Vespa TOP SPEED

[@michaelhiggins7365]

San Diego Scooterworks did a video on a mod you can purchase to up the top speed around 5 to 6 mph if I recall. Apparently, Vespa uses the rear wheel antiskid disk to govern or limit the top speed of the scooter to around 76 mph. By changing out this disk with the aftermarket one, you can gain another 5 to 6 mph. I've also read or seen, Vespa's speedometers typically read a few miles high at top speed. Another interesting and enjoyable video, thanks.

[@flatgrindrides]

Thanks Michael! I forgot to mention it in the video but I did put a link to it in the description. Of course nobody reads the descriptions, lol! You’re taking about this I think? www.scooterwest.com/abs-overdrive-tone-timing-wheel-disc-rear-gts-gtv-hpe.html

[@michaelhiggins7365]

@@flatgrindrides Yes, that's the Bad Boy that will fake out the ECU to give you a blistering, neck snapping, extra 5 or 6 MPH ;)

[@flatgrindrides]

@@michaelhiggins7365 😂

[@adamcurtin3410]

It also corrects the optimistic speedometer. This part is a must have for the HPE GTS in my opinion. The speed is limited by the ecu at a certain rpm regardless, pushing what that threshold is to 80-82 mph is really necessary on the highways for safety.

[@puffybodie5282]

In Asia they do something more interesting. They switch off ASR in ECU (is not enough to turn it off on handlebars), rest is completely stock and you get ~94mph on GPS

[@borderlands6606]

Speaking as a limey, it's definitely "run in". I'm old enough to remember rear window stickers with "Running In - Please Pass". Also, "Disc Brake" stickers to advise drum brake users to give the driver space.

[@rolandpotter479]

The great thing about scooters is just drifting by and enjoying the scenery . The slower speed means less tension.

[@flatgrindrides]

I agree. That said, people always ask me how fast it goes.😂

[@frankiepavinato]

My GTS 250 top speed some years ago was around 130 km/h (approx 80 mph). Now , with a 14 years old engine and with my modified Akrapovic exhaust it reaches 120 km/h (approx 74 mph). Still, I love to cruise around the lakes region here in northern Italy at 65/75 km/h (40/45 mph), I think this is the perfect use for my Vespa ALTHOUGH I would very much like a Vespa with the Beverly 400cc engine, a bit chubbier and some 13" rims to have more "breathing space" on touring trips. Just to be more comfortable and have that extra "oomph" in terms of torque. Never cared that much for top speed on the Vespa since I also own a Ducati Multistrada 1200S and an Aprilia RSV1000 Factory.

[@flatgrindrides]

I agree about the top speed. I didn't buy it to go "fast" and, like you, I have a big bike (XT1200Z) for long or fast trips and more "traditional" motorcycling. I do like the minimalist riding experience of the Vespa though. It is a different feeling!

[@Sr.D]

It's very interesting what you say, a Vespa with the Beverly 400 engine sounds great. I currently have a Harley, but I've been bitten by the Vespa bug. The thing is, I find their engines a bit underpowered. I don't need them to go very fast, but they should at least be able to comfortably reach and maintain 120 km/h (75 mph). On the other hand, I aesthetically prefer the smaller Sprint and Primavera models, but they are only offered in 125cc in Spain and barely reach 100 km/h (60 mph).

[@frankiepavinato]

@@Sr.D it would be my dream to have a bigger Vespa but they need to change entirely the frame to accommodate the bigger engine. A ver si van a hacerla, sòlo el tiempo lo dirá! To be honest a 300 Vespa maintains 120 km/h but it’s reaching its limits,it depends how much time you would like to cruise at that speed. And you need to take into account the smaller tires, at that speed the consumption level is higher than a ,say, 17” rims tire.

[@Sr.D]

@@frankiepavinato Grazie per la tua risposta amico. I would use it to go to work as well, a lot of highway in the end, but it would also be more like my second motorcycle, a little indulgence. I've always liked classic Vespas; in Spain, there's a lot of enthusiasm for them, but I suppose it's even greater in Italy. However, I prefer the reliability and usability of a modern one. Best regards

[@frankiepavinato]

@@Sr.D there’s a lot of love for classic Vespas in Italy. I’m a black sheep when it comes to this 🐑, I like the look but that’s it, I prefer too the reliability and performance of the newer models. If you want to use it for “a lot of highway” then I must say it’s not the best scooter for that,as I was saying in my first comment the Vespa reaches its enjoyment level cruising at 60/70 km/h. But hey,I have a friend in Genova who uses it mainly for commuting on highways (although he only does 20/25 km per day) and it’s perfectly fine for him so… Si necesitas otras informaciones sobre la Vespa no dudes en pedírmelo 😉 ciao! 👋🏻✌🏼

[@SydneyTowne]

A great video, loved it. Thanks for posting.

[@erikryde7879]

I ride a Vespa 125 and I noticed a big difference between the indicated speed and the GPS speed on my phone: indicated 80km/h -> phone 72km/h. There is also a big difference between uphill and downhill speed 🙂! Especially when - like you (and me) - you are over 220 pounds. (Aaah ... the good life! 🙂)

[@ScooterintheSticks]

That's similar to my GTS250. Plenty fast for me. And my speedometer isn't accurate -- a few mph off. But for me, I really don't care if the top speed is 70, 75, or 80. I didn't buy the Vespa to be running like that normally. I read about guys swapping exhaust systems or changing other things to squeeze a little more speed but for me, who cares? Riding a Vespa isn't about top speeds or braking distance. Something more seductive and engaging is important to me -- flying through the world on this almost silent machine. Anyway, by useless three cents worth of blather.

[@flatgrindrides]

I hear you. I didn't get because I wanted to go fast. I wanted the scooter experience. Not sure how to put it into words, but something along the lines of the minimalist riding experience. Not technical in terms of technique, just twist and go. It is a different feeling, and it's fun. That said, people do often ask, "How fast does it go?" So, I thought I would confirm for myself and demonstrate. The stopping distance test was for my own knowledge. I did notice that the braking distance seemed to be longer than my other bike, so I wanted to test it so that I can adjust the way I ride. Better to know than to be surprised when you really need to STOP! :-)

[@Scootphoria]

I'm with you Steve. But some do care. Some people just love to get the max out of what ever they have. The Vespa suits my style of lolly gagging around just perfect. I've even been considering dropping down (or buying as a companion) a 150cc.

[@alfredocesarano757]

Wonderful Vespa ❤

[@itsMEmotovlogs]

Mine goes up to 130 also on flat, but i think its real 120kmph. Nice breaking :D

[@davidwill1636]

so beautiful road😊

[@thepowerofwords5788]

Bro do you live in a heaven?❤❤❤

[@flatgrindrides]

Yeah, pretty close. 😉

[@Scootphoria]

Mine won't go that fast!!! Took me 3 hours to go 45 miles on my last ride 🤣 2 rides ago I got on the slab and stayed tween 60-65 while in traffic. I stop often or go very slow looking around. But my putzing around gets me 85 mpg. That day on the slab I still got 77.9 total for a 380 miles trip.

[@flatgrindrides]

In the end it's not about the speed, but the pleasure. 85mpg is great! I don't usually calculate my MPG but last time I did it was about 70.

[@markkulyas2418]

I wonder what the speed would drop down to if you're going over a very large grade or going through the mountains up a steep grade for long periods. If you're driving on a steep grade on a freeway and your speed drops too low that could be dangerous. Any experience with those situations?

[@flatgrindrides]

Most of the steep hills and grades that I’ve ridden have been relatively short, and I have not had issues with this. I’ll think about it as a test for the future and if I find anything interesting maybe I’ll do a video on it.

[@markkulyas2418]

@@flatgrindrides Thanks for responding👍

[@donelmore2540]

That’s an “indicated” speed. Italian bikes/scooters are supposed to be at least 10% optimistic. It’s the Italian way! So 80mph would be about 72mph.

[@flatgrindrides]

As I note in the description of the video, one can buy an aftermarket ABS disc for the rear wheel that corrects the speedometer. 👍

[@donelmore2540]

@@flatgrindrides Sorry, I don’t do research to see what information is available somewhere else.

[@flatgrindrides]

@@donelmore2540 no worries! I probably should’ve said something in the video, but I didn’t think about it at the time so I just put it in the description which no one will ever read. 😂

[@donelmore2540]

@@flatgrindrides I have a 2014 GTV300 which I love riding, but the former manager of the local Vespa dealership told me about the speedometer inaccuracy. I also have a 20014 Moto-Guzzi 1400 Touring and a 1971 Moto-Guzzi Ambassador.

[@flatgrindrides]

@@donelmore2540 Nice! Guzzis are pretty bikes.

[@burlybair]

I wonder if a windscreen would help or hinder your body wind resistance.

[@flatgrindrides]

I have a windscreen on my other bike and I like this one “naked” 👍 As for performance, don’t know. Not a big difference if I had to guess.

[@kentwilliams4152]

I was speaking with a Vespa dealer today and he mentioned that the scooter is noticeably faster withe ABS off. He thinks that with it on it provides a reduced acceleration for wet road conditions. FWIW

[@flatgrindrides]

That's interesting. I might do another test with traction control on/off too...

[@nikitar5178]

is it possible to tune it to get over 90mph and close to 100?

[@flatgrindrides]

Don’t know. You can change out the rollers for different weights to adjust for faster acceleration but lower top speed or vice versa (to a point). modernvespa.com/forum/topic147219 I also don’t know if there is an electronic governor that would limit top speed. I should probably know this, but I can’t remember. Keep in mind that I am riding at or above 5,000 feet elevation so your results closer to sea level might be different.

[@Neoptolemus]

So what is your mpg?

[@flatgrindrides]

I don’t typically track it but something like 70 to 75 miles per gallon around town. Less if it’s a long highway trip at speeds above 55.

[@MichielBoone]

How much do those cost ?

[@flatgrindrides]

You pay a premium for sure, but they are nice bikes.

[@ee232jensen]

75 km or mill?

[@MakTheSank]

miles per hour, its the 300cc 24 horsepower vespa, top speed is around 120km/h or 75mph.

[@erikryde7879]

Brake test: "HARD BRAKE" and then I don't know which stopped first. The Vespa or the video? 🙂🙂🙂

[@flatgrindrides]

It was just a teaser for the upcoming video. Sorry if it was confusing. Brake test (stopping distance) will be the next video. This one would have been too long if I included both. Should be posted soon...

[@ee232jensen]

75 km ore mill?

[@flatgrindrides]

Mph. (I’m riding at 5,000ft (1,525m) elevation)

[@ee232jensen]

What bike. 60cc?

[@flatgrindrides]

2022 Hayabusa

[@juliodiaz4493]

With me that 300 super sport can do like 85 mph I wait 175 pounds

[@francisdollowayii9255]

This bike is faster than the Piaggio liberty. I’ve never hit 75mph and I’m a smaller rider than you are

[@flatgrindrides]

I’m at 5,000 feet elevation so it might be a bit quicker at sea level too?

[@NoFrictionZone]

My GTS 250 purrs at 65/70 mph.

[@flatgrindrides]

Is the top speed limited by the ECU? If so, do you know the cut off point?

[@jrnumex9286]

3;16 that's what james dean allegedly said

[@flatgrindrides]

😂

[@ee232jensen]

Now i see😂

[@ee232jensen]

300cc ? 150??

[@flatgrindrides]

300

[@mannyechaluce3814]

naked, dang, no wonder you get the wave :D normally

[@flatgrindrides]

Works every time! 😂

[@justinlinnane8043]

I'm a bit surprised at that top speed . My 250 GTS can reach 80mph plus but then i do have a PM tuning sports exhaust on it that adds a fair few horsepower . doesnt mean a thing though , the joy of the vepsa isnt its top speed !!

[@flatgrindrides]

Yeah, it’s not really about the top speed for me either, but people do ask me about it. I’m at an elevation of 5000 feet and I probably weigh more than you do. 😂🍗