Mud is just a problem with the Vespa. I avoid it if I can. The only advantage over snow is that mud is usually in an un-trafficked area and you don’t have to worry about other vehicles.

The Vespa will run fast for long periods of time. I’ve ridden at 75mph on the Interstate for several hours and it performed fine. I know others will flog it like that all day long when traversing long distances. Certainly not my cup of tea in terms of riding but the machine can cruise on the highway. Just make sure the oil and coolants are where they should be, good tires, etc.

And no speeding!

Back to the present: Haven’t done much muddy stuff with Melody, but dealt with a bit of gravel, some fire roads, and lots of rain and snow; rain is fine, snow not so much (as I’ve previously chronicled here). Since I’ve had the bike at an honest 85mph at least twice, I can confirm the bike’s general stability at this speed; I would not care to be flogging her like that for more than ten miles or so at a stretch (and around here, you can’t realistically go that fast for more than three or four miles anyway, mostly because of traffic, partly for the sake of keeping your license), but it’s doable, and more fun than scary.

Totally agree, Steve!

The 1200GS would be a real challenge. I’ve seen riders take them over logs and water hazards but man they seem big and ponderous for such nonsense. A 250 dirt bike would be a far more compliant companion.

Lots of better riding entertainment than mud!

No gliding over that mud. I didn’t attempt riding through it but I suspect the Vespa would bog down quickly and lose all traction. Then it would be a tug of war to get it out. A motorcycle with bigger, more aggressive tires may fare a little better but the rider would still need to fight to not get bogged down in the deep mud.

I’m pretty close to your thinking Steel. Maybe I’m just getting too old to play around in the mud. As a kid I loved riding a two-stroke Kawasaki dirt bike through a strip mine full of mud and water. No more.

The Vespa scooters just aren’t great for that sort of exuberant bombing around. They’re more mature and elegant in their approach right?

I’ll second the large rounded gravel stones. I almost dumped the Vespa making a stream crossing on them. Neither tires or suspension on the GTS was designed for that sort of route. I was talking with a friend today and told him I’m getting close to a commitment to asphalt and concrete.

Definitely a lot of clay in that mud. And you’re right about it being forever imbued. Hard to get that stuff out of every nook and cranny…

Or not go in the mud anymore!

I wouldn’t take my 1200GS through deep mud either. Too much trouble for a little entertainment.