Why Ride a Vespa When I Could Ride a Motorcycle?

#motovlog #vespa #scooter
Choosing to ride my Vespa GTS was easy when it was the only machine in the garage. Now that I have two Vespa scooters and two motorcycles the process of choosing has changed. In this video I talk a little about the issues that arise with more than one machine and how I deal with that "problem."
On this ride I'll be on my 2004 Vespa ET4. It's a fine 150cc scooter that can pretty much do anything and go anywhere I need to go.

[@Retro_Iron]

Well said, Steve. As the owner of two Vespas and a motorcycle, I can relate with every point you made. And once on the road I occasionally pass a road or lane and think how I want to come back to it and ride it on the other machine. Then, much like your video demonstrates, sometimes the hardest decision is just where to stop for a snack or a coffee! Riding - anything - is just a treat in itself. I even relish those overcast days (but stopping short of rain!) that keep the temps down and the glare out of my eyes. Just brings a different perspective to the ride. Keep ‘em coming! Happy Days.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I'm sitting thinking about your comments, especially how looking for a place for a snack can be a treat in itself. I think you've captured a large part of the attraction of riding for me -- exploring and embracing the unexpected and unknown. It doesn't matter if it's a familiar neighborhood or some far flung town. What I love about riding is seeing things and learning about them. While I enjoy the feel of the wind in my face and the sense of flying, that quickly evaporates as I begin to process what I'm seeing. I guess my visual senses are charged when I ride!

[@jorgedelgado3357]

I have a 2023 Vespa GTS 300 for pure simple fun. On the garage I also have a 2022 HONDA CBR600RR, for a more adrenaline-filled serious riding. I love all bikes.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I understand. I now have three motorcycles and two scooters in the garage. Each provides a unique riding experience. The scooters are both entirely different from the motorcycles. All of them are a joy to ride. Sadly though there are many motorcycle riders who will never allow themselves the pleasure....

[@cityslick007]

I keep my Primavera 150 on roads with speed limits of 45 or less. Just my preference. It will do approximately 55-60 MPH but I don't like to "peg it out".

[@ScooterintheSticks]

That's generally how I ride the ET4 though there are times when I have to dash along a faster road to get to the next relaxed one. I don't worry about pegging either Vespa. They have limiters. I've ridden the GTS for hours on the Interstate with the throttle wide open. I wonder sometimes at the high RPMs but I guess they are engineered to run that way.

[@RogierYou]

Because it’s easy, sitting upright can see more. More fun!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

You are right about the upright seating position affording a good view. Both Vespa scooters have that in common and I love it.

[@talltree3534]

Hey Steve. Mike again. Yea, 4 bikes in the garage now for over a year. Vespa 300 GTS, BMW C400 GT Scooter, BMW G310 GS, BMW R1250 GSA. 3 new 2022 and one 2018 used. Under warranty makes it easy to justify the maintenance for the shop solution. All very different rides and I love the changes and different builds. Ride 2 different ones each day for short hops. The big one is more serious for longer rides so that one sits more. Love to jump on the scooters thought for quick in town tasks or over to the lake near me to stop and watch the activities. Love your stuff and on the same page as you for many of these considerations. See you on the back roads!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

You have a nice collection of machines. I seriously looked at the BMW G310 GS. It had a nice feel to it and a very smooth ride. But the old pickup truck quality of the Himalayan won me over. The R1250 GSA seems enormous to me now. I've ridden the 1200 about 10 years ago and while manageable I realized it would sit a lot of the time. The scooters are just so easy to get on and go. And deal with in the world, especially for errands when I am constantly stopping somewhere. Have fun riding the backroads too!

[@captainjim605]

Another thoughtful, enjoyable video to start my morning. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Glad you enjoyed it. I think I need another fix of South Dakota vicarious riding!

[@KrakensGarageandAdventures]

I definitely can relate to everything you said. Your herd is growing in the garage! Another outstanding production, Steve.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I think the herd is at a mature level now. I could squeeze something else in but then getting around in the garage would be a challenge. Besides, I now have everything I need!

[@Feistyviv]

Living in Los Angeles, it’s a challenge to find roads this tranquil. Thanks for sharing and ride safe…

[@secretariat-13]

Tell me about it, lived here all my life and it’s not only challenging dealing with thousands of aggressive driver but somewhat boring, LA is a concrete and steel jungle, not appealing at all.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I can understand the dilemma. I'm not sure I would be riding if I lived in LA. And if I did it would likely be adventures off the freeway through neighborhoods and places that I wouldn't see otherwise. I've found such things in Pittsburgh and Baltimore but they aren't LA.

[@dennyf01]

I'm enjoying your videos, each one is like a visit home. I'm in NC now, but I grew up in Colyer. I still come back to central PA a couple of times a year just to do some riding on the old familiar roads. Thanks!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I'm glad I can offer a little slice of home for you. Coyler is only a few miles away and I've often ridden, walked, and canoed at the lake. In case you haven't seen it, this video was shot in and around Coyler: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnjccnuLZdaqjqc

[@victorhawkins3461]

To answer your title's question -- 'cause (for me) it's more fun. I loved my Vulcan 2000...she was a beasty beast...but I enjoyed riding both my Vespas infinitely more than riding Mo'Dean. Mo' was more work to suit up and ride than she was flat-out fun. As for repairing my own stuff...my tool kit is comprised of a clean VISA card and a checkbook. You don't even want to know how unskilled I am when it comes to anything mechanical! Another very enjoyable outing, Steve. Thanks for the ice cream. Catch you on the next one...

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Well, as much fun as my Vespa scooters are to ride, I can't say they are more fun. A different flavor of fun maybe. Each machine has it's own unique characteristics and when applied appropriately they are bang up fun to ride. My main tools in the tool kit are the same as yours -- credit card and checkbook. And cash. Sometimes I get the urge to wrench on something but more and more I don't. I'm already working on the next video but it won't be with the Vespa. The ride should be enjoyable though.

[@tanja5867]

My choices are the Vespa or my e-bike. Both are a different kind of fun! It’s a privilege to have choices. The e-bike just doesn’t go as far, as fast. Sometimes I just ‘invent’ reasons to take the scooter…library, coffee shop, etc. Thanks for the video. A wonderful break from all the news lately.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Well said! It is definitely a privilege to have choices whether in what to ride or life in general. I've been inventing reasons to ride my scooter since the day I got it! The news is sort of maddening yet almost like an accident.... I can't stop looking.

[@JoeDplummer_]

Love to see your videos. You are the kind of guy I would like to ride with 😊👍🛵

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks 👍

[@paulcapaccio9905]

Because there’s quality of life to be considered ! You’re the best Steve

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Riding a scooter has definitely improved the quality of my life.

[@twloughlin]

The thought of so many machines is, to me, a bit intimidating. I'm so completely inept when it comes to maintenance, just the hassle of getting 4 machines to a mechanic on a regular basis sounds daunting, as I don't have a single service shop within 50 miles of me. And I don't have a garage. One great thing about my Trail Rider is it's actually approachable in terms of me doing my own work because it's so simple. Oil changes, chain lube and tension, tire/tube replacements, valve and clutch adjustments all seem possible for a klutz like me. It would be nice to have such variety. My dream would be a rental location where I could choose to rent a bike for a day or two and then return it!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Taking care of four machines instead of one brings with it myriad challenges. Service just being one. Some of the simple things like oil and filter changes I will do myself unless the occur during some other major work. But you're right about the dance to get them to a service center. The Kawasaki place is 5 miles away. Vespa 30 miles. And the Himalayan 110 miles away. I'm actually looking forward to the 3000 mile service on the Himalayan. Making a ride to Gettysburg, Spending the night and riding home the next day. It does require the dealer to deliver on the service though and not have the bike apart and unrideable on the second day! Life on the edge...

[@ricbarnes6272]

It's really nice to hear someone who truly does appreciate the "so called " scooter styled motorbike. I hear so many derogatory remarks from other biker videos, they're allright, but i wouldn't own one & would be embarrassed to ride one. Rubbish with a capitol R. I have owned 3 "scooters" & still have one which i will never sell until forced to by age or infirmety &i have a traditional motorcycle, both of whom i ride out nearly every day. Two of them were maxi scooters & the one i have now for about 5 yrs is a piaggio bv 500, black metallic, hard side cases matching, & a large givi top box, the bike has enormous carrying capacity, i absolutely love this machine. My only problem is finding a vespa dealer near enough to me so i have to deal with regular mc shops who really give me a feeling that they'd rather not. Too bad, strip the plastic bodywork off & underneath there is a MOTORCYCLE, not a "scooter". When i think of a scooter, i think of the olde serie, the little rascals & their soap box 2 wheeled creations. When you can regularly run 3 or 4 hundred kms in a day, in comfort, i'd call that. Motorcycling. Sorry for the venting, i really appreciate your videos with the vespa & like i said, it's good to see someone who appreciates these wonderful machines for what they are, motorcycles. Ric, 75 yrs young, ontario canada. The weather here is fantastic, i'm about to go out for a long leisurely ride on my bv, whose name by the way, because she is italian & quite voluptuous, is "sophia". Goodday, & thanks.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Scooters seem to be a reach for many riders. They agitate their sense of self and manhood maybe? Not sure what exactly but it is plain to see sometimes. I love riding a scooter. And if there weren't so many emotional and mental roadblocks, other riders would as well. Granted there are specialized riding styles and interests that would preclude a scooter, but it doesn't excuse the invective. I'm grateful I found the elegant riding of a scooter and shed whatever thoughts I might have had to keep me from it.

[@peaceandcalm-paulruby9304]

Yes you are correct the 150 ET4 has a special feel. If I had to pick one motorcycle as my only motorcycle (from 100 that I've owned) it would come down to the Triumph Bonneville and the Piaggio ET4 Vespa. It just comes down to the feel. And it's not easy to put words to that. Paul "Word" Ruby

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Well said! I feel fortunate that I now have four machines that have the special feel I want and fit perfectly into my riding life.

[@andrewparry814]

Hi Steve. Lovely video, as always. Felt I had to support your point about doing your own servicing. I'm only probably a year younger than you and I have found over recent years I no longer have the inclination to do so much of my own servicing. This is especially so on my newer bikes where I am not familiar with how they come apart. I have recently done my BMW but only because it is now 15 yrs old, built like a tractor and I'm not prepared to pay BMW prices. I would much rather be out riding than spannering.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I'm with you. I would rather be riding than spannering. And as far as labor costs go, I just have to close my eyes and swallow hard when they hand me the bill. I have the scooters serviced at the BMW dealer. Not sure where I'll have the Himalayan serviced yet. The Kawasaki may have the best pricing. Time will tell. Thank you for the kind words about the video too. I appreciate them.

[@iggyzorro2406]

interesting looking mirrors - thanks for the ride - health issues (lingering covid symptoms) and heat keeping me grounded for now and envious of being in the wind.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I'm sorry to hear of the lingering COVID symptoms. You're not alone in having them. Lots of people are. After after a billion dollars of Federal funding doctors are basically clueless on how to help. Until you can be in the wind again I hope I can provide some vicarious enjoyment.

[@user-tf2qf2gl4g]

Nice little ride very enjoyable I like your thought on the various two wheels that you have. The jacket you are wearing is it very heavy and what brand is it as I have not seen anything that resembles it down here in Australia other than a lightweight rain jacket to use over a riding jacket if the rain is not very heavy. Keep posting your rides thoughts and view stay safe and enjoy.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

The jacket worn in this video is a First Gear Kilimanjaro IV. Definitely a 4 season jacket. But it is comfortable from 70F and below and what I wear for any extended ride. With the right layers it keeps me warm down to -10F. During the warm weather I have a couple other jackets to wear.

[@michaelhiggins7365]

I really enjoyed this one Steve, especially the background piano music, excellent choice. You also made a very good observation regarding cheap battery tenders, I wiped out a Lawn Tractor's battery using one of those inexpensive chargers, the battery was hot to touch ! Looking forward to your next video. P.S. are you still thinking about replacing the GTS with a new machine ?

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Glad you enjoyed it. I have fun choosing music. It changes everything. I've shortened the lives of a few batteries. Now I'm charging in a more informed manner. No plans to replace my GTS. I'll keep riding it, repairing it, and enjoying it until something catastrophic occurs that renders it useless. Then I'll get another scooter!

[@1999zrx1100]

I had the Kawasaki W650 for a few years, as I’ve aged the CC’s and weight of the bike has dropped. Sure miss the big touring Harley and rocket ZRX 1100. Closing in on 70 and thinking maybe a Vespa would be the ticket. Dealer is trying to convince me the 300cc machine is the way to go if I have a history of riding motorcycles, still undecided. Great Video 🙏

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I think the choice between the Vespa 300 and a Vespa 150 depends on the riding you are actually going to do. If there is any measurable time on freeways then the 300 makes sense. But if you aren't in a hurry, riding back roads and surface streets, and like light and nimble machines, the 150 is a dream. The new ones top out at about 60 mph practically speaking, are super smooth, and fun to ride. Good luck on you investigations. If the dealer will let you take some test rides go ahead and see the difference.

[@Stefan_trekkie]

Excellent video as always. My situation is a bit different. I have two scooter too at the moment but only can keep one with me. The other is in my brother's house ~20 km away. So, usually I rotate them for a week or two.. When the one is with me, I miss the other. I am trying to find a way to keep both at the same time

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I'm fortunate that I have been able to take over our one car garage for my scooters and motorcycles. My wife has resigned herself to never having a nice, snow free car in the winter! Not sure how I would feel having to go somewhere else to get one of my scooters or motorcycles. It's a problem I'm glad I don't have to deal with. Good luck with trying to find a sway to keep both yours in one place!

[@Stefan_trekkie]

@@ScooterintheSticks I did not want to spam with long posts about myself, it's your videos after all. But the economic situation is concerning all of us that are somewhat connected to 'the west' .. For at least 10 years I have been thinking about a house with garage in Europe but as my salary as automation engineer it's not possible and it's getting even harder and harder. I am on my own and I don't see a way to fulfill my dream. It's like one particular youtuber say 'you want the carrot but the carrot is running twice as fast as you'

[@fernandomagalhaes2957]

I don't know why i stumble today in your channel. I am 72 , retired, bike dependant for 50 years. I have in my garage a 2018 Royal Enfield 500 (euro 4) and a 2003 Moto Guzzi Breva 750, bought two years ago with only 14000km, after having had around 20 bikes before them. Living in Porto/Portugal, nowadays i have no patience, nor space, nor light , nor tools, no eyes, to maintain them. I am floating above your beautiful videos, thinking if I should get a vespa 300 HPE to be the third one more to alternate.. and to reach almost your score of 4...I will tell you the result of my youtube excess visioning.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I know that eventually I will have to retire my motorcycles. I'm ok with that when the time comes because the Vespa scooters will easily provide me with the thrill and satisfaction of riding. I have no direct experience with the HPE model Vespa scooters but I have ridden Vespa GTS 300s. They're a fine scooter. Let me know if your visions and dreams cause you to bring one home!

[@markkulyas2418]

I put a Harbor Freight battery tender on my tractor battery and I noticed it was boiling the acid out. That's when I went and purchased the expensive smart chargers for my motorcycles and my truck. Oh live and learn.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

The same thing happened to be with my Battery Tenders. Now I put them on for a day and then off for a week. So far so good.

[@kz1000st1]

The other day I pondered what machine to take out for a four mile round trip for milk. Usually the answer to that is one of the scooters. This time a desire(craving, need?) to ride the 750 Kawasaki took over. Because it's old the carburetors demand a three minute warmup but I didn't care. I rode the big beast and loved it. Like you, though, my favorite is the one I'm on. I just bonded with the Kawasaki a little more than previously on my 800 mile week to, at and back for Americade. It's smooth, relatively quiet but appeals to the hidden 20 year old inside me.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Riding often puts me in touch with the hidden 20 year old inside me as well. Unless I have some specific plan or video I am going to make, each time I go out to the garage to get something to ride it's a mystery what I'll choose or why. But whatever the choice, it's the right one!

[@paulcapaccio9905]

I still have my 2001 ET 4 150. NEEDS CARB WORK ! 23,000 miles on it. New Jersey

[@ScooterintheSticks]

My 2005 ET4 sat for a few years with gas in it before it came to me. I had to run some carb cleaner through it several times to get it to run acceptably. It still lags a bit when cold but is fine once it warms up. Someday I'll have to have the carb dismantled and cleaned I think. A good winter job.

[@erik_dk842]

12:20 You can connect the battery tenders through a timer

[@ScooterintheSticks]

But then there would be fewer reasons to go out to the garage and admire the machines!😎

[@secretariat-13]

Hello Steve, I have somewhat the same dilemma as you, I’m a watch collector or used to be, I currently own at least 20 watches and I’m constantly debating which to wear on any given day, I do have favorites or at least some get more wrist time than others. Now as to the cleaning of the bikes, I only have one and yes I’m one of those guys that wipes their bike every single day, it’s a habit I picked up earlier in life as I used to be a member of a car club and it was required to keep your ride spick and span all the time, as always, I’ve enjoyed watching and hearing your stories.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Funny you should mention watches. I just read an article about the American watch maker J.N. Shapiro. I'm still coughing at the prices. You have any of those in your collection? I have a Timex upstairs somewhere... But I understand the challenge of making choices among things like watches, cameras, scooters, motorcycles... I envy people who keep their machines spic and span all the time. And the rest of their lives tidy and in order. But somehow I never developed that gene. Or habit. I keep trying but progress is slow.

[@secretariat-13]

@@ScooterintheSticks Timex, they take a licking and keep on ticking. I absolutely do not own any of JN Shapiros timepieces, way above my pay-grade but those pale in comparison to other watch makers such as Richard Mille, his timepieces range from 300,000 to more than a million each. Totally incomprehensible but some do purchase them, they’re all works of art like purchasing a pricy painting.

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

I like scooters but the roads where I live are badly maintained & the smaller wheels of the scooter would be an issue. The b double trucks & many of the pick up trucks make riding a slower bike such as my CT 110 quite dangerous. I stick to the dirt back roads as much as possible, but I really enjoy taking in the scenery & wildlife.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Your Postie bike makes a lot more sense for your situation than a scooter would for the reasons you suggest. The Himalayan might be a good choice as a faster alternative but I'm not sure you would gain much other than speed. But on roads with trucks that might be advantageous. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on your CT110. Yesterday a friend stopped by on his 1968 (?) CT90. Cool ride. He made a video that you can see here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gICpiIWtbtmghc0

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

@@ScooterintheSticks watched the video, that's a nice old Honda. Not many yellow ones here in Oz, red seems to be the only colour.

[@dionmoore879]

as I sit in my office this cool morning (cool for Alabama anyway) I know my Fly 150 is steps away. But alas I have work to be done. The fly works great hauling a fat man around for the casual 20 mile round trip lunch run. I have other 2 wheelers, with plans to get rid of all but 2. We'll see how it goes.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

The Fly 150 has the same basic drivetrain as the ET4 though yours may be fuel injected. They definitely are great machines for the 20 mile lunch! Good luck with your downsizing. No easy task.

[@gregorygorecki7524]

All the very best from gregory

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you!

[@papaballoon]

I decided long ago that if I don't have only one.. nothing gets ridden! I have a250 yamaha morphous.. it will do everything I want or need. I don't have money, tone or space for another bike

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I only had one machine in the garage for a long, long time. Life was simpler. And now there are five and there are times I think I should return to a simpler time. But every time I go for a ride the machine I'm on is the best and perfect one. Not sure how I could decide on one...

[@joseadavila7445]

i have the same problem . kawa 650 vulcan s . burgman 400 . klx 230 . i use the same primsimples you use . depends on the trip . i am heading back to east coast to so ga or no fla from so az . i miss the atlantic ocean . i ll find nice rds there . remember me ? guy that moved to so az from bx ny 3 yrs a go . that area that your ride is very nice . may trailer on of mine to western pa ? mine future area on east coast in summer . there problably the burman 400 . may be loop . pa , md , wv ?

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Southern Georgia and North Florida will be a big switch from Arizona. The costal plain will be flat but there will be a lot more trees and vegetation! And the ocean is always nice. Lots of fine roads looping through Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. The Burgman will be perfect for that kind of riding. Why trailer? Just ride north on the Blue Ridge Parkway!

[@papaballoon]

One more point..if you have a scooter that won't GO the ton.. you are unlikely to get a speeding ticket. And I am no longer in all that much if a hurry anyway.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Everything I own could get me a speeding ticket in the right place. But like. you I am seldom in a hurry!

[@paulcapaccio9905]

Steve we’ve to Rome 31 times so far. Twice every year. 600,000 scooters there !

[@ScooterintheSticks]

That's a lot of flying! 31 visits is incredible. I knew there were a lot of scooters there but 600K is kind of mind boggling. I've never been south of Bolzano. Never left the Italian Alps. My grandfather had a house on Lago Maggiore but I never got there. And my wife's cousin played basketball for the Italian League after he left the NBA and had a car and apartment in Rome we could use. But we never got there either. Personal failures on our part.

[@joeh773]

Nice easy vid, thanks for the relax. Is the ET4 vastly different from your GTS? I did not like about the GTS that it was fairly tall (seat) and heavy for a scooter. It felt like too much work to maneuver it even to me and I am not a totally unfit 6' guy, my wife though is 5'2". Is the ET4 much better, or is the weight and tall seat a Vespa thing in general? Been saying we "need" another vehicle for a while, 150cc easy to hop on run-about would be best. Just enough power to keep up with the Ural :-)

[@ScooterintheSticks]

The ET4 and GTS have very different characteristics while riding. The ET4 is lighter, more nimble, and is generally easier to deal with. But the two scooters sound very different. The bigger, water cooled engine in the GTS has a lower frequency sound. And the GTS accelerates noticeably faster. And the slightly larger wheels and heavier weight produce a smoother ride. Are the differences huge? No, but they are noticeable. The seat height is basically the same for both scooters -- high. At 31.5 inches it is a challenge for shorter riders who are not experienced. It will be fine for you but your wife might appreciate something with a lower seat. The Yamaha Vino 125 or the Suzuki Burgman 200 come to mind. And I'm sure there are others. Both the Vespa scooters will keep up with the URAL. And the GTS will run circles around it and leave it in the dust!

[@joeh773]

@@ScooterintheSticks thanks, Steve. I was amazed how fast the GTS was. Immediately on test ride when without any effort i found myself doing 60 in 35mph zone on familiar route to work. And then during the brief ownership, I'm sure i amazed plenty drivers around me keeping up. But no way my wife would ride it. It's a pickle, they absolutely definitely are the best looking scoots out there and the heritage...

[@richicago20]

Steve, what helmet is most comfy with my prescription glasses, in your opinion? you wear glasses, i noticed.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I've only had three helmets and have found all of them fine with glasses. A Fulmer, Shoei, and HJC. For me the only difference I've seen has more to do with the glasses than the helmet. I've found the flexible metal frames with thin side arms work best. The thicker plastic frames caused more pressure around my ears.

[@gerardgerard5681]

Steve there's one for sale up by my home. Proble is it only has 985 mile and it's a 2006. Matt

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Since they only imported the W650 into the US in 2000 and 2001 someone must have brought one into the country. Definitely a rare find for a rider!

[@fintonmainz7845]

If you were banned from riding vespas, would you still ride scooters?

[@ScooterintheSticks]

That's a good question and one that I've thought about. For me, the answer is yes, I would still ride scooters even if I couldn't have a Vespa. Right now I would gravitate towards a Yamaha XMAX 300. Scooters, regardless of make, provide a different riding experience from a motorcycle.

[@mannyechaluce3814]

I just tell them because I am blind, they pretty much leave me alone after that.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Hah! That works.