The big difference is in the range of things you can do with the GTS. This means higher speeds. As you wonder does this ability force one to go faster and take routes that you wouldn’t on the smaller scooter?

Depends on the individual. I like secondary roads and I like going slow. However, with the GTS I can jump on the interstate and go somewhere if I want and I have done that if I am in a hurry.

I try not to be in a hurry. Whether you can control the impulse to go fast is something you need to decide.

Mechanically they are both solid machines. Since I put more than average miles on the Vespa I think over the long haul the water-cooled 249cc engine will be a wise choice. That said I have heard of people with 50K miles on their ET4’s….

As an all around small scooter the GTS for me is perfect. Summer, winter, gravel road, interstate highway…. It will do it all.

Central Pennsylvania is a beautiful place. I keep telling myself that almost everywhere is if you really look but I haven’t ridden anywhere else so it’s just a theory. Where do you live?

bill f: East Lothian Scotland! What a beautiful place. I had to do a search in Google just to see some pictures. Your Red Vespa will take you anywhere in the UK. I would love to spend months riding around your part of the world.

And congratulations on the move up to a scooter! Keep us up to date on your adventures.

joe: It definitely can be done. Just a matter of patience on a scooter. I can’t wait until my wife starts to ride. I have visions of long, long, long trips….

Harv: The GTS is definitely easier on the gravel roads than the LX150. The extra mass and slightly larger wheels help. I used to run the LX 150 through alfalfa fields and corn rows though. It would go almost anywhere I asked of it.

Harv

I just wanted to drop you a line to let you know that I love your blog. I visit everyday and use your pictures for my desktop wallpaper. I would love to live where you do and have all those beautiful places to ride.

I just got a Lance Interceptor 150cc (see http://www.lancepowersports.com/150cc-lance-interceptor-150-moped-scooter-p-446.html?osCsid=37d800eb13779c66e9e1d4b7f8c73652). It’s a nice economical scooter made in China I got off the web at http://www.scootersfactory.com. It’s a starter scooter for me. I was looking for a way to beat the gas pricing and I always wanted to have one when I was a kid, but never got one. I am reliving my childhood dream at 32 LOL. I plan to get a Vespa next summer.

Keep up the great blog as it is very informative and inspiring.

-Matt

Since most of my riding is still on the pavement I was wondering how loud they are? I always ride with earplugs so it probably won’t matter. And are they good on wet surfaces too?

codyandmichelle: Riding off the pavement has taken a toll on the finish a bit where the gravel and dirt chew away at the paint underneath. I was looking the other day and I see it is time for some sandpaper, primer and paint.