Jim,

The Vespa is more capable than people think. While dirt, gravel and holes on trails are a challenge, they are negotiable. The big difference I see between the scooter and a dirt bike is the speed in which you can travel. That’s where the big wheels make a difference. But for my riding style — speed isn’t an issue. And the weight distribution, well, it hasn’t reared it’s head either to any great degree. I wouldn’t mind a stronger suspension system to smooth out some of the bumps and bangs but even that isn’t a great issue.

I’ve put a lot of off road, or bad road miles on the Vespa and have found it functional. But I’m not racing, in a hurry, or looking for the smoothest ride. I am looking for light weight and utility in almost all situations. The only ones I’ve found to be problematic are water and mud…

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, Steve. I come from the school of “Beauty is as Beauty does”. The Vespa is a fine looking machine but I cringe when I see the places you take it. A 12″ wheel is no match for a good size hole on a fire trail and is in deep trouble in loose dirt. After decades of off road riding and racing I appreciate the increased gyro-metric attributes of larger wheels. I won’t even go into the off set weight distribution of a scooter. You might consider these factors when you consider your next machine. Maybe an NC-700X with DCT.

Limitations? A Vespa? Only water crossings…

I’ll put it on the list.

I think I’ve had too much Vespa Kool-Aid to switch now. Maybe a 300 but always a Vespa. At least until two wheels don’t make sense.

Then maybe an MP3. God help me if it has to be a sidecar rig…

Not sure. I think they use magic.

Nothing looks as good as a Vespa GTS. Nothing.

Hah!

Not my house. It’s the Portfolio salon in Boalsburg!

I’ve looked at the BV 350s but the riding position feels a bit too cramped for me. And it isn’t the nimble handling machine that the Vespa is. If I need to navigate fire roads more easily I can run different tires. The more aggressive winter tires make a HUGE difference.

Or I can get a dirt bike!

My dealer is moving to another town about 30 minutes away. That is a bit unsettling. I like having a dealer close by. That leaves the Honda/Yamaha/Suzuki dealer three miles away…