Scooter in the Sticks

Exploring life on a Vespa, Royal Enfield Himalayan, Honda Trail 125, and a Kawasaki W650

Vespa GTS Long Term Review

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2006 Vespa GTS scooter
My trusty 2006 Vespa GTS scooter during a recent ride.

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.

Vespa GTS Long Term Review.

Do I Really Need a Royal Enfield Himalayan?

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I’ve been riding my Vespa GTS scooter on dirt and gravel roads for 15 years. Why do I need a motorcycle for those rides?

During a ride last August on my 2006 Vespa GTS 250ie I finally came to believe two things:

  1. Riding on rough, unpaved roads, the scooter in not the best choice of vehicles.
  2. I want to explore the dirt and gravel tracks that I’ve largely ignored for the past 15 years.

And as a result of the experience that day on my Vespa scooter, I began to think I needed to sell my BMW K75C motorcycle and buy a Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycle.

A ride on my Vespa led me toward a Royal Enfield Himalayan.

It took a few months before I made a final decision, but the Himalayan was the right fit for how I ride and where I want to take it.

Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel if you want to see more videos of the Vespa and the Himalayan in the coming weeks and months.

Thanks!

Favorite Vespa Gadget or Gizmo

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Vespa GTS scooter on a cold, snowy day.Standard Features

I use my Vespa scooter almost in it’s stock configuration with only a minimum of add-ons, additional features, gadgets or gizmos.  Like the places I ride, it’s simple.

Riding yesterday morning I was thinking about what I’ve added to the scooter that has really enhanced the ride or the experience of being on the Vespa.  Some immediate things come to mind — topcase, front rack, heated grips and electric gloves.  All functional features that get used all the time.  But as I thought more, there was one thing I’ve added to the Vespa that has been a real help.

It’s found in the topcase.

Sirui tripod in a GIVI topcasePhotography Tool — Sirui Carbon Fiber Tripod

My favorite motorcycle/scooter gadget is the Sirui T-025X Carbon Fiber Tripod with C-10S Ball Head.  This tripod is light, small, sturdy and provides a great platform for steady video shots and for portraits or compositions where I might be in the shot.

Sirui carbon fiber tripod

The tripod is small, light and sturdy enough for a range of cameras.  I use it with my Canon G15, Nikon D3300, and even bigger and heavier DSLR cameras.

Sirui carbon fiber tripod

For as small as it is the tripod extends to around 54 inches high.  And the carbon fiber poles and connectors work smoothly and positively.  It’s perhaps the easiest tripod I’ve ever used.  And it can be used to place the camera almost at ground level.

Sirui ball head

The ball head and quick release plate are a great addition and saves the fiddling of trying to attach the camera directly using a tripod screw.

I didn’t stumble on this tripod by accident.  It was suggested to me by the late great BobSkoot — Bob Leong when he visited State College some years ago with a couple other Moto-Bloggers.

Wireless controllers for digital camera

Related to the Sirui tripod is a set of wireless triggers for the camera.  Bob Leong had a pair with him and told me how to get them myself through eBay.  They didn’t cost much — around $25 — and work simply.  Just attach the receiver to the hot shoe of the camera and plug a little cable into the side of the camera.  Turn it on and then the transmitter will tell the camera to trip the shutter, roll video, etc.  I’m not sure what the maximum distance is but I’ve used it at 200 feet.

The tripod and transmitters help expand what I can do with the camera while I’m riding.

Vespa GTS scooter on an icy farm laneRiding on Ice.

I could have used the tripod today to videotape the difficulty I had navigating glare ice on a farm lane.  I don’t have my winter tires on yet (probably won’t mount them this year)  and while they wouldn’t help on the ice they would have made circling through the snow to turn around and riding back between the tire tracks a whole lot easier.

Still was nice to get out for a little ride.

2017 Brave, Bold Blogger Challenge

This post is part of a month long writing prompt challenge conceived by Kathy at Toadmama.com.

Encountering Harley Davidson Motorcycles

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Vespa GTS encountering a line of Harleys in Boalsburg, PennsylvaniaBaby Boomers

I read a story recently about the problems facing Harley Davidson — an aging customer base with dim prospects for replacements.  Same for all the big manufacturers.  While we aging riders with money (or credit worthiness) continue to support our brands, there are fewer young people interested in riding or have the disposable income to spend on a motorcycle.

All this came back to me on Friday night when I ran down to Duffy’s Tavern in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania to pick up dinner and found a queue of Harleys lined up out front.

Looking at the assembled machinery I could only tell one thing for sure — there were a bunch of old folks around.

Managed to grab dinner and scoot away before detection.

Scooter in the Sticks — Again

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Vespa GTS scooter and Mt. NittanyVespa repairs complete

Back on the road.  Cold ride home this evening.  Scooter purrs quietly and smooth as butter with a new clutch and drive assembly.  The Heidenau K61 tires are sweet.

Time for a long ride…