What's the big deal with Vespa scooters?

Hmm, modern classic. I can see why.
Thanks to Alpha Graphics for letting me take a spin on his GT300
Alpha Graphics is a print shop in Northern VA, give them a go for anything print. And they were crazy enough to let me take a spin on the GT300. Thanks!
Alpha graphics in Tysons Corner
www.agtysons.com
Alpha Graphics on facebook
agtysons

[@raymondjones8]

I’ve been a motorcyclist for some years now, and was on my way to buy a W800 cafe racer, when i saw this, bright yellow Vespa in the showroom. I know😬… what was i thinking?? Anyway, i purchased the GTS 300 SUPER🤪 because I’m weird like that😝 Do i regret my decision? No… I don’t! This scooter brings a smile to my face whenever i see her; her name is lulu, and we’re now, inseparable🥰 It’s an entirely different experience riding a scooter, and the look on the faces of my friends and family, when i rolled up on her, I’ll never forget☺️ lulu does encourage one to, abide to the speed limits, and enjoy the experience of biking like never before; she’s no slouch either, she’ll move along quick enough, and will ride, two up from Wales to Scotland without issue. Ive not always made the best decisions in my time, but this, particular decision, was just perfect. No more, head down, arse up for me, I’m a true convert at 61😎

[@samuelkinsey5430]

I’ve never had a Vespa but I’m getting one Wednesday can’t wait

[@johnbellamy6449]

i am now 73 and agree with you .

[@dorothyoregan3594]

Absolutely loved your review. I've recently retired and bought a vespa primavera, bright blue. I've named her 'bliss'. She makes me smile and I get such a kick out of scooting around my town and countryside. She's the only vespa in town. Early days yet but I plan to do alot of touring after winter.

[@cottagegymfun]

I'm 59 getting one this year!! Never owned a scooter either :)

[@TheCerealHobbyist]

I’m on my 2nd GTS 300. Did a 600 mile ride a couple years ago. I’ve ridden every type of 2 wheeled vehicle and LOVE my Vespas. I’ve owned a dozen of various vintages from a 1962 to my 2021 GTS 300 HPE. They are a showcase of clean Italian engineering.

[@geraldscott4302]

I won't buy an HPE. Vespa DOUBLED the maintenance requirements on it from the previous GTS300, which to me means they have reliability concerns with it. I also don't have any desire to practically rebuild the engine every 6,000 miles.

[@kimberlykay1495]

I literally squealed out loud and delight when I saw this oh my gosh. Vespas make me feel so happy inside. I can’t wait til the day I own one

[@nor0845]

I don’t think this man realises he is talking himself into buying a Vespa 😍. Don’t fight it, just buy one 😁

[@motohound90]

My Trip to Vespa Orlando kzbin.info/www/bejne/iILZg3uBop6gmdk

[@royvelasco473]

😊

[@Kiwi_As]

Hr shouldnt buy one as they are a money pit.

[@MrDonkov]

Lol

[@clangerbasher]

@@MidnightMixx I have never heard anybody say that Vespa is a bad buy. I hate it when some leave nasty remarks on a video with no explanation.

[@bfarm44]

You have now entered the “why didn’t I try these out before” zone. Do not let anyone use the passenger pegs to mount the scoot they will bend they are more of a foot rest.

[@frankperri4219]

I have 2 vespas. 250 ie and a 300 250 is an 09 model and the 300 is 06. Never had a problem with either one. Love vespa. They are reliable and fun to ride. My buddies all ride big bikes, but I get around much faster and I can maneuver much better than them in parking lots. Big bikes are a sunday ride and vespas are every day practical bikes. I just love them.

[@stevemiller7433]

I have a GTS 300. A top box and a windshield make it a perfect riding scoot. Shopping, no problem. 62 mile freeway commute at 65MPH, no problem. I've had it up to 75+ MPH and it still was pulling but my courage ran out. More comfortable than my motorcycle. Zero mechanical problems. Vespa Servicing is expensive, however. Everybody loves a Vespa.

[@randykaminski6214]

Can you suggest a windshield? I recently purchased a gt200 and I’m trying to decide which type/size to buy.. thank you.

[@juliodiaz4493]

I have mine color white

[@ThePSMA]

The hook under the frame is for locking it into the ground with a strap, like when you put it in a ferry with rough sea - it doesn’t move! Its +75 years on the road, Vespas are unique

[@TrevorDodd-ev1sx]

I have a 2022 GTS 300 and I've ridden it from the UK to Azerbaijan via Cyprus. It's been on road, off road, climbed over mountains, being ridden in the snow and in plus 40 degree Celsius heat and hasn't missed a beat. Don't mistake it for just for short commutes it is a great small engined tourer.

[@wadewave4323]

This is the best review I have seen on this Vespa, just in the process of purchasing the 2021 300 HPE. Thanks for this!

[@barrettwbenton]

You're definitely going to love it. I've had my 2015 GTS since new.

[@TheCerealHobbyist]

You will LOVE it. I had a 2019 and traded in for an HPE. I LOVE both. Just great bikes.

[@wadewave4323]

@@TheCerealHobbyist supply is sketchy here in Calgary Alberta - have to wait til the fall due to COVID supply chain issues

[@frankbiz]

I love that bike. It's quality all over. Timeless design. Thanks for sharing. 👍🏻

[@align432yoga]

The design of the front wheel suspension is this way because the engineer used to design planes, and pulled concepts from their landing gear.

[@gerrynightingale9045]

*'Piaggio' had hundreds of 'tail-wheel' assemblies for 'Me 109's' and put them to use since they were already assembled w/tires* *The 'trailing-link' suspension was 'just right' for another purpose, and the 'Wasp' managed to revive a failing economy in Italy with cheap, tough transport that could withstand 'goat trails' called 'roads' in Italy w/a machine anyone could work on with damn few tools or knowledge*

[@markmoffett6813]

Thanks. I , like you was curious about Vespa scooters and kept my distance because of the price. Thanks for going over in detail, much appreciated. Mark from Harford county

[@davidcollins1853]

When u buy a Vespa ur part of the family. The inital investment is high, but pays off later. Great review of a Vespa.

[@jameskrell4392]

The Vespa GTS isn't perfect, no machine is but it's close. I'm on my second one and ride after ride it puts a smile on my face. I have been riding for decades, I rode big bikes in the 90's but the Vespa 300 is much more useful, comfortable and is a whole new life style. I even have fun touring on it.

[@barrettwbenton]

Ah, yes…"you get what you pay for." I've had my GTS300 Super (2015, a bit newer than the one you're on, and with a few interesting changes as a result) for over five years, and in spite of a few issues, I love it as mush now as the day I rode it off the proverbial showroom floor. I *know* no other scooter would've done it for me the same way. The bigger deal is that it's my principal mode of motorized transport, as I don't own a car, and I frequently travel from central New Jersey to my former home of NYC, which involves a lot of highway miles, which the GTS handles rather well: I won't outrun someone who insists on doing 90 where the posted limit is 65 (good luck with that here), but the bike will cruise at 65-70+mph all day long. And yes, the stock suspension is generally very good compared to other scoots, but I decided to upgrade to Malossi shocks at the near-20k mile mark, and the ride is even better as a result. The upshot here is that *any* GTS in decent shape is a seriously-good scoot.

[@sebastianilabaca3295]

I learned to drive on a beaten-up Honda XR150. That's all I ever drove. Today I just bought my first motorcycle, a GTS 300ie. And I can confirm the difference is night and day. It has stolen my heart. Lovely video =)

[@TheMaggieMia]

Vespa IS a Motorcycle. A scooter aka step through is a frame style, so it motor cross, cruiser, street, full dress touring…. It’s all different designs of frame and looks. I will say those little Italian wasps can be addictive, I own 4 now snd don’t consider the cost to be so expensive, they are quality made with quality materials and construction

[@geraldscott4302]

I also have 2 Vespas. A 1979 P200E 2 stroke manual shift kick start scooter that is an absolute blast to ride. It requires a LOT of rider interaction with the scooter, which is what makes it so much fun. You don't just sit there, you have to be operating the controls all the time. I also have a 2006 GT200, which is pretty much like that one, but it is a light metallic green. The frame/body is the same size as that one, but it has a carbureted 200cc engine, and a CVT. I ride it when I just want to kick back and ride long distances. The carbureted 200cc engine will top out at 74-75 mph, which is just a couple mph slower than the EFI GTS250 and 300. Vespa didn't make the engine bigger for more power. They had to make it Euro compliant (which I think is a big bunch of BS) and doing so robbed a lot of power from the engine, so they increased the displacement to compensate for it. I definitely prefer carbureted engines over computerized EFI engines. They are so much simpler, with so much less to go wrong. Unfortunately it does have that computerized immobilizer, and I have yet to figure out how to disable it. If I ever lose the chip key, or something goes wrong with it, the whole computer has to be replaced.

[@ingmarm8858]

Mate I couldn't help but laugh during this review. I rode my first GT 300 last weekend, it had over 100000km on the clock and it flew! I suspect I'll be getting one. I'm coming from decades of big bikes and around the city and city highways I think I prefer the Vespa 300 to my BMW R1100RT.

[@jasonswiatkowski9127]

Its more fun to ride a small bike fast than a big bike slow.

[@mayassa58]

I sold my super 10 and picked up a 300 Vespa. I’m in the city and happy with the decision

[@goldilocks913]

Same here! Rode bikes for years, this is the most fun and covers ground quicker than you’d believe in real world riding- and in style and comfort 👍

[@noblepolygon5109]

I own a classic 1980's Vespa I bought last year. I'm buying a 1969 Vespa next week. They're so much fun to ride

[@gaerlan1946]

During the 60's, I learned to ride 2-wheels (motorized) on a Vespa and a Lambretta scooters . They had manual transmissions and so much fun. One is pretty much in control. I have since, moved up to motorcycles and now own a classic 1980 BMW R65 w/ 13K original miles. Does your '80 have manual tranny? Those were classic scooters. Enjoy and be safe.

[@cplgnarbucket1413]

I love my 1980 P200. Perfect scooter.

[@pxy24x28]

I used to own a vespa super, sprint v and a p 150x. My sprint v can reach 120 kmh

[@TheCerealHobbyist]

Assume the 1980 is a P, what is the 69?

[@stanssoapbox]

Just passed my test so I'm presently enjoying the 1967 Vespa Sprint that I bought nine months ago. No indicators, no automatic clutch, no disc brakes or ABS. Just the job.

[@andrewstamps2806]

Great review my friend....currently saving for one of these. Many thanks Andrew UK😊🌈

[@garyteague4480]

Did u save enough to get one?

[@andrewstamps2806]

@@garyteague4480 Hi Gary....almost there lol, thanks for asking but finally now know which colour and package I'm going for. Cheers mate Andrew UK 🇬🇧

[@garyteague4480]

@@andrewstamps2806 awesome ! I’ve got a Honda forza 300 ! And it’s great ! Had a Yamaha majesty 400 and it was good also , these are less money than the Vespa and very well made ! Bid bless you from the Ozark mountains of Missouri USA

[@andrewstamps2806]

Hi Gary the Ozark Mountains of Missouri sound great, I live in the Midlands of England.....not so exotic, but not to far from Derbyshire/Yorkshire, great biking roads out that way mate. All the best to you and your family from the UK🇬🇧 Cheers Andrew

[@LasVegasandBeyond]

Great review, but I’m bias. My Vespa GTV 250ie is 12 years old and runs great and easy to maintain

[@ccclll987]

To anyone thinking about buying a Vespa: here in italy there are of course plenty of them and many of them are VERY old. It's not uncommon to see vespas that are between 15 to 20 years old and they still work perfectly and you will always find spare parts no matter how old your vespa is. The true upside of Vespa quality is also that you really need to buy it once. And if you think those old vespas are well kept or something, that isnt the case: people use them regularly to go to work and they withstand heath and cold every year.

[@keithburt7874]

Nice parking tip, we have a new coffee shop next to my job with so many cars parked, I still prop the V Stromo in the front half of a parking spot at work, sharing that space with the boss's trailer, a world of bicycles and scooters would Compact

[@crazysteve9390]

I’ve been riding the same GTS250 for over a dozen years. Love it. Maybe I’ll get a 300 someday.

[@dallasdandigitalproduction393]

FYI the "little hook" under the floor boards is a side stand. Also there should be a USB port in the glove box

[@bjorneklund518]

I’m told that in the USA Vespas don’t have the side stand as standard, like they have in Europe. That is probably why this vehicle doesn’t have it. Instead there’s a link for locking the scooter. The kick link of a side stand would be mounted more towards the rear.

[@dallasdandigitalproduction393]

@@bjorneklund518 interesting. In every Vespa dealer vid I've seen, (Vespa Portland, Vespa Motorsports etc) they always come standard with side and center stands. Mine also did when I got it last year.

[@raymounetorbert2327]

Awesome review

[@notbenh]

the under seat storage bucket (known as the pet carrier due to the sticker) is removable because it's a metal uni-body and you'd have to either remove a bunch of screws for the plastic or drop the engine every time to do anything. Much cheaper to just have two bits of plastic.

[@johnm7882]

Really enjoyed your honest review.

[@Ivan-Lesic27]

Thanks for the review dude

[@VehicleHunter]

You bet

[@user-hk3lr5pr5s]

Great review buddy, thanks👍

[@gcdhvf4896]

If this guy was a 14 year old trying to convince his dad to get him a vespa for his 15th birthday, violins would be a good addition to the video!

[@giancarlopettorino5940]

Wonderful new generation vespas!

[@eyeperture]

Thx for pointed out all the detailed parts and nice graphics and graphite side panels, red coil … quick removable storage receptacle are all superb design. The only thing I don’t like is the white BG of dashboard

[@Tonycrossfit]

I’ve been riding since the age of 14 and I’ve had several sport bikes and Charles during my life time and now I’m the proud owner of a Vespa Primavera 150cc. I love that it has an automatic transmission and it’s just twist and go! It’s very zippy and perfect for around town.

[@anouarladas5483]

2 stroke?

[@lefuedebout]

Good video. At 4:45, very easy to change the tyre..... used to be even easier when a spare wheel/tyre was included, unlike nowadays!

[@Tonycrossfit]

Nice Vespa! Just buy it and you will enjoy every second of it. What brand of phone mount is on the mirror stem?

[@gmeyer6657]

Timeless, classic, sexy and will last 30 years with basic maintenance. And it’s Italian.. love mine!❤

[@m12ttd]

Like many on here, I have ridden, owned many different Motorcycles and even had a Motorcycle shop in the past! Had Motor crossers and Raced Supermoto, Had Fireblade's, GSXR's and dragged a Ninja! Today in my early 50's I own a GTS300, maybe it is age/Camera's/Need my Licence for work, but I just love it!

[@Doolz45]

Have a Vespa and every where I go people are taking pictures of it, nobody ever took picture of my Harley except me. Great scooter

[@ykievzki9837]

I've got a Honda Sh Mode Since 2015, with the Basic Maintenance it still Kickin'. Very Very Reliable

[@Yan6891]

Vespas look awesome and i want one i currently own a Honda PCX 150cc 2020

[@huiba1]

I'm getting a Vespa Sprint 50cc soon, I'm so excited

[@davidprosser457]

You shouldn’t be

[@huiba1]

@@davidprosser457 did i ask?

[@davidprosser457]

@@huiba1 ha ha you’re gunna wish you would’ve

[@crpth1]

You can check the video. But on my opinion it all resume to one word quality... Done! Edit: 3:33 the hook is to attach a security chain. ;-)

[@rkstew]

very thorough video, and vespas certainly have a coolness factor, however when it comes to reliability and longevity, I think the japanese scooters are number one, and a 150cc vespa costs about 35% more than a 150cc japanese scooter

[@frankiepavinato]

I have my GTS 250,bought in 2008, with more than 60k km… no problems whatsoever…

[@robcig]

Can you recommend a good Japanese scooter?

[@rkstew]

@@robcig haha 😄, I don't really care for Japanese food.

[@dancostaregni7631]

Just buy a honda vespas are junk@@robcig

[@chinchorrero]

I Iove my Vespa!

[@Jonathan-py9xr]

Very worthwhile commentary

[@K1989L]

I once test rode a Vespa gts 300 and a Triumph Bobber and I just thought there where no differences.. well in a sense that I'd be perfectly happy with either. Very stable bikes. The ride was smooth. They are for different purposes ofcourse but still quality wise they felt similar. If I was to buy a bike today I'd pick the Vespa. Two seats, no clutch and some storage to haul stuff. Great bike!

[@MajorRoadAhead]

You say that this Vespa is very easy to service. I have an earlier Vespa 300 GTS, and soon after I bought it from the previous owner I replaced the spark plug. It was not an easy job. Once you have the spark plug socket on the plug you need a ratchet type tool in the end of the socket. The problem is that inside the engine cover the space is very restricted, so it is difficult to move the ratchet tool either way to unscrew the plug. It can be done if you have the correct tools.

[@mannfan12]

Somebody may have said this already but the engine does not come out through the top. That said, things like changing the spark plug and adjusting the valves are fairly easy from the top.

[@yankeepalu8627]

Love that you can take the plastic under the seat did not know that. What I don’t like about it that it’s to retro look.

[@bfarm44]

Also loose the side stand and fix the switch so it’s always “up” they fall over on the dam side stand. You can get wider wheels but it’s negligible except in the rain perhaps

[@cplgnarbucket1413]

You should check out some classic lambretta's. They are the real Porsches of the scooter world.

[@TheCerealHobbyist]

And so the Vespa vs Lambretta debate begins. 😜

[@Dailyartpallette]

We used to travel from Dublin to Europe in the 80s on our vespa 200

[@kn3954]

New to Vespas but not two wheels...do they have self-cancelling turn signals?

[@jasanthony1098]

No self cancelling I’m afraid.

[@Mario87456]

What’s the big deal with them? Just ask Alberto and Luca plus apparently there are wild Vespas with no drivers.

[@orfeas92]

How much does it cost in your country? Because in my country(Greece), vespa 300 and sh 150 cost about the same(4500€). So the vespa is cheaper because it is 300cc.

[@wileecoyote5749]

$7K USD

[@steveflor9942]

The old Vespas had a clutch and 4spd transmissions. No belt and variator to fuss with. Liked much more.

[@wileecoyote5749]

in '96 they went automatic. Yes I liked the manual shift/clutch on left hand and foot brake on floor as well. Lot more interaction. Had a '62 Lambretta TV175 and obviously manual. Kick start only,6 volt system and had to add oil to gas every fill up. Modern scooters are so advanced now.

[@safrilstudio3617]

I love my Vespa.

[@jgrc73]

Your videos make me interested in whatever your subject matter is. Thanks!

[@VehicleHunter]

I appreciate that!

[@TheBlackhawkbrat]

I had to laugh when you said the spark plug is easy to reach. I've changed the one in my 2015 GTS300, and it is a nightmare to access with the tools you will need for the job.

[@TheMogul88]

Haha. Exactly, it’s impossible, you need a specific key. I had a lot of issues with my GTS, the engine keeps cutting off when cold.... nightmare

[@johnwalshire2884]

The hook at the front of the seat is to hang shopping bags on

[@MISSIONRIDERMOTOVLOG]

Good bike

[@davek9384]

I generally liked the video and the narrative content, but had a hard time with the camera "bobbing" beginning at around the 8 minute mark.

[@zonker33]

Where is the 2 caliper front brake? I see only 1? Do you mean it's a 2 piston caliper front brake?

[@wileecoyote5749]

Wheels way too small for 2 calipers

[@themalluyogi3503]

Which country vespa is this ? Indian model is so much different !

[@Jacques_Merde]

that "big hook" is to chain your vespa to a post, tree. etc

[@phatnum17]

“Kick stand”

[@ericgeorge8457]

You blew a stop sign!

[@darrenchichester9777]

Just bought a GTS 125 Super Sport today. ❤️ Like riding on a cloud vs my previous Yamaha Grand Filano (which is a great bIke too)

[@floridasaltlife]

I am getting a new gts300 tomorrow myself :)

[@180fxr]

Why would u buy the gts 125 and not the sprint or primavera?😂. Only advantage the gts Body has is that a 300cc engine will fit

[@darrenchichester9777]

@180xfr…. I live on an island and that model is the only 125 kept in stock with the larger wheel. Bikes are maxed by law at 150 so I doubt I will ever experience a 300. 😜

[@landmonkey22]

There is something very special about vespas. Especiaæly the 60s ones.

[@MillieonaVespa]

Vespas are sooooo much Fun !

[@jrnumex9286]

i like vespa but drive a yamaha zuma 125 for 1/2 the price. not the top end speed of a 300 cc vespa but zuma fits rear racks, bags, driver foot foot pegs and factory windscreen. 60 mph or below zuma will hang big time if not for the win. if you want the sophia loren style in rome look then vespa i guess.. plus i just bought the honda navi and it's great scoot $2700.00 out the door. not sure OTD on 300 vespa but probably well under that for my 2 scoots.

[@GH-oi2jf]

I had a Vespa in the 1960s. They seem to be much more complicated today.

[@joehuh]

Don't you think it's clean for 7000 miles bike 2012? You can tell it we well cared.

[@VehicleHunter]

The vespa style is pretty timeless. THe modern vespas look very similar, id have to study up to figure out what the difference is.

[@stevemiller7433]

@@VehicleHunter The new ones have ABS.. more HP.

[@eliassilva2505]

Aqui no Brasil. Só baixa cilindrada. Uma pena.

[@alangray9718]

Vespa are one of the best bikes out there and so easiest to work on too

[@Gator1699]

My honda nes125 has the tank up there 2003 model.

[@kennypool]

I was just thinking, it's been awhile since vehicle hunter posted a video. Good timing. Also I've been looking for an older kawasaki ninja 250 after seeing your video about them. There are none available in sw Fl. But i look everyday, one will pop up.

[@VehicleHunter]

Right on! I wish i had more cars and bikes to review. Hopefully this year ill get some cool bikes on the channel

[@vkhlopine]

its not a GT , but GTS. And the gas tank is a C-shape and its is above the rear wheel and the R cowl

[@amswirelesssystem6692]

Maintenance and reliability...

[@nathantherealtorsonoma]

Doesn't feel like budget suspension because it's not a budget. It should not be a surprise. Vespa is a premium brand.

[@R-EVLMNKY]

Vespa, Not for everyone…buy it if you like it, go on and move along if you don’t. People that don’t like Vespa shouldn’t be watching anything Vespa actually 😊

[@robl3415]

Love my 2020 gts 300 notte. About 1,400 miles in Manhattan NY and has been very reliable.

[@jamesvandemark2086]

Take a look at the Lance Cali Classic 200I sometime.........you'll see many of the same features for significantly less $$. (I ride one!)

[@forrysc]

Scorch, is that you?

[@allans7281]

Good scooter but pricey for a third the price you can get a lance cali classic 169 cc. Solid Sym engine flat floorboard for hauling bags and boxes of groceries but plastic body

[@teop7887]

Vespa 4Ever 😎👍🇮🇹

[@Drewaka]

you are wrong about easy maintance. in order to change sparking plugs you have to disassemble almost whole the bike lol you can't reach plugs in that position, only if you're not an octopus fingers guy)) but I like vespa!!!!

[@davidprosser457]

No you don’t

[@Jb-Raja]

Two words.. Honda Forza

[@simob7862]

Big, it’s subjective I used to have a bmw 650 gs maxi scooter

[@bluecheese4877]

Definitely some plushness

[@dalesworld1308]

Short wheelbase plus small tires plus speed is not for me.

[@danielracine4234]

This guy never drove a Suzuki Burgman 400 to see the deference.

[@lammariggio8136]

It is not Japanese! It is Italian!

[@robcig]

Are they still made in Italy?

[@nriqueog]

It's a shame that Vespa doesn't make 3 wheel versions of these scooters.

[@stevemiller7433]

I have a Piaggio MP3 500. 3 wheels, tilting mechanism. It's a very capable freeway machine. Piaggio is the parent company of Vespa.

[@nriqueog]

@@stevemiller7433 Yeh, I've seen them on the web site. Just too big size wise as well as price and to me too ugly. They lack the lines and style of the Vespa line up. Now if Vespa could manage to put the 3 wheel tech into a scooter like the Elettrica...I'd buy one. I live in California and I understand any 3 wheel under a certain horsepower a regular class C drivers license is all you need to operate it on the road.

[@Meccanico208]

If you have to ask, you'll never understand

[@-runningwithscissors-9766]

Getting car sick with your constant head bobbing. Mount GoPro on the scooter handlebars next time.

[@Nackdad]

If it's not a 2 stroke manual I feel sorry for you...

[@reyhoe]

You ran a stop sign...smh...fail