You're too kind in your assessment of this video. I've found inspiration in the way you present ideas on your channel and have sought to imitate your honest approach. When I am working on a video I always feel as if I'm floundering along and just cross my fingers that it's not a complete mess. It sure is fun though to get out and ride despite the concerns about the video!

I''m glad you think so! I enjoy putting them together and hope whatever I'm rambling on about is worth listening to!

The Vespa GT is a fantastic scooter. Some say the GT is a superior scooter to the GTS. Now that the weather is warming there will be a lot more scooter riding in the US. I've developed the slower, even-toned vocal cadence to keep my Belgian Sheepdogs calm!

Thank you. And a great choice!

Thank you for your kind words about the video. I'm glad you found some value in it. I just try and share my thoughts on how my Vespa scooter has affected my life.

Thanks for sharing your insights and experience with your new Vespa scooter. Like you, I think my last ride will be on a Vespa scooter. I hope there are still many rides to come. Of all the motorcycles and scooters I've ridden over the years, my Vespa scooters stand out from everything else. They are, as you say, totally different. I'm glad to have found my way to them.

Thank you for the very kind words about this video. I really do appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. The picture you paint of sitting by a fire and talking with a friend is pretty high praise. I'll keep that in mind as I make future videos.

For me, the modern 4 stroke Vespa scooters provide a quieter and more serene ride. And a GTS300 will just go anywhere save for water crossings! And you're right, a way of life seems to come with the Vespa scooters. Be well and ride safe!

Kymco makes good machines. I prefer the look and feel of the Vespa though.

Thanks for watching! And for the kind words about the video. I try to focus on my own experiences that I feel may be helpful to others. I hope you find yourself on another Vespa and flying through the world!

Thank you for you kind and generous comments about the video. I appreciate knowing that others find them helpful or enjoyable. Congratulations on soon to be yours GTS Supertech. They are a handsome machine. Have fun with it!

Thank you!

I agree, the Vespa is a wonderful machine and capable of tackling almost any challenge aside from deep water. If I could only have one machine in my garage, it would probably be a GTS...

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings about the video, coping with the changing seasons of life, and what the future may have in store. Faith plays a large role for me. Since I don't have a crystal ball to predict the future I often rely on faith that whatever comes my way, I will find the support, strength, and faith to carry on forward. Life would be dark without it. Good luck with your struggle to determine whether some two-wheeled vehicle is worth loosening your grip on your money!

Glad you enjoyed it! The next video I'll post will be a Vespa focused one.

Thank you for your kind words about the video. The Vespa is a fine machine and love riding it. It's been in the shop for a couple months now getting some extensive maintenance and updates. Luckily I have other things to ride but I'm getting antsy to have it back!

Over here it's always been the Vespa versus Lambretta debate and loyalty to each. I've always leaned towards Lambretta but over the last year or so I'm looking at Vespa in a different light.

@@user-hk3lr5pr5s I suppose there's a similar competition here regarding Vespa and Lambretta scooters but there are far fewer Lambrettas. I never liked the way the Lambretta looked and all of them that I've crossed paths with were two-stroke -- an engine for which I have an acute dislike. The modern Vespa scooters have a serene quality that resonates loudly in me. And probably why the last thing I ride will likely be a Vespa scooter.

You're right -- the Vespa is super easy to get on and go. Mine is certainly ridden more often than the Himalayan too. Thanks for your kind words about the channel and the things I share here. I'll continue on as long as I have anything to say...

@@ScooterintheSticks as you know when I have told you before, I don't know of another person on KZfaq with a more kind demeanor. Your tone of voice and just your general way of going about presenting yourself and the subject matter on this platform or priceless to me and all the other people who have come to love you. I have spent time traveling in the area in which you live visiting friends in the past not by motorcycle unfortunately but I hope that one day that can happen. Somehow I hope that our paths will cross one day. You are especially human being and I appreciate you sharing your life with us here on KZfaq. It certainly means a lot to me personally

Well said! The Vespa is a different animal than a motorcycle. I still love riding mine as much as I did when I first got it over 15 years ago.

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts about making a decision to start riding again, and how you're thinking about the cost. I'm in a similar place myself -- the near 10 grand for a new GTS makes me cling to my aging GTS longer. But, and it's an important but, there's great value in riding whether a Vespa or something else and it is rather short sighted of me to just focus on the price. Life is short. If you have the opportunity to bring some adventure into your life with your husband that 10K is a small price to pay. Good luck whatever your decision.

Good luck on your soon to be yours Vespa Super Sport. They are a handsome set of machines. The transition from bicycle to scooter is not a simple one. I'll offer some things I've seen from other cyclists making the move. It may not apply to you at all so my apologies in advance. The cyclists I've known are cocky. They feel entitled to their space on the road. And they are (or their egos are) reluctant to give way to other vehicles. And considering the speed at which they ride they go forth with an astounding lack of physical protection. Anyway, riding in traffic on two-wheels with a motor is completely different and unique. It's nothing like a car with its built in protection. And it's nothing like a bicycle because of the speeds you can travel and the traffic you can mix up with. Learning to be humble on the road and not ever assume the right of way, the lane, or anything else will keep your mind and body in tune with the risks. I've taken several MSF courses. Riding is easy. Learning strategies for the road is the important part that's often overlooked. So be careful on that Vespa rocket! Sermon over!!

The Vespa scooters have a unique look and feel compared to other scooters. While there are other scooters that outperform the Vespa on paper and on the road, they just can't touch the premium feel while riding and don't have the same elegant appearance. Subjective no doubt but it is what drives my choice. Piaggio makes a 3-wheeled scooter -- the MP3. It is much like the Yamaha Tri-city. I've ridden one and it is pretty amazing.

If I was only considering the price then it would be difficult to ever justify buying a new Vespa GTS. But when I consider the path I'm on and the destination I seek the GTS is definitely worth the money. Some can't see why I don't abandon the one I have for a new one but as long as this one is running reliably I see no need to speed the money. But the day will come where I will. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the video. I appreciate them.

Glad you enjoyed it! And I hope you found something useful in it.

Thanks 👍. There will be more to come.

Thanks for sharing! It's good to know I'm not alone in my fascination and love for my GTS.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the experiences related to riding/driving/piloting underpowered machines. I think there's a romance to the challenges posed by those kinds of machines and a visceral response in the attempt. Power is certainly seductive but it has always seemed an empty experience to me. But I also recognize we're all different in our needs and desires. For me, the Himmi mule is a gift. And the Vespa delivers a different experience but one just as powerful...

When I was still commuting to work on the Vespa, a lot of my rides were about destinations. Not all of them but a lot of them. Now that I’m retired I ride because I want to and it’s much easier to embrace the mental aspects of riding now. I’m grateful to be where I am.

Glad you liked it! It's a beautiful day here for some flying!

Glad you enjoyed it!

Thank you for watching. I appreciate you taking the time to comment.

I feel grateful to have arrived at a place in my life where I can ride a Vespa scooter. Riding has changed me. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts on the video.

The GTS sure is fun to ride. And so easy to maneuver for just about any reason to ride.

Good luck on your Vespa quest. They've been a fine enhancement to my life!

Congratulations! I hope you have as much fun with your scooter as I have with mine.

I'm familiar with Quadrophenia and the history of Mods and Rockers but that's a distant, historical cultural thing that isn't in play where I am now. I can understand how that history could color someone's understanding of a Vespa scooter though.

Yes the original mods chose the vespa as it would protect their fashionable suits. The vespa was a new and fantastic idea, many English companies tried to make their own scooters. And failed! This resulted in vespa being made under license by the Douglas company

@@scottwheeler1641 I didn't know that, thanks very much for the info. Probably also a lot easier throwing your leg through the bike rather than over it with those big bivvy jackets too! 😊

Thank you for your kind words regarding the video and how I approach the topics I indulge. I appreciate knowing someone finds some value in them. I understand the dilemma of skill and cash regarding maintenance of the GTS. When I had a Vespa dealer a few miles from home I had no worries. I just let them do the work and was grateful to have the money to do so. Now the closest Vespa dealer is 110 miles away. So I do a lot of maintenance on my own. I learned most of my wrenching skills for the Vespa either on KZfaq or the ModernVespa.com forum. But doing your own maintenance isn't everyone's cup of tea and I certainly don't enjoy it. So much so that I've considered buying a trailer to haul the scooters and motorcycles for maintenance. As you've discovered, riding a scooter has risks. Training and practice helps with the management of the scooter. And formal road strategy training of some sort is essential in my mind for every rider. It's pretty easy to learn how to ride the scooter. It's far more complicated on so many levels to learn how to safely exist amongst the cars and trucks. Cycling and longboarding would make a MiniCooper a cool choice of vehicles. You can always return to a Vespa down the road. Good luck!

Glad you enjoyed it. South Wales sounds like a fine place to ride!

@@ScooterintheSticks yes Steve it’s lovely, lots of hills and mountains and woods and it’s very green. It was a coal mining area but all the collieries are closed now. My father, grand father and great grandfather were all miners. When I was a boy the pits were all still open so I can remember what it was like. 😊

Thank you. I still love riding my Vespa and I'm happy to share my experiences and thoughts regarding it!

Thank you for taking the time to share your reaction to the video and your own experience with things of value in your life. A storm front is approaching but perhaps I'll be able to get out for a quick ride. I never seem to have enough...

I don't think Vespa has a lock on any existential experience. A Kymco, Honda, or Buddy may deliver the same experience. We each bring our own perspective to consideration of what to buy. This video happens to share mine. I hope it may stimulate more thoughts than just the price tag for those looking at scooters. Several have raised the notion of "luxury." I never thought of my GTS as luxurious or a luxury though that line is a moving target based on a person's financial situation and inclination regarding spending money. Regarding high priced material items -- I don't have any shivers in regard to the things I own with two or four wheels. But I do get them when I see someone borrowing 60 thousand dollars for a pickup truck that never sees use as a truck, or a Harley for 25 thousand that barely sees more than a week or two on the road every year. I guess those differences are what makes us interesting. What a bore if we were all the same!

Yes, fun as he🏒🏒also makes a great 2nd or 3rd vehicle for running around town

It’s a great scooter!

Thank you. And I hope you have a Happy Easter as well. Malta has always been an intriguing place to me. One of the many that I'll probably never see beyond books and pictures.

Thank you for your kind and supportive words about the video.

Thanks for watching!

Thanks. I still am uncomfortable with the sound of my voice on videos. I suppose everyone feels that way when they hear themselves in a recording.

Thanks. I'm getting comfortable with the cameras. Now I'll have to focus on the important stuff -- the story!

Glad I could help. I hope things turn out in a positive way. My GTS is still in the shop getting some maintenance done. I hope to be riding it again soon!

Thank you. The GTS is definitely worth the money. But not so much upgrading from one GTS to a newer one. I won't upgrade until my GTS won't go anymore...

Good luck with your new license. The GTS will be strikingly different from the 50cc scooter. Careful with the throttle on your new rocket!

Thank you for your kind words. Someday I hope to ride a Vespa through the German, Austrian, and Italian Alps!

@@ScooterintheSticks Sounds good. Give me a short note when you arrive. Maybe we can meet us.

I appreciate that your kind words. I'm just on a journey of some kind. The Vespa helps me along the way.

The Vespa GTS is a lot of fun! But as you say, it is an expense. But if you can afford one, I believe they’re well worth the money. Because of what they can deliver in terms of fun, serenity, relaxation, joy, and general happiness.

@@ScooterintheSticks thank you bud you're a amazing person straight to the point ☝️

Thanks for sharing! A used Vespa is often the perfect solution.

@ScooterintheSticks It still cost me over 6000.00 in 2020, and I've made upgrades, but it's worth it to me!!! It is still easy to ride, and the motorcycles love to speed by me, but I'm not in a hurry! 75 mph is fast enough for me!

Riding a Vespa scooter has breathed life into my existence. I'm not sure I can adequately describe the experience. There is an ad for a Taiwanese bank that I watch from time to time that is inspirational as I get older and feel the slow approach of an aging body. I'll put the link below. It makes riding in Taiwan seem magical. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rNGjl6WEu6exZps.html Thanks for taking the time to comment on my video. I appreciate it.

@@ScooterintheSticks I want to thank you,too. Thanks for the beautiful sights you took in your videos. Riding in America is one of my dream. Through your camera and riding. I am shared with the plrasure. Maybe you can come to Taiwan and have another riding experience. Taiwanese are so friendly, and our food and scenery is good,too. Only our traffic has a lot to improve.

The GTS is a lovable machine! I'm already thrashing an idea in my head for my next video!

The Vespa 946 is art on wheels. They are an amazing machine. And on top of that you get the Vespa magic!

I have certainly been smitten by the GTS. I'm glad to have one in the garage.

I'm in the same place where you are in regard to being able to have whatever bike or scooter I want. What's strange to me now that I have that freedom is the fact that I don't really want anything. I have what I need right now. That may change in the future so it's nice to know money won't be in the way. I've ruled a lot of things out because of weight. I just am not interested in anything heavy anymore. I'm either getting lazy, weaker, or more appreciative of my age! Thanks for watching. There's a lot of fine scenery around here.

Thank you!

I've ridden my GTS through many Pennsylvania winters and as equipped now I can endure temperatures below 0F. I will say that salt and slush will take a toll on the finish of many parts of the scooter. But even if you don't ride in that stuff there are many days when the road is dry. For me, the key to winter riding is keeping the frigid air away from the skin. That means good winter gear, heavy boots, muffs and heated grips, stuff like that. If you check my Scooter in the Sticks blog you can find a lot about winter riding.

A straight GTS 300 has a price tag of $7800 here. $700 more for a Super Tech. Add the dealer setup/freight costs of $500, and sales tax, title, license fees, and you're over $9K. But a topcase, gear, or crash bars and you're over $10K easily. Still, they are worth the money for other reasons. I'll be discussing them in a video I shot today.

Yes they are. But there is a unique, intangible quality with a Vespa that I've not found in other scooters. But unless you actually have the opportunity to compare them it would be difficult to explain.

I checked out your channel. You're an adventurer!

@@ScooterintheSticks just going around 🤣

Checked and subscribed your channel too😎

The GTS is a winner. I went for a ride this morning on mine and I was thrilled yet again. When it finally falls apart, I'll buy another.

I have neoprene muffs made by Tucano Urbano. They are 100 percent windproof and mine don't have any elastic closures. They are wide open on the back. With my summer gloves I can ride to about 45 degrees. With the heated grips on to about 35 degrees. And with my battery powered gloves on down to 0F and below. Keeping the wind off the gloves is the secret. I resisted for years because I didn't like the way they looked or the practice it took to operate the turn signals. But I am now thrilled to have them.

Thanks

The three biggest questions I hear about the Vespa are: How fast will it go? What's the gas mileage like? How much do they cost? That's the difference between scooters and motorcycles. I get questions about the scooter. I get statements with the motorcycle: Those things are dangerous! A friend of a friend died on a motorcycle! That sort of stuff.

Thanks!

I don't think the difference in riding experience from your GT200 to a new GTS is worth the money. Granted the newer machine will have ABS and traction control among other features, but the feel while on the road won't be a lot different. That's my opinion. I won't upgrade until my current scooter is dead.

@@ScooterintheSticks perfect feedback/response. Thank you.

I am indeed fortunate with the roads and landscapes here. Not sure if I would ride if I lived in a city. Can't imagine myself choosing to live in a city. I don't like crowds...

Good luck with your search for a GTS300!

I"ve put hundreds if not thousands of miles on gravel roads with my GTS. It certainly can manage them but obviously not as well as a dual sport motorcycle. The 12 inch tires wander a little in heavy gravel, and the suspension wasn't really intended for the rougher stuff, but you get used to it and can travel along fine. Perhaps the bigger issue for a lot of people is the inevitable damage to the paint underneath the scooter from all the flying gravel. Since I was using mine all the time in dirt, gravel, snow, salt, ice, and such I sort of became immune the the decline in cosmetic beauty! Otherwise I think you'll be fine with a Vespa on the type of roads you've described.

@@ScooterintheSticks thank you for the response. I've been looking into different motorbikes for some time now. Got my license in may this year, but my funds were dried out so I've not been able to afford a motorbike yet. Looking into getting one next year. Find myself going against the flow. Most of the motorbikers I know lean towards the bigger the power, the better. I for one instead just need a motorbike that is comfortable, easy to ride, does not pack as much power seeing as I am still very much new to the game. The Vespa checks all the marks I've been setting. Not so much info on how they perform on the gravel roads online though, so it's very helpful to hear from experienced riders what I may expect. Guess I'll take my time, start easy, before going for the long trips where I can expect the patches of gravel to extend into the kilometers. My main concern in terms of gravel would be my route to and from work. It's a spectacular route, with narrow roads, excellent views, and very little traffic. But it has a roughly 15km patch where the road is gravel; Agder maps.app.goo.gl/oT1vTkDhU5C15x1R6 Will be fun next year though. Now I just need to wait for the snow and ice to clear before getting back to motorbikes.

@@Gartneren1234 I looked at the Google view of your gravel road and it is not unlike some of the roads I ride on. It's actually better than most. You'll have no trouble riding on that road with a Vespa scooter. Where conditions may present a challenge would be when it's wet. Some roads like that stay firm making them easy to navigate. And others form a kind of muddy slurry which can be extremely slippery. You'll need to check things out in your car. The only other time I see roads like this as a challenge is after they spread new gravel. Depending on how thick it is spread the scooter will feel unstable riding through it. You get used to it and realize the scooter can handle it but it's unnerving at first. Some serious knobby tires would help but they are difficult to find for a Vespa. I hope this helps!

@@ScooterintheSticks that helps a great deal, thank you.

You can't go wrong other than the ding to your wallet!

@@ScooterintheSticks I had a 2006 Vespa GT put 19,000 miles on it. Awesome

That's an Insta telescoping selfie stick. I use it to get those out front shots of the scooter.

Vespa scooters, new and used, come with a premium price. But for me my Vespa has been worth every penny I've spent on it. Good luck on your search and I hope you find a price that makes sense to you. Merry Christmas!

What’s crazy is will most likely get it because I like that style of scooters I’m not into maxi scooters

@@djbigt126 I understand completely. There are many great, functional scooters available. But a modern Vespa has the look I want. It may not matter to others but for me it’s almost the whole ball game.

Thank you. I appreciate your kind words about the stuff I make.

Piaggio has some great stuff. Be safe!

Vespas are piaggo scooters..

You're right about beauty being subjective. We each decide for ourselves what that means. I know people who think the modern Vespa scooters pale in comparison to the old ones. And others who feel the opposite. Whether the scooter becomes an object of desire like a Rolex or Leica has a lot to do with the owner and their intentions. I beat my shiny new Leica M6 up using it while collectors won't even open the box and instead rely on X-rays when buying and trading. My GTS is also beat up through use. I definitely have a desire for the scooter but it's based on a desire to use it more than any signal of luxury. It's a practical solution for me. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I appreciate having a different view to consider.

Yes, the mystiques usually, hopefully make some sense to individual owners. The breadth of those mystiques can be staggering though from marketing utterances to brother-in-law pronouncements to actual experience. For me, the important part is an eyes wide open honest appraisal. From there, whatever you choose will likely be a good choice. Assuming some financial common sense is mixed in. I've only ridden a few Harleys. And a few Triumph cruisers. I can say there was a big difference between those families. I wasn't wild about either. Not sure what a Kawasaki cruiser would be like. I'm satisfied with my choices!

I agree. I've certainly gotten my money's worth out of my Vespa.

A GTS 250 is just a few pennies less!

A good used Super Cub will certainly be less expensive, easier to get serviced, and ready and able to do a lot of things. I recently purchased a Honda Trail 125 and it is a hoot to ride. But it is definitely not more practical in any sense other than cost. A GTS with a top case is the most practical machine I've ever owned. I can haul the groceries on it, ride it off-road, and ride on Interstate highways without concern. Neither the SuperCub or the Trail 125 will offer that scope of use. A lot will depend on how a person defines practical. Most people I know have a narrow focus -- cost and expenses. Through that lens the Honda wins every time. Less maintenance, less frequent tire changes, lower initial cost, etc. In actual use is where practicality surfaces. And that depends on what you plan to do with it. If I could only have one machine in the garage instead of the five I now have the Vespa GTS would definitely be the most practical for me. Good luck on your search for a SuperCub. I've looked at them many times. There's a reason why more of those have been manufactured than any other motorcycle on the planet!

Hah. I'm stuck with the voice God gave me. Well, I guess I could make it creepier. I decided when I started making the videos that I wouldn't start making those overly excited voices I see in some videos. The real reason... I'm old and tired...

Thank you! You too!

Thanks!

I confess when I first heard of that color the term "beige" put me off. But seeing photographs of the scooter in that color with the faded black/gray seat sure looks nice. While not my first choice in colors, I certainly would not hesitate to buy one in that color if the deal was right. As a photographer I always lean toward monochromatic colors -- silver, gray, beige, matte black. Scooters of that color look good in any landscape! Good luck on your search for a GTS300 and sorry to stimulate your desire!!!

@@ScooterintheSticks thanks very much

Thanks!