GTS I'll be happy again. The leg cover on scooters is a game changer!

[@gerardgerard5681]

Restore! Dang the ejector seat again!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

That ejector seat got me!!!

[@borderlands6606]

Anything can be repaired, depending how much you're prepared to pay in sweat and gold. There's a documentary on the first Land Rover ever built, which was found lying in a field. There wasn't much left of it, but every nut, bolt and rusty panel that could be salvaged, was retained. The beautiful patina shows each year since 1948. 2006 is almost yesterday in comparison.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I know a couple guys who keep their old Vespa scooters going with new engines and such. What I'm having done is minor in comparison. It is fascinating what some people can do with old vehicle restorations. Or with old boats. I don't have that kind of patience.

[@bluemoonriderlipa6880]

Check out the pics/specs of the new GTS 300 as Vespa added a "bracket" to front suspension to solve the "wobble" issue. The new models also have a key fob system, and the plastic switch for on/off looks "cheap". Fuel pumps may also be a continuing issue with these bikes. Good luck with your bike.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I saw the changes in the front suspension, but I wasn’t sure exactly why they were made. I know people with brand new scooters can still have the wobble. Not everyone, but it occurs for some for some reason. I’m looking forward to increase stability after these repairs and upgrades have been made. I ordered better shocks than the stock variety so we’ll see if it makes any difference.

[@johnsampey344]

I believe there is now an Upgraded Underseat Bucket you can buy that Will take a full face helmet or 2 open face ones.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I received one from a rider in California. They dropped it off at Scooter West who was shipping parts to me.

[@johnsampey344]

We share the same model 250 GTS ie though mine is a 2008 & we've both reached the same conclusion that it's better to refresh than replace, especially with the new 300 being around £6,500 or $10,000 in the US. I also have an RD04 Africa Twin but don't ride it anymore. There just came a point when I wasn't pulled to get out on it. The "Big" Vespa on the other hand has got me back to planing afternoon's out & even other European countries to visit. For now it's just the New Forest in Hampshire UK & the Isle of Wight.

[@geekylucas]

Steve, forgive my ignorance as I’m not a Vespa owner. What’s being done to fix/mitigate the wobble issue? Is that why you had a new pair of shocks in the box? Side note: Love your channel. I’m on a Kymco Like at the moment. I’m quite torn between upgrading to a Vespa. Or going a different path and getting a Royal Enfield. Wish I had room in my life for both.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I don't expect any change in the deceleration wobble itself. That's just a quirk of the design of the scooter. But I am having the front upper and lower steering races and bearings changed, and new shocks all around. I expect that will tighten the front end up that had become a little "loose" under power. Your question about a Vespa or Royal Enfield would be a tough choice for me if I could only have one machine in the garage. While the riding experiences would feel different the capabilities of the Vespa and the Classic 350 would be similar. And I love the look of both. I'm glad I don't have to make that decision right now. I suppose you'll need to figure out a way to take some test rides on both.

[@poppawheelie2]

I'll be the stinker in the pot here. My experience has taught me when faced with such a decision, "Well if I fix these major things I'll be good to go with my trusty 'ol (vehicle)." What I have found happens, when an older vehicle has some things worn out, there are many unknown or parts that are fine now, which will fail on down the road, one after another. I hope it doesn't work that way for you.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I suppose we're all affected by our experience. My brand new 1998 Volkswagen Jetta was a problem after the first week and something was always going wrong or failing on it until we sold it. In contrast, our two Honda cars, a 2003 and a 2011 have had very few issues aside from normal wear and tear stuff. And I have to confess, in regard to riding, breakdowns along the road are the memorable events. And here in Central Pennsylvania a breakdown is really a non-issue. I've only had one so I can't say for sure but I'm not worried about being nickel and dimed by the Vespa.

[@poppawheelie2]

@@ScooterintheSticks I saw the list of repairs on your website, and I must admit that's a pretty thorough rebuild. Plus the fact that you're not riding far from home, your decision seems just. Best of luck wished upon you for many more happy miles on that scooter.

[@stevet1578]

Curious how your splines are fairing on the engine crank. I replaced by belt on my 2005 GT yesterday and the splines are showing a bit of wear. Replacement would be costly, so I’m kinda where you are at decision wise…do I repair or replace. Good luck with yours!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

At the last belt change they looked good. I'm not a hard rider so I suspect the splines are fine. The mechanic is going to look things over but I don't expect any catastrophic issues.

[@kz1000st1]

I think there are a couple of factors to the wobble. Age and comparison. Seventeen years is a long time for a shock absorber. Having two rock solid motorcycles that don't wobble probably made the wobble seem worse. Your decision to perform aged parts will pay dividends. The new components are probably better since a lot of advancements have been made in seventeen years and are new just to start with. Here's hoping it gives you another seventeen years.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I expect the steering will feel much tighter. I've ridden my friend Andy's GTS300 and the difference is noticeable. I'm not sure if I'll be riding in 17 years, the would have me closing in on 90, but if it takes me a few thousand more miles I'll be happy.

[@kz1000st1]

How many miles does Andy's scooter have and how old is it? Improvements and age could be the factor.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

@@kz1000st1 I think his is a 2018 GTS300. He has about the same mileage as me though he's commuting to work and will roar past me.

[@kz1000st1]

I would imagine that improvements were made in the eleven years between yours and his to alleviate the wobble. Vespa left the Country over a massive lawsuit in 1980 and didn't come back for twenty years. Not everyone who buys a Vespa is as adept or understanding as you.

[@eastnoble4032]

The emotional attachment and relatively low cost of repairs when you compare that to the cost of a new one, lead to the only logical choice. I would’ve done the same.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I definitely have an emotional attachment to the scooter. I tried to set those feelings aside as I made my decision, and when the fax pointed to repairing the machine, I was pretty happy with the result now I just have to wait till I get it back and see how it runs.

[@eastnoble4032]

@@ScooterintheSticks Thank you for the reply. Hopefully your Vespa will carry you many more miles. It’s because of your videos and the videos of some other KZbinrs that convinced me to buy a Himalayan last year, and I have enjoyed every mile so far.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

@@eastnoble4032 Congratulations on joining the Himalayan family. It's a fine motorcycle. Mine has turned out to be even better than I imagined it would be.

[@m.b.2222]

Hello. What happened to the Vespa, has it been fixed yet? Is the wobble gone?

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Good question. It's still with the mechanic. I told him to take his time. Everything is complete with the exception of the steering bearings and races. I should have it back soon so I'll see how the wobble is then.

[@teslageek9257]

How many miles on the scooter?

[@ScooterintheSticks]

45 thousand miles. Only 20K or so from an engine rebuild. Unlikely I'll put that many miles on the GTS before I have to hang up my riding gloves....

[@richicago20]

look at you, in your cage! so weird for me to see

[@ScooterintheSticks]

It's not even my cage. It's my friend Paul's truck. He was back at Leonie's while I went back to pick up a camera I left running on a pod in the driveway. Another dumb move on my part!

[@rubarbcrumble5359]

Vespas are ultra reliable. Hondas are the same.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I agree.