Haha I loved that you pointed out that Bikers never wave! It’s so true! Lots of scooters in my area, we honk, beep beep. I’d rather have a good laugh on a fun ride than reclaim the man card.
@@flatgrindrides I never have a problem with people on bikes waving. I've been waved back to on both my Chinese scooters, bikes, lawn tractor and even a Mountain bike.
Years ago my wife and I were a part of a big scooter club in central Illinois. We both had Vespa 250ie that were decked out. On a group ride of about 20 of us we stopped in at a restaurant for lunch and after eating we started to head out. About 20+ folks on Harley's showed up and my initial thought was, "Oh boy, this ought to be interesting." They were some of the nicest folks, they asked a slew of questions and 3 of them owned Vespa's. You never know the reactions you might get from folks on two wheels.
Totally agree. I find that generally motorcyclists are an open and friendly bunch. One of the things that I like about traveling on two wheels is all of the conversations it seems to trigger. Almost every stop for gas results in a nice conversation with someone that would not have happened if I or they were not on a motorcycle.
Nice ride. I have a 2018 model in white. Same issues with forgetting to turn off the signal, and the speedometer, but I love it, more so after upgrading the shocks and saddle. My Harley-riding brother makes fun of me, but it's lighthearted, and I almost always get the wave.
Hand in your mancard? Haha! I know what you mean. It's the same here in the UK. I have owned and enjoyed many bikes and almost as many maxi-scooters and it still amuses me how other bikers perceive me. When I'm on my bike I make a point of acknowledging all motorised two-wheeled folk. We have more in common than they appear to believe. I enjoyed this video. Thank you.
I purchased one of these recently. Man, what a fun little bike! Ha, ha. I say little, because I'm 6'2" and a bit overweight. But I fit on it fine and it has plenty of power! Very happy!
First scooter purchased last October , the 2022 Racing Sixties GTS 300 HPE. I also jumped to the BMW R1250 GSA 40th Year Edition ordered from Germany and got delivery last month. Never rode 2 wheels until now at 71 years old. I find myself riding the scooters almost more than the bigger wheels I've collected. They're both fun in their own way. Also riding the BMW C400 GT scooter. A little bigger and a different ride for sure. Wish we had some of the roads you're showing back here in flat Illinois! Thanks for this!
@@flatgrindrides Yes, I will indeed. I am currently locked down here at home while I am caregiver for second wife on here progressing path to infinity and beyond. Once that responsibility ends if I'm still able I will be coming your way and many other destination points. Keep the light on!
That is an interesting topic. At first I was waving to the scooter riders, but because usually they didn't wave in return I usually don't do that anymore. I think it's because scooter riders usually ride because of a convenience, they commute to work, to a supermarket, to meet some friends... While motorcycle riders are often riding for the sake of riding itself. So for a motorcycle rider another rider is somebody sharing the same hobby at the same time, while for a scooter rider ofter it's just some stranger who all of a sudden shows a greeting. That's of course not always the case but I never saw somebody carving twisties or touring on a scooter. I saw a guy on a scooter on twisties in Luxembourg but he was wearing a construction worker cloaths and probably was riding from work.
I think to a large extent you are correct. Many of the scooter riders are not “motorcyclists” and probably don’t understand or participate in motorcyclist culture. That said, around here, it seems like there are a good number of older motorcycle riders who have abandoned big bikes and switched to step through scooters. Not huge numbers, but significant. I guess the funny thing to me was that I simply waved out of habit and was accustomed to almost always getting a wave back. I guess I was surprised that suddenly some people were not waving back. Again I think you’re probably correct in your analysis. I just hadn’t thought about it and to experience it suddenly felt quite strange. 👋
Ordered my GTS 300 back in April, still waiting on it, getting my fix watching you ride LOL Also, I grew up in CO, so it's nice to see the mountains again :D
have a 2020 model in red. love it. also have a newish royal enfield meteor 350, and a honda a d v 350. i am 73 and my wife 71. she rides a vespa primavera.have had big bikes all my life but enjoying these , been retired since 2005. when i was 56. did 35 years on the road with b p .. best wishes from the u k . we ride most days but like to keep the bikes clean so we are dry weather riders now.
Sounds like many happy miles. There’s something to be said for small bikes. They have a very high fun to weight ratio! Thanks for comment and happy riding. Cheers!
Your driving style is simply wonderful and relaxing. You have a deep respect for your Vespa and drive it perfectly. The Vespa was created precisely for this type of driving and roads, it doesn't like to be "roughed" but it wants to go at a constant speed everywhere in the world. The streets of your country are beautiful and make you want to travel endlessly. Thank you for your wonderful videos and thank you for honoring the Vespa, the pride of my country, Italy
Thank you for the kind words. It warms my heart to read them. I’m glad that you have enjoyed the videos and doubly glad that you feel the pride of your beautiful country. Merry Christmas!
Big Hi from the East Coast. (Hmm…you're near Ft. Collins, which I know best for radio station WWV.) Good to see you getting on with your new GTS. I've had two in the last near-seven years (first one bought in 2015, had it until it was totaled in a crash last December; now have a '22 GTS SuperTech). The bike can take you pretty much anywhere you care to go…just big enough to do that, while still small enough to retain its "scooterish" qualities. Once you've gotten past the break-in point I think you'll be more than pleased at what that bike can do. As far as other bikers waving back: I've fond *most* riders in these parts wave back, the most-enthusiastic being older Harley pilots (I know, who'd a thunk?). Funny thing is, a lot of GTS riders I know also have, or had, bigger rides, and either kinda-sorta aged-out of wrestling with 700+ pound machines or simply wanted to downsize, and to a man (yep, all dudes), they get a huge kick out of the GTS…they never thought a scooter this size could kick butt like this. Looking forward to your next on-road adventures. I think you're in for some serious fun. (Yes, I'm a little envious of your wide-open spaces out there.)
Hi Barrett, thanks for your comment. Oddly enough I’m finding that I’m getting waves again. Not sure if it was something that I was doing, or just a phase of the moon. I do find that a few of the cool guys won’t wave, but 80% do. I did some time on the East Coast and have to say that I am enjoying the nature of life here now. Enjoy your ride!
I was lucky to get a 2013 946 about a month ago--fell in love with its looks, and the ride even more! My first Vespa--was used to riding a little Sym Mio 50cc, which was fun, but it will get a new home. Like that I can get up to 60+ if I need to, but prefer slower roads--and twists--so 150 is fine for me. Chuckled about the "man card" with the scooter... I'm a shorter stature woman, so more "fitting" I suppose for me on a "girly" scooter Phhffft. Silly boys don't know what they're missing.... And funny about the waving--it's a mix. Have watched other videos noting "old school" vs "new school", and the latter are less likely to wave/nod to anyone... but so far have found about 50% of any other type of 2 wheels... Enjoying--and envying--your roads--but I can't complain when I get to ride along the Puget Sound & see the mountains (around Bremerton, WA)--and went to college in Socorro, New Mexico, and do miss the open vistas of the NM/CO region!
I have the same thing with my Honda CTX seeing the turn signals. I think it would be useful to have a extra LED mounted on the top of the mirrors. It would probably help people see turn signals as well.
Here in Europe, we have pump gas with 10% or 5% ethanol. Even the really high octane and expensive gasoline, for exotic sports cars, has a 5% ethanol content. On the other hand, Alkylate gasoline, purposed for chain saws and lawn movers, has no disturbance of Ethanol and gives more power to the motor. I have tried it out with full-speed runs on the highway with a semi-big windshield on my 2021 GTS 300 hpe: With the shield on running on ordinary gasoline, the engine never ran up to the rev limit but did it easily with alkylate.
I'm 62 and enjoying riding my 50cc scooter, only really got into scooter riding when I was working on a tropical island several years back. I'm fussy as to the weather conditions and will only ride when it's sunny and dry. Eventually, if I can clock up enough miles, I would like to graduate up to something like a Vespa 300 as they look to be a great compromise between huge Harley or Gold Wing size monsters and my tiny Suzuki. Thanks for the commentary, I too can relate to the bit ab bikers - some wave, some don't.
I like the Netherlands. Years ago I rode the Euro Velo 15 cycle route. As I recall there was some pretty countryside near Arnhem. And your cities are arguably better than ours. 😉
@@flatgrindrides I visited the Netherlands from the UK in 1992 and ended up staying here and not going back after finding out that the Netherlands had a very healthy scooter scene helped in the decision to stay here. I live out in the sticks so ride my little malossi kitted Vespa 50 special in and around out beautiful quaint villages. Used to do the scooter rallies on my Lambretta and P200 Vespa but stupidly gave them up. I'v just bought a mint 2009 GTS 300, which brought me to your great channel and hoping to get back on the rallies again. Distances in Europe are enormous, from the Netherlands to Sweden, southern Germany, the UK, Belgium and Austria all made over days on Vespas and Lambrettas so it will be great to hit the road again with like minded scooter manics. Subscribed to your channel and looking forward to more of your vids. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for the kind words. The rally thing seems to be more common in Europe than the US. I'm still getting my bearings, but it seems there aren't too many here outside of the West coast and maybe a couple of the bigger East coast cities. Enjoy your new GTS! Happy riding...
„I’m gonna have to turn in my man card.“ 😅 That one made me crack up 😂. Wonderful! Thanks I lot! These videos are a delight. I’m debating at the moment of either purchasing a Harley Davidson Forty Eight or a GTS 300. Maybe I should start questioning my pronouns, too before making a decision 😅. In all seriousness. Just ride the bike you like and if you like more bikes then one, ride ’em too. It’s not like you have to put a ring on handlebars or something… Btw: subscribed!
I'm so glad I spotted your videos on the Vespa GTS 300 HPE. I had the 2016 model for a while and used it only for short trips, before changing to a Honda Forza 350. The Forza is a great scooter but somehow it just doesn't seem to be as satisfying and as much fun to ride as the Vespa. For those reasons I'm considering going back to the latest GTS 300 RTS, and therefore I have found the first 2 videos I watched so far to be excellent and helpful. One thing you haven't mentioned so far, although you may touch on it in later videos, is the saddle and comfort, which I think is an important consideration on any scooter or motorcycle. In the past I've owned a number of large capacity BMW touring motorcycles and I can think of at least 2 which had very uncomfortable saddles. I guess if you haven't mentioned the saddle then perhaps I should assume that you're happy with it. I don't know which camera you use but I must say the quality of the video is stunning. I'm watching on an Apple desktop computer and the detail and colour is just excellent, even when paused. The scenery is beautiful at sunrise and sunset. Thanks then for the great videos. I'm looking forward to watching the rest of your Vespa videos.
Thank you for the kind remarks. As for the saddle, I find it to be very comfortable. I have long legs and while I wish there was a bit more legroom or saddle height, the comfort of the saddle itself is very good for me. I guess saddle comfort is sort of a personal thing. I see reviews where some people love a particular seat, and others hate it. Anyway, I find that the padding is quite good and the width and positioning is comfortable for me. I think it would be more comfortable for me if it were taller, but it is what it is and I’m content. Good luck with your new bike considerations and have fun!
I fill my motorcycles from a gas can at home so I don't over Flo and spill, and that avoids going to the gas station. Of course that won't work if your on a long road trip.
I ride a Honda PCX 150 scooter and motorcycles usually wave to me. However, from the front it kinda looks like a sport bike. They probably feel bad for waving.
Been riding motorcycles for 40 years but always loved scooters. I would think maintenance would be one not so great issue. I understand their frequent and not that cheap. But perhaps the newer ones have improved.
It's all tradeoff's I guess. I don't think some of the modern scooters are too bad, but I suppose it depends on what your expectations are and how much you ride. To me it's worth it.
Is your model a Super? I read somewhere that they have the red backlighting while the other trim levels have the blue, but I’m not sure if this is accurate.
Debating on a 2020 Vespa 300gts...asking $6500. Low miles....comes with chain, lock,alarm. And exhaust has been changed. Got 2days to decide......ride safe everyone...
@@flatgrindrides got the seller down to $5500 and agreed to make the purchase. He called back within 2 minutes to tell me he’s selling the Vespa to a friend for same price. Friend told him price was too low so he’s gonna buy it instead. Some people just are true to their word sometimes. Just wasn’t meant to be I guess. My search goes on. Stay safe. Aloha.
Come join us in Advrider>Battle Scooters sub section. (I'm Clampett) The bucket is called 'Pet Carrier' because Vespa says Don't carry pets in there!!!!
Yes sir, decreasing radius curves can be dangerous. We used to observe traffic (U.S. Border Patrol) south of a decreasing radius curve and if a smuggler attempted to escape by driving fast and went into that curve they were either going to crash or really scare themselves. 🤗
I've thought about that. I'll have to give it a try. It might lift them up a bit and I have long legs, so that has been my hesitation. That and I never think about it until after I am riding and I have been too lazy to stop just to try it, LOL!
@@flatgrindrides "too lazy" haha sounds like me. btw - bought a new arancio impulsivo gts 300 today - your excellent vids and comments helped me decide - thanks.
@@flatgrindrides you are right! Time to experience the new Vespa on mount road. And every day riding in the city. Ducati is not suitable for daily riding😅... and I'm not sure about the biker wave anymore 😁
Hi , that's a nice looking Vespa ! I have a CB500X Rally Raid but I have always had a soft spot for Vespas . If I may ask a few questions , how tall are you ? Can you drive it with one hand or is it too flickable ? Do you think that you could tour on it for a few days in enough comfort that it would be enjoyable ? Thank you !
Thanks Stew. I’m 6’3”. Yes I could ride it with one hand. Yes, I think I could do multi day tour with no problem. It is a very different riding position than a regular motorcycle, so I would say that this is a personal thing based on you and what you are used to. On my big bike I can stand and shift around more to change up positions. For interstate highway touring I would definitely prefer another bike. For zipping around town, backroads, etc the Vespa is really fun. Just depends on the details and your expectations.
So far, mine has been using very little oil. I am at about 1500 miles and I did the first service at 600 miles. In the roughly 900 miles since the service it has used almost no oil. The level on the dipstick can be a little difficult to read because of all of the crosshatching, but it appears that my oil level is just a tiny, tiny bit below the full mark. Not enough to add oil. I think one of the biggest negatives that I have encountered so far is the oil dipstick! The way it is designed it is a pain in the butt to get in and out, especially when the exhaust is hot!
I’m not sure what you mean when you say a battery terminal? If I had to guess, I would assume that you’re talking about the ease of connecting it to a trickle charger or battery tender when you’re not riding it frequently? The dealer that I bought mine from adds a SAE connector so it’s easy to plug-in a battery tender. As I understand they do this on all the bikes they sell without the customer asking for it. I guess it’s a good thing… But they put the connector under the body, so it hangs down under the bike. I probably would’ve wired differently so that it was accessible in the dash panel or somewhere else…
@@flatgrindrides thanks for a honest reply. mine was a joke. guaranteed 1 bike negative is a terminal on battery. seriously i am just into vespa's and i liked the 2021 75th anni gts when shopping so went with that. just a few dealerships anywhere had one so hope it arrives in good shape as decals and special paint if any nics and dings. i bought sight unseen, dealer pics onlu, so all me i guess $$ any repairs. your answer if any on "sipping a tab of oil" on newer gts models?
It seems mind-boggling to me that a scooter with 12" wheels/tires and very short wheelbase could feel "confidence inspiring" at speed. The Italians must know what they're doing (after nearly 80 years).
No, I like it without a windscreen I think. I’ve been through a bunch of windscreens on my other bike, and I haven’t been able to find one that I’m happy with. On this, I’d rather just have the clean air and no buffeting or turbulence from a windscreen.
@@flatgrindrides during the 1970s when I was stationed in Germany, I saw Vespa scooters with large windshields with snap around skirts to keep the riders warm during winter months, since you live in Colorado I was wondering if you were interested in such a thing?
@@garbinator09 Most of my rides are quick trips around town, so I'll probably just layer up. I've seen photos of those setups. They do look warm, but seems like overkill for my needs. Would probably be really cozy on longer rides though!
to fill a scooter from emmty you pump 2or 3 dls by now you know how much it takes to almost fill the with tip of gas gun keep tapping let it sit look keep tapping slow . you fill to bellow edge of gas tank mounth no spills . dont put the cap to lifth the cargo bucket becouse if you splater gas inside there under the buckett that hot engine with ruber and platic parts in the top of engine when youride there wind down there hot in engine hot day . possible fire? or carry a small flashlite shine it in tank to see how full it is . mine tank is below my feet on mine mp3 but i do it no spills . and allways pumped your self dont let other people do it .
I just love my GTS 300. Had it for a year and just sold my “real’ motorcycle because I never used it anymore. The Vespa tick’s all the boxes for me.
Haha I loved that you pointed out that Bikers never wave! It’s so true! Lots of scooters in my area, we honk, beep beep. I’d rather have a good laugh on a fun ride than reclaim the man card.
Beep beep! 👍
@@flatgrindrides I never have a problem with people on bikes waving. I've been waved back to on both my Chinese scooters, bikes, lawn tractor and even a Mountain bike.
Years ago my wife and I were a part of a big scooter club in central Illinois. We both had Vespa 250ie that were decked out. On a group ride of about 20 of us we stopped in at a restaurant for lunch and after eating we started to head out. About 20+ folks on Harley's showed up and my initial thought was, "Oh boy, this ought to be interesting." They were some of the nicest folks, they asked a slew of questions and 3 of them owned Vespa's. You never know the reactions you might get from folks on two wheels.
Totally agree. I find that generally motorcyclists are an open and friendly bunch. One of the things that I like about traveling on two wheels is all of the conversations it seems to trigger. Almost every stop for gas results in a nice conversation with someone that would not have happened if I or they were not on a motorcycle.
Nice to hear that the war between Mods and Rockers have finally ended! 😉❤
Nice ride. I have a 2018 model in white. Same issues with forgetting to turn off the signal, and the speedometer, but I love it, more so after upgrading the shocks and saddle. My Harley-riding brother makes fun of me, but it's lighthearted, and I almost always get the wave.
Nice! What shocks did you put on?
@@flatgrindrides Malossi shocks, front & back. And I got the sport (one-seater) saddle.
Hand in your mancard? Haha! I know what you mean. It's the same here in the UK. I have owned and enjoyed many bikes and almost as many maxi-scooters and it still amuses me how other bikers perceive me. When I'm on my bike I make a point of acknowledging all motorised two-wheeled folk. We have more in common than they appear to believe. I enjoyed this video. Thank you.
I purchased one of these recently. Man, what a fun little bike! Ha, ha. I say little, because I'm 6'2" and a bit overweight. But I fit on it fine and it has plenty of power! Very happy!
Totally agree!
First scooter purchased last October , the 2022 Racing Sixties GTS 300 HPE. I also jumped to the BMW R1250 GSA 40th Year Edition ordered from Germany and got delivery last month. Never rode 2 wheels until now at 71 years old. I find myself riding the scooters almost more than the bigger wheels I've collected. They're both fun in their own way. Also riding the BMW C400 GT scooter. A little bigger and a different ride for sure. Wish we had some of the roads you're showing back here in flat Illinois! Thanks for this!
That’s an excellent bike collection! You’ll have found an excuse to come out here one of these days!
@@flatgrindrides Yes, I will indeed. I am currently locked down here at home while I am caregiver for second wife on here progressing path to infinity and beyond. Once that responsibility ends if I'm still able I will be coming your way and many other destination points. Keep the light on!
That is an interesting topic. At first I was waving to the scooter riders, but because usually they didn't wave in return I usually don't do that anymore. I think it's because scooter riders usually ride because of a convenience, they commute to work, to a supermarket, to meet some friends... While motorcycle riders are often riding for the sake of riding itself. So for a motorcycle rider another rider is somebody sharing the same hobby at the same time, while for a scooter rider ofter it's just some stranger who all of a sudden shows a greeting. That's of course not always the case but I never saw somebody carving twisties or touring on a scooter. I saw a guy on a scooter on twisties in Luxembourg but he was wearing a construction worker cloaths and probably was riding from work.
I think to a large extent you are correct. Many of the scooter riders are not “motorcyclists” and probably don’t understand or participate in motorcyclist culture. That said, around here, it seems like there are a good number of older motorcycle riders who have abandoned big bikes and switched to step through scooters. Not huge numbers, but significant. I guess the funny thing to me was that I simply waved out of habit and was accustomed to almost always getting a wave back. I guess I was surprised that suddenly some people were not waving back. Again I think you’re probably correct in your analysis. I just hadn’t thought about it and to experience it suddenly felt quite strange. 👋
That just looks like so much fun! It seems so effortless and smooth in the corners.
It is!
Ordered my GTS 300 back in April, still waiting on it, getting my fix watching you ride LOL Also, I grew up in CO, so it's nice to see the mountains again :D
Hope you get it soon!
have a 2020 model in red. love it. also have a newish royal enfield meteor 350, and a honda a d v 350. i am 73 and my wife 71. she rides a vespa primavera.have had big bikes all my life but enjoying these , been retired since 2005. when i was 56. did 35 years on the road with b p .. best wishes from the u k . we ride most days but like to keep the bikes clean so we are dry weather riders now.
Sounds like many happy miles. There’s something to be said for small bikes. They have a very high fun to weight ratio! Thanks for comment and happy riding. Cheers!
Your driving style is simply wonderful and relaxing. You have a deep respect for your Vespa and drive it perfectly. The Vespa was created precisely for this type of driving and roads, it doesn't like to be "roughed" but it wants to go at a constant speed everywhere in the world. The streets of your country are beautiful and make you want to travel endlessly. Thank you for your wonderful videos and thank you for honoring the Vespa, the pride of my country, Italy
Thank you for the kind words. It warms my heart to read them. I’m glad that you have enjoyed the videos and doubly glad that you feel the pride of your beautiful country. Merry Christmas!
Big Hi from the East Coast. (Hmm…you're near Ft. Collins, which I know best for radio station WWV.) Good to see you getting on with your new GTS. I've had two in the last near-seven years (first one bought in 2015, had it until it was totaled in a crash last December; now have a '22 GTS SuperTech). The bike can take you pretty much anywhere you care to go…just big enough to do that, while still small enough to retain its "scooterish" qualities. Once you've gotten past the break-in point I think you'll be more than pleased at what that bike can do.
As far as other bikers waving back: I've fond *most* riders in these parts wave back, the most-enthusiastic being older Harley pilots (I know, who'd a thunk?). Funny thing is, a lot of GTS riders I know also have, or had, bigger rides, and either kinda-sorta aged-out of wrestling with 700+ pound machines or simply wanted to downsize, and to a man (yep, all dudes), they get a huge kick out of the GTS…they never thought a scooter this size could kick butt like this.
Looking forward to your next on-road adventures. I think you're in for some serious fun. (Yes, I'm a little envious of your wide-open spaces out there.)
Hi Barrett, thanks for your comment. Oddly enough I’m finding that I’m getting waves again. Not sure if it was something that I was doing, or just a phase of the moon. I do find that a few of the cool guys won’t wave, but 80% do. I did some time on the East Coast and have to say that I am enjoying the nature of life here now. Enjoy your ride!
Yup WWV. Just down frequency from the 30 meter band. DE K8QLW/4/qrp.
A mid sized front fly screen makes a big difference on these and a good accessory to buy
I have a mid sized.
I'm a biker and I always wave scooters 👋😃Thanks for sharing your experience with your new beautiful Vespa GTS 300 👍
Thanks! A little two wheel respect never hurts.👍
I was lucky to get a 2013 946 about a month ago--fell in love with its looks, and the ride even more!
My first Vespa--was used to riding a little Sym Mio 50cc, which was fun, but it will get a new home. Like that I can get up to 60+ if I need to, but prefer slower roads--and twists--so 150 is fine for me. Chuckled about the "man card" with the scooter... I'm a shorter stature woman, so more "fitting" I suppose for me on a "girly" scooter Phhffft. Silly boys don't know what they're missing.... And funny about the waving--it's a mix. Have watched other videos noting "old school" vs "new school", and the latter are less likely to wave/nod to anyone... but so far have found about 50% of any other type of 2 wheels... Enjoying--and envying--your roads--but I can't complain when I get to ride along the Puget Sound & see the mountains (around Bremerton, WA)--and went to college in Socorro, New Mexico, and do miss the open vistas of the NM/CO region!
Oh, you’re spoiled now! Nice ride. PNW is very pretty and a great place to ride too. Enjoy!
As a biker, I’m tickled pink about picking up my new 300 Super Sport tomorrow! Long live two wheels baby! ❤
Have fun!
I have the same thing with my Honda CTX seeing the turn signals. I think it would be useful to have a extra LED mounted on the top of the mirrors. It would probably help people see turn signals as well.
Very beautiful color for this 🛵
I love these videos. Keep it up.
Have a 2009 GTS 250, and it´s a great machine, the motor is the QUASAR, no problems.
I always prepay for gas. Also prepaying slows the pump towards the end so if it’s close you can see it and stop.
Excellent idea thanks for sharing!
Here in Europe, we have pump gas with 10% or 5% ethanol. Even the really high octane and expensive gasoline, for exotic sports cars, has a 5% ethanol content.
On the other hand, Alkylate gasoline, purposed for chain saws and lawn movers, has no disturbance of Ethanol and gives more power to the motor.
I have tried it out with full-speed runs on the highway with a semi-big windshield on my 2021 GTS 300 hpe: With the shield on running on ordinary gasoline, the engine never ran up to the rev limit but did it easily with alkylate.
I'm 62 and enjoying riding my 50cc scooter, only really got into scooter riding when I was working on a tropical island several years back. I'm fussy as to the weather conditions and will only ride when it's sunny and dry. Eventually, if I can clock up enough miles, I would like to graduate up to something like a Vespa 300 as they look to be a great compromise between huge Harley or Gold Wing size monsters and my tiny Suzuki. Thanks for the commentary, I too can relate to the bit ab bikers - some wave, some don't.
Super sweeeeeeet lean to left , lean to the right - super fun ride
Living in the flat and featureless Netherlands... I'm dead jealous.
I like the Netherlands. Years ago I rode the Euro Velo 15 cycle route. As I recall there was some pretty countryside near Arnhem. And your cities are arguably better than ours. 😉
@@flatgrindrides I visited the Netherlands from the UK in 1992 and ended up staying here and not going back after finding out that the Netherlands had a very healthy scooter scene helped in the decision to stay here. I live out in the sticks so ride my little malossi kitted Vespa 50 special in and around out beautiful quaint villages. Used to do the scooter rallies on my Lambretta and P200 Vespa but stupidly gave them up. I'v just bought a mint 2009 GTS 300, which brought me to your great channel and hoping to get back on the rallies again. Distances in Europe are enormous, from the Netherlands to Sweden, southern Germany, the UK, Belgium and Austria all made over days on Vespas and Lambrettas so it will be great to hit the road again with like minded scooter manics. Subscribed to your channel and looking forward to more of your vids. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for the kind words. The rally thing seems to be more common in Europe than the US. I'm still getting my bearings, but it seems there aren't too many here outside of the West coast and maybe a couple of the bigger East coast cities. Enjoy your new GTS! Happy riding...
@@flatgrindrides Thank you.
I wave at anything with two or three wheels and a motor. I love ‘em all.
Very nice video,glad your loving your vespa
„I’m gonna have to turn in my man card.“ 😅 That one made me crack up 😂. Wonderful! Thanks I lot! These videos are a delight. I’m debating at the moment of either purchasing a Harley Davidson Forty Eight or a GTS 300. Maybe I should start questioning my pronouns, too before making a decision 😅. In all seriousness. Just ride the bike you like and if you like more bikes then one, ride ’em too. It’s not like you have to put a ring on handlebars or something…
Btw: subscribed!
I'm so glad I spotted your videos on the Vespa GTS 300 HPE. I had the 2016 model for a while and used it only for short trips, before changing to a Honda Forza 350. The Forza is a great scooter but somehow it just doesn't seem to be as satisfying and as much fun to ride as the Vespa. For those reasons I'm considering going back to the latest GTS 300 RTS, and therefore I have found the first 2 videos I watched so far to be excellent and helpful. One thing you haven't mentioned so far, although you may touch on it in later videos, is the saddle and comfort, which I think is an important consideration on any scooter or motorcycle. In the past I've owned a number of large capacity BMW touring motorcycles and I can think of at least 2 which had very uncomfortable saddles. I guess if you haven't mentioned the saddle then perhaps I should assume that you're happy with it. I don't know which camera you use but I must say the quality of the video is stunning. I'm watching on an Apple desktop computer and the detail and colour is just excellent, even when paused. The scenery is beautiful at sunrise and sunset. Thanks then for the great videos. I'm looking forward to watching the rest of your Vespa videos.
Thank you for the kind remarks. As for the saddle, I find it to be very comfortable. I have long legs and while I wish there was a bit more legroom or saddle height, the comfort of the saddle itself is very good for me. I guess saddle comfort is sort of a personal thing. I see reviews where some people love a particular seat, and others hate it. Anyway, I find that the padding is quite good and the width and positioning is comfortable for me. I think it would be more comfortable for me if it were taller, but it is what it is and I’m content. Good luck with your new bike considerations and have fun!
@@flatgrindrides Thank you, your Vespa videos have been an inspiration !
I fill my motorcycles from a gas can at home so I don't over Flo and spill, and that avoids going to the gas station. Of course that won't work if your on a long road trip.
Love these vids!!
I ride a Honda PCX 150 scooter and motorcycles usually wave to me. However, from the front it kinda looks like a sport bike. They probably feel bad for waving.
LOL! Not sure why, but I get more waves these days. Either way I don't really mind. It's fun whether anybody waves back or not. ;)
I wish you lived closer to me as I bought a vespa sei giorni last month and we could ride together. I'm in south west New Mexico though.
Hi, brother I am watching video from India , I also like scooter riding , ok best of luck ....
Thanks! Best of luck to you too! Careful on those Indian roads! ;-)
Been riding motorcycles for 40 years but always loved scooters. I would think maintenance would be one not so great issue. I understand their frequent and not that cheap. But perhaps the newer ones have improved.
It's all tradeoff's I guess. I don't think some of the modern scooters are too bad, but I suppose it depends on what your expectations are and how much you ride. To me it's worth it.
I am ordering a 300 Super Sport Vespa on Tuesday. It'll take from 30-60 days they say. Ordering top box and the tall windshield. 🤗
Congratulations! Have fun!
I’m jealous of the blue dash lights on your Vespa. The lights on mine are orange….. I like the blue better!
Is your model a Super? I read somewhere that they have the red backlighting while the other trim levels have the blue, but I’m not sure if this is accurate.
Debating on a 2020 Vespa 300gts...asking $6500. Low miles....comes with chain, lock,alarm. And exhaust has been changed. Got 2days to decide......ride safe everyone...
Only you can decide. Either way, good luck!
@@flatgrindrides got the seller down to $5500 and agreed to make the purchase. He called back within 2 minutes to tell me he’s selling the Vespa to a friend for same price. Friend told him price was too low so he’s gonna buy it instead. Some people just are true to their word sometimes. Just wasn’t meant to be I guess. My search goes on. Stay safe. Aloha.
@@jonalmodova4636 there’s another one out there somewhere for you… 🤞
Nice.
Come join us in Advrider>Battle Scooters sub section. (I'm Clampett)
The bucket is called 'Pet Carrier' because Vespa says Don't carry pets in there!!!!
I saw the “no pets” sticker and had to laugh out loud! That would be one very hot, unhappy cat! 😂
Yes sir, decreasing radius curves can be dangerous. We used to observe traffic (U.S. Border Patrol) south of a decreasing radius curve and if a smuggler attempted to escape by driving fast and went into that curve they were either going to crash or really scare themselves. 🤗
That’s actually pretty funny! Probably made your job a little easier. 😂
Another guy on utube said you could put your feet on the passenger pegs for a change of position.
I've thought about that. I'll have to give it a try. It might lift them up a bit and I have long legs, so that has been my hesitation. That and I never think about it until after I am riding and I have been too lazy to stop just to try it, LOL!
@@flatgrindrides "too lazy" haha sounds like me. btw - bought a new arancio impulsivo gts 300 today - your excellent vids and comments helped me decide - thanks.
@@iggyzorro2406 congratulations!
i sold my Ducati V4s and going to one of Vespa this week. Very exciting and also something uncertain about how I feel about it
That’s a big change! Obviously totally different bikes. It all comes down to your desires and expectations.
@@flatgrindrides you are right! Time to experience the new Vespa on mount road. And every day riding in the city. Ducati is not suitable for daily riding😅... and I'm not sure about the biker wave anymore 😁
Hi , that's a nice looking Vespa ! I have a CB500X Rally Raid but I have always had a soft spot for Vespas . If I may ask a few questions , how tall are you ? Can you drive it with one hand or is it too flickable ? Do you think that you could tour on it for a few days in enough comfort that it would be enjoyable ? Thank you !
Thanks Stew. I’m 6’3”. Yes I could ride it with one hand. Yes, I think I could do multi day tour with no problem. It is a very different riding position than a regular motorcycle, so I would say that this is a personal thing based on you and what you are used to. On my big bike I can stand and shift around more to change up positions. For interstate highway touring I would definitely prefer another bike. For zipping around town, backroads, etc the Vespa is really fun. Just depends on the details and your expectations.
This is a gorgeous video. I really enjoyed watching.
May I ask, which camera are you using?
Thank you! GoPro Hero 10
@@flatgrindrides nice I videoed some of my rides a few years ago with an older GoPro and I can’t watch them cause they’re so shaky! 😆 thank you!
Hello, great video love the Vespa. Can you tell me which jacket are you wearing? Thank you
Thanks! It’s a Kilm Baja S4 jacket designed for dual-sport “adventure” riding.
Typo. That should be “Klim”
💛👍
Your lines are very good. Have you got other bikes? Judging by your lines - I think you are a motorcycle rider too.
Thank you. Yes, I have a couple of dual sports. Before the Vespa, my daily driver was a Yamaha Super Tenere (XT 1200 Z).
@@flatgrindrides Same here, I got 2 classic scooters and 6 motorcycles :)
Nice! I wasn’t sure about the scooter before I bought it, but I’m really enjoying it. Keep the rubber side down! ;)
is it "sipping oil" a tab more than expected as some owners report? what are some of the negatives? for sure 1 is a battery terminal.
So far, mine has been using very little oil. I am at about 1500 miles and I did the first service at 600 miles. In the roughly 900 miles since the service it has used almost no oil. The level on the dipstick can be a little difficult to read because of all of the crosshatching, but it appears that my oil level is just a tiny, tiny bit below the full mark. Not enough to add oil. I think one of the biggest negatives that I have encountered so far is the oil dipstick! The way it is designed it is a pain in the butt to get in and out, especially when the exhaust is hot!
I’m not sure what you mean when you say a battery terminal? If I had to guess, I would assume that you’re talking about the ease of connecting it to a trickle charger or battery tender when you’re not riding it frequently? The dealer that I bought mine from adds a SAE connector so it’s easy to plug-in a battery tender. As I understand they do this on all the bikes they sell without the customer asking for it. I guess it’s a good thing… But they put the connector under the body, so it hangs down under the bike. I probably would’ve wired differently so that it was accessible in the dash panel or somewhere else…
@@flatgrindrides thanks for a honest reply. mine was a joke. guaranteed 1 bike negative is a terminal on battery. seriously i am just into vespa's and i liked the 2021 75th anni gts when shopping so went with that. just a few dealerships anywhere had one so hope it arrives in good shape as decals and special paint if any nics and dings. i bought sight unseen, dealer pics onlu, so all me i guess $$ any repairs. your answer if any on "sipping a tab of oil" on newer gts models?
It seems mind-boggling to me that a scooter with 12" wheels/tires and very short wheelbase could feel "confidence inspiring" at speed. The Italians must know what they're doing (after nearly 80 years).
Everything is relative. It is much better than I imagined it would be. 🤷♂️
You think a tall windshield is in your future? Deer can ruin any moving vehicles day 😮
No, I like it without a windscreen I think. I’ve been through a bunch of windscreens on my other bike, and I haven’t been able to find one that I’m happy with. On this, I’d rather just have the clean air and no buffeting or turbulence from a windscreen.
@@flatgrindrides during the 1970s when I was stationed in Germany, I saw Vespa scooters with large windshields with snap around skirts to keep the riders warm during winter months, since you live in Colorado I was wondering if you were interested in such a thing?
@@garbinator09 Most of my rides are quick trips around town, so I'll probably just layer up. I've seen photos of those setups. They do look warm, but seems like overkill for my needs. Would probably be really cozy on longer rides though!
to fill a scooter from emmty you pump 2or 3 dls by now you know how much it takes to almost fill the with tip of gas gun keep tapping let it sit look keep tapping slow . you fill to bellow edge of gas tank mounth no spills . dont put the cap to lifth the cargo bucket becouse if you splater gas inside there under the buckett that hot engine with ruber and platic parts in the top of engine when youride there wind down there hot in engine hot day . possible fire? or carry a small flashlite shine it in tank to see how full it is . mine tank is below my feet on mine mp3 but i do it no spills . and allways pumped your self dont let other people do it .