Touring Scooters! Vespa 300 GTS vs. Piaggio BV 400 Beverly - In-Depth Review

[@garyvandersluis2368]

After 50 years on BMW’s I bought my first scooter and loved it. After 11 years on a Yamaha majesty then a Tmax I bought my first Piaggio a 2016 Beverley 350 I loved it, it could do everything I asked off it. Then in 2021 they announced the replacement 400 hpe model and I couldn’t resist buying one. 12000 kilometres later I am still in love I use it for day rides with my club and occasional longer jaunts the largest being 2000+ ks The scoot has never missed a beat. It is a better bike than the 350 particularly the keyless start, the seat, the suspension and will tour all day at 120kph. With Corazzo soft panniers,a seat bag Shad 39lt top box, the under seat storage and if needed a Shad tunnel bag I can carry more cargo than the Honda Goldwing that I usually tour with. I would love to see a video comparison between a late 350 and the current 400hpe

[@DrDennis]

Had a 300 GTS since 2011! I love it in all respects. Tons of power and sips gas. ❤

[@sgtshak2806]

I've always had a scooter and a motorcycle. Honestly, there is no better experience than riding a scooter. I had a '19 BV350 and loved it. Its only real fault is the seat. It locks you in a single position, albeit a proper position, but it leaves no room for movement. It went anywhere I pointed it, and it did it well. I now own a '21 GTV Sei Giorni 300 (along with my Triumph T-100). This is the real Vespa experience. It's very comfortable and has no limits, other than maybe an extended stay on a freeway. I am 6'4", 255lbs and the Vespa doesn't notice it at all. I ride the mountains of the Hudson Valley NY and have never experienced any negative with the Vespa. The scoot just goes where you point it, and it does it in style. They are not inexpensive, but you honestly do get what you pay for. I did see and sit on a BV400 the other day. Beautiful bike. Someday down the road I could see one in my garage. A third bike could cost me a marriage so I will have to wait for now. Either way, both of these scooters are awesome.

[@PeterLoweOne]

If I could have a 3 bike garage, I'd have the Z900RS that I own. Some sort of adventure or dual sport bike, and a scooter, for sure. Each one is a blast in its own way.

[@sgtshak2806]

@@PeterLoweOne I just got rid of my Versys 650LT. Honestly the perfect bike. I just got tired of lifting my leg up and around the bags all the time. It's really cool to just hop on & twist and go wherever you want to go. Great Vids. Thank You

[@PeterLoweOne]

@@sgtshak2806 I used to own a Versys 650 LT! I can totally see the comparisons between the BV400 and that bike. Makes total sense to me!

[@NoFrictionZone]

I have a GTS 250 and just got a BV 400 in Arancio - can't wait for it to arrive on Friday! I love my GTS and she's been everywhere but I'm thinking the 400 will be a nice upgrade.

[@sgtshak2806]

@@NoFrictionZone I'm jealous! I have a feeling you are going to love the new BV. My local dealership sold the one that they had one the floor....THANK GOD! It took all temptation away. Enjoy & ride safe!

[@herrtomas6729]

Enjoying my motoring documentary program, in the evening in the UK. Beats most of the rubbish we get on TV here... Thanks as usual Peter

[@PeterLoweOne]

Haha! Thanks for watching!

[@Scootphoria]

I've commented on other videos about enjoying your reviews. 2 things kept me from the BV400. One was the step through being high/wide with less foot adjustment. Second is the front fender being so short and throwing debris on the radiator fins. A short extenda fender solves this on the GTS. So, I chose the GTS300. More foot adjustment and easier to mount. I don't tour like I used to. I ride it maybe twice a week (Primavera is my daily driver). I ride the Primavera on trips less than 200 miles round trip. I ride the GTS on rides over 200 round trip. But now I'm considering adding the front rack and making my Primavera my touring machine. I'm gullible though. My local dealer just got a BV400 in and I'm going to have a look again. Pretty sure I'm sticking with the Vespa........well, mostly sure....well, kinda sure.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Haha. I'm laughing at your last sentence. I totally relate to that. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences.

[@rhapsodyofice8184]

I was quite surprised BV is around 40kg heavier than GTS300. Also the wheelbase is much longer. For daily commuting to work in the city i think GTS would be the winnner

[@sus8e462]

Thank you--this was exactly what I wanted to compare!! I was looking at these models yesterday (and the same colors even, though I love the Sunset Orange for the BV400) at my local dealer as I am investigating getting something with more power and a bit of light off roading since live near Olympic Nat'l Park (WA state) and lots of logging/fire roads I would love to explore a bit--or unexpected road surface changes due to poor maps or construction.... Last year I got lucky to get a low miles 2013 946, which I LOVE. But with only 150cc, she is capable of highway speed, but does drag on hills, and I don't want to risk chipping up her paint job going off pavement, so I am looking to add a second option to my stable for when I can't avoid larger or busier highways. While watching your comparison, I realized a big advantage of the BV400 over the Vespa for longer trips is the location of the fuel filler--with the BV, it's at your feet (thus the higher tunnel), so you don't have to remove anything strapped across the back of the seat to pop it up to access the fuel filler (as on any Vespa)! So easier refueling stops on a long trip. And with the battery under the seat, a lot easier to access for a trickle charger, too. Also, the plastic over the muffler helps protect you from touching hot metal--good for anyone getting their leg near there, and don't have to wait as long if you use a cover. Though I'll still use "avoid highways" option as much as possible whenever mapping out routes! I do prefer the look of the Vespas, but I think my 946 won't be as jealous with a stable mate that looks vastly different, and though I prefer the Vespa design, I think the BV is well proportioned and a good looking scooter.

[@RogierYou]

Honda and Peugeot make “adventure” scooters that are more capable to go off road.

[@sus8e462]

@@RogierYou thanks, will keep those in mind for next time I'm in the market, but I have been loving my BV400 for over a year now!

[@maxbirsa]

Great video Peter, thank you for sharing. I currently own a Vespa 150 and I am looking for an upgrade and I cannot decide between the GTS 300 and the Beverly 300.... 🤔

[@MarkLoris]

@maxbirsa Xmax 300 is the best ....go look and test drive and you'll see teal fast I did last Nov and am pleased more and more I ride it !!!! I can leave my buddy's BV400 in the dust ......he can't catch me until about a mile down the road and his top speed is maybe 7 mph faster at best It's because of how heavy the BV 400 is compared to my 397lbs Xmax 300

[@photobyknuckles]

How tall are you? I am 6'3" and ride vintage Vespa P series scooters but would like to pick up a twisty for everyday riding

[@vespa4265]

Thanks for the comparison! I've heard good things about the BV400 and this gave me a good idea of the differences vs the Vespa. I have a Vespa gts 300 that I did a 3,300km tour of Newfoundland on with camping gear. So you can tour with it but as someone mentioned getting to the gas tank is a pain when you have a bag strapped to the back seat. Really like the features of the BV400 would love to know how it compares to a Suzuki Burgman 400.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Oh wow! I'd love to do a scooter tour someday!! I haven't had access to the Burgman, but I know of it from seeing them. Honestly, I think the BV400 would be my choice. None of those scooters are all that stylish, but the more time I spend with that BV, the more I REALLY like it!

[@garyvandersluis2368]

There is a very good comparison of the BV and the Burgman on Utube touring around Los Angeles, it's in English

[@vespa4265]

@@garyvandersluis2368 thanks I'll look it up

[@renes9966]

Hey Peter, a POV riding impressions video would be awesome!

[@PeterLoweOne]

Hey Piaggio/Vespa Canada? Are you listening? Maybe they could provide me with a Press Bike to use for a little bit this summer? The bikes that I have access to at Jim Gilbert's PowerSports aren't all demonstrators, so in many cases, I won't be able to do that. I bought a Kawasaki motorcycle that I'll do riding reviews of, but if Piaggio or Vespa were to hook me up, I'd happily report on what it's like living with any of these bikes!

[@uniquenameification]

Love to see a comparison of BV400 vs Yamaha XMAX 300

[@PeterLoweOne]

When I filmed this, I didn't have access to the Yamaha product line. I do now, so stay tuned!

[@MarkLoris]

Xmax wins easily .....I know I have one and it's faster, more storage, better gas mileage, silky smooth etc .....6299 out the door compared to thousands more !!!!!! It's not even close for the cost !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Floridawoodsbanshee]

You said the BV400 has more power? How much power is the engine producing? What is top speed. Is it capable of cruising at 70 mph without blowing up the engine?

[@ratapeinada]

Hi, I own a Beverly. It has 36 HP and it's top speed done by me is 98 MPH and it can confortably cruise until 90. In my opinion more than that is little dangerous, I don't feel the bike stable. It is an amazing scooter.

[@Floridawoodsbanshee]

@ratapeinada sounds like it. I bought the liberty 150. I Just finished breaking in the engine. I decided on trying this first and then maybe try something bigger the next time.

[@ratapeinada]

@@Floridawoodsbanshee Also a great scooter. Enjoy it.

[@MarkLoris]

2023 YAMAHA Xmax 300 is better than either and 6299 out the door Faster more storage. Gas mileage .....more comfortable all day long ......thousands of dollars less than those 2 overpriced scooters !!!!! No comparrasin !!!! I love mine Xmax 90 mph. 75 mpg going 70 mph

[@BillMartino]

@@MarkLoris Jesus, pal, give it a rest?

[@mcciaccio]

I like the Piaggio, but just like my Smax, I hate the seat!

[@lphsabrina]

Great presentation

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for taking the time to watch!

[@davidhunternyc1]

The Piaggio 400 is the better riding scooter than the Vespa but the Piaggio Beverly is clad in cheap plastic. All those sweeping lines give me a headache. I need an Advil.

[@F-tt3xv]

It aint made cheap. US made cars have cheap plastics……

[@davidhunternyc1]

@@F-tt3xv Most cars today are made with cheap plastic.

[@TheBabyskywalker]

Thanks’

[@dstjepan]

Is this Vespa previous model? 2022-

[@PeterLoweOne]

It is a 2022 model, yes.

[@dstjepan]

Mr. Peter: how tall you are?

[@PeterLoweOne]

I'm about 6 feet tall.

[@herrtomas6729]

Hi

[@Sr.D]

Piaggio should put that engine in a new Vespa, they will probably do that eventually

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

Second At a meeting 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@F-tt3xv]

Vespa is most a city vehicle, the BV is much more of a ”real bike”.

[@hectorsanchez3338]

strap a Malossi variator on the bv400 and it will smoke a ninja 400 with ease

[@PeterLoweOne]

Until you hit the first corner.🤣

[@MarkLoris]

SORRY TO TELL YOU THE TRUTH BUT 2023 Xmax 300 beats both of these in every area !!!! I know I did the tests on speed, gas mileage, storage space, comfort of size, etc.....6299 out the door I paid !!!!!

[@PeterLoweOne]

Ok.

[@jonaspersson6254]

The XMAX 300 is a nice scooter, but I´m not sure it is the better scooter for everyone. I agree that it has more storage space under the seat, better gas mileage and probably also a more comfortable seat. But the BV400 has bigger wheels and a larger engine. If I would choose between the Beverly or the XMAX in different situations I would have to pick the Beverly in most situations. In town? Both are fine, but not perfect (a smaller scooter would be better). Smaller curvy roads? The Beverly with the bigger wheels should be a bit safer. Gravel roads? The Beverly with the larger wheels should be the better one! Highway? The Beverly has a larger engine with more power. Who do not want that on the highway?! Touring? XMAX has more under seat storage and a comfortable seat, but with the larger engine and bigger wheels I still would choose the Beverly 400. Two persons on the bike? The Beverly with the larger engine is the better one. At the grocery store? Both are fine, but the XMAX has more space under the seat. On the other hand..on the Beverly you can have a bag hanging on the hook between your legs/knees.

[@MarkLoris]

@@jonaspersson6254 I'm talking about FOR THE PRICE OF 6299 OUT THE DOOR FOR 23 Xmax 300. COMPARED TO THE OVER 9000 FOR THE BEV 400 THE XMAX WINS ALL DAY LONG !!!!!!

[@MarkLoris]

@jonaspersson6254 ITS NOT $3000 BETTER. !!!!

[@jonaspersson6254]

@@MarkLoris I do not know about the prices of these scooters in US, but in Sweden where I live it is not $3000 difference between the two. A Yamaha XMAX 300 Tech Max and a Piaggio Beverly 400 Sport has exactly the same price (just under $8400). The Piaggio Beverly 400 (non sport version) cost around $8200 and the regular version of the Yamaha XMAX 300 around $7500.

[@roywalls5595]

Very nice scooter bikes!

[@frankliu7127]

i sold X7 and got 400 last year and plan to take my daughter to Taibai Mountain by the end of June .by the time her junior high exam is over.the windshield has been installed,expecting ...... 🛵😎