Jeep, Pick-up Truck, Luxury Ride
During the past 15 years and 43 thousand miles of riding, I thought it might be time to share a Vespa GTS long term review. In the video below I’ve shared some of my thoughts regarding performance, modifications, reliability, and more.
I’ve already been reminded that I left a couple items out of the review regarding service and reliability. I had forgotten I had to have the voltage regulator replaced. And that I had the underside repainted to keep ahead of the rust that was beginning to form on the bottom side of the scooter. So far nothing has rusted through on the body and it remains in remarkably good shape considering the beating I have given the Vespa.
So if you’re curious about the scooter have a look at the video.
And I’ve also embedded another video made on a recent snowy day that I didn’t ride but shared some of the snow riding images from previous rides.
QUESTION: I’m make more videos now. Would you prefer I just leave them to those subscribed on YouTube or would you like me to post them here? I’m sort of at a loss. And they are not all about the Vespa. Some are about the Royal Enfield Himalayan.
Keep on doing what you are doing. What you are doing is really good. Posting videos here is fine with me. Now, I’m going to watch and learn from another one of your funky awesome videos.
Thank you Mick.
It’s full flounder ahead for me!
Steve, Beautiful ride!
Keep on floundering. I enjoy both the written and video content you treat us to and finding the video here works best for me. Sometime I would like to hear about the Go Pro helmet set up and what the weight on the chin feels like. My old neck is curious.
Doug
Thanks Doug. I’m a good flounderer!
As far as the GoPro on the helmet goes — it is small, light, and doesn’t seem to have any effect on the feeling of wearing the helmet. It only weighs 4.4 ounces — about the weight of 4 regular Hershey bars. And my ProMount doesn’t weigh much either.
I’ll probably make a post about gear, or maybe a video at some point.
I really like your videos especially on rural roads. It reminds me of my experiences when I lived for about 4-5 years in Iowa.
I’ve only been on Interstate 80 in Iowa but looking at a satellite view of that state reveals some similarity in the green nature but man the road grid seems obsessive-compulsive. Like bees created the road system! Pennsylvania’s topography has a lot to do with why we never were very good with grids.
Or maybe it was the Quaker heritage…
Personally I don’t like videos. I never watch news videos. Reading gives me a chance to pause, digest what I’m reading, not have the commentator lead my thoughts. The exception is exotic terrain, such as bicycle or moto trips trips through the Andes Mountains, preferably drone shots. Some areas I recognize.
I can understand not watching news videos though I do like listening to some storytellers. On YouTube I have a few that I watch regularly. In the moto world it would be Itchy Boots. Her videos satisfy the riding fantasy along with some instructional content on geography, culture, and geology. But reading still is the go-to for news and information about the world, but only in long-form articles. Usually the digital papers I subscribe to along with the Atlantic and New Yorker.
As far as my videos go, they are fun to make. Right now that’s my motivation. They’re another avenue of exploration of what’s in my head. I’ll still be posting things to read. You can skip the posts with videos!
Thumbs up on the video and Idid leave a remark or two👍. We enjoy both reading and viewing Steve and I do get notification of the two through email and YouTube but it would be handy for me/us to receive notice of the vids through Scooter in the Sticks. Morning email perusal is the norm whereas YouTube visitations are more haphazard. BTW … Going to be 60F hereabouts tomorrow so if it is dry and road surfaces deemed safe … we ride!
The important stuff first — it was 70F here yesterday. Paul and I rode into the mountains. Most of the ice was gone and the roads weren’t too sloppy. It was a wonderful day on dirt and gravel. I hope you were able to do some riding.
I’ll keep posting the videos here.
The videos are a nice addition.
Thanks Mike for the comment. I appreciate the feedback.
Steve – great long term review of the GTS. I’ve had a GTS for 14 years and have been amazed by it’s quality and reliability. I’ve got fewer miles (20K) but the only failures I’ve had were a burned out headlight bulb and my speedometer cable failed at 16K. Beyond these, it’s been a joy to ride, completely agree with your comments around riding it in various conditions.
I vote for the videos in your blog – allows for “one stop shopping”. I’m finding YouTube increasingly hard to navigate around.
All the best,
Dave Montgomery
I’ve had a headlight bulb burn out too but that’s a wear item for me. I also remember now that the automatic seat latch failed 10 years ago. I never fixed it.
Thanks for the comments about including videos here. I appreciate it.
The Vespa really is a joy to ride. At some point I may have to replace it but for now it keeps on going.
Great review, thank you for posting. I’ve been reading your stuff for a while and I really enjoy your observations and photography. I just bought a Vespa in January and can’t wait to ride it for the first time. I live in Canada and we are still in our (long) winter season. I guess I’m not as brave/tough as you are!
Ride safe;)
Thanks for the kind words about the things I share here.
Congratulations on your new Vespa. I can relate to your impatience to ride because of cold weather. I bought a new Royal Enfield Himalayan back in January and am finally seeing the snow melt and being able to ride without being dressed like an astronaut.
There’s no same in waiting out the winter. The older I get, the fewer times I go out in the cold. And I wonder about a lot of the rides I have made in winter. It’s not about bravery or toughness. It seems more like insanity now!
Have fun on your new Vespa!