USER REVIEW of VESPA GTV 300 *** GTS Differences Outlined In Video Info Below ***
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 ก.ค. 2011
- Video shot with first 400+ miles. Now with over 7,350 miles (Updated Nov 11, 2013) and going strong. Runs great and gas mileage is a pretty steady 63-65 MPG even though I drive it like I stole it. I did have to replace my rear tire at 5200 miles due to an error on my part. It cost me about $150 for the identical Michelin tire, which included labor. Turns out, I had ridden it pretty hard without checking the pressure (honestly for months) and it was about 24 PSI instead of the required 39 PSI. I am much more cognizant of that now and check it more often. FYI- The front tire still looks new.
List on these is just under $7K. With Dealer Prep, shipping and Texas Tax it runs closer to $8K. (I haven't seen any price changes from 2012). I mentioned in the video that I had it up to about 75 MPH. Since then, just for grins I took it out on the highway with calm winds (or maybe a very slight tailwind) and got up to 85 indicated. I say "indicated" because Vespa speedometers are notoriously off. (by about 3 MPH according to my GPS) Still, I'm sure it shocked the highway drivers to see a Vespa passing them in the fast lane doing 80+. :P It was surprisingly stable at that speed but I still wouldn't recommend it for the feint of heart. And I sure wouldn't do it on a gusty day or with 18-wheelers blasting around. Don't forget to wear proper motorcycle protection! ;)
The only real differences between the 2012 GTV 300 and the GTS 300 is that the GTV comes standard with the front & rear Luggage Racks, the Headlight on Fender vs. the Handlebar, a short smoked Windscreen, the split Leather Seat (Saddle for driver, more of a rectangle for the passenger) and the fact that the GTV comes in two colors only, that being Portofino Green and Expresso Brown. For 2013 it also comes in beige. The differences in the GTV will set you back about another $1000 over the GTS.
I mentioned some Quick 12v adapter instructions in the video - (Note: You can't use an alarm system if you do this unless you buy the Y-connector). Here's what I recommend. Go to ScooterWest.com (Full disclosure- I have no relationship with them) and ask for the adapter kit ($50) and also be sure to get the theft alarm adapter cable ($7). 1. When your stuff comes in, replace the cable that came with the kit with the $7 adapter cable. 2. Remove old panel (one "star" screw),. 3. Plug the alarm adapter cable into the matching theft alarm plug. 4. Install the new panel with original screw. You're done! If you are willing to drill a hole in the old panel, you can save $$ by just buying the adapter cable and getting the 12V female plug on your own (Radio Shack). Enjoy your Vespa!
I also recently added the LED lights. Easy Peasy. Got to ScooterWest and you can order a set. Just make sure you get another splitter if you want to also have the lighter adapter. I have a video response for the light installation from Peter below as well.
Enjoy your Vespa but please watch out for all the idiots out there! ;) - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
Vespa, mini Cooper and Breitling Navitimer... This guy knows about classics !
For riding on the highway I would never settle for less than the 300cc GTV or GTS. Both can get up to 60 MPH in seconds which makes it safer for merging into traffic. For the same reason on city streets, I pull out into traffic with impunity because I know that in seconds I can get up to the speed of traffic. Sounds crazy but unless it's a muscle car next to me, I leave everything in my rear view mirror when the light turns green. If you have to settle for used, don't go less than 250cc.
Congrats on your purchase. Now you know why I'm so enthusiastic about these things. For such a small machine it's surprising speed, power, and art in motion is thrilling. Whatever kind of day you are having, it's a better one when you get on a Vespa to ride home. I ride mine every day that it isn't raining. It's 107 F here in Texas but it doesn't matter. It's just a blast. Thanks for your message! Enjoy!
This was one of the very BEST BEST BEST videos I've ever seen on a two-wheeled animal!!! I am looking at getting one for school (I teach at a division 1 university where parking is ALWAYS a nightmare!!!! Your information is great and thorough! Thank you!!!
I pulled out of Nashua NH @ 5:30 AM with a temperature of 18' F. Two hours later I was in sleet, rain and blowing snow. I pushed on past it. Going across the Tampan Zee Bridge was a real treat as winds were whipping up at 50 mph gusts coming down the Hudson River. I keep on trucking all day and all night. Sunday night I checked into base housing at Marine Recruit Training, Parris Island, SC for two nights. Leaving around six on Christmas Day I arrived at my home in West Palm Beach. 1500 m
I'm in the NW side of Fort Worth. My wife and I take our Vespa downtown a lot. We get a lot of great comments, surprisingly especially from the motorcyclists as we park next to them. As you probably already know, it's amazing the places you will go on a scooter that you wouldn't think of going in a car. You see some place that interests you, you stop and pull the Vespa onto its stand. Cars are for getting there. Scooters are for exploring.
Thanks for the kind words, Dale. Having unremarkable intelligence (I've got you fooled there, haha) I was honored to serve my country in the US Army where I had the time of my life as an Instructor Pilot on Hueys and Blackhawks. Having retired from that gig, I'm now just a lowly defense contractor working on technologies to improve capabilities for my fellow aviators. Glad you appreciated the video. (Break- Piaggio. Please send me that new Vespa!) Thanks again.
I just purchased a 300 GTS Super and will be receiving it shortly. Your video and presentation are first rate! Very informative...Thank You!
Great in depth review. Really appreciate that. Love this model. With my back issues and nerve damage swinging a leg over a bike causes me a lot of pain. I was able to test ride one of these and come spring I'll be getting this. Headlight is crying for a visor though. Great ride. Thanks for taking the time to do this review.
what a great video showing & pointing out basic points of interest, also love the color. Now looking to get a GTV model myself when I find one for sale in the UK.
Really nice review. Thanks for taking the time and a lovely looking scoot btw; great colour combo of green and brown leather!
Great review, dude. Thanks a lot for your time and effort. I' have been thinking for a while on purchasing a Vespa but I could not make up my mind about which one. Now I know. Happy New Year to you!
You have done an excellant job with the camera work and description. I've just gotten into the scooter experience and enjoy scooting and learning about scootering. Great video, great job!
This is such a beauty. I ride a Ducati Sportclassic 1000 and getting this for touring around Japan. That box is so sweet. I got the red one after I saw your video. Thank you very much for a great presentation
Thank you for your nice and useful description. I saw one GTV at a dealer here in Montreal. It was love at first sight. After looking at your video, I am still in love. Yes, Motorsport Scooters in San Diego do have a reputation that goes beyond borders. And yes, I am the kind of guy that would put a nondescript BBQ cover over this kind of bike. No need to advertise here!
Thanks for the thumbs up! As far as the GPS choice, I just use the same Garmin Nuvi that I use for the car. I think that Garmin does make motorcycle GPS's which have a brighter screen and even blue tooth so you can get the instructions over your headset, but the auto version works fine for my needs. You can get the handlebar adapter on Ebay for cheap. When I get my hero cam, I'll do a ride video. Thanks again and enjoy!
My Dad has Bajaj Chetak which is an Indian made of Vespa. Also we have Vespa sold out in India. The biggest difference is the price, in India this scotter costs only $3000 on high end varient and why does it costs $9000 in USA of course there are little bit of modification which I agree, but still a huge price difference. Overall I like this complete review which was in detail. Thanks,
I think you answered your own question in your comment. "Why does an Indian made version of the Vespa cost $3000 in India & a real Italian made Vespa cost $9000 in the USA?" Because one is made in India & not a genuine Vespa & the other is made in Italy & is a genuine Vespa with Piaggio, Vespa & Ducati components, quality steel, paint, engine & electronics. Do you know if the one from India is fuel injected or carbureted? Does it have traction control & ABS brakes?
One other factor is that besides one being the real original product & the other a copied version or facsimile thereof is made locally in India so shipping costs, import duty/tariffs & other fees as well as the exchange rate that is involved in North America all make for higher costs than your locally made scooter. Also, the Vespa GTV 300 is a limited production scooter & is more expensive than the Vespa GTS 300. Is your father's bike patterned after the GTV with the headlight on the fender & genuine leather seats & front & rear luggage racks or does it have the headlight higher on the front of the handle bars, a leather-like vinyl seat & no standard luggage racks included like the GTS 300? The GTS 300 approximate price in the USA is about $7500.
Thanks for the review. I was just getting hot grips fitted and a new headlight bulb on my Piaggio Fly 125 at the dealer and saw they had a second hand 2010 GTV 300ie Della Mode for sale. At a price I couldn't turn down. Two days to wait until I pick it up and hand over my beloved first scoot.
Great review. Been tempted to get the green one for quite a while. Love all the new technology on the Vespa.
Great review, many thanks. I bought an identical 300 GTV scooter in May, but I don't have the top box yet. I live just south of Houston, you are to be commended for shooting the video in this scorching heat....
I've watched many Vespa review videos. This one is by far the best! The video is clear, not too bumpy on the camera, the audio has very clear, specific details about the bike. I was pleased to see several angles of the vespa that I have been curious about, because I do not YET have one. The only thing I would like to critique is when the seat was flipped up showing the little pegs to hand the helmet on...I would have liked to see that in action. Overall...great! Thank you :)
I'm very pleased that I was able to help you with your decision. Be ready to say "WOW" when you get it on the road. The smooth acceleration and power of this top end scooter will really put a smile on your face. Dont forget to look out for oil and boiled over antifreeze, especially at stop lights and be sure to cross railroad tracks as close as possible to perpendicular. If you haven't taken a motorcycle riders course, please do that too. It makes a world of difference. Enjoy your rides!
Dude, I’ve just watched 2 dealer videos on this and you gave more / better info than either. I’m still riding a 2008 Stella, which I love, but at 6’6” and 250 it can only go so fast. I so look forward to the Vespa 300! Cheers.
You can also use a BarBQue cover to cover the bike. Usually runs about 23 bucks w tax. They last about 8 yrs or more in the sun. Impermeable so water does not leak onto scoot thru seams
What a cool idea and if branded could be a laugh too!
Thanks! I can't say enough about how much I enjoy riding my Vespa. I find myself looking for excuses to go to the store. It's a quick turn because I can park up front vs when taking the car. And BONUS... since being fully broken in I am getting a true 65+ MPG even tho I still ride 50-70 MPH most of the time, with quick stops and fast starts. Food for thought~ If you ride half your miles w/ a Vespa while your other car is getting 20 MPG, you instantly average 42.5 MPG between the two! Too Cool!
It will be some of the happiest times of your life riding and doing errands & parking at the front!I It's so easy to ride but if you're not an experienced rider, just be sure to start in the neighborhood before you get into busier traffic. With all two-wheeled cycles, avoiding boiled over antifreeze & oil in the middle of the road as well as the sand and gravel that accumulate in the center of intersections and roads is important. Always brake BEFORE entering the turn vs. in the turn. Enjoy!
Good advice. I thought scooter riding would be easy, but it is a motorcycle, and all the safety issues and riding skills apply equally. I think the only difference between motorbike riders and scooter riders is the speed of riding they aspire to. To me scooters seems so sensible, not thrilling, but so much fun to ride!
Very helpful. Thanks for posting. I completely agree about the top box lock.
@vespaet4 Thanks for your comment. I have only had my Prima cover since I purchased the bike so really not enough time for me to see if it wil last. I do use it just about every day. For $40 it goes on easy and fits well. The only problem I have with it is that it doesn't have any protection from the muffler when the bike is hot so I have melted it a bit there. I've learned to wait a few minutes before covering it up or fold it where the muffler is so it doesn't touch..
beautiful bike; congrats. I agree, its a very sharp looking.
WOW! LOL. What a start! Sempre Fi, my friend. A true Marine you are. I hope you took plenty of pictures. I would like to hear more details about your trip. God Bless and congratulations. Be safe!
Thank you for your reply. I have no choice but to drive w/o benefit of R&R. It will be a grueling ride. My biggest concern is it's performance. I will be able to kick back and really enjoy it after I arrive in South Florida. I will stop for fuel and rest, but will need to press forward weather permitting. I'm an old Marine with very few active brain cells and just pray that other drivers behave themselves. If the roads stay dry, I will travel at night. I will report back in a few weeks.
I live in Fort Worth and bought mine at Vespa of Dallas. They're pretty easy to work with and have skilled mechanics to get things done right. I did my first service there along with getting my rear tire replaced at 5k miles. (I unkinowingly rode with it for so long under low pressure. I think there was an issue with the tire because I have checked my new Michelin tire regularly since and it doesn't lose a thing) You'll be very happy with your purchase. I love the heck out of mine. Ride safe!
I have the same bike bought new in 2012. The Portofino green colour comes from the fact that Portofina, Italy is a prime olive growing region. Think of the colour of green olives and Vespa named the colour accordingly. My bike has 6,000km on it now and has run without a hitch. Hope you're enjoying yours!! Cheers!!
thanks for the video, have been lusting after a Vespa since was kid, maybe next year
Thanks for your review. We bought the 2011 version of the 300GTV in July of this year. (cant think it is too different from the 12). Our first Vespa,,,our first scooter. Love it !
@apollo311 Very cool. Again, it was a toss-up on the GTS or GTV for me. As long as it was the 300cc version I knew it was going to be good. They don't do portofino green on the GTS for some reason so it would have been the white or black for me. The drive train is all the same. I plan to get a Hero 2 HD camera and do some ride videos. Thanks for your comment and enjoy the ride!
Thanks for the video. I am looking at a low mileage GTV and this helped me quite a bit.
The suspension of the frontwheel is indeed very good to drive over bumpy roads!!! Like coblestones which are ery common in Europe! Atleast I remember them when sitting on the back of my mothers Mobylette!! This design comes from aviation in times when planes often had to take of from airfields! The grass wasn't that level as concrete or asphalt! I read the designer of the Vespa started in aviation and then atarted designing the now known scooter! In the 1950 you saw this suspension more often!!
What a stunningly beautiful machine!
This is the one I purchased near new, second hand. I love it! It will do everything I need it to!
Very informational, thank you for the video
Thanks for the review. I have the exact same scooter, a 2012 GTV in Portofino Green. I bought it from Scooter West in CA.
I've had my GTV for only a week and a half and I've already had a lot of fun with it. It's quick and it handles well. It rides well too, as you mentioned. I love the leather seat.
It's really a dream machine!
Thank you for the awesome review! I've gotten interested in these recently, and I had hoped to find a user's perspective (not just advertising).
@ivancamilov Thanks! Looking back on it, I can see how I could have done it better but I tried to answer a lot of the questions that I had. I absolutely love this bike and ride it as much as I can to and from work. On a nice weekend, it's just fantastic for taking the side roads into Fort Worth with my wife and exploring for new eateries and shops. Thanks again!
Beautiful Vespa. Only thing I don't like about it is the fuel injection. I have had nothing but trouble with that crap, and I do mean expensive trouble. You think $800 is expensive, it can be a lot more when the fuel injection fails. I have a like new 2006 GT200L,, in Portofino Green, looks just like the GTS250/300, but has a carbed engine, easy and cheap to work on. I bought it 6 months ago with only 1900 miles on it.
I also have a 1978 Vespa P200E, 2 stroke, manual shift and clutch. It is much more fun to ride, just for fun. But it gets annoying after you have shifted gears about 200 times in 10 miles in town. I have it jetted really rich to help keep the air cooled motor cool.
Great, great, great review! Nice and thorough and good quality picture and sound. That is a real sharp bike.
I purchased this same model/color last summer.
This scooter has been a pleasure to ride and own.
Thanks! I'm always appreciative when people tell me that my video helped them make a decision on buying a Vespa, and then learning what type they decided to get. You got lucky in finding a preserved 250 version, I'm sure at a nice discount over a new 300. Get the 12v adapter so you can put a GPS on it an really go exploring. Not sure of my viewers' experience so will say "don't forget that you are invisible on the road. And oh yeah, w/ little wheels, cross RR tracks perpendicular." Have fun!!
What a beautiful machine,- congratulations ! ;-)
Hope you still are enjoying it.
Great question! I considered trying to find one when I bought the bike. Now, I have come to the conclusion that at Hwy speeds a full windscreen was prob dangerous, especially from the buffeting of large trucks or gusty condiitions. Ironically, I believe that those scooters that can't reach the speeds of a 250/300 Vespa would be better suited for a larger windscreen. For the wind "rush" I regularly wear foam earplugs and store each one at the base of my mirror rod when I park my bike. Perfect!
Great Vid! We just got the 300GTS this week and have been enjoying it. It seems to be running a little hot though particularly when in traffic or underground carparks... on one occasion it went above the middle mark up just two notches below the red zone!
it looks very well made. thanks for sharing
You did a wonderful review, very helpful. Thanks!!!
Nice that you took the time to do this. Thanks a lot!
My wife is 5' 6" and has no had any issues getting on my Vespa with me already on the bike, which you want to do to be in full control of the bike at all times. She simply throws her leg over the bike between me and the luggage case. If your passenger is shorter, I would imagine that tilting the bike over a few degrees might help. I got my cover at my dealership but you can find them online too for about $40. Thanks for your comment! Enjoy your bike, ride safely and stay in touch! RmeyPilot
i live in california. i'll definitely have to look more into our motorcycle laws because i'm looking into buying one of these in the near future. thanks for replying this helped a lot! god bless.
This review is great.. I am thinking of getting one for myself GTS 300 and looking are your video , I think I would go the extra and add the Extra Leather Seat . over all the review is fantastic it give me a whole new perspective...
Greetings from Russia!
You have really, really beautiful bike! Congrats! I have GTS 300, and i decided to install leather seat =) i've already installed a topcase, a front luggage carrier, a crash bars and i just can't stop to improve my style =)
Love your video I'm looking to buy one.👍
Great Video - thank you for being so thorough. I just bought this exact model (and color). I would love to see a video explaining the 12v adapter!
Nice review. Thanks much!
Oh, we ride, baby. We ride. ;) And I would say that the vast majority of motorcycle riders here in Texas will still give you the "brotherhood of motorcycle riders" wave. There's a huge Vespa club in Dallas while in Austin ("Keep Austin Weird") there's also a huge Vespa crowd.
Great information on the Vespa GTV! Thank's.
beautiful bike! congrats!
I absolutely agree with you. However... I have found a way to take mine on and off in much less than two minutes. There are two philip screws and two very long bolts with philip heads + nuts and washers. I simply added a larger aluminium spacer to the long bolts so it took fewer turns of the nuts to tighten up. The screws spin on and off in seconds. I keep the a philips screwdriver and a ratchet/socket permanently with the case. Happy riding!
Got no extras with mine, except one helmet. You're right- there are no real discounts to be had. Especially now with gas prices what they are. With Vespas they know they don't need to go less than MSRP. Frankly, though I did try to deal (who wouldn't) I had no issue paying full price. I think the SS version is amazing too. You are going to have a blast no matter which 300 version you get. Enjoy!
LOVE it. I need one. Greetings from a Houstonian in Pittsburgh.
Wow! I had never known of the '46 until you mentioned it. I looked it up and I think it's a gorgeous piece of art. I still wouldn't consider one for the type of riding I do because the largest they make for now is a 150cc. With my 300, I can pull out into traffic with confidence and accelerate like there's no tomorrow. When they get it up to 250 or 300 cc's with a comfortable way to take a passenger along, I'm in! Not sure about the glove box question. Look forward to you joining the team!
Thanks! The Mini Cooper is my other love. She's pretty jealous this time of year because unless it rains, I'm on the Vespa.
I love it! I need one for my commute
An excellent and informative video.
Thanx for the reply. Currently I'm riding the Genuine Buddy 170I cos I was inpatient and wanted to buy a year ago and I can't afford a Vespa GTS 300. Hey at least some of my money went to the American economy even if they, (Genuine scooter company) imports them from PGO and the Stella from India...Ride safe and great review.
Thanks really helpful review my dad wants to get one
That's funny. You normally don't don't hear that term associated with a scooter, but I always joke with my friends that it is "Badd Azz". I have always threatened to take it a step further and get a white plastic chain to hang off the bike. lol. It really is the king of scooters. Thanks for the kind comment, Jessica!
I have been threatening to buy a Hero2 camera and do that. Maybe Santa will be good to me this Christmas. haha Thanks for your comment!
I love that you (RmeyPilot) have over 90,000 views. I come here all the time. You did a fantastic job reviewing this great little scooter. Vespa should give you a free one. I am a bit curious about you. You seem awfully intelligent, and I wonder what your occupation is.
I loved your video very informative, I plan on getting a gtv 300 ie (espresso brown). I live in Southern California, where the freeways are crucial in getting around. The freeways around suburban Orange County, where I live are pretty tame, they are well paved and not that busy but the free ways around Los Angeles are often in disrepair (lots of potholes and uneven pavement). Do you think the engine can take the strain of driving 80+. Do you feel a lot of shaking as you drive on the freeway
It is Beautiful man have fun with it !!!
The Vespa 300 has a great balance of weight / power. The GTV/GTS is about 325 pounds but the center of gravity is low. It handles very, very well at 50-60 MPH and it gets there VERY quickly so you have no issues when blending into moving traffic. I'm very confident with it at 65. Above that, it all depends on the wind and traffic. On an open highway with no gusty wind I have had it up to 80 indicated, which is about 76 actual on a Vespa, which run a bit high on the speedometer. Hope that helps!
Thanks to your video, I just got one in Espresso. I am awaiting the luggage case.
Thanks for your great review...It reminded me of my Vespa Super 150, 1969 model which I use to ride back in Pakistan (still have it). My Dad had purchased it brand new in 1969. I miss riding it. Can't buy it right now so I guess I will have to watch TH-cam videos.....:)
Wow! Such an informative review! I just got my Vespa GTS Super ie in black. Love it so much! And i love the Mini Cooper, too! U cool, mister!
I have just under 4,000 miles in a year on mine. I love it and routinely ride at 60-70 MPG. Small wheels call for more attention. I would say that it is safe for the highways provided that it's not grooved too much and that it isn't a really windy day. I only ride mine on the highways on calm days and I watch out for grooves and wide cracks on the road. In slower traffic the Vespa is great. You can sneak in places that cars would never go. haha. Hope that helps. Ride Safely!
Vespas are incredibly easy to ride since they are only "gas" and "brakes". The 300 CC version that I have is quite powerful for a scooter but well within the range of anyone who takes proper motorcycle training. Make sure you feel comfortable with the fit of the bike as you sit on it and take into account what kind of riding you do. If it's just around the campus, a smaller version would be fine. If you intend to get on the road and ride above 50 MPH for more than a few miles, get the 300.
I don't have the luggage case, and mine is the old flat dark egg shell color. I LOVE your tips on garage door opener storage (I have a gated garage in the lofts where I live) the adaptor for GPS, the keys (no one told me one was coded) etc. I'd like to know what GPS system you chose. Going to give you thumbs up and see if you've graced us with later video… THANKS!
what a beautiful vespa u've got there !!
Really nice Vespa I strongly agree with you about top box. I just bought a GTS 300 with the box it would be great if it easier to get on and off. Thanks for sharing.
Great review! I just purchased a 2016 GTV 300, have about 480 miles on it thus far.
Lumbar87 Great can you make a video of your vespa?
very beautiful GTV!
I purchased mine after watcghing your video. I have put 5,800 Km in one month....
Thats a beautiful Vespa.
Great video! tnxss awesome big Vespa scoot (Y)Regards from the Netherlands
Excellent review
I went for the GTV for a combo of personal style, but also substance. The GTV comes with front and rear luggage racks ($500+). If you plan to use your Vespa for errands, you can easily bungee bags or small boxes w/ them. +, you need the rear rack for a luggage case, which I did put on. The Italian leather split seat (saddle and passenger) can be called "aesthetics" but there's just something to the feel of sitting on leather vs. vinyl. Lastly, I liked the retro look of the fender headlight. ;)
I'm just shy of 5'11" and have no problems with the 250-300cc Vespas. They are the largest frame made in this traditional style. I rode my friend's Vino and sat on a few of the buddy scooters and found them to be much much too small for a nearly 6' person. It was squashed and underpowered with my 205 pounds. You are definitely not going to be stretched out but you should be fine. When I ride my 7 y/o daughter, I sit on the back and have her sit on the front seat. Hope that helps. Ride safe!
@Lucronik The GTS doesn't come with the front and rear racks and the small windscreen. That alone would make it a little lighter with a tad less drag, but I think it just comes down to your style. The GTV has the headlight on the fender. If that style and those extras don't matter to you then go for the GTS for $1K less. I have to say that there are many times I was glad I had the luggage racks. You can always get one for the GTS. Regardless, all the 300cc Vespas are just plain QUICK. Enjoy!
Great short review. I can't wait to get my own GTV. I read something that indicated that the engine is only 278cc. What do you know about that?
Enjoyed your review.Thanks
Great video and very informative. We're looking at one and have a few questions: is yours a 2012 model.? We're in Texas as well where did you buy the Vespa? Any particular site you recommend to get the top case?
this vespa looks amazing!