Can A VESPA Ride On N. America's BUSIEST Highway?

Can you ride a Vespa on the highway? In today's video I'll be taking my Vespa GTS on the Highway 401 in Toronto. Highway 401 is North America's busiest highway, and until a few years ago, it was also the largest highway in North America. My Vespa is seventeen years old and less than 250cc. Let's see what happens!
#vespa #vespagts

[@fennz]

I've had a 650 and an 1100 cc bike which of course, were no problem on the freeway. I now have a Vespa GTV 300, and it too is OK on the hi way doing 125+ kph, but where it shines is on secondary highways and country roads doing 80 to 100 kph. It is so much more fun and comfortable to ride. The big bonus is going on rides with Vespa clubs on rides with up to 50 or more riders. For anyone older than a kid needing to get his rocks off, I would highly recommend a Vespa. P.S. My wife has a 2008 GTS 250 and, like you, has no trouble at any speed.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Thanks. I don't really do any of the social side of Vespa riding, but, maybe one day

[@bugscooters]

That's the worst feeling. Cruising down the highway and thinking, "ok time to zip by this guy" and then realizing you're already at full throttle. It's like grabbing your coffee mug for a gulp and it's empty...

[@YouMotorcycle]

lol yes, a great example!

[@nomad90125]

You have 2 choices, go faster or slow down. The problem with people today is that they feel the need to travel at warp speed everywhere they go.

[@YouMotorcycle]

@@nomad90125 lmao... That's absurd. Why would I leave the 100+ HP bike at home and take the Vespa if I wanted to do that? Come on man, look around the channel, use your head

[@jameskrell4392]

I have had four Vespa GTS 300’s in just over ten years, one was stolen. I had big bikes in the 1990’s, the Vespa is so much more fun, user friendly and I love it. Here in the UK it is more than adequate on the Motor ways, often they are choked up anyway and restricted by speed cameras. The GTS really excels on the A roads and is a pleasure to ride even two up.

[@blazer859]

I took my Vespa 300GTS on a short stretch of I-75. I was hesitant at first and stayed in the right lane. Soon I discovered that it had all the power I needed to get in and out of traffic. It was stable at 70-75 mph with a small windscreen. The top end speed was 85 mph but I rarely used it. You didn't seem out of place on those roads.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Thanks for sharing! These things really are more capable than most people realize!

[@teslageek9257]

Yeah, interstate/highway isn’t ideal, but entirely doable. It’s more a matter of managing how you ride with traffic. Avoid the idiots, keep it mellow, and cruise past the slower traffic. That all in mind, it’s the fun and adrenaline rush of being on such a minimal machine doing all things full motorcycles do that makes it a blast. And, urban it’s perfect for. My best rides are here the western North Carolina mountain twisties, relaxed and exhilarating - that’s the sweet spot!

[@YouMotorcycle]

Agree 100%. No mountains here though, or curvy roads. I don't get either of those here so this summer I shipped a bike to Italy and rode across the country! That'll be my next series I'll start in a couple months.

[@NK-er3ci]

Another reason for me to get a vespa is that when you passed the lorry you didn't get that crazy side wind blowing you around. Scooters sound safer

[@YouMotorcycle]

Pros and cons to all bikes. Sometimes the longer wheelbase, bigger wheels, having your legs physically wrapped around a motorcycle, etc. make a motorcycle much safer. Sometimes the smaller size, step-through nature can make it safer. It all depends. Your comfort level and confidence on both can also play a big role too! Get whatever you're most comfortable with.

[@ThePayneer]

First off, you're an animal! 🤣Vespa+401 = you need to be committed! 🤣 That guy who cut you off marking the right turn, the guy who passed you without even seeing your bright red a$$, plus the guy at 8:50 are all reasons this is nuts! That being said, sweet video! Good to know, in a pinch, this can handle faster speeds no problem! I think most people do consider Vespa's city bikes so this is cool!

[@YouMotorcycle]

Lol you noticed that guy on the Black Creek exit being an entitled 💩 eh? 😄 At least he didn't put me or anyone else in danger. The white car guy, if I wasn't paying attention... 🛵💀🚙

[@Antoni2u]

Ok, it seems that some of you are missing it here… I'm in the USA and ride a 2023 Vespa Sprint 150cc. This thing is amazing! I didn't want a GTS because it felt too bulky and took too much away from the original. I can easily do 70mph but the sweet spot is 55-60mph. The idea here is not to speed but to enjoy the ride and the 150 Vespa Sprint does it beautifully on any road!

[@YouMotorcycle]

Who's missing what?

[@RC238297]

@@Antoni2u Great comment and I agree with your statement. I have a 2021 Sean Wotherspoon with Malossi engine upgrade and Variator kit and performance exhaust (all Malossi).

[@tanja5867]

I take my Vespa 300GTS on secondary highways (100km/hr) and it does just fine, it doesn’t feel unstable to me. I have also taken it on a busier freeway, yet I wouldn’t enjoy it for a long way. I used to ride a Ninja 650 and that bike was great on a freeway, also lots more in the throttle left and as you say, passing was quick. However, I now enjoy the pace and ease of my Vespa, it’s a great bike!❤ Just better for a more relaxed pace…yet in the city it is fantastic…very quick off the line and extremely nimble.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Absolutely. I didn't notice the difference in stability until up around 120 km/hr. Hopefully I'll get to try a GTS 300 and see if it's better planted.

[@willemoudewater3123]

I totally agree with you on the riding on the highway. I have a GTS300 for some years now and I agree with all you experienced. Also when you have someone on the back it does feel more stable to me aswell. I'm getting a bit older now and I don't have to go fast anymore I'm very comfortable just sticking to the most right lane and just enjoy the ride. maybe I get when I want to go 10 minutes later but still love my Vespa ride and the things I can take with me onder the seat.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Hey, thanks for leaving this comment. Glad to get confirmation that it's not just me who thinks/feels this stuff on the Vespa on the highway!

[@KrakensGarageandAdventures]

It's true, there's nothing left to pass on a freeway. That said, I can't say I've had any issues riding all these years on the freeway. Great video to think about!

[@YouMotorcycle]

Yup, just gotta go in with the mindset that it'll take a little longer than it would on other bikes! haha

[@giridhars4821]

Your feeling about the pillion giving more stability, is correct. In fact, a tail bag tied on the pillion seat gives a greater top-speed or cruise-speed stability because the bag remains glued to the body of the scooter unlike a human who has to learn to lean with the scooter. The tail bag or the pillion causes the stiff suspension to compress a little that offers a slightly plush feeling over undulations on roads.

[@YouMotorcycle]

That's really good feedback. Thanks!

[@martyn_g]

I went up the M1 freeway going into South Australia on a Honda CT125. Yep. Maxed out at 85kph on the flats, hills dropped to 55kph. I lived - by being super aware!

[@itsMEmotovlogs]

Great video man. I just bought my Vespa, 3 months ago, and i was wondering if i can hit small European roads with this, or even highways (here are smaller). I now see that people are travelling with this bikes even through states. Cheers from Bulgaria!

[@YouMotorcycle]

Congratulations on the Vespa. Enjoy it!

[@Shagnasty-bo5bj]

The first stock from the factory speedo on my NSS250 Honda Reflex strangely was dead on accurate according to my Garmin and my cell phone. But the bike had been wrecked before I bought it and the gauge cluster stopped working so I had to get one off Ebay. The Ebay replacement speedo is exactly 5 mph off(optimistic) at any speed. Many years ago I had the chance to ride a 250 Elite on the interstate, it was jittery, that thing did not have the high speed stability and easily was blown around by semis and just the wind. But these maxi scooters like the Helix and the Reflex are extremely stable at high speeds on the interstate. Even with that I still try to avoid the interstate at all cost and stay comfy and relaxed on slower backroads. Later man, gotta go for a scooter ride!!😁

[@YouMotorcycle]

It's not my favorite thing to ride on the highway, but it does the job :)

[@MillieonaVespa]

Oh boy ….nope I wouldn’t..I drive a Vespa 300 GTS ….and it’s just so much fun on twisty country roads and regional roads …so much fun puts a smile on my face every time I take it out . …but motorways nope never always take the scenic route …

[@YouMotorcycle]

At least now you know you have the option should you ever want/need to take it :)

[@samuellarielle-jones9690]

GTS 300 owner here... Ride in the highway a fair bit here in Australia. On my Provisional licence so can't give a comparison to riding solo or with a pillion on the back.

[@mikaelpettersson2389]

Yes, driving 2up makes the Vespa more stable at all speeds, and the suspension works better!

[@YouMotorcycle]

Thanks! Glad to hear it's not just in my head!

[@mikaelpettersson2389]

I have a 2020 GTS 300 hpe, and highway riding is excellent at 100 km/h, up to 110. Higher speeds makes it vibrate a bit, and driving at max engine power for extended times somehow makes me feel pity for it. But 100-110 is a great speed both for me and my bike 😊

[@YouMotorcycle]

Thanks for sharing. I agree with you. IT's all good between 100-110 km/hr. After that you can tell you're starting to approach the limits of the bike's capabilities and it isn't as pleasant of a riding experience.

[@mikaelpettersson2389]

@@YouMotorcycle yea, and the fuel consumption will skyrocket at 100% throttle.

[@mzs114]

We have some good electric scooters, and the speed is awesome! Not the Chinese made, checkout Ola Pro, Ather and River Indie. :)

[@billyclifford6106]

used to drive the QEW from Lewiston quite a bit back in the day. While it is an extremely busy and large highway, it doesn't hold a candle to I-4 here in Florida or the 405 in LA. I've never ridden a big body vespa on either. I have however ridden a highly modified vespa et2 on the i-4 and it was pretty intense. Wouldn't recommend it to anyone who isn't after a adrenaline rush.

[@jonathangick8028]

kudos to you. I sometimes ride my Vespa P200e on alleviated interstate here in Indianapolis. The speeds never bothered me but the wind turbulence is very uncomfortable pushing me all over the lane at times. Grooved sections are uncomfortable as well for this 10" bike. will i do it for short legs of my journey? sure. but it's not anything i really look forward to doing. btw, bike weighs in at 210 pounds.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Thanks for sharing that. Sounds like the GTS is a bit more comfortable at highway speeds, but, similar to you, it's still a matter of "I'll do it for a short bit here and there, but, that doesn't mean I look forward to it." Thanks again. Ride safe, but have fun!

[@wesleycardinal8869]

The thing is, motorway riding is dull, dull, dull. If you have to do it for a commute, then ok, otherwise the twisty roads are where the fun is, and they're typically 60 - 80 kmh. And then for urban riding, it's perfect. Low fuel usage too. Check out Scooter In The Sticks youtube channel, he's a vespa fan also. 👍🇦🇺

[@YouMotorcycle]

We have to ride for about 1-2 hours on highways to get to any twisty roads where I live lol. It's about 2-3 hours to get there if you don't take the highways. I agree though, top speed isn't really what matters on a bike. But it's still important to know how the bike could perform at higher speeds, just in case you do ever need to suddenly accelerate to get out of trouble's way. Re: Steve's channel, sometimes I watch his stuff at 2x speed because he speaks very slowly. Mostly I prefer to watch channels that share information so I can learn as much as I can.

[@utubemedward1]

Maybe it could work on Los Angeles rush hour traffic on the Santa Monica Freeway?

[@YouMotorcycle]

@@utubemedward1 why not?

[@michaela.5363]

Creeping on Black Creek Drive = P.I.M.P

[@YouMotorcycle]

lol almost daily

[@MyVespa1]

I ride on the I-8 and the I-10. People can be impatient at times because it only goes 78 on highway.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Do you just stick to the right lane and let them go?

[@MyVespa1]

@@YouMotorcycle Absolutely.

[@MyVespa1]

Or the carpool lane. Which is meant for motorcycles. People are still impatient.

[@soulslaveone]

1. You ride with the phone mounted up super-high, almost in your face, like a mini-sail = wind will affect even more. 2. Your ride IS a sail. Have you even seen the front of a Vespa? It works like a barndoor = not very aerodynamic. (Vespas are known for this, I own one too:) Wind WILL throw you around on a Vespa, and certainly in highway speeds. 3. Of course it doesnt feel that windy "no matter what ride you are on". Of course you are more stable on lets say.....a Goldwing!

[@YouMotorcycle]

Re: 3) I think you were quoting me when I said something like "everything feels windy here"? I was referring to that exact section of the highway, where for about 1-2 km, there is a strong cross wind. Yes, I have taken a Gold Wing on there, yes it was still aggressively windy in that one spot lol. There's a cross wind there you will feel no matter what ride you are on.

[@Crismont22]

Recensione esatta.Ho tre vespe d'epoca e una Triumph, abbiamo gusti simili per le moto. Quando torni in Italia se passi dal piemonte, se vuoi fatti sentire!

[@ramblinjack294]

I have the exact same model. Riding at 120 puts a lot of drag and buffeting on you, so you’re hanging on for dear life. A windshield reduces that drag immensely and increases your top speed to 135 indicated (125 actual).

[@YouMotorcycle]

@@ramblinjack294 I definitely didn't feel like I was hanging on for dear life at an indicated 120, or at any speed that scoot does. Maybe we're different heights and weights.

[@ramblinjack294]

@@YouMotorcycle You don’t feel like the wind is trying to pull you off the scoot when you ride at full speed? Can you let go one or both hands?

[@YouMotorcycle]

@@ramblinjack294 no. I've been riding motorcycles with no wind screen for 17 years now. Started on cruisers when I weighed 125 lbs. Now I'm 40 lbs heavier so it's easier lol. Haven't tried one handed on the Vespa. I suspect it will feel unstable due to the small tires and small wheelbase at that speed more than the wind.

[@Stefan_trekkie]

Came here for the Vespa .. Leaving to play Metal Gear Solid😂

[@YouMotorcycle]

"Snake! Snake?!?"

[@kentwilliams3326]

Thanks much!

[@YouMotorcycle]

You're welcome!

[@gerardgerard5681]

Use the Smith System of Driving.

[@user-zn3ir9kr3f]

I have a vespa LX 150 and I'm really tempted to jump on the freeway. But I'm definitely nervous about it.

[@YouMotorcycle]

@@user-zn3ir9kr3f what's the speed limit on that freeway and how fast does traffic actually go? I wouldn't take a 150 on the highways around here

[@user-zn3ir9kr3f]

@@YouMotorcycle top speed on my vespa is 90mph. Freeway speed limit is 65mph which most people drive in the slower lanes. But the cars are flying in the fast lanes. 70 to 80mph

[@user-zn3ir9kr3f]

@@YouMotorcycle top speed on my vespa is 90mph. Freeway speed limit is 65mph which most people drive in the slower lanes. But the cars are flying in the fast lanes. 70 to 80mph

[@YouMotorcycle]

Woah, hang on. The top speed is 90 mph? You must have done a ton of modifications to get it to go that fast. Stock they go nowhere near that fast. Heck, the speedo only indicates up to 90 mph because they only expect you to get to that speed if you're on a downhill. Typically they go a lot slower than that.

[@user-zn3ir9kr3f]

@@YouMotorcycle that's what I meant. It says 90 mph. But only have gotten it up to about 60-64 mph. It feels good but dose seem sketchy at times.

[@diptyagangga3257]

we ride motorcycle everyday for daily activity on southeast asia

[@mferr84929]

It gets uncomfortable on maybe the bikes you have riding in the wind. Get a gold wing and try it. 😂

[@YouMotorcycle]

I'd rather be uncomfortable than ride a gold wing to be honest lol

[@jahnkaplank8626]

the old skool vespas with the manual gears and the back brake pedal on the floor could go faster; i've done 70mph on a 150cc and had plenty left, in city traffic. these newer vespas seem like they're tuned down.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Those older ones were two stroke though right? Big difference in power output between two stroke and four stroke motors. The old ones would never pass today's emission standards so I believe Vespas last two stroke motor was produced in 2005.

[@Lambrettist]

Too slow for me due to not enough acceleration and way too soft engine mounts and suspension on those vespas. That said, my scooter needs more power so a new engine is in the works for hard acceleration from 80 mph which should touch 100 mph for safety’s sake. :)

[@brianschooley3833]

Really need at least a 300cc on the highway

[@YouMotorcycle]

It's just fine for me at 165 lbs. How much do you weigh?

[@Rosbif06600]

Can a Dodge RAM drive through Italian medieval villages?

[@YouMotorcycle]

@@Rosbif06600 depends on the village. Many are ZTL zoned. But I find think that's what your point was.

[@eddie_cooper]

Doctor pully sliders help with like 15km on top with most motorscooters

[@YouMotorcycle]

Hey Eddie, thanks for the tip. I've heard of these before but never looked into it much. Is there any downside to them?

[@bw2442]

American highways exemplify “get in, get out or get run over”

[@YouMotorcycle]

You mean North American, right? 🇨🇦 😀

[@jerbunch]

Look at I-10 west in Houston. 26 lanes wide and by far the busiest in N America!!!!

[@YouMotorcycle]

I guess you know better than the statisticians then

[@stevenkeese1532]

I want to ride my 2022 VESPA GTS 300 HPE from 26 Mile Marker (Bay Brook Mall- 45(Gulf Freeway)), to Colony/ Carrollton Texas (By way of I 45). As you know, minimum speed noth of Hustsville is 85 MPH (Speed Limit posted 75). I will be putting 13" rims on this Vespa, but do I need to do anything else?

[@gerardgerard5681]

I drove 401 to NY there is no speed limit on the Prince😂

[@kylelopez629]

I have challenged for you can you drive a Vespa from Alaska to? Yaviza Panama

[@YouMotorcycle]

Sure, why not? Mike Lynch rode his Vespa from Florida to Alaska on his first two wheel adventure ever. There's a guy on KZbin I used to watch who's riding his across the world

[@izoyt]

300cc gts is a lot more zippy and could cope highway speed no problem, imo.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Is the top speed any greater though?

[@ShaggyRogers-fm5sc]

Good thing this is Canada, in the usa people are so sadistic they would probably target a red Vespa for fun

[@YouMotorcycle]

I don't think that.

[@Erik-sq8nz]

You still riding this month? Im in etobicoke riding daily

[@YouMotorcycle]

Yes but only for very short trips these days lol

[@Erik-sq8nz]

@@YouMotorcycle i can imagine sometimes its icy.

[@YouMotorcycle]

@@Erik-sq8nz they've sprayed my street too with the brine, so I put the Triumph away. I don't want my chrome getting all nasty 🤢

[@Erik-sq8nz]

@@YouMotorcycle they sprayed that garbage all over etobicoke but so far on street and 50/50 tires i am still relatively confident in traction.

[@chadwickwright2833]

I used to ride my Vespa GT 200 on the hwy with a lady on the back and it did great. Also, GTs are not “little scooters.”

[@YouMotorcycle]

It's barely 310 lbs before you put fluids in. Even a 300cc motorcycle weighs 50 lbs more. It's very much a little scooter.

[@Bruno-my9uf]

What year bud

[@YouMotorcycle]

2006

[@Sunstepa]

I came for 50cc. 😭

[@YouMotorcycle]

LMAO. I can't legally ride a 50cc on that highway... nor would I want to, haha

[@drdreddmanofmystery9482]

I wouldn't go on that highway. Period.

[@YouMotorcycle]

"We're motorcyclists: masters of measured risk." - Ryan F9

[@kostyafedot551]

Use turn lights, don't be typical sauga/brampton ( . ). Your conclusions are irrelevant since you didn't bother to specify the cc. "Less than 250" means nothing. 17yo, it could be 200, 150, 125. Here is no way 125cc will keep up on the highway like this, only if it is 2t. And what mph has to do with Canada? We got rid of this south side nonsense decades ago.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Huh?! LOL. The very first 5 words of the video are "This is a 250cc scooter" and I always used my turn signals. What the heck are you talking about?! 😂 Did you even watch the video or just come to leave some strange comment? Come on man. At least try a little lol

[@kostyafedot551]

@@YouMotorcycle Sorry, stupid me. I don't know why very first words escaped me. Started to watch it on mobile, drove home and continued on PC. Your video description is saying: "My Vespa is seventeen years old and less than 250cc. ", I was confused by it. I came to watch for sure :) because I never seen anyone on 400 series roads on any motorroller, just on motocycles. I moved to Belgium from GTA last year and rode on Vespa where. It is illegal to pass cars on the left where and in France. Only bad drivers do it... As for you not always signaling, take a look at 4:26..."Ciao bambino, sorry"

[@RC238297]

Why are you feeling the need to go 70 mph on the freeway?? I ride my Primavera (183cc) on the freeway of So. Cal. I stay in the slow right hand lane at 55-60 mph. You proved your point but why?? The Max speed limit is 65mph NOT THE MINIMUM SPEED LIMIT!! I just let the “crazies” who want to go 70 to 80 wiz by. If a vehicle is slower than 55-60 in front of me I slow down and maintain a safe distance (dah)!!

[@YouMotorcycle]

@@RC238297 why are you assuming I feel a need rather than assuming I'm trying to make the best video on the subject that I can? Also, why are you assuming that the culture on the highways are the same everywhere? 🤔

[@RC238297]

@@YouMotorcycle The question remains..Why drive 70 on the highway on a light 2 wheel vehicle period!! Not a good choice. I also have a Triumph Bonneville 2022 Gold Line T120. I never ride over the posted limit.

[@YouMotorcycle]

@@RC238297 Friend, I think you're embarrassing yourself and you should stop. Your posts reveal a lack of experience outside of your neighborhood. When I ride in many parts around Ontario, Canada, the speed limit is 110 km/hr (68 mph). Most are driving around 130 km/hr (80 mph), you will have people tailgating you aggressively if you're only doing the speed limit. I also have a motorcycle in Italy, where some of the highways I ride on in Emilia Romagna have posted speed limits of 130 km/hr (80 mph), and you can expect the average car to be doing 145-150 km/hr (about 90+ mph). I often got passed by the police on those highways and they zoomed by me so fast they left me looking like I was standing still. I think you think everywhere in the world is exactly like wherever you are, and you need to read my last two comments again, slowly, to understand, that this video is for a global audience, and many people, in many parts in the world, need to be able to go much faster than you feel comfortable going, because that is what's expected, and what they need to understand if this vehicle can do for their safety. Ride your own ride. Ride as slow as you want. And while you're taking your time, understand that other places are very different from wherever you are.

[@RC238297]

@@YouMotorcycle I have been riding many types of motorcycles from Honda to Harley to Triumph and Vespa for the past 45 years. I have NEVER been tail gated or harrassed.

[@YouMotorcycle]

@@RC238297 I don't think you read anything I wrote 😂

[@pnwoods]

Bud, if that was your idea of 'busy' traffic, ... stay away from LA & San Fran/San Jose Bay Area traffic.

[@YouMotorcycle]

It wasn't, but it was worse than I was hoping for, for a video testing going fast

[@kostyafedot551]

Looks like you haven't drove in Boston :)

[@Al_Dente-d1p]

mjjh

[@YouMotorcycle]

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