Why you should own a 2020 Vespa GTS 300 HPE and not a Goose!

The 2020 Vespa GTS 300 HPE is a must have for every garage! Today Fred (aka Angry Goose) and I will be doing an overview of the entire Vespa chassis and talk about upgrades for the new 2020 HPE model. I’ll then be fleeing Fred’s hostile hisses and honks taking you on a journey through city streets, highway and some back road riding. Stick around to hear Fred's take on life!
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[@TheMotopologist]

Don't forget to subscribe or Fred will hunt you down and interrupt you frequently.

[@armanixavier8477]

You probably dont care at all but does anyone know of a tool to get back into an instagram account? I was dumb lost the login password. I would love any tips you can offer me

[@brantleyorlando5789]

@Armani Xavier instablaster ;)

[@armanixavier8477]

@Brantley Orlando Thanks so much for your reply. I found the site on google and I'm trying it out atm. Seems to take a while so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@armanixavier8477]

@Brantley Orlando it worked and I actually got access to my account again. I'm so happy! Thanks so much, you saved my account!

[@brantleyorlando5789]

@Armani Xavier no problem xD

[@jameskrell4392]

This is probably the best review of the Vespa GTS I have ever seen. I own a 2018 model, pre HPE and have had a 2012 model before that. I get over 80 miles to the gallon mixed town and country riding and it handles great though country roads. I have done distance on it and stayed away from home, great fun. An easy upgrade for older GTS's is adding LED lights as I have done. My first GTS was red so I don't think Fred would approve. Safe riding Fred.

[@vikram1278]

This was awesome. Fred should be in every video! 😂 And I wouldn't have believed it had you not shown us this Scooter-on the highway-doing highway speeds! I own a 2019 Royal Enfield Classic 500 and barely broken in due to winter. I'd be happy to let you review it in the name of all things motorcycle.

[@robmoto2846]

Great review! I appreciate hearing about your driving impressions. 👍

[@ExtraLiT7]

In the first seconds of the video, I knew it's gonna be quality content.

[@shonnburton2757]

Love the Fred outtakes at the end, very funny! Love seeing the local Round Rock and Austin area streets too! Enjoyed the video!

[@TheMotopologist]

Shonn Burton thanks! Fred is uh...quite the character

[@northerner67]

To avoid spillage into the under seat potty. Prop it up using the filler cap. Leaving a good 1 inch gap for over fill when refuelling

[@rebabapianoforte]

In love with the goose

[@TheMotopologist]

I mean I love the amount of views he got me... wish he loved me being around. lol

[@tacoojisan]

Fred did nothing wrong!! His personality really brings the video together 🤣.

[@TheMotopologist]

#Fredloveseveryone

[@Scrubby.55]

I know he was making some really good points at the end.

[@lawlindsey9357]

Nice shots of downtown Round Rock and hairy man road. Thumbs up.

[@Siouxnami]

Thanks a lot for making this video. Im gonna get one this weekend

[@TheMotopologist]

Curtis, I hope you snagged one!

[@TheCerealHobbyist]

I did a 600mi trip on my 2019! I traded in for an HPE (British Racing Green) and put a new whistler and an Akropovik on it and get up to about 85mph. ONLY issue I have with it is that the seat gets uncomfortable as my butt wants to go right where the hump is. The HPE really does give it more punch.

[@DC-zw4ou]

Though the rollers don't seem to be screeching like in the old one, there seems to be a lot more mechanical engine noise than on the (UK spec) GT200. First thing I would do with a new one would be fit an extended front mudguard (google them) and seal the underbody and area around the battery tray to stop the metal rot before it starts. Mine has been an absolutely faultless scooter over 60,000 miles though with regular servicing. Would not hesitate to have another.

[@stevemiller7433]

I have a top box and a windshield on my 300...With the top box I can do all my grocery shopping with the Vespa and the windshield makes freeway driving far more comfortable.

[@ggetoile]

OMG! Idyllic pond setting and stroll though town. Where is this? I wanna come visit Fred and friends and ride my 2022 300 GTS Supertech through those twisty backroads! Excellent video bro! Removing inside bin, for me, is the best practice for refueling. Cheers!

[@TheCerealHobbyist]

Trick for getting the tools back in - stuff them in the little cover thing, then push it in, rather than stuffing them in and then trying to put the cover on.

[@runratchetrun]

Came for the Vespa, subscribed for the goose.

[@jimbobaggans1564]

You are absolutely right about filling the tank with gasoline. I always take out the bucket and set it to one side while filling the tank. If you don't, expect a mess.

[@TheMotopologist]

Im going to try the lil cap under bucket trick for a future Vespa video and see how it goes. If I catch fire then we'll go back to bucket out!

[@ThirdMonarch]

ayyy a Round Rock guy, gotta support my local creators, this was awesome, Ive always been a triumph bike guy, but lately I've had the vespa urge, thanks for this.

[@TheMotopologist]

Thanks! You'll notice a lot of my videos are using the north Austin to Georgetown and everything in between. If you ever have the chance to take a Vespa out for a demo ride, you should.

[@theflyingbrompton4787]

.....watching from San Marcos, TX

[@TheMotopologist]

The Flying Brompton I’m a Texas State Alumni! I miss riding 12 towards 32, fisher store road, tap room, Valentino’s and the unfortunate nights ending up at Nephews instead of Riley’s...

[@MrZombs123]

nice! watching from an hour or so south in San Antonio. :)

[@letgo3104]

The background is really beautiful like a painting ❤️❤️❤️ from Kerala, India

[@maxmartin-merrells3723]

Great video mate!

[@TheMotopologist]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it

[@BluePatch-pc7sx]

Cool, thanks - Fred is cool.

[@man2lang]

Great review..keep it up👍

[@TheMotopologist]

Discoballsz xxx thank you! If you haven’t already, hit that subscribe button and I’ll try to continue to provide great videos

[@paddydoyle4698]

Good video and review i enjoyed it Good job

[@TheMotopologist]

Thanks!

[@hankwojo]

Great video. The last couple minutes were awesome. Maybe Fred is pissed because you didn't bring him any bread crumbs . . . or doing a review in his front yard without his permission.

[@richardsteele6776]

I have been kicking around getting one of these for a while now. I should test ride one.

[@lapboard340]

Try a primavera 50 cc. You’ll love it!

[@RicardoRMarin]

Great Video

[@steveowens398]

This was an entertaining and informative review. I think Fred gave you a pass because of the nice scooter.

[@xcaliber7779]

Fred approves!

[@benmpearson1]

That hiss at the end

[@TheMotopologist]

benmpearson1 aka Final Warning. Lol

[@CaffeineJogger]

What is the "ubrupt off/on? " Nice review.

[@dashbelli1109]

A terrific video. I enjoyed it. What city is this? Looks like a charming place to hang out.

[@TheMotopologist]

Round Rock, Texas. Come visit

[@maxmartin-merrells3723]

Oh my god that goose is wonderful

[@TheMotopologist]

dictator of his domain, ruthless conqueror of all who films there, but yes wonderful as well.

[@TotemoGaijin]

Vespa is out of the question considering how far I'd have to drive just to find a dealer/certified mechanic, but I did stick around for Fred.

[@ambert.3792]

i love fred.

[@dawnrupert8875]

I started watching this and thought: Is that Round Rock? Ha!

[@znentitan4032]

Did the sign marked "Old Settlers Blvd" not give it away?

[@user-ss6zt2mo1l]

Real Men ride Vespa and Birkenstock’s

[@SamutSaringHustle]

That goose though 😅

[@syumassh]

I was just about to ask if the gas still shoots out the tank while refilling close to full; and you included it! Thanks for the review. However your 1080p looks a little out of focus!

[@TheMotopologist]

syumassh at this point it’s muscle memory to remove that bucket or just put 1.3 gallons in! Is there a particular part that looked out of focus or was it all of it? I watched it on computer, phone and mirrored to TV and didn’t catch that

[@MicahShoemaker]

syumassh He is using my old Canon Vixia for now, cutting edge perhaps a decade or more ago but definitely not as good as a modern camera! I’m sure James will be getting a better camera soon.

[@TheMotopologist]

Micah Shoemaker Christmas is around the corner....

[@DrVulpine]

You can use the filler cap to prop the 'bucket' (pet holder) up so that it minimises the chance of fuel getting into whatever you're storing. Good video and it covers a good overview of what can be expected when owning a GTS300 Vespa 🙂 🛵

[@TheMotopologist]

Slow Loris good thinking. As long as it’s a spill over and not a geyser you’d be set!

[@bfarm44]

Fred’s the best, we have ducks though, silly creatures

[@adamcochran7950]

You just made me want one of these so bad goddamnit

[@TheMotopologist]

Adam Cochran the Vespa or the goose?

[@adamcochran7950]

The Motopologist I’ll get the Vespa and the goose will get me.

[@bfarm44]

Riding one will not help you at all. You will start selling stuff till you get one. I regret nothing

[@lforbes4667]

Please, Fred, don't steal his keys! I want to watch the video.

[@bfarm44]

Loads of fun, add a headlight visor. Really looks better with that

[@TheMotopologist]

bfarm44 I had something similar on my aircooled Bugs; really changes the look!

[@bfarm44]

The Motopologist got mine from Vespa I think it looks great. Rear engine guards and a rear rack. Small windscreen next. Changing the seat cover to a darker color and I have a great dark brown flat bottom leather bag for the rack to install. I have several bikes to choose from but the wasp gets more miles than the rest

[@bfarm44]

The Motopologist oh yeah ditch that side stand, zero faith in that

[@TheMotopologist]

bfarm44 couldn’t agree more, even when it was an option only I hated them. A slight hill and it’s on its side!

[@jimbobaggans1564]

@@TheMotopologist I actually thought of getting a side stand, until I read what you guys said about them. I'll just stick with the center stand. Thanks for the heads up.

[@royherron1958]

Needs more Fred...and maybe more cowbell!!

[@spookytook]

can you install bigger wheels to better reduce the twitching on the road?

[@TheMotopologist]

I doubt it, but I haven't researched it enough. You might check Modern Vespa forums to see if anyone is offering wheel choices. Fred just hissed an angry no when I asked.

[@panos3505]

Hi nice video.Is it safe for the engine's longevity to go at the highways at maximum rev speed? Also what is the maximum weight for underseat storage? I want to put a 10kg chain but I dont know if it will break cus its a plastic bucket.Where I live there is a big chance of theft

[@TheMotopologist]

My 2010 Vespa GTS 300 has had at least 7200 KM (4500 american miles) of primarily highway use with no problems. The thing to do is routinely check the oil level as some will get pushed out when at high RPM for extended time frames. The bucket is plastic, but is structural sound. I used to carry 22 kg (50 american lbs) of metal dumbbells, water bottle and towel when doing HIIT training.

[@panos3505]

@@TheMotopologist Thanks.One more question.Do you thing that the changes that piaggio made to the engine will affect durability negatively?

[@TheMotopologist]

@@panos3505 no problem! I highly doubt it will as the single cylinder motor is about as basic as it can be. At this point it seems like they are just refining it to make it more powerful, more efficient and of course pass the latest emissions standards.

[@panos3505]

@@TheMotopologist Thanks a lot

[@TheMotopologist]

Παναγιώτης Βελαώρας hopefully I was helpful! Don’t forget to subscribe to see more great content.

[@geraldscott4302]

Maintenance costs on the HPE are absolutely absurd. They cut the earlier GTS300 maintenance intervals IN HALF, requiring TWICE as much maintenance, including a valve adjustment and belt change EVERY 6000 miles. No thanks, I'll keep my 2006 GT200. It has 90+ percent of the performance of the HPE, and is simple and easy to deal with.

[@daviddraper6240]

What does it cost for a belt change and valve adjustment?

[@randykaminski6214]

Thank you for the comment about keeping the gt200! I purchased my first Vespa-2005 gt200- last fall, and have been looking at the 300’s and thinking that I need one.... The 2020 and newer HPE seem like something to avoid.

[@ArunKumar-pp6tc]

I'm bloody waiting for this one in India. They said next month this will come in the market.

[@TheMotopologist]

Did you end up getting one? India is another country I would love to ride!

[@bfarm44]

Remove and lose the side stand or you will regret having to repair that rear fender. They fail very easily.

[@highspiritstours2290]

Fred wanted a try of the beautiful Vespa!

[@TheMotopologist]

He did go after my keys twice!

[@Grant0610]

@@TheMotopologist Ha ha ha!

[@scottygdaman]

That's Fred and ..I

[@omgwtfMindyloo]

I've never driven a scooter before, and getting a motorcycle license feels kinda intimidating. But I've raised geese!! If vespas are less scary than geese, I'm in.

[@ricardoedwardo5799]

Get your license, it's fantastic fun! Especially a V4 1100💃

[@bfarm44]

4:30 X marks the spot

[@rubentxu13]

Fred is pissed 😂

[@TheMotopologist]

I visited him today for a review, unfortunately between him trying to attack me (again) and some old dude shirtless the spot was less than optimal.

[@stumaclean111]

If the 300's horn was as loud as Fred... Love my 300 GTV, (2012).

[@TheMotopologist]

Now that begs the question...did we name honking the horn based on geese?

[@victorhawkins3461]

...and Gregory Peck. Right, Fred?

[@georgegkiokas4946]

Hello! Thanks for the review! I am 6 foot 1 and my girlfriend is 5 foot 7. We both love vespas... Is a vespa going to be confortable for us? Especially for her... i dont think there is a lot of space for a passenger :( What do you think?

[@TheMotopologist]

George Gkiokas y’all should fit just fine. The only thing I ran into was my size 12 foot would occasionally be touching the passengers toe area if they had their foot too far forward on the passenger foot pegs. That’s an easy foot positioning adjustment. What is your inseam?

[@georgegkiokas4946]

@@TheMotopologist Unfortunately my shoe size its 14 (47EU) so as you said we might gonna have a problem there :p When i once tryied a gts 300 all alone i fitted perfectly (also considering the fact that i am around 170lbs) i hope we both gonna be comfy! Thanks for your answer and your useful information!

[@cbillings6]

@@georgegkiokas4946 Did you end up getting one?

[@GoVerdigo]

Lmao this bird is cracking me up

[@slutica]

Drives past a cop. Rolls through next stop sign :). So sad my geese eggs didn’t hatch. I could have had both

[@TheMotopologist]

Its funny how much i catch myself post edit breaking minor laws that I didn't even care to notice in real life. Sorry about the geese eggs. I recently found 3 rabbits in my backyard and none of them made it, nature is cruel sometimes

[@ampstertango8586]

What mike/sound system do you use to record while you’re riding?

[@TheMotopologist]

This has been one of my biggest struggles, especially on the larger bikes with exhaust. The GoPro microphone worked on one video, but all the others were wind noise constantly. I tried using my lapel mic clipped onto the bike but in most cases would blow past the mics limits. I used a unidirectional microphone on the GTS video with it mounted under the helmet bucket and that worked alright. My last time is actually a Sena backpack hooked to my Sena 20s headset mic, I used packing styrofoam material around the mic and then a layer of craft fur. Also made an air dam out of craft fur to help eliminate wind noise. The GoPro backpack also eliminates pairing my video with my voice recorder data, making life a lot easier! Aside from getting 1000 subscribers, this has been my hardest struggle though and I continue to try and learn/improve on it.

[@Alex-is-a-daddy]

that goose, lol

[@bogdanbosoi1483]

My 300 hpe is fantastic but at only 350km from new on the odometer it already leaks coolant and the brakes ( front and rear) sunk to the end of travel if unused for more than a week, and need bleeding. Beautiful and fast but crap build quality. Such a shame for the price I paid!

[@TheMotopologist]

Bogdan, You need to visit your local authorized Vespa dealer as a bulletin has been posted about the brake pumps. IIRC they will test to make sure its within range of failing (which yours sounds to be) and replace the necessary parts.

[@granto6712]

U r f jokein me where u from? I have a 2018 hate it had a 14plate was great where u from bud I'm from Durham in England

[@jameskrell4392]

@@granto6712 I think your key pad is faulty

[@TheCerealHobbyist]

There was a brake recall if it is an HPE. I'd get it to the dealership.

[@giolopes2519]

4:20 I spot a pig...but I prefer the goose!

[@Johnnysthunder]

I’ve had two of this model, one was ruled totaled bought another within ten days haha!

[@imranashraf2485]

I love you Vespa 300 my name is imran from Pakistan and will purchase Vespa 300cc your proces

[@TheMotopologist]

Hi Imran, make some videos of riding through Pakistan! I’d enjoy watching that

[@Rumah-idaman]

What's the color of that vespa?

[@TheMotopologist]

Midnight Blue IIRC

[@Rumah-idaman]

@@TheMotopologist thanks sir im gonna repaint my classic vespa with that color

[@Devious-oh7tc]

I think the camera is a little bit too far

[@steveflor9942]

It is certainly beautiful. I am sure it is fun. But, twist-and-go? 24HP into a belt and variator? Not for me. Besides, a lot of the fun of the old 2strokes was shifting the 4spd. Just my $.02 Nice ride thru Austin. Good review.

[@TheMotopologist]

Steve, I still have a lot of love for the old twist grip clutch shifting 2 smokers! In fact we still have a few vintage Vespa's/Sears Allstates (67 sprint, 05 PX and a few small frames) lounging around and are a blast to ride when they are running right, key word running right as carbs get gummed up over time, cables need adjustment, etc. which is not a big deal, but for a commuter that needs to go the unofficial Texas speed limit of at least 80mph its hard to beat a modern GTS. That being said its a motive of getting more butts on bikes as people tend to get fearful they cant drive a manual how could they ever learn to ride a clutch motorcycle. The CVT resolves that excuse.

[@jimbobaggans1564]

@@TheMotopologist Not only that, they are so convenient! When I want to run to the local hardware store, I am not about to break out the Harley or the V-Max. I want to get on and go instantly, park anywhere, hop back on, stop for a six pack and get home ASAP. It's about utility and fun at the same time.

[@TheCerealHobbyist]

I have a 1962 VBB that has the 4 speed twist shift and the same bike he rides here. I grew up on classic 2 stroke Vespas and thought I'd miss that part. I got over wanting to shift pretty quickly with the speed and reliability of the GTS. It has plenty of zip even with the CVT/belt.

[@rafidd]

mileage?

[@rafidd]

current

[@C-64]

Fooly Cooly

[@VoIPPortland]

The 2023 GTS300 is a $10k+ scooter after delivery fees and dealer crap. That is a lot for any scooter, geezus. The 2020 GTS300 sells for about $6k in great condition. More reasonable for us working stiffs.

[@gerrynightingale9045]

*Buying new (or used) you can order damn near any seat configuration you want...even separate-saddles for passenger*( *A 'Vespa' w/no 'folding-racks' front & rear is NAKED! And the 'center-bar w/passenger-pegs' is a 'must' if there's a lot of passenger travel...much more comfortable leg-position for the passenger* ) *Nerf-bars are available...ORDER them in case of 'drops' so paint and metal won't be damaged* *HUGE DRAWBACK for 'Vespa?' 'Piaggio & Honda' are the 'most-stolen' machines, w/Vespa in the top-spot! for the '150'/'300 Super' being the 'juiciest targets'...you live in a shit neighborhood or anywhere in So. Cal ? DO NOT buy a 'Vespa'*

[@TheCerealHobbyist]

Scooter West is the very best source for parts in the US! Also great videos!

[@violetpenny8599]

06:28 07:04 0:19

[@thepassionofthegoose5472]

Oh yeah, well that's like your opinion.

[@TheMotopologist]

thepassionofthegoose crap! Goose has an KZbin account? We should collab more often

[@thepassionofthegoose5472]

@@TheMotopologist LOL, it' a Mad Max/Passion of the Christ mixture reference. As an aside, I own a GT60 (along with several other bikes) that I absolutely adore. Cheers.

[@vishnuvardhen2675]

BUT I LIKE HONDA ACTIVA

[@atascaderoca8584]

"Unlocked I can see it hitting 90 mph". Can you unlock it? Not that I'd want to.

[@TheCerealHobbyist]

You can add a new whistler, Lambda Emulator, bigger pipe, and clear 90. Mine with just the whistler and bigger pipe does 85 and I'm 245lbs.

[@rossydv]

3:05 nice!😂 Nearly “your goose is cooked!” A used one in my province that I’m considering but while I’d like a new toy I’m not sure a good enough reason to sell my ‘07 GT200! 🤷‍♂️

[@danielperez-cp7fo]

did he just took a highway on a VESPA!!!!! 😂😂😂😂

[@TheMotopologist]

The 300 on the highway wasn't scary, now the 150cc cruising at 65mph was a poor choice. LOL

[@TheCerealHobbyist]

I do it all the time. My GTS HPE will do about 85 MPH.

[@danielperez-cp7fo]

@@TheCerealHobbyist wow ! I wouldn’t dare in Florida lol

[@TheCerealHobbyist]

I'm in Portland, OR and traffic is a nightmare, plus the rain, and I am up and down the freeway all the time! Did a 600 mile trip with lots of freeway a couple years ago on my 2019 GTS! About to do an 800 mile trip!

[@danielperez-cp7fo]

@@TheCerealHobbyist amazing man. I’m just planing on using mine to drive to the beach and downtown area which is fairly easy on traffic.

[@markkulyas2418]

And we all know someone put their pet under the seat and most likely killed their pet. That's why there's a warning sticker.

[@vartzel]

This hpe motor burns oil faster than petrol...

[@rustythrombosis5417]

Nice video. That Fred's a real son of a bitch, no?

[@driline]

NO way would I take that thing 70mph on a freeway. 30mph in town for me thank you :)

[@kylekeller7577]

I had it doing 80mph on the highway home from the dealer.

[@TheCerealHobbyist]

Mine does 85 and I take it on the highway all the time. It's a 300 and a lot bigger than it looks.

[@guthrie1960]

But it's not a 300 it's a 278. You could say a hopped up 250 but it is not a 300.

[@TheCerealHobbyist]

The model is the GTS HPE 300, regardless of the actual displacement, so he was correct. Being pedantic is cool.

[@guthrie1960]

@@TheCerealHobbyist Correct in what it is called....not in what it is. I can call a 50cc two stroke a Kawasaki H2 doesn't make it so. What you think is pedantic I think is just 278cc because if it was 300 it would be a very different scooter. So you can keep it.

[@abnerbjorn1106]

If you can't do the maintenance yourself, you better have a fat wallet. Vespa calls for valve adjustment and belt replacement every 6,000 miles. Combine that with average rear tire life of 6k, and you're looking at a huge bill every 6,000 miles. The higher output engine wears out the components which are basically the same they have been for the last 10 years. Burgman 400 and Majesty 400 have belt a belt life of over 12,000 miles. The HPE sure looks pretty, but makes no sense to me. I'd rather have a 15 year old GTS 250.

[@jrnumex9286]

horrible advice at end. 'ride fast takes chances. your name in the paper or local news except u won't know it.

[@8000blue]

Honda sh300i is faster smoother, more powerful, more economical and much much cheaper

[@bootchop88]

but its a Honda

[@TheCerealHobbyist]

And fugly.

[@cryptomadness7271]

You received a thumbs down from me, for telling people to drive fast and take chances.

[@bootchop88]

BEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLCH!!! in yo face, foo.

[@Dornpunzel]

Nice video since i wanna buy one of these blue vespas now but in the end of the video i got..... attention.... wait for it....... g o o s e b u m p s ^^