I knew I remembered seeing this thread https://advrider.com/f/threads/vespa-i-just-wanna-say.1082420/ There is something about the FEEL of a Vespa that is completely different from any other scooter. Yes, a Vespa does have some plastic on it, but it is soft, flexible, high quality plastic. I seriously doubt that there is any difference in feel between my 2006 GT200 and a brand new GTS300. The 300 will have more power, and go faster, but they are basically the same scooter with a different engine and minor cosmetic changes. Feel and handling should be the same. As for prices, the 2019 X-Max has an MSRP of $5599, plus a destination charge of $400, bringing it to $5999. https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/scooter/models/xmax The local dealer has a 2019 Vespa GTS300 for $6949. https://www.goaz.com/new-models/2019-vespa-gts-300-26770948b That's roughly $950 more for the Vespa. That may seem like a lot, but it's not $2000, and I would definitely be willing to spend it to get the Vespa. The X-Max would be just like all the other Asian scooters I have owned and ridden. I'd be really happy with it for a while, then get tired of it and sell it. I've been doing that with Japanese motorcycles since age 16. Over 50 of them. But it will not happen with the Sportster, the Royal Enfield, the Stella, or the Vespa. That makes the Vespa a lifetime investment. I will never get rid of it. I will ride it for the rest of my life. It's not "just another scooter" it's something very special to me. If something should happen to it, I will find another GT/GTS to replace it with. I wouldn't even look at any possible alternatives. So while that $950 might seem like a lot up front, it's noting over the lifetime of a great scooter. I would regret buying anything else.
That thread is a fun read. Notice how they are able to appreciate their choice without dissing anything else? Neat concept. I like my Vespa... it has no bearing on anyone else's choice. I know this concept is tough for you Jerry, but just try to like what you have without publicly disparaging other brands. This isn't Junior High. And when you make a statement like "I considered (insert scooter model here)..." without even sitting on one, it gives you less credibility. You are a part of this community - it takes no effort, only a bit of self-control, to avoid being not taken seriously. I think it is great how you have been doing early morning rides and even contributing some photos. Keep it up!
I’m glad you like your Vespa and you feel good about owning and riding it. But that’s not what I disagreed with. You said the Xmax is “super expensive for a Japanese scooter”. You also said they squeak and rattle because of the plastic, and they flex more. You admit you never rode one so you can’t speak from experience, and I haven’t been able to find a single review calling it expensive, squeaky, rattly, or having more flex than a Vespa. Lastly, you refer to yourself as being emotionally attached to your Vespa. That fact may make other brands or designs inferior or less desirable to you, but that in no way supports the statements you made as factual.
It turns out that a new Vespa is only $950 more than the X-Max. Reread post 102, I edited it a bit. And of course it's how I feel. It may not be how someone else feels. I kinda thought that was a given. And all my Asian scooters did squeak and rattle, except for the 2007 Honda Metropolitan, which was made out of soft plastic. It didn't have an inner and outer leg shield fastened together with screws, it was all one piece. I sure wish Honda had made a 150 version of that.
Did another 3 hour tour today. Fuel gauge had 2 bars left and the low fuel light came on and I was at a gas station within 4km . Filled with 7.2L. Is tank capacity 9.2L? Seafoam and fresh gas must have done some good, today I hit 132kph (82mph) on the gauge. Lots of WFO today so maybe that blewout some of the cobwebs! "Noa is both a feminine given name and a surname meaning "movement" or "motion"" My confidence with Noa is growing stronger with every ride. When I first met her I wasn't sure she had it in her. I was wrong, she's a very fine 10 year old steed!
Spent another 3 hours with Noa today. Life is good, weather is perfect and Noa is running like a champ! She was holding 120kph (75mph) into a 25kph (15mph) headwind with me crouched down a bit. I think it's almost time to buy a windscreen. Hit 138kph (86mph) with that same wind behind me and think I heard the rev limiter kick on a few times. This girl can boogie! Now I see why she's named Noa. (speeds mentioned are on the gauge) I moved the rear shock preload to 3 out of 4 when I had Noa apart. Before today's ride I moved it to 1 which is too soft for me (wallowie in bumpy curves). Will try 2 on the next ride. I was on 3 for the last 7 days and she was handing pretty good. Had the same problem with the factory set 3 out of 5 on the Forza. Moved it to 5 and handling was much improved for me. Tried a fairly fresh gravel road. Vespa seems to handle it better than Forza. They are both a little squirly but Vespa feels safer at faster speeds.
The black 2010 GTS scooter seen here on Battle Scooters (sold to bikermark) has a sidestand I bought new on ebay and it works just fine. Cost was like $35-40. My 2018 has the SS switch but works the same-I made a bigfoot for mine. The number on the casting is either a part number or a casting number and of no particular use. Battery mfg.'s almost always have case numbers which equate to year of mfg., not year placed in service-google will answer that to some extent. The light rust seen in the inner belly will best be treated after a heavy brushing with phosphoric acid then primered. In the USA acids have become harder to buy but my last jug came from a Lowe's when they stopped selling it. Masons also use it to clean their work. it turns the light leftover rust into a black phosphate surface that's easily coated with a good paint like KBS or other similar frame paints.
My Vespa clock is always on 12:00I set it back last fall when new and then I unhooked the battery a few times to install my running lights and brake led's I never bothered again. Right at 20 years of retirement does that to your sense of time. I may get to it soon? It IS!!!!!!!!!! a stupid clock setup I do agree! Lots of stuff draws on the main battery in other MC's car's, RV's etc.. My Lance trailer the entertainment center draws the battery down in a short time of storage if you leave the battery switch on. Lots of quirks surround us. Jerry has more surrounding him than most folks? Hating on plastic must be a full time job since it's sort of taken over our lives?
There's lots of things to complain about. I try not to bother too much. As long as my wife and kids are healthy and not totally nuts, and I feel as good as I do, and the forces of reason don't tell me I can't ride and lane split and just generally play in traffic, as long as that goes on who am I to complain?
Noa wanted to run in the sand. She handles it way better than Forza. Front doesn't seem to wash out as easily as Forza. I'm sure being 90 pounds lighter is a big benefit. She wanted to go for a swim afterwards but I wouldn't let her. She's a playful little thing. I hope I can keep up with her.
Totally agree! I find myself on gravel/dirt roads quite a bit and Vespa is the better machine for them. The Forza's radiator is also very low and directly behind the front wheel. I'm surprised a rock hasn't caused a leak yet.
Noa wanted to play in the forest today. Riding some nice single track when the low fuel light comes on. It's 20km to the nearest gas station. I pull in with 1 bar left on the display and put in 7.9 litres. Still had about 1.3 litres left? I guess range when the light comes on is about 50km (30 miles)? Will the the last bar start to flash with 1 litre left?
Cold weather is on the way and I need a windshield that blocks the wind from my hands. I love the adjustable Givi AirFlow I have on the Forza so would like to have the adjustable Faco Twin screen for Vespa. Twin screen doesn't look like it blocks the the wind from the hands enough? Could go with a medium screen from Piaggio or Faco for better hand coverage but misss out on the adjustable height. Thoughts? Left; Piaggio medium... Middle; Faco medium... Right; Faco Twin