Vespa on Highest Road in North America

[@Banditooro]

I rode Harleys from my 20-s into my 60's. Now all I have is a Vespa (300 GTS) and I am still enjoying the road. Its all about being on two wheels and enjoying the outdoors.

[@flatgrindrides]

👍

[@cottagegymfun]

I just started riding. I'm 59! I have a Yamaha 155 Nmax, and a Vespa 300 GTS. I was eyeing the big motorcycles but no more since I only ride locally and the occasional day trips sans freeways. No need for a big bike. Life is good 👍

[@Jdilpkle]

I be ridden street bikes since 1974 and currently own a VStrom and a 1977 airhead BMW. I never in a million years thought I’d even consider a Vespa - look what you’re done!! I’m watching your Vespa videos. I think a big hindrance is my ego, being an experienced “real” motorcycle street bike rider. Oh my, you have put me in a real predicament. In a few words, or a video, push me over to the Vespa side. I can think of more reasons NOT to get a Vespa, but the attraction is unmistakable. How about something for us “macho” bikers that are afraid to make the jump. Love the videos - but I have to watch them with the blinds drawn - ha ha! Seriously, help us fence sitters out. Thank you so much!! Joe

[@flatgrindrides]

😂 Hi Joe. Let me think about this and I’ll get back to you. Glad you’ve enjoyed the videos. 😉

[@flatgrindrides]

I've been thinking about doing a video on this, but I've been too busy to get to it. Have you resolved your predicament? It is interesting how we think about "real" motorcycles and Vespa/scooters, isn't it?

[@2wheelsrbest327]

Currently riding a BMW GS Joe but like you I quite fancy buying a Vespa after watching this great video. Aged 73 it also looks far more appealing than riding my bicycle as well.

[@craigrogers9799]

I think the ultimate expression of being macho is to not give a crap what other people think about your motorcycle, car etc. I ride a moped, drive a honda and have a tiny dog. But no one dares to tell me I must be a sissy because I walk and talk like a man who is not compensating for a lack of anything else. 👍

[@mr.greenbrier7137]

I too rode motorcycles off/on from 20s-50s. Gave up my last bike in 2013. 2016, I didn't renew my motorcycle endorsement because I really didn't have anyone to ride with and my wife wasn't a fan (big mistake). I retired in 2020 and moved down to rual florida. Been looking at getting back into bikes again and started seeing men riding Vespas. The 300 GTS caught my eye and I'm planning on getting one. It took me a little while to drop the idea of going to a scooter, but the Vespa has a nostalgia look that I like. Unfortunately I have to get my endorsement again, but a class on motorcycles doesn't bother me. In fact I'm looking forward to it again.

[@sonkaldo]

What a great video. Its videos like these that make be believe the US is a beautiful country and that there are lovely people that live there and not just the horror we see on our news here in Australia. Thank you❤

[@flatgrindrides]

We’ve got our issues for sure, but there are still lots of good people and nice places. 👍

[@IceAge20017]

What kind of things are they telling you? I'm genuinely curious as an American.

[@jasontomica8938]

​@@flatgrindridesOuch, no windscreen, you are a brave soul. A tall windscreen would change everything on your microphone that I can hear all the wind. And everything hitting your chest and helmet not a wise choice but your brave

[@jasontomica8938]

A tall windshield is where it's at very quiet like sitting in your apartment

[@F-tt3xv]

@@IceAge20017First of all your politicians, one liar and is senile. Both are old as f@ck. Drugs, murder, gangs, extreme nationalism, aggression against europe (most white americans are europeans, why stabb the euros in the back?), attitude that ”we are and make everything the best”, etc. You asked, now accept the answer……..

[@Retro_Iron]

Some stunning scenery. That is one big rock pile!! Looks like the Vespa handled the elevation / atmospheric changes flawlessly. Thanks for the ride and the commentary. Well done.

[@flatgrindrides]

Thanks! Yeah, the Vespa handled the elevation with no problem at all. I’m pretty impressed with how capable of bike it can be.

[@juliodiaz4493]

​@flatgrindrides I have the gts super sport 300 I lose my key my vespa is keyless I have a problem in my hand now men

[@johnnyboy1586]

Really enjoyed the scenery and commentary, just goes to show you don't need a big powerful bike to have a good time😊

[@Cantorisalto1]

Wonderful video and so interesting to see the landscape - videos of adventures are always more interesting. Would love to see more camping Vespa expeditions. Your presentation skills and manner is spot on!! Looking forwards to future vlogs. Thank you so much!!

[@flatgrindrides]

Thank you!

[@Truthseeker71]

That was beautiful! Thanks for sharing your ride!

[@frankiepavinato]

Good to see you back!! What a nice trip you had! 🎉

[@vespa7265]

Good to see you're back. Take care buddy.

[@flatgrindrides]

Thanks 👍

[@vespaenthusiaststimlisah.]

What a ride! Some of the turns you made looked like you could just ride right off the edge of the cliff. Unbelievable! Great footage 👍🛵🛵

[@flatgrindrides]

I could have, but thankfully I didn't! 😉 Thanks for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Zander10102]

Good to see you back on here!

[@vespa.lifestyle.aachen]

Wow, what a beautiful landscape. That's incredible. Very nice shots man. Greetings from Germany - Roland

[@flatgrindrides]

Thanks Roland!

[@2wheelsrbest327]

Thank you for a great video. I currently ride a BMW GS but after watching this and given I am 73 I could be tempted to now buy a Vespa. You have gained another Sub.

[@flatgrindrides]

I have big adv bike too. Different tools, different pleasures. 😉👍

[@davewalton2358]

Great to see you back in action again, really enjoyed your other videos (and watched some of them several times now). I've been off the bike for many weeks now with a back injury (awaiting cortisone injections) and can't wait to get back on. Loving the Vespa, smaller bikes and scoots are just so much fun. Looking forward to more new videos. Epic scenery you have there, so different to what we have here in Australia...

[@flatgrindrides]

Thank you! Glad you’ve enjoyed them. Good luck with your back. In my experience, the healing just takes time. Take care.

[@vespaonderweg]

WoW, what a landscape! ❤ thanks for sharing 👍

[@gkelly34]

Just gorgeous, lucky you having this beauty on your doorstep 🥰

[@Scott-ye4qh]

Beautiful scenery and a beautiful scooter 🛵 🤗 Thank you for the ride along. 😎👍

[@scotty2307]

Hey Joe, I don't know if you are familiar with a KZbin channel called Great Motorcycle Roads, but it was through them that I found your channel. They did a video titled Best Motorcycle Roads in Colorado. This included Mt Evans. After watching that, I searched for other Mt Evans rides and couldn't resist clicking on your bright red thumbnail.

[@philk9227]

Great video. Some fantastic scenery! Never underestimate a scooter's ability to get places 🙂

[@AltitudeRider]

Glad you’re on the mend and back on the road! I adjusted my shocks last week and it makes all the difference in the world! The dealer delivered on the lowest setting. No longer squishy going through the turns and feels much more stable! I also took my seat to a local upholstery shop and he flattened out the ridge in the seat so I can move back 3-4 inches. Major improvement! Thanks for the great ride and video!

[@flatgrindrides]

Nice! Yeah, I ride with my butt against the little ridge. Some extra space probably would be kind of nice.

[@kenhoward3512]

'Very pretty ride and just the right amount of thoughtful narration. 'Beautiful sky, that day. I was just thinking, mid-way up, how unusual it seems, living in these times of such obsession with safety, to be on a road with steep drop-offs, yet no guard rails obstructing the view. The Vespa engine seemed to handle the ascent and altitude just fine. Thanks!

[@ElwoodPDowd-ed7pc]

Yes, i must agree … really nice video and just enough well balanced commentary to keep it interesting. Great, fun ride!

[@flatgrindrides]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@michaelhiggins7365]

I super enjoyed this one, loads of great scenery. Thanks so much.

[@NoFrictionZone]

Awesome video as usual. You just seem like a super respectful guy, an art that has been lost. Good stuff sir.

[@flatgrindrides]

Thank you! 👍

[@armedferret]

Glad to see you up and about again!

[@yoldayizbiz]

Thank you sharing this nice video :)

[@EnricoGagliano-iv9iw]

Another amazing video! Good Vespa ride 👍

[@bfarm44]

Thanks for the ride I forgot how many times I said holy shit about the view. I never knew this existed

[@flatgrindrides]

😂👍

[@bubuhh76]

Thank you so much for taiking me up this hills! 🤙🤘👍👍👍

[@lucianocastelli913]

Bellissimo video, bellissimi posti, gran pilota👏😉

[@flatgrindrides]

grazie amico mio

[@jamesconner3437]

The 300 is a verifiable road warrior. I followed the daily episodes of a guy who rode double with his wife all the way from Canada to Costa Rica....in the snow, rain, desert heat...amazing story.

[@flatgrindrides]

That's pretty awesome. I bet it was a great tour.

[@IceAge20017]

I was just on this pass a few days ago with my car. They renamed it to mount Blue Sky now.

[@ggj666]

What a fantastic road, can almost smell that fresh mountain air from here Norfolk UK about 25ft above sea level :o)

[@flatgrindrides]

Thanks! You have more horsepower down there with the sea breezes for sure. 😉

[@vesparama]

Wow! Awesome stuff.

[@edwardwojtecki1534]

I take it the new Vespa is fuel injected ??? Had a meeting with bikers on Maui pulled over at the 8500 above sea level area. Some were adjusting their carbs for the haul to 1200 or something near that. The others had fuel injected sport bikes. Your Vespa handled that climb with ease. Cheers Ed

[@flatgrindrides]

Yup. FI makes it easy!

[@gryphonstudio1969]

Enjoyable video..well done

[@Scootphoria]

Max preload and still too much sag? You don't look 500lbs!!!! 🤣 Beautiful scenery.Glad you out riding again. I didn't hear you say anything else, so I'm guessing your back was ok on the ride? You do know how to make a return from a hiatus !!!!

[@flatgrindrides]

I'm only about 230. Maybe I should have my assistant measure again?! LOL. My back was a bit sore as it was a nine hour ride when it was all said and done, but I'm OK! 👍

[@flatgrindrides]

Just did another round of sag measurements to confirm. S1 = static sag, rear wheel off ground S2 = rider sag after rear lifted and allowed to settle with rider in position. S3 = rider sag after rear pressed down and allowed to settle with rider in position. S1: 139mm S2: 90 S3: 89 139-89.5 = 49.5 Rider sag is about 50mm with both rear shocks set to the highest of the four preload settings. This has me very curious. I would like to know what figures others are seeing on their bikes.

[@e.miller8943]

Great scenery, reminds me of Rocky Mountain National Park with a few less tourists.

[@JoeDplummer_]

Amazing ride!.. and such beautiful views. I wish someday I can take my Vespa over there. Thanks for sharing 👍🛵✨

[@two.ho.us.e]

Boy is it incredible. I also plan to buy a Vespa and go on a trip to Europe. I have a few questions: how much can you actually drive in a day and what were the problems with the Vespa during the trip

[@flatgrindrides]

Sounds like fun. I haven’t really had any problems. As to how much you could ride in a day, I think that’s really up to you and your comfort. You could ride all day or longer if you’re up for it and you have fuel available. 😉

[@joseedumont3231]

you made me laugh when you said...it is propably hard to keep this road paved...this is my reality where I live...it's like that all the time 🤣 (live in Canada)

[@rickiejacobs5910]

I rode that rode with my a group in 1979 after going to Sturgis. End of July and there was snow on the ground up there. I was riding my 1972 Honda CB500 Four with carburetors of course. Anyway my plugs were fouling out and had to stop to clean them. One of my buddies asked if I took the air cleaning out so the engine can get more of the thin air. I wish they told me that sooner,lol. So how did the FI do up there?

[@flatgrindrides]

I bet that was a great trip! Those old CBs are classics. I got my first bike in 79 but it was a dirt bike. When I did this ride I wondered what it would’ve been like in the early days, both with the carbureted bikes, and the condition of the road… The bike ran great, and the fuel injection seem to perform just fine. There was a little less power at altitude it seemed but not anything significant. It was a fun ride!

[@rickiejacobs5910]

@@flatgrindrides my first bike was a Rupp Roadster 2 1971 model mini bike. Then my first street bike was a11973 Honda CL 125s. Rode that on and off road. That was the bike I passed my motorcycle test in 1974. Then I got a 1974 Kawasaki 250 Triple, it was a 2 cycle engine like the 500 and 750 versions. It was pretty fast for a 250 but rode rough and got terrible gas mileage. Then I got the 1972 Honda 500 Four. It rode better and got better gas mileage than the Kawasaki. That was just the ones I had in the 70’s.

[@ThePowerchecker]

nice trip. regards from germany

[@adrianmiller7506]

I saw you were going through boulder

[@gerardgerard5681]

Great video

[@mzs114]

I hope you get to test the good modern day electric scooters, like we have now in India, Ather, Ola Pro, River Indie. Some of these cross 100kmph.

[@dokoe213]

stunning place

[@Dumi15]

Amazing video 👏! What camera are you using?

[@flatgrindrides]

Thanks! Camera: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmStiGybmK9kacU

[@iggyzorro2406]

Thanks for the great ride. Glad you're back and well. I have never adjusted pre-load on any bike I owned. Does moving it up make the suspension stiffer? Did the Vespa have any breathing problems over two miles above sea level?

[@flatgrindrides]

This is the best video I found on adjusting preload and explaining how it works. It’s in German, but it has English subtitles. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoS8k3mff5J0bpo It doesn’t make it firmer, adjusts the height and for lack of a better way to put it, “the neutral position” within the range of travel of the shocks. for example, if the preload is set to very low position and a heavy rider sits on the bike, it will compress a lot and the chassis will get closer to the ground. Increasing the preload setting will reduce the amount that the chassis will sink when that heavy rider sits on the bike again, retaining more of the suspension travel for compression from bumps. That’s kind of a simplified explanation, the video will explain it more clearly. The Vespa did great at altitude. No issues whatsoever.

[@rickbumbaca240]

What a fantastic ride. I would love to ride that. What was your total mileage for that day? I hope your back heals up. Thanks for sharing

[@flatgrindrides]

It was a really fun ride. Total mileage was about 240 miles. With all the stops, etc. about 9 hours.

[@scp-09698]

What camera do you use?! Absolutely stunning omg

[@flatgrindrides]

Thanks! Camera: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmStiGybmK9kacU

[@scp-09698]

you are awesome , love watching your videos@@flatgrindrides

[@vladanpesic5804]

Great video. Where the camera is placed?

[@flatgrindrides]

It’s a GoPro mounted to the chin bar of my helmet.

[@CaryInVictoria]

I rode that road many years ago and recall feeling queasy from the thinner air near the summit. It didn't affect my riding partner, however.

[@flatgrindrides]

I’ve been up there twice, and the first time I could feel the altitude. A little pressure in my head. On this trip I didn’t notice it at all.

[@SlackSloth]

How do you record the audio? It's very clear. The channel is fantastic. I'm following.

[@Fourwedge]

Great video. I'm new to motovlogging on my Vespa. I'm interested to know what mic setup you have in your helmet?

[@flatgrindrides]

Thanks! Helmet Cam Setup & Audio Secrets kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmStiGybmK9kacU

[@x2s7]

how do you feel about the stability of this bike going 100kmph or 60+mph? are the 12 inch wheels able to handle it? any speed wobbles?

[@flatgrindrides]

No speed wobbles. Stability is good. Better than I expected.

[@x2s7]

@@flatgrindrides thanks for the feedback!

[@DaBinChe]

scenery looks just like Pike's peak but with a more beat up road

[@IceAge20017]

Did you get a bumper sticker that says it survived the climb?

[@Gregs_World]

Perhaps you have answered this before but I wonder what horsepower loss you appreciated that high-altitude? One reason you'd certainly never to ride a 150cc Vespa to the end of that road

[@flatgrindrides]

I have no idea how to quantify it. I live at about 5000 feet and the difference was noticeable, but it’s hard for me to estimate it as a percentage or as a measure of actual horsepower. The bike was noticeably less powerful, but not to the point of being an issue.

[@Gregs_World]

@@flatgrindrides That is a perfect reply and I really appreciate it. I'm glad that it didn't make the bike unrideable that that altitude

[@BridgeandTunnelScooterClub]

love the tunnels

[@flatgrindrides]

No bridges, but I’ve got the tunnels covered! 😉

[@pilifiksveurg6642]

Do you have some issue with breaks on a downhill?

[@flatgrindrides]

No. None of these descents were particularly steep. In general, I think the brakes are adequate, that the stopping distance is longer than I expect given the weight of the bike. The ABS is strong in that it almost always prevents a skid, even under heavy braking. Sometimes I would like less ABS intervention, but I understand why they’ve engineered it this way.

[@juliodiaz4493]

I have a vespa gts super 300 this bike is gorgeous motorcycle i seen nothing like it

[@geraldscott4302]

I have also ridden Harleys from age 16 to 65, and still have a carbureted Sportster 1200. I also have a Vespa GT200. I chose the GT 200 because it is carbureted. I have never owned a computer bike, and have no intention of ever owning one. The GT200 is just as fast as the GTS300, without all the TRASH technology. I have taken 500 mile trips on it with no problems. It only requires half the major maintenance that the new GTS300 HPE models have. I have never had a broken belt on it, the new Vespa HPE models have been breaking belts at under 6000 miles.

[@flatgrindrides]

There’s definitely something to be said for tried and true simplicity. I have a carbureted TW200 with a drum break on the rear. Yes, it’s just a simple farm bike, but it’s dead, reliable and loads of fun. Ride what speaks to you and have a good time. 👍

[@geraldscott4302]

@@flatgrindrides I had a Yamaha XT225 for almost 20 years. It was bulletproof, and super easy to do maintenance on. But I reached the point where I could no longer get on and off of it without standing on something, and I could no longer fix a flat tube type tire by myself, so I sold it.

[@moderndaybumliving]

I went thru that route 2020 coming back from Yellowstone

[@flatgrindrides]

😂 Not a great place to run out of gas. Actually, on second thought, maybe not too bad. Lots of fellow travelers who might be willing to help a guy out. 😉

[@moderndaybumliving]

Could have been better, could have been worse lol. We were just soooo close to the gas station, smh

[@bluedolphin5792]

What size Vespa?

[@flatgrindrides]

GTS 300 HPE

[@arturomolina7136]

Is this a Vespa 300, looks like you’re driving over 65 mph🤔

[@flatgrindrides]

2022 GTS 300 HPE. 👍

[@juliodiaz4493]

What can you say to me lose my key

[@edicon2392]

you dont use windshield? lol

[@flatgrindrides]

Nope. Prefer it without.

[@juliodiaz4493]

Don't worry you in a vespa you saved you good a vespa

[@markplinsky]

Is the microphone inside your mouth?

[@flatgrindrides]

Nope

[@frostydog03]

Wow. I haven't been up there in 35 years at least. Forgot how great the view is. I absolutely woulda had to lose that yellow tag flapping on the mirror. Very annoying. It's like your eyes get drawn to it.

[@flatgrindrides]

Yeah, in hindsight, I should’ve pulled that darn thing off and just stuck it in my pocket! Stay frosty, dog! 👍😉

[@phat-kid]

18:16 no, you don't need your slingshot right now

[@flatgrindrides]

😂

[@mray8519]

Route 6 at the beginning.

[@juliodiaz4493]

That the vespa 300

[@flatgrindrides]

Yes,it’s a 300 GTS

[@JamesDCornette]

Lucky, if that's rush hour

[@F-tt3xv]

The tuff Harley guys dont need helmets. 😂

[@espenbgh2540]

taking the tour twice and not ditching or crasch the Vespa like to be seen in manyother film from other two wheelers as they af so fantastic to do, and giving their stupid excuses!

[@drdreddmanofmystery9482]

South Park?!? That's a real place? lol

[@Winsandloss4242]

lol ikr 😂

[@Antoniy76]

Very bad condition for payed road.

[@SlackSloth]

Do u have a Instagram account?

[@flatgrindrides]

Nope