Other useful 🛵How To Guides to help you save ⏱TIME and 💰 MONEY: Vespa GTS How To's, Tips, Tricks, Fixes & Reviews ua-cam.com/video/16LcQelRTlc/v-deo.html Things I LOVE❤️about my Vespa GTS 300 ua-cam.com/video/h0nWikLMFLg/v-deo.html Vespa GTS 300 Review and Ride ua-cam.com/video/iMmJyuPvbkU/v-deo.html Vespa GTS 300 Rust problems ua-cam.com/video/q_kLZT_iRV0/v-deo.html Vespa GTS 300 Underseat Storage does a standard Crash Helmet fit and other Alternatives ua-cam.com/video/LCmAbywTG8M/v-deo.html Vespa won't start issue ua-cam.com/video/g2FaJ_5IAXc/v-deo.html . Vespa GTS Battery Location and How to check battery on Vespa GTS ua-cam.com/video/S2h7ltTophU/v-deo.html How to charge Battery on a Vespa GTS ua-cam.com/video/jqmR4NAASbg/v-deo.html Vespa GTS 300 Battery Change ua-cam.com/video/-He3Wca40lw/v-deo.html . Vespa Side Stand don't use it Ever ua-cam.com/video/MJ1xuX2TUhc/v-deo.html How to put Vespa on the Center Stand ua-cam.com/video/ZlwZfTkS7Go/v-deo.html Vespa Tire Pressures ua-cam.com/video/1lwrkW9k0Js/v-deo.html Vespa GTS 300 Top Box Review ua-cam.com/video/HHDbrhnnr54/v-deo.html Vespa GTS 300 Oil change and Oil Filter change ua-cam.com/video/5VfKR7c4eJo/v-deo.html Vespa Dashboard Lights Meaning ua-cam.com/video/TgFp0jszqTA/v-deo.html Vespa GTS Fuse Box Location and How to check fuses on Vespa GTS ua-cam.com/video/V2fw3_NwWXk/v-deo.html Vespa GTS Coolant Check and Top up ua-cam.com/video/iwRFvRPI-WQ/v-deo.html Vespa GTS Radiator Fan checking it works ua-cam.com/video/OAQ_XlzsrOY/v-deo.html Vespa GTS Oil Leak problem ua-cam.com/video/b8HplSY6UPs/v-deo.html How to set Clock on Vespa GTS ua-cam.com/video/ZVGCymP5peQ/v-deo.html How to tighten mirrors on Vespa GTS ua-cam.com/video/YUNplaufUvA/v-deo.html . How to replace Headlight Bulb on Vespa GTS ua-cam.com/video/ZOfORe1T5H4/v-deo.html How to remove rear light cluster on Vespa GTS ua-cam.com/video/eXOYsnWkJSo/v-deo.html How to replace front indicator bulb on Vespa GTS ua-cam.com/video/ob4QeVL2NUQ/v-deo.html How to replace tail light bulb on Vespa GTS ua-cam.com/video/UNKlh5NsT5s/v-deo.html How to replace Brake Light Bulb on Vespa GTS ua-cam.com/video/TTVSGmLfn9Y/v-deo.html How to replace number plate bulb on Vespa GTS ua-cam.com/video/UbQWmtltZ1o/v-deo.html How to replace Rear Indicator Bulb on Vespa GTS ua-cam.com/video/qICzWR_C0-8/v-deo.html . How to test a Motorcycle Battery with a Multimeter ua-cam.com/video/e6nrKVst-CM/v-deo.html All the Motorcycles I've ever owned ua-cam.com/video/R5O5CT6rLCg/v-deo.html
I installed a side stand so I can do an oil change without making a mess of it. I have a Primavera 150. I just changed the air filter for practice. I carry my helmet with me and store my wife's in the pet carrier. It's not perfect but it works. Love the Vespa. Nice vid . "Get out the way, you're on the wrong side of the road." Have a nice cappa
you are totally right , the price is so expensive if you compare it to the quality , there is no space to put the helmet hahaha , and the side stand is so weak the rust spreads quickly dawn the vehicle ans then the vespa is to to low very close to the ground making the rims bigger will be much better
Yeah, especially so since that's kind of their selling point. They rag on the Japanese scooters with plastics body parts, and you pay a premium for a non-plastic "luxury brand" experience.
Yes although I’ve got this video I’ve also got the video things I love about it, it does bring a smile to my face whenever I ride it, plenty of low down grunt
I’ve had one a decade ago. Bought it new. Within two years, the exhaust rotted away, even to the extent the exhaust fell off on the freeway. I then bought a Leovince exhaust, which had a great sound. As an experienced motorcycle rider, I had difficulty getting used to the small wheels. I also kept dragging the side stand in left corners. I did appreciate the solid metal fairing and body. Hardly any plastic on the scooter. Breaking was very mediocre. Mileage was great, over 30 kilometers per liter. Top speed wasn’t too bad either, 140 on the speedometer. I bought a large windscreen, but eventually cut some 10 centimeters off from the top because in fog I couldn’t see anything. I also found the wheels and metal parts of brakes to wear when riding in winter. It was stalled in my garage every day, yet, the paint from calipers already started flaking off. The wheels were discoloring too, probably due to road salt. I enjoyed how nimble it felt in heavy traffic and how quick it was, the exhaust making a deep roar. The police had once mistaken me for a moped, which was hilarious. The female police officer directed me on a mobile dynabank in order to measure its power and I kept politely telling the lady that she better not ask me to do this because my scooter would wreck the machine, which made her even more angry because she thought I was bragging. Her male colleagues had already spotted the issue but let her fall into the trap and were almost falling to the ground laughing when I finally told the officer that if she’d let me explain and finish my sentence she could have learned that I was riding a motorcycle rather than a moped, with 23 horsepower, which would definitely wreck her dyna machine. She blushed and covered her face when she finally checked and noticed I had a motorcycle license plate. Good fun!
My #1 thing I hate about Vespas is having the gas tank under the seat. It spills, and it ruins using the pillion for storage if you go on longer trips or camping. The Piaggio BV 350 has the gas tank on the floor and there's no reason they couldn't do that for Vespas as well. As to the helmets, when I was in Italy I almost never saw anyone wearing a full-face helmet (which is too bad). That's why Piaggio doesn't seem to care about this.
I've never spilled my petrol, maybe you are over filling it. I agree on helmet storage, annoying coz my old Piaggio ET4 125cc could store a full face helmet under the seat. Although it has bad points I do enjoy the ride. Ride safe and have a great Christmas. 🎄
I agree with you on all points, especially price. I had a GT125l a few years back and I took her out all year round. She was a constant trouble due to rust. So much so that the next scooter I bought was all plastic fairings and virtually maintenance free.
Athan Datu Glad the info helped. Check out my other video on things I love about it, that balances it up a bit. Have a great weekend and thanks for visiting
akarim55 I always go by mileage really but my Vespa is very low mileage but the oil does go bad still. The Oil should be a gorgeous golden syrup colour. If it's blacker then change it and the oil filter. I've got a video on how to do that. You are also meant to change coolant every 2 years but mines 6 years old. Thanks for visiting and please subscribe if you can, would really appreciate it.
Since YT is FULL with nonsense and wrong information ... ask the dealer or check the owners manual for correct info. I know a idiot that dare to say that you have to take of your seat, toolbox, battery, ... to check your cooling liquid on a VN900. He still spread this nonsense, even i explained him that he Is WRONG. So ... do your OWN research. 👍🏼
Agree about the rust issue. That’s the main reason I changed it for the Beverly 350 which with large wheels and no corrosion problems is by far the better bet. Great for A round touring. 70 MPG and no mechanical issues in 6 years of ownership. Rock steady riding that beats anything in traffic including most other bikes. 16 inch front wheel and wide 14 inch rear.
Firstly you were really unlucky with the oil filter. Your spot on about the dipsticks it's about time all bikes have them in a secure non tamper place My 07 GTS 250 is growing on me it's a pig to fuel up without the aid of a little plastic funnel No underside rust issue but then again it's only done 5k dry miles I am a lambretta lover but for a modern scoot I think they are the best on the road ok there are the cheaper ting-tong scoots and I do like the Scomadi but the engines aren't a patch on the piaggio.
I love my new Vespa (and I live in England). Within the first two weeks, I painted the Vespa's under-side with a road-grit protection product from Hammerite.
I owned 2007 GTS250 for 6.5 years and put 20,000 miles on it before I sold it end of 2015... two most things I hate about my GTS was the passenger pegs position and undersea storage too narrow and won't let my helmet go in.... than that... one of best scooter I ever owned!
spay it with protective rubber coating unterneath before ot start to rust, you can glue some rubber sheet over the unprotected part of oil filter , sidestand live with it helmet bay = another tub inside with glassfibercomposit
I don't think I would be happy to pay extra for an upper shelf scooter from brand with decades of experience and to be later forced to fix on my own such clumsy engineering and even won't be able to fit an original helmet in a place designated for it.
Do you got any suggestions for me ,I am going to buy aprilia standard 160 on december (christmas eve ). Kind enough to reply .From kerala,India. I liked your keen eye for fault finding.Hope you see this before christmas.❤️❤️❤️❤️
That looks like a nice motorcycle. If it’s from a dealer make sure you get a warranty, if it’s second hand just check obvious things like underneath and check oil looks nice and clean and that it starts from cold.
You can probably fit your old ET4 belt cover with kickstart and the gear onto the crank as the belt covers are interchangeable between the LEADER & QUASAR engines.
@@ursulacosentino8191 I think Honda collect all the best engineers in Italy and now Piaggo have to work with bad engineers 😂 I am joking . Can you explain me why Piaggo can't built a scooter engine what have not the similar power like a Honda or Yamaha?I drove the Vespa 300 GTS and I like the Design but with 279 cubic Engine i had a power like a Japanese 125 cubic Scooter ,even the Piaggio Liberty 350 is not like a Yamaha 300 X max or a Honda Forza or sh 300! Because of this I wrote this ,I like Vespa s design ,for me it is a Scooter with the best Design but the Engines are horrible and I feel me more safe with my Yamaha X max 300 when I drive in the highway with 120 km/h. With my Vespa I did not feel good after 100 km/h and it is not possible to take a motorcycle helmet in the helmet box from Vespa but in the helmet box of the Yamaha X Max I can put 2 motorcycle helmets .
No mine doesn't. Only the official Piaggio open face helmets fit under the seat. My normal crash helmets are Medium and not even close to fitting under the seat.
I've just watch your video with interest and what you say is true. I've been a Piaggio mechanic for over 10 years and the bike could be improved. You pointed out the rust problem, take the plastic foot guard off and see what's going off under there. Give it plenty of wax oil then replace the plastic. Basically there a good bike, just needs care and attention. Oh, that thing about the oil filter, now days a lot of bikes have a similar problem, one to mention is the Honda Fire Blade. Stone comes off the front tyre and straight through the filter, it's amazing how the stone gets past the mud guard, the belly pan and the exhaust pipes but it does. Anyway enjoy your Vespa.
The Rust issue and the Oil Filter exposure are the biggest issues for me. Ok I'll have a look under the plastic foot guards, thanks for that. Great tip and thanks for the comment, really appreciate it. Have a great weekend.
@@LurgsHowToGuides no problem, if you do your own maintenance, make sure you keep the slide pins well greased on the Blake calipers, another seizure point.
@Gary Dodgson hello, the mud guard extender would slow down the rusting problem but the oil filter being on the right side of the engine would be harder too protect, as you said the average DIY mechanic in his shed might have problems fabricating a shield. Plus depending how it were made perhaps the changing of the filter may become harder than it already is. In my time as a Piaggio mechanic, and serviced many Vespa's it's not that common for the filter to get punctured. There made of really thick metal and too hole one you must be extremely unlucky. I've seen more that's rusted through owing to the lack of maintenance.
@Gary Dodgson that's a good idea, using a piece of PVA pipe, its how it would cope with the heat. You travel 20 to 30 miles them put your hand on the oil filter, I think plastic in contact with the engine would struggle. Its just maddening that you have to modify your vehicle because the manufacturer wants to save a penny here and there. The thing that really got me was the tie wraps. They snip them off any old how, then I'd PDI the scooter and get my hands and arms cut to pieces. Its amaising how they can't us square end snips, they use side cutters, so if you have to put your hands near the engine on a Vespa or other scooter take care. ☹
So I seem to hear the same variator / roller rattle that I experience as well on my MP3 ( same engine ) .. I'm starting to think its normal.. Have you ever had this checked?
Bought a bargain 2008 model last week with 30k miles for less than 2000 euro because the dude needed the money but it was looked after. Not much rust, wasnt abused, didnt burn any oil, and it was from a reset CVT service with genuine piaggio parts. Frankly i can live with all 6 of them! Money wasnt an issue, i find the sidestand is the best quality side stand i ve ever had on a scooter, all the rest retracted too fast while this one is smooth and this makes it just better overall. The engine is shared across multiple scooters so the oil filter location is kind of an "it is what it is" situation. The dipstick issue is true for every bike on the road today, if someone is out to get you and you ride a bike, he will. Lastly, to be honest, there hasnt been a kickstart 300cc scooter in decades, thats a problem people have been dealing with every scooter everyday since you cant push start them either. If money is not an issue, there are some very compact, usb charged battery boosters that work for cars and also bikes. You can get one and keep it on the vespa for a modern solution to this problem. The one im personally familiar with from my job is the size of a modern phone, has also got a magnet and flashlight, so you can even work in the dark if you get stranded somewhere
I remember years ago I got a beach cruiser bicycle brand new I coded the whole bike with PVC clear coat I sprayed the tires the seat everything 50 years later the bike still looks brand new these are the kind of things you need to do because manufactures get you to a certain point it’s up to you if you want it to last a lifetime so what are you gonna do to improve
I'm afraid when buying a scooter such as this from new ,especially any Vespa, it has to be permanently ' painted ' in a protective oil such as ACF 50 or GT 85 NOT WD 40 which has not the same constitency or protection.It is especially important on all the lower frame rails, stands and engine in line with the front wheel .The paintwork is just not applied sufficiently well to have any life span in years , especially when there is salt on the roads and even impregnated in the tarmac for more than 4 months a year in the UK.Your comments are all valid and note that overlap joint in the bodywork just behind the front wheel , a mixture of rain , salt and general road filth is just waiting to react from inside it , as well as minimal paintwork with no decent etch primer, it has an electrolytic reaction just like a corroding battery.The oil filters on this range of Vespas are all difficult to access and vulnerable , but in this case it must have a defected ' O ' ring or overtightend is the most common reason for this, it must be attended to urgently !.
Roger Coleman Great info thank you. Thanks for visiting my Channel, please subscribe if you found this useful, would really appreciate it. Have a great week.
@@LurgsHowToGuides Thanks , have subscribed.I have had plenty of experience in preserving all vehicles especially scooters & motorcycles.Even in Japanese quality faired machines such as Hondas , the corrosion lurking behind the ' plastics ' is very common on many used machines , I have seen several Goldwings with rotted out swing-arm rear ends which is a very expensive and time consuming job to replace.I think it just goes with a new ' mindset ' where owners' expect they will go on with minimal maintenance which many do but forget about protecting the structure which is just as important - if not more so if used throughout the year.I've ridden a GTS 300 and was very impressed, a very swift cool scoot with character but would spend a lot of effort preserving it before it hit the road if I was to buy one !.All the best mate .
Roger Coleman Thanks Roger. Just annoys me as I have a VW T5 used all the time that's 9 years old and it's almost spotless underneath. Ok the Vespa front wheel does throw up things and water but it's still poor quality when you consider the price. Thanks for subscribing, all the best and safe riding.
you can jump start the GTS just use one of the available power packs or even standard jump leads, you cannot bump start it which is what I think that you mean, you could push any automatic vehicle from John O' Groats to Lands End & you will not get it to start I think this is true of any auto vehicle. Have to say had my 2008 250 GTS from new & I love it..:)
Yeh I keep a set of jump leads under the seat as it let me down once. I think I put ignition on but left it 5 mins whilst I got ready and the battery drained from the silly headlight which comes on as soon as you turn on the ignition. I do love my Vespa (hence the other video). Please subscribe if you can, would really appreciate it. Have a great weekend and thanks for visiting my channel. Lurgs
The dipstick “problem” is easy, just buy an aftermarket dipstick that requires a spanner to open. The oil filler “problem” is no different to most other bikes and is solved by adding a few strips of foam tape as protection, and the short mudguard “problem” is solved with a £4.99 mudflap and as for the rust well it’s a Vespa, polish it more and use anti rust regularly BEFORE it rusts. iv got a 2007 gts250 with no rust, why? Because its polished weekly and has had MANY coats of rust protecter over the years.and as for it can’t be bump started, it’s an automatic scooter, no auto can’t be bumpstarted it’s not a Vespa thing. Seems you have had to look VERY VERY hard to find problems that aren’t actually problems.
Hence why I also made my other video 'Things I love about my Vespa GTS 300'. Rust is my biggest gripe. Shouldn't have to do it. My VW T5 is 10 years old unmarked and it gets used all the time in all weathers. My Vespa is garaged and barely sees rain.
I'm running a 2006 GTS 250 and find some disappointing things. I'm unconcerned about helmet storage, side stands, or the price. But I do wish it was easier to jump-start the scooter if the battery dies. My solution is to carry a small Anti-Gravity lithium battery with me. I've only had to use it once in winter when the scooter sat outside all day with the temperature near 0F. And as a year-round rider in snow and salt, I've had to have the underside sandblasted and repainted. Despite these things, I love the GTS I have and won't hesitate to replace it with a new one when it dies. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the scooter. I'll have to check out the one with things you love!
Toying with the idea about buying a Vespa... perhaps a “little” less now. Thanks for a VERY informative video. At least now if I do decide on actually getting one.. I’ll know of a few more items to keep an eye on. Be safe.
Carl Rivera Yeh, check out the Love Vespa vid as well which balances it out. It's a great ride but deffo worth checking underneath! Glad to have helped. Thanks for visiting my Channel, please subscribe if you found this useful, would really appreciate it. Have a great weekend and ride safe.
I've had one for 13 years and 50,000 miles as my city bike and I don't regret it at all. I've been slowly modifying brakes and suspension as needed, and now it'll rip through corners like my XR650R supermotard. These are amazing bikes and I'd replace mine with another in an instant. Cheers.
John Brown I agree the gaps in the wheels are very small. I use a long flexible cable which just fits through. A big chain definitely won't. I always try to lock it to something.
Brilliant video. Not just an informercial for Vespa. These are real issues to think about. Has Vespa improved these issues since this video was posted 4 years ago?
I’m not sure as I don’t keep an eye on the new models, but brand new Vespas are very expensive so I would hope they have fixed the issues. The rust underneath still makes me angry now
Do you have problems with the brake light switches? Left one stayed on, took it into a dealer for a replacement It was good for about 6 months until the Right switch started doing the same Replaced that as well, turns out the Left one stayed on again Got checked by dealer, tells me that both brake levers needed to be replaced because the part where it should've pressed the switch got worn out
Farie Indriawan No I've not had that problem but I don't do many miles. Sounds a bit poor to wear out that quick. Not sure why you would need new brake levers though.
@@LurgsHowToGuides mechanic said the wear caused the switches to be unpressed, although I'm pretty sure the brake light should've been off if that's the case
Farie Indriawan Just sounds like another poor quality item. Switches really should last for decades not 6 months. I’ve had loads of motorbikes and old ones and never had a brake lever switch fail.
You have a imitation oil filter installed. They give often problems with leaking oil. The problem may is solved when you install a original oil filter.
I like the Vespa, I have always liked Vespa´s, although I have not had any. Now I have a Piaggio Typhoon 125 with which I am delighted. In its hole does not fit an integral helmet, or modular, but it does enter a jet helmet. Greetings.
Jason DeMel Wow you do get low in the corners! Yeh it's so bad it's laughable. Glad to have helped. Thanks for visiting my Channel, please subscribe if you found this useful, would really appreciate it. Have a great week and ride safe.
Thank you, very informative and i agree with you overpriced well and truly much the same as Harley Davidson, i always wanted to buy a Vespa but the price was way too much for what it was
Regarding the oil filter, you must have been really unlucky. I changed my oil for the first time after 7 years of ownership (yes I know bad Vespa owner!) I only did 2000 miles in that time but it was horribly corroded but never leaked
I bet an automotive under coating product will help protect your Vespa from rust, but I'm not sure if it will damage paint. Blaster makes a product in an aerosol can called Surface Shield. I know it's available in the US, but not sure about other countries.
Alan Jones Glad to have helped. Thanks for visiting my Channel, please subscribe if you found this useful, would really appreciate it. Have a great week. Oh and there's my Vespa things I love video so it's not all bad!
I am sorry I did not see this earlier, I might have saved you from your misery... 1. Here is a solution to the helmet in the underseat area: Pull the storage bin OUT of the Vespa. Put your helmet into the storage bin-SQUEEZE it in there. Push the storage bin back into the waiting Vespa. You will have to compress the sides a bit, but it will fit. If you want to protect the sides of your helmet, use a bit of cloth or plastic on the contact points. For those who want to hang the helmet from the stub under the seat, carry a heavy duty plastic bag to cover your helmet. 2. Add a front fender skirt, and paint the seams of the underbody with a clear coating, epoxy or acrylic or whatever. 3. Cover the oil filter with a cylindrical sleeve. Easy to manufacture yourself. Bob's your Uncle, Clyde. It might be best to use a mesh screen material and give it a couple of wraps-around. That preserves the air-cooling of the oil, which may or may not matter. 4. If you carry some tools, can't you open the battery cover and access the battery? If you really are worried about this you could permanently attach two leads from the battery and run them back into the engine bay and secure them. When you need a jump because you have not been monitoring your battery health, you can use those leads under the seat. 5. Buy a used Vespa, there should be enough around for sale. I skipped the side stand & oil fill, because a) I don't have that stand and b) I don't have wankers looking to sabotage my life. There are accessory filler caps that require a tool, so you might try that. May your misery abate.
All good points except for most of us with the larger heads/helmets. I got the Daytona because it was thinner. It fits down in the Pet Carrier just fine, BUT the seat won't close because the helmet still sits too high. I have 18 helmets and the only one that fits under the seat is my half helmet. My wife's helmets will fit though. I wear XXL or XXL depending on the brand of helmet. Your solution to just carry a plastic bag is practical. However, the person(s) that want it under the seat aren't looking for alternatives (usually) but solutions to make it fit. Anyhoo, valid points all and thanks for the post for those that need show/tell to help out.
you are totally right mate , the price is so expensive if you compare it to the quality , there is no space to put the helmet hahaha , and the side stand is so weak the rust spreads quickly dawn the vehicle ans then the vespa is to to low very close to the ground making the rims bigger will be much better
Well, I own a 2005 250 GTS, and some things I saw in your video are the same I don't like in mine. No rust problem for me (hopefully) but under the seat you can't really fit an helmet (in fact, I use the back's top box). No ABS (ok, I can accept) but a nice cockpit with water temperature and gas level, but nothing about the gas autonomy (could be useful). Anyway, I love my Vespa, but any Vespa is perfect! Nice video and nice you and Ester! Cheers.
@@LurgsHowToGuides I also had a 2000 ET4 150. No rust, but no engine... For a long journey was a little bit "strong"... Actually it's a pleasure to ride my GTS but some engine more, in the mountains, could be appreciated. My father just bought a 2016 GTS 300 "70th anniversary". Cool.
Thanks, hope it helped you make a decision if you are thinking of getting one. It's not all bad, I've also got the other video about things I love about it. 😎
Autoby Yeh I had a look at your video, identical colour to mine. Enjoy and ride safe. Engine is superb but quality is below par for the money they charge
Informative video and I would agree with everything here. I would love it if Vespa dealt with these issues but I’m not confident that they I bothered 😕, unbelievable really considering the selling price!!! There are a couple of helmets you can get under the seat, I have a open face LEM Roger that can just about fit upside down, but they should make the body / bin slightly wider to accommodate medium heads (mine is medium too). Side stand, I agree, I only use with extreme caution - to add to lurgs’ comments, I would highly recommend you lube and maintain the stand hinges/springs as they are also susceptible to rust and could fail if badly deteriorated - look after the chassis and hinges of the stands!!! The under body of these require love, I can’t stress enough the value of treating the under body with anti rust and then under body chip paint, £20 in paint to protect a £4,000 bike - an essential modification for UK gritty roads. 👍🏽🙏🏽
been driving a 125 gt Vespa for 10 years some rust at the front but apart from that no problems and i live in the uk where the roads are full of pot hols
I don't like full face helmets anyway, too claustrophobic. I recognise that some have a problem with rust but I had a dragon red GTS. I sold it lat year and it was five years old and no sign of rust anywhere. I didn't like the side stand either and considered taking it off. I don't think side stands have anyplace on scooters. The main issue I had with the GTS was the passenger foot pegs, real heal trappers. I bought the foot rest extensions from SIP scooters, they work great but at £120 very expensive. I don't like the modern trend to use foot pegs on scooters either, it's a scooter not a motor bike and the floor should be extended rearwards.
Oh yeh good point. When I took a pillion those footpegs really do get in the way. They could have just extended the footwell backwards instead of putting footpegs on it. I had a 13 year old Vespa ET4 with no Rust so it's not good. Side stand is horrendous as you say. Thanks for your comment and please subscribe if you can, would really appreciate it. Have a great week and thanks for visiting my channel, and ride safe. Lurgs
The thing that I don't like about those foot pegs is if you have a passenger their feet are up against the back of your legs. It's just not designed correctly to have a passenger.
I have a dragon red GTS 150 and also didn't find any signs of rusting. Although I wonder if it has to do with the factory where the bike is assembled, as Vespas sold in Asia are mostly assembled in Vietnam and the GTS300s here also have no rust problem. As for the side stand, well tilting isn't that much of an issue for me but I think it needs a locking mechanism where it "clicks" and locks when you put the side stand down. The very same GTS 150 was borrowed by a friend and the side stand managed to fold back up, which left my friend in surprise finding my GTS laying down on it's side.
And 7: The speedometer does not point at Zero when stationary. That is actually even remarkable to see on something this expensive, it would flipped me out I can say, and also mean that it show the wrong speed.
It does show the correct speed as the Speedometer only starts moving when it reaches that speed, it doesn't start moving straight away. But yeh I agree it's a bid odd when stationary.
This is because the speed-sensor is at the rear wheel, which is spinning, when the scooter is on the main stand and idling with cool engine. My Burgman's did it too.
Dee M I wish my Wife agreed with everything I did! Glad to have helped. Thanks for visiting my Channel, please subscribe if you found this useful, would really appreciate it. Have a great week.
Actually it is possible, but it is quite hard. Because you need to get the Vespa to roll fast enough for the clutch to engage. Then you pull the break very lightly, just enough to fool the safety switch. Then press the start button. As I said... Quite hard if you are not living on top of a steep hill.
I solved my Vespa problems by owning Ducatis. Haven't looked back. Actually one of the best all round motor vehicles produced in my opinion was a Vespa P200. Find one and enjoy the lovely sound s/smells of two stroke engines.
Used to love the smell of my old 2 strokes. Best two I ever had was a Yamaha TZR250 and also a Kawasaki KR1-S. Power bands were unreal but awful MPG. Best all rounder I had was my Honda CBR600. Ride safe.🛵😎. All my motorcycles if you are interested ua-cam.com/video/R5O5CT6rLCg/v-deo.html
You are so cool, you look like Eric Clapton. I was considering buying a Vespa But knowing the negative features of the Vespa that you told me about. I am a little disappointed. I think a scooter made in Japan or in Taiwan would be a better choice. But I think the Vespa is a beautiful motorcycle!
It's worth also watching my other video The things I love about my Vespa GTS300 as it's not all bad. It is a lovely beast to ride and plenty of power. I wish I was even 5% as rich as Eric Clapton! 😎
Great video thank you very much. I live in Nevada United States so we don't get much rain. Pretty dry here but still I do wash it often so I'm drying it off well and looking out for rust.
Hi mate I was a vespa man for Meany years give them up, I now drive a Yamaha xmax 300 has abs has TRC has usb port has bags of room under the seat two helmets no problems cost less than the GTS and by far a better bike no Ile test drive one and u will c what I mean all the best
Paddy Doyle Nice one. Yeh I've seen those around. Thanks for the great info, please subscribe if you found this useful, would really appreciate it. Have a great weekend and safe riding to you.
BATTERY problems on a two WHEELER ?? .. tell me about it. !! Just TODAY i LOST one of those tiny battery contact screws . And i was lucky to have 1 REPLACEMENT screw or I would have been SCREWED ! The darn thing just fell into the bike and yeah .. its somewhere in there now..
Nilo Franssen Thanks, I'll check that out later. Thank you. So happy to have helped. If you would like more How To tips like this video then please subscribe, I am always posting new Videos to help you save ⏱TIME and 💰 MONEY. Have a great week and thanks for visiting my Channel. I really appreciate it. Lurgs.
I wanted a Vespa GTS, but I got a Yamaha Xmax300 instead. It doesn't look as pretty but it's better quality, better on the motorway, just better all around. Cheaper too.
A friend of mine bought a brand new gts last August and has had it back to the dealer with 4 separate issues, not very impressive for the price, it's completely put me off going for vespa.
I finally just got my 2021 gts hpe supper and I can honestly say I didn’t expect to hate anything but i do, im back here to say that’s i hate the seat. True deep hatred. It’s so uncomfortable compared to the shape of the 08’ 250 ie. a friend of mine just got the same bike 2018 and hers has the older comfy seat. I’m thinking of getting it shaved down. I also hate how they changed the shape of the front so that none of the pre 2020 front racks can be used on the bike and you have to drill into the Front cover . I hate the seats so much I’m actually riding my older vespas 😂 however you might like the fact that I cannot seem to find the oil dip stick so there did hide that away lol.
I had a vespa gtv 300,it rains alot in seattle.i used wax the shit out of it before rainy season.i had no rust on it at.not even underneath.wax all metal parts on any scooter.
Yeh good idea but if it’s second hand and hasn’t been treated it’s a big problem. But we shouldn’t have to do this, I’ve got a VW Van and don’t lay under it waxing it all the time! Ride safe 🛵
Other useful 🛵How To Guides to help you save ⏱TIME and 💰 MONEY:
Vespa GTS How To's, Tips, Tricks, Fixes & Reviews ua-cam.com/video/16LcQelRTlc/v-deo.html
Things I LOVE❤️about my Vespa GTS 300 ua-cam.com/video/h0nWikLMFLg/v-deo.html
Vespa GTS 300 Review and Ride ua-cam.com/video/iMmJyuPvbkU/v-deo.html
Vespa GTS 300 Rust problems ua-cam.com/video/q_kLZT_iRV0/v-deo.html
Vespa GTS 300 Underseat Storage does a standard Crash Helmet fit and other Alternatives ua-cam.com/video/LCmAbywTG8M/v-deo.html
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Vespa GTS Battery Location and How to check battery on Vespa GTS ua-cam.com/video/S2h7ltTophU/v-deo.html
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Vespa Tire Pressures ua-cam.com/video/1lwrkW9k0Js/v-deo.html
Vespa GTS 300 Top Box Review ua-cam.com/video/HHDbrhnnr54/v-deo.html
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Vespa Dashboard Lights Meaning ua-cam.com/video/TgFp0jszqTA/v-deo.html
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How to replace Headlight Bulb on Vespa GTS ua-cam.com/video/ZOfORe1T5H4/v-deo.html
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I installed a side stand so I can do an oil change without making a mess of it. I have a Primavera 150. I just changed the air filter for practice. I carry my helmet with me and store my wife's in the pet carrier. It's not perfect but it works. Love the Vespa. Nice vid .
"Get out the way, you're on the wrong side of the road." Have a nice cappa
Birdman C Cheers. Ride safe and have a great weekend
thanks for video lurgs, if it wasn't for people like you we wouldn't know these problems.
Cheers
you are totally right , the price is so expensive if you compare it to the quality , there is no space to put the helmet hahaha , and the side stand is so weak the rust spreads quickly dawn the vehicle ans then the vespa is to to low very close to the ground making the rims bigger will be much better
The rust problem is what I hate the most. For what you pay for them they should NEVER rust like that! NEVER!
Totally agree
I’ve seen Chinese scooters with less rust on them.
Yeah, especially so since that's kind of their selling point. They rag on the Japanese scooters with plastics body parts, and you pay a premium for a non-plastic "luxury brand" experience.
What I hate about a Vespa is not owning one.
Yes although I’ve got this video I’ve also got the video things I love about it, it does bring a smile to my face whenever I ride it, plenty of low down grunt
I’ve had one a decade ago. Bought it new. Within two years, the exhaust rotted away, even to the extent the exhaust fell off on the freeway. I then bought a Leovince exhaust, which had a great sound. As an experienced motorcycle rider, I had difficulty getting used to the small wheels. I also kept dragging the side stand in left corners. I did appreciate the solid metal fairing and body. Hardly any plastic on the scooter. Breaking was very mediocre. Mileage was great, over 30 kilometers per liter. Top speed wasn’t too bad either, 140 on the speedometer. I bought a large windscreen, but eventually cut some 10 centimeters off from the top because in fog I couldn’t see anything. I also found the wheels and metal parts of brakes to wear when riding in winter. It was stalled in my garage every day, yet, the paint from calipers already started flaking off. The wheels were discoloring too, probably due to road salt. I enjoyed how nimble it felt in heavy traffic and how quick it was, the exhaust making a deep roar. The police had once mistaken me for a moped, which was hilarious. The female police officer directed me on a mobile dynabank in order to measure its power and I kept politely telling the lady that she better not ask me to do this because my scooter would wreck the machine, which made her even more angry because she thought I was bragging. Her male colleagues had already spotted the issue but let her fall into the trap and were almost falling to the ground laughing when I finally told the officer that if she’d let me explain and finish my sentence she could have learned that I was riding a motorcycle rather than a moped, with 23 horsepower, which would definitely wreck her dyna machine. She blushed and covered her face when she finally checked and noticed I had a motorcycle license plate. Good fun!
The performance of it is great, love the twist and go. I've always had motorcycles but this is a great all rounder. Ride safe and stay safe. 🛵😀.
My #1 thing I hate about Vespas is having the gas tank under the seat. It spills, and it ruins using the pillion for storage if you go on longer trips or camping. The Piaggio BV 350 has the gas tank on the floor and there's no reason they couldn't do that for Vespas as well. As to the helmets, when I was in Italy I almost never saw anyone wearing a full-face helmet (which is too bad). That's why Piaggio doesn't seem to care about this.
I've never spilled my petrol, maybe you are over filling it. I agree on helmet storage, annoying coz my old Piaggio ET4 125cc could store a full face helmet under the seat. Although it has bad points I do enjoy the ride. Ride safe and have a great Christmas. 🎄
I agree with you on all points, especially price. I had a GT125l a few years back and I took her out all year round. She was a constant trouble due to rust. So much so that the next scooter I bought was all plastic fairings and virtually maintenance free.
Prices are crazy, can buy a small car for the same!
Rather informative, and very good to know for all current and future Vespa owners. Thanks for doing this.
Athan Datu Glad the info helped. Check out my other video on things I love about it, that balances it up a bit. Have a great weekend and thanks for visiting
Thanks for sharing and good continuation 😀👍👊 just one question : it is necessary to change the oil transmission every two years ?
akarim55 I always go by mileage really but my Vespa is very low mileage but the oil does go bad still. The Oil should be a gorgeous golden syrup colour. If it's blacker then change it and the oil filter. I've got a video on how to do that. You are also meant to change coolant every 2 years but mines 6 years old. Thanks for visiting and please subscribe if you can, would really appreciate it.
Since YT is FULL with nonsense and wrong information ... ask the dealer or check the owners manual for correct info. I know a idiot that dare to say that you have to take of your seat, toolbox, battery, ... to check your cooling liquid on a VN900. He still spread this nonsense, even i explained him that he Is WRONG.
So ... do your OWN research. 👍🏼
hey man nice video!! Does the topcase open with the same key as the scooter switch? Thanks!!
Thanks. No it’s a different key 😎
My vespa 50s is 40 years old and it has less rust
Sorry 😞
@01yala possibly better quality in building the earlier models.
I had an ET4 125cc much older and not a spot of rust on that.
Agree about the rust issue. That’s the main reason I changed it for the Beverly 350 which with large wheels and no corrosion problems is by far the better bet. Great for A round touring. 70 MPG and no mechanical issues in 6 years of ownership. Rock steady riding that beats anything in traffic including most other bikes. 16 inch front wheel and wide 14 inch rear.
You just sold me on the Beverly 400. Thanks buddy!
Firstly you were really unlucky with the oil filter.
Your spot on about the dipsticks it's about time all bikes have them in a secure non tamper place
My 07 GTS 250 is growing on me it's a pig to fuel up without the aid of a little plastic funnel
No underside rust issue but then again it's only done 5k dry miles
I am a lambretta lover but for a modern scoot I think they are the best on the road ok there are the cheaper ting-tong scoots and I do like the Scomadi but the engines
aren't a patch on the piaggio.
dinkydaz67 It is a lovely ride but the build quality underneath is poor. Thanks for checking out my channel and ride safe
I love my new Vespa (and I live in England). Within the first two weeks, I painted the Vespa's under-side with a road-grit protection product from Hammerite.
Great idea. Mine was 2nd hand unfortunately.
I owned 2007 GTS250 for 6.5 years and put 20,000 miles on it before I sold it end of 2015... two most things I hate about my GTS was the passenger pegs position and undersea storage too narrow and won't let my helmet go in.... than that... one of best scooter I ever owned!
Mitch's Scooter Stuff Yeh passenger foot pegs are annoying. Love your new channel graphic, very cool. Have a great week.
spay it with protective rubber coating unterneath before ot start to rust, you can glue some rubber sheet over the unprotected part of oil filter , sidestand live with it helmet bay = another tub inside with glassfibercomposit
I don't think I would be happy to pay extra for an upper shelf scooter from brand with decades of experience and to be later forced to fix on my own such clumsy engineering and even won't be able to fit an original helmet in a place designated for it.
Do you got any suggestions for me ,I am going to buy aprilia standard 160 on december (christmas eve ). Kind enough to reply .From kerala,India. I liked your keen eye for fault finding.Hope you see this before christmas.❤️❤️❤️❤️
That looks like a nice motorcycle. If it’s from a dealer make sure you get a warranty, if it’s second hand just check obvious things like underneath and check oil looks nice and clean and that it starts from cold.
Gracias por los subtítulos!!!!... excelente video. Saludos desde Argentina!
Thank you. I always subtitle my Videos. And thank you for giving the World Maradona & Messi !
@@LurgsHowToGuides jajaja. Gracias a vos. Sos un grande! Abrazo
You can probably fit your old ET4 belt cover with kickstart and the gear onto the crank as the belt covers are interchangeable between the LEADER & QUASAR engines.
John Straw ok thanks, good info
Japanese Engineering and Italian Design must be come together , then it would be a perfect Vespa 😁
Adige65 Abzakh Good idea
there is nothing wrong with Italian Engineering they build Hondas in Italy
@@ursulacosentino8191 I think Honda collect all the best engineers in Italy and now Piaggo have to work with bad engineers 😂 I am joking .
Can you explain me why Piaggo can't built a scooter engine what have not the similar power like a Honda or Yamaha?I drove the Vespa 300 GTS and I like the Design but with 279 cubic Engine i had a power like a Japanese 125 cubic Scooter ,even the Piaggio Liberty 350 is not like a Yamaha 300 X max or a Honda Forza or sh 300! Because of this I wrote this ,I like Vespa s design ,for me it is a Scooter with the best Design but the Engines are horrible and I feel me more safe with my Yamaha X max 300 when I drive in the highway with 120 km/h.
With my Vespa I did not feel good after 100 km/h and it is not possible to take a motorcycle helmet in the helmet box from Vespa but in the helmet box of the Yamaha X Max I can put 2 motorcycle helmets .
No, the Vespa has to be completely defined in Italy, otherway it's not a Vespa.
does the open face fit side ways?
open face helmets are smaller from top to bottom and it may it in there.
but the seat may not close
you can try, yes
No mine doesn't. Only the official Piaggio open face helmets fit under the seat. My normal crash helmets are Medium and not even close to fitting under the seat.
I agree on everything. Here in Maine i ride in the winter and the salt does a freakin # with the rust issue
I've just watch your video with interest and what you say is true. I've been a Piaggio mechanic for over 10 years and the bike could be improved. You pointed out the rust problem, take the plastic foot guard off and see what's going off under there. Give it plenty of wax oil then replace the plastic. Basically there a good bike, just needs care and attention. Oh, that thing about the oil filter, now days a lot of bikes have a similar problem, one to mention is the Honda Fire Blade. Stone comes off the front tyre and straight through the filter, it's amazing how the stone gets past the mud guard, the belly pan and the exhaust pipes but it does. Anyway enjoy your Vespa.
The Rust issue and the Oil Filter exposure are the biggest issues for me. Ok I'll have a look under the plastic foot guards, thanks for that. Great tip and thanks for the comment, really appreciate it. Have a great weekend.
@@LurgsHowToGuides no problem, if you do your own maintenance, make sure you keep the slide pins well greased on the Blake calipers, another seizure point.
@Gary Dodgson hello, the mud guard extender would slow down the rusting problem but the oil filter being on the right side of the engine would be harder too protect, as you said the average DIY mechanic in his shed might have problems fabricating a shield. Plus depending how it were made perhaps the changing of the filter may become harder than it already is. In my time as a Piaggio mechanic, and serviced many Vespa's it's not that common for the filter to get punctured. There made of really thick metal and too hole one you must be extremely unlucky. I've seen more that's rusted through owing to the lack of maintenance.
@Gary Dodgson that's a good idea, using a piece of PVA pipe, its how it would cope with the heat. You travel 20 to 30 miles them put your hand on the oil filter, I think plastic in contact with the engine would struggle. Its just maddening that you have to modify your vehicle because the manufacturer wants to save a penny here and there. The thing that really got me was the tie wraps. They snip them off any old how, then I'd PDI the scooter and get my hands and arms cut to pieces. Its amaising how they can't us square end snips, they use side cutters, so if you have to put your hands near the engine on a Vespa or other scooter take care. ☹
So I seem to hear the same variator / roller rattle that I experience as well on my MP3 ( same engine ) .. I'm starting to think its normal.. Have you ever had this checked?
No I've never had it checked as mine is still very low mileage
Does anyone know if they’ve addressed these issues in later models?
Valuable tips from your experiences.
Glad it was helpful. 🏍
I have a 2019 GTS300 and an Et4 125 from 2000. love them both
I do love the ride, the engine is the best part of it (and the looks).
Bought a bargain 2008 model last week with 30k miles for less than 2000 euro because the dude needed the money but it was looked after. Not much rust, wasnt abused, didnt burn any oil, and it was from a reset CVT service with genuine piaggio parts.
Frankly i can live with all 6 of them!
Money wasnt an issue, i find the sidestand is the best quality side stand i ve ever had on a scooter, all the rest retracted too fast while this one is smooth and this makes it just better overall.
The engine is shared across multiple scooters so the oil filter location is kind of an "it is what it is" situation. The dipstick issue is true for every bike on the road today, if someone is out to get you and you ride a bike, he will.
Lastly, to be honest, there hasnt been a kickstart 300cc scooter in decades, thats a problem people have been dealing with every scooter everyday since you cant push start them either. If money is not an issue, there are some very compact, usb charged battery boosters that work for cars and also bikes. You can get one and keep it on the vespa for a modern solution to this problem. The one im personally familiar with from my job is the size of a modern phone, has also got a magnet and flashlight, so you can even work in the dark if you get stranded somewhere
The one thing I found is they do ride amazing and plenty of power. Ride safe 🛵👍
Thanks for sharing this! I cannot believe the helmet and the rust issue. 100 years in business and they cannot get these things right? Unbelievable.
Glad it was useful. Check out my other video about things I love about it, it balances it up. Ride safe.😎🛵
Have any of these issues been sorted on the 2020 model?
Joseph Holliday I have no idea. Hopefully the build quality has been fixed but we won't know until it starts rotting
Thats really useful thank you
Cool. Glad to help.
I remember years ago I got a beach cruiser bicycle brand new I coded the whole bike with PVC clear coat I sprayed the tires the seat everything 50 years later the bike still looks brand new these are the kind of things you need to do because manufactures get you to a certain point it’s up to you if you want it to last a lifetime so what are you gonna do to improve
I'm afraid when buying a scooter such as this from new ,especially any Vespa, it has to be permanently ' painted ' in a protective oil such as ACF 50 or GT 85 NOT WD 40 which has not the same constitency or protection.It is especially important on all the lower frame rails, stands and engine in line with the front wheel .The paintwork is just not applied sufficiently well to have any life span in years , especially when there is salt on the roads and even impregnated in the tarmac for more than 4 months a year in the UK.Your comments are all valid and note that overlap joint in the bodywork just behind the front wheel , a mixture of rain , salt and general road filth is just waiting to react from inside it , as well as minimal paintwork with no decent etch primer, it has an electrolytic reaction just like a corroding battery.The oil filters on this range of Vespas are all difficult to access and vulnerable , but in this case it must have a defected ' O ' ring or overtightend is the most common reason for this, it must be attended to urgently !.
Roger Coleman Great info thank you. Thanks for visiting my Channel, please subscribe if you found this useful, would really appreciate it. Have a great week.
@@LurgsHowToGuides Thanks , have subscribed.I have had plenty of experience in preserving all vehicles especially scooters & motorcycles.Even in Japanese quality faired machines such as Hondas , the corrosion lurking behind the ' plastics ' is very common on many used machines , I have seen several Goldwings with rotted out swing-arm rear ends which is a very expensive and time consuming job to replace.I think it just goes with a new ' mindset ' where owners' expect they will go on with minimal maintenance which many do but forget about protecting the structure which is just as important - if not more so if used throughout the year.I've ridden a GTS 300 and was very impressed, a very swift cool scoot with character but would spend a lot of effort preserving it before it hit the road if I was to buy one !.All the best mate .
Roger Coleman Thanks Roger. Just annoys me as I have a VW T5 used all the time that's 9 years old and it's almost spotless underneath. Ok the Vespa front wheel does throw up things and water but it's still poor quality when you consider the price. Thanks for subscribing, all the best and safe riding.
Fantastic video!!!
valmir bud Thank you. And most of all thank you for subscribing, really appreciate that. Have a marvellous week.
you can jump start the GTS just use one of the available power packs or even standard jump leads, you cannot bump start it which is what I think that you mean, you could push any automatic vehicle from John O' Groats to Lands End & you will not get it to start I think this is true of any auto vehicle. Have to say had my 2008 250 GTS from new & I love it..:)
Yeh I keep a set of jump leads under the seat as it let me down once. I think I put ignition on but left it 5 mins whilst I got ready and the battery drained from the silly headlight which comes on as soon as you turn on the ignition. I do love my Vespa (hence the other video). Please subscribe if you can, would really appreciate it. Have a great weekend and thanks for visiting my channel. Lurgs
Good vid. Maybe cut a shield out of thin aluminium & silastic it onto the front exposed half of the oil filter ? Light & easy to do & its a barrier.
Good idea. Suprised the oil filter doesn't have one built around it, seems such a poor design to me.
The dipstick “problem” is easy, just buy an aftermarket dipstick that requires a spanner to open. The oil filler “problem” is no different to most other bikes and is solved by adding a few strips of foam tape as protection, and the short mudguard “problem” is solved with a £4.99 mudflap and as for the rust well it’s a Vespa, polish it more and use anti rust regularly BEFORE it rusts. iv got a 2007 gts250 with no rust, why? Because its polished weekly and has had MANY coats of rust protecter over the years.and as for it can’t be bump started, it’s an automatic scooter, no auto can’t be bumpstarted it’s not a Vespa thing.
Seems you have had to look VERY VERY hard to find problems that aren’t actually problems.
Hence why I also made my other video 'Things I love about my Vespa GTS 300'. Rust is my biggest gripe. Shouldn't have to do it. My VW T5 is 10 years old unmarked and it gets used all the time in all weathers. My Vespa is garaged and barely sees rain.
I'm running a 2006 GTS 250 and find some disappointing things. I'm unconcerned about helmet storage, side stands, or the price. But I do wish it was easier to jump-start the scooter if the battery dies. My solution is to carry a small Anti-Gravity lithium battery with me. I've only had to use it once in winter when the scooter sat outside all day with the temperature near 0F. And as a year-round rider in snow and salt, I've had to have the underside sandblasted and repainted.
Despite these things, I love the GTS I have and won't hesitate to replace it with a new one when it dies.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the scooter. I'll have to check out the one with things you love!
Yes it's not all doom and gloom as you will see in my other video. Ride safe dude. 🏍😎
Toying with the idea about buying a Vespa... perhaps a “little” less now.
Thanks for a VERY informative video.
At least now if I do decide on actually getting one.. I’ll know of a few more items to keep an eye on.
Be safe.
Carl Rivera Yeh, check out the Love Vespa vid as well which balances it out. It's a great ride but deffo worth checking underneath! Glad to have helped. Thanks for visiting my Channel, please subscribe if you found this useful, would really appreciate it. Have a great weekend and ride safe.
I've had one for 13 years and 50,000 miles as my city bike and I don't regret it at all. I've been slowly modifying brakes and suspension as needed, and now it'll rip through corners like my XR650R supermotard. These are amazing bikes and I'd replace mine with another in an instant. Cheers.
Side stand catches in bends and alloy wheels pit .love it it's italian
how do you chain the bike out side. the shape of the bike makes it's hard to secure
John Brown I agree the gaps in the wheels are very small. I use a long flexible cable which just fits through. A big chain definitely won't. I always try to lock it to something.
@@LurgsHowToGuides Abus chain goes though the wheel.
That's what the metal loop is for. So many people here saying that is the sidestand, which it is not.
Brilliant video. Not just an informercial for Vespa. These are real issues to think about. Has Vespa improved these issues since this video was posted 4 years ago?
I’m not sure as I don’t keep an eye on the new models, but brand new Vespas are very expensive so I would hope they have fixed the issues. The rust underneath still makes me angry now
You live in sea salt air.
I live in a wet climate and I've never seen a climate with rust like that, it's 100% due to salt.
I have a 300 GTS, too. You are 100% right!
Is there a newer Vespa GTS model that solves these problems? I'm looking to buy
Not sure. If you get a 2nd hand one it's worth checking
In the 6 ies I had an heinkel 175 cc ,with a spare wheel ,no spare wheel for a vespa ?
There is no spare wheel on this modern Vespa
About to buy a vesper in Hong kong, but have no idea what to get. It's just for going from the apartment to my school...10 mins each way.
Not sure what the restrictions are but any 125cc should be great. Just make sure it's been looked after
Do you have problems with the brake light switches?
Left one stayed on, took it into a dealer for a replacement
It was good for about 6 months until the Right switch started doing the same
Replaced that as well, turns out the Left one stayed on again
Got checked by dealer, tells me that both brake levers needed to be replaced because the part where it should've pressed the switch got worn out
Farie Indriawan No I've not had that problem but I don't do many miles. Sounds a bit poor to wear out that quick. Not sure why you would need new brake levers though.
@@LurgsHowToGuides mechanic said the wear caused the switches to be unpressed, although I'm pretty sure the brake light should've been off if that's the case
Farie Indriawan Just sounds like another poor quality item. Switches really should last for decades not 6 months. I’ve had loads of motorbikes and old ones and never had a brake lever switch fail.
Thanks for sharing 👍👍
Foon chai keong No problem, hope it helped
This is how I imagine Italian technology. I never liked this vespa pede look, but I would not expect it is so badly made.
So instead of a Vespa, what scooter would you recommend for highway use?
I've only ever had motorcycles. If you check the comments there's lots of suggestions on alternatives.
You have a imitation oil filter installed. They give often problems with leaking oil. The problem may is solved when you install a original oil filter.
That was the one that came with it (I bought the Vespa 2nd hand). I've since changed the Oil and Oil filter.
yes had the same problem stick to original Vespa parts
Wow. Thank you. I came so close to buying one.
Glad my video helped you make a decision. Not sure what newer models are like. Whatever you do buy, ride safe. 🏍
I like the Vespa, I have always liked Vespa´s, although I have not had any. Now I have a Piaggio Typhoon 125 with which I am delighted. In its hole does not fit an integral helmet, or modular, but it does enter a jet helmet. Greetings.
Deiotarus Great info. Thanks for visiting my Channel, please subscribe if you found this useful, would really appreciate it. Have a great week.
Oh,btw great vid 👍👍
Cheers. Happy Easter. 😎
I just removed the side stand. It would also scrape on corners so off it came
Jason DeMel Wow you do get low in the corners! Yeh it's so bad it's laughable. Glad to have helped. Thanks for visiting my Channel, please subscribe if you found this useful, would really appreciate it. Have a great week and ride safe.
Valuable information.
Glad it was helpful! Ride safe, stay safe. 🏍
Thank you, very informative and i agree with you overpriced well and truly much the same as Harley Davidson, i always wanted to buy a Vespa but the price was way too much for what it was
側柱已經改善不會回彈，變的很實用，不用擔心別人移動你的車子會有倒車的問題。
I have two Vespa Gts' and there is absolutely nothing I hate about them.
I agree about the side stand. My brother found it taking a nap more than once.
Regarding the oil filter, you must have been really unlucky. I changed my oil for the first time after 7 years of ownership (yes I know bad Vespa owner!) I only did 2000 miles in that time but it was horribly corroded but never leaked
I'm very unlucky, it's my lot in life! Ride safe 😎
I bet an automotive under coating product will help protect your Vespa from rust, but I'm not sure if it will damage paint. Blaster makes a product in an aerosol can called Surface Shield. I know it's available in the US, but not sure about other countries.
Good review
Alan Jones Glad to have helped. Thanks for visiting my Channel, please subscribe if you found this useful, would really appreciate it. Have a great week. Oh and there's my Vespa things I love video so it's not all bad!
i have a 2019 300 touring edition i like it alot. I make reviews about harley davidsons
Mr Reviewer Nice one. You have a lot of reviews on your channel. I'll have a look.
I am sorry I did not see this earlier, I might have saved you from your misery...
1. Here is a solution to the helmet in the underseat area:
Pull the storage bin OUT of the Vespa. Put your helmet into the storage bin-SQUEEZE it in there.
Push the storage bin back into the waiting Vespa. You will have to compress the sides a bit, but it will fit.
If you want to protect the sides of your helmet, use a bit of cloth or plastic on the contact points.
For those who want to hang the helmet from the stub under the seat, carry a heavy duty plastic bag to cover your helmet.
2. Add a front fender skirt, and paint the seams of the underbody with a clear coating, epoxy or acrylic or whatever.
3. Cover the oil filter with a cylindrical sleeve. Easy to manufacture yourself. Bob's your Uncle, Clyde. It might be best to use a mesh
screen material and give it a couple of wraps-around. That preserves the air-cooling of the oil, which may or may not matter.
4. If you carry some tools, can't you open the battery cover and access the battery? If you really are worried about this you could
permanently attach two leads from the battery and run them back into the engine bay and secure them.
When you need a jump because you have not been monitoring your battery health, you can use those leads under the seat.
5. Buy a used Vespa, there should be enough around for sale.
I skipped the side stand & oil fill, because a) I don't have that stand and b) I don't have wankers looking to sabotage my life.
There are accessory filler caps that require a tool, so you might try that.
May your misery abate.
All good points except for most of us with the larger heads/helmets. I got the Daytona because it was thinner. It fits down in the Pet Carrier just fine, BUT the seat won't close because the helmet still sits too high. I have 18 helmets and the only one that fits under the seat is my half helmet. My wife's helmets will fit though. I wear XXL or XXL depending on the brand of helmet.
Your solution to just carry a plastic bag is practical. However, the person(s) that want it under the seat aren't looking for alternatives (usually) but solutions to make it fit.
Anyhoo, valid points all and thanks for the post for those that need show/tell to help out.
All very relevant points !
Cheers. It's got good points as well, see my 'Things I Love video'
you are totally right mate , the price is so expensive if you compare it to the quality , there is no space to put the helmet hahaha , and the side stand is so weak the rust spreads quickly dawn the vehicle ans then the vespa is to to low very close to the ground making the rims bigger will be much better
A great vid. Thank you
Cheers. Check out my other vid which balances it out. 🛵😎
The wheels, the maintenance, The electrics., The suspension, When my GTS dies I'm back to my P2.
@@marineboy4181 It sucks houses eh? That`s weird lol
@@mjh5437 LOL it's sling meaning homie bro friend or whatever you want to call the LOL you must be a foreigner.? Eh
good video, new sub
Thank you. Ride Safe. 🏍😎
Well, I own a 2005 250 GTS, and some things I saw in your video are the same I don't like in mine. No rust problem for me (hopefully) but under the seat you can't really fit an helmet (in fact, I use the back's top box). No ABS (ok, I can accept) but a nice cockpit with water temperature and gas level, but nothing about the gas autonomy (could be useful). Anyway, I love my Vespa, but any Vespa is perfect! Nice video and nice you and Ester! Cheers.
Thank you for the great comment. Before this I had a Vespa ET4 125cc 2003 with no rust at all so it’s poor in the newer models.
@@LurgsHowToGuides I also had a 2000 ET4 150. No rust, but no engine... For a long journey was a little bit "strong"... Actually it's a pleasure to ride my GTS but some engine more, in the mountains, could be appreciated. My father just bought a 2016 GTS 300 "70th anniversary". Cool.
Magirus370 My Vespa GTS 300 is lovely to ride, plenty of power up to 70mph. Away from the lights it’s superb.
The flimsy side stand must be an Italian thing. My friend's Ducatis all want to fall over with the slightest nudge.
I also have a gts 300 from 2010 and i hate and love her for the same reason.
Very Usefull video!
Thanks, hope it helped you make a decision if you are thinking of getting one. It's not all bad, I've also got the other video about things I love about it. 😎
Did do a video on my vespa, too! One model younger, but pretty much the same issues!!
Autoby Yeh I had a look at your video, identical colour to mine. Enjoy and ride safe. Engine is superb but quality is below par for the money they charge
Could you not weld a lager foot on the side stand?
Possibly, but I'm never going near it, I always use the Centre Stand. It's so unstable on the side stand
You can buy larger foot pads. This is an issue with lots of two wheelers.
Flushing the splashed acid rain off the bottom with hose after rainy days might help.
Yeh but I don't have to do that with my VW Van!
@@LurgsHowToGuides
Still better to shower your VW van after raining to wash the acid rain of your door rim.
looks crispy at some points, if i got a new one, will fit it with spreading oil ..
Are you a vespa fanatic? If not i suggest you try the yamaha Xmax 300. I think it cost less but has more technology.
Im going to buy from genuine scooters
Absolutely fantastic machine the Yamaha is. Best by far in its field
@@nks80 genuine scooters makes some good stuff
Informative video and I would agree with everything here. I would love it if Vespa dealt with these issues but I’m not confident that they I bothered 😕, unbelievable really considering the selling price!!! There are a couple of helmets you can get under the seat, I have a open face LEM Roger that can just about fit upside down, but they should make the body / bin slightly wider to accommodate medium heads (mine is medium too). Side stand, I agree, I only use with extreme caution - to add to lurgs’ comments, I would highly recommend you lube and maintain the stand hinges/springs as they are also susceptible to rust and could fail if badly deteriorated - look after the chassis and hinges of the stands!!! The under body of these require love, I can’t stress enough the value of treating the under body with anti rust and then under body chip paint, £20 in paint to protect a £4,000 bike - an essential modification for UK gritty roads. 👍🏽🙏🏽
Pritesh Chauhan Fabulous comment. Thank you for the great info. Ride safe and have a great weekend
been driving a 125 gt Vespa for 10 years some rust at the front but apart from that no problems and i live in the uk where the roads are full of pot hols
I don't like full face helmets anyway, too claustrophobic. I recognise that some have a problem with rust but I had a dragon red GTS. I sold it lat year and it was five years old and no sign of rust anywhere. I didn't like the side stand either and considered taking it off. I don't think side stands have anyplace on scooters. The main issue I had with the GTS was the passenger foot pegs, real heal trappers. I bought the foot rest extensions from SIP scooters, they work great but at £120 very expensive. I don't like the modern trend to use foot pegs on scooters either, it's a scooter not a motor bike and the floor should be extended rearwards.
Oh yeh good point. When I took a pillion those footpegs really do get in the way. They could have just extended the footwell backwards instead of putting footpegs on it. I had a 13 year old Vespa ET4 with no Rust so it's not good. Side stand is horrendous as you say. Thanks for your comment and please subscribe if you can, would really appreciate it. Have a great week and thanks for visiting my channel, and ride safe. Lurgs
The thing that I don't like about those foot pegs is if you have a passenger their feet are up against the back of your legs. It's just not designed correctly to have a passenger.
Jimbo Baggans Yeh they look flash folding out but aren't very practical
I have a dragon red GTS 150 and also didn't find any signs of rusting. Although I wonder if it has to do with the factory where the bike is assembled, as Vespas sold in Asia are mostly assembled in Vietnam and the GTS300s here also have no rust problem.
As for the side stand, well tilting isn't that much of an issue for me but I think it needs a locking mechanism where it "clicks" and locks when you put the side stand down. The very same GTS 150 was borrowed by a friend and the side stand managed to fold back up, which left my friend in surprise finding my GTS laying down on it's side.
And 7: The speedometer does not point at Zero when stationary. That is actually even remarkable to see on something this expensive, it would flipped me out I can say, and also mean that it show the wrong speed.
It does show the correct speed as the Speedometer only starts moving when it reaches that speed, it doesn't start moving straight away. But yeh I agree it's a bid odd when stationary.
@@LurgsHowToGuides Ok it show the right speed, at least that is good.
This is because the speed-sensor is at the rear wheel, which is spinning, when the scooter is on the main stand and idling with cool engine. My Burgman's did it too.
Agreed with your findings
Dee M I wish my Wife agreed with everything I did! Glad to have helped. Thanks for visiting my Channel, please subscribe if you found this useful, would really appreciate it. Have a great week.
Any problems passing MOT after 7 years of ownership?
Oscar Cruz No, it’s sailed through every year so far, I don’t do many miles though.
@@LurgsHowToGuides that's good to know. Puts my mind at ease to know that the Vespa is basically reliable. I plan on purchasing a new 300 soon.
Oscar Cruz If it’s new you don’t have to worry about an MOT for 3 years.
@@SnuggleBear1970 if you're getting a new 300. You don't need to worry about an mot until the bikes 3 years old.
5:20 you can‘t jumpstart scooters. The clutches don‘t grab so the engine is disconnected until you give it some gas. You‘d need a kickstarter
True.
Actually it is possible, but it is quite hard. Because you need to get the Vespa to roll fast enough for the clutch to engage. Then you pull the break very lightly, just enough to fool the safety switch. Then press the start button. As I said... Quite hard if you are not living on top of a steep hill.
Vespa is only a fashion item and you're paying for that.
I solved my Vespa problems by owning Ducatis. Haven't looked back.
Actually one of the best all round motor vehicles produced in my opinion was a Vespa P200.
Find one and enjoy the lovely sound s/smells of two stroke engines.
Used to love the smell of my old 2 strokes. Best two I ever had was a Yamaha TZR250 and also a Kawasaki KR1-S. Power bands were unreal but awful MPG. Best all rounder I had was my Honda CBR600. Ride safe.🛵😎. All my motorcycles if you are interested
ua-cam.com/video/R5O5CT6rLCg/v-deo.html
You are so cool, you look like Eric Clapton.
I was considering buying a Vespa
But knowing the negative features of the Vespa that you told me about.
I am a little disappointed.
I think a scooter made in Japan or in Taiwan would be a better choice.
But I think the Vespa is a beautiful motorcycle!
It's worth also watching my other video The things I love about my Vespa GTS300 as it's not all bad. It is a lovely beast to ride and plenty of power. I wish I was even 5% as rich as Eric Clapton! 😎
Great video thank you very much. I live in Nevada United States so we don't get much rain. Pretty dry here but still I do wash it often so I'm drying it off well and looking out for rust.
Best off treating the underside whilst it’s in good condition. Ride safe 🛵😎
Hi mate I was a vespa man for Meany years give them up, I now drive a Yamaha xmax 300 has abs has TRC has usb port has bags of room under the seat two helmets no problems cost less than the GTS and by far a better bike no Ile test drive one and u will c what I mean all the best
Paddy Doyle Nice one. Yeh I've seen those around. Thanks for the great info, please subscribe if you found this useful, would really appreciate it. Have a great weekend and safe riding to you.
ugly thing no style
BATTERY problems on a two WHEELER ?? .. tell me about it. !! Just TODAY i LOST one of those tiny battery contact screws . And i was lucky to have 1 REPLACEMENT screw or I would have been SCREWED ! The darn thing just fell into the bike and yeah .. its somewhere in there now..
7thSmurf Oh dear. Glad you got it fixed. Not heard of that before.
I have a vespa sprint 50cc I restored it because after only 4 years of riding it was full of rust! I have a video of the restauration on my channel.
Nilo Franssen Thanks, I'll check that out later. Thank you. So happy to have helped. If you would like more How To tips like this video then please subscribe, I am always posting new Videos to help you save ⏱TIME and 💰 MONEY. Have a great week and thanks for visiting my Channel. I really appreciate it. Lurgs.
@@LurgsHowToGuides I already subscribed to your channel I hope you like my restoration video!
I wanted a Vespa GTS, but I got a Yamaha Xmax300 instead. It doesn't look as pretty but it's better quality, better on the motorway, just better all around. Cheaper too.
Germain Gonzalez Great info, cheers.👍
Is it made out of metal or plastic ? I mean the frame/ body
@@zos09 the frame is metal. The plastics are plastic..
totally feel you in every single point👍🏼🧐
It's also got good points as well. 😎
Oil filter.
Easily accessed = too exposed
Protected = can’t be accessed
No helping some people
A friend of mine bought a brand new gts last August and has had it back to the dealer with 4 separate issues, not very impressive for the price, it's completely put me off going for vespa.
Yes they are very expensive, they do look ace but not sure about quality for the price.
Curious why the ‘Martini’ stickers
I always loved the old F1 white cars with Martini livery on, think it was Brabham but can't remember.
Thank you
I finally just got my 2021 gts hpe supper and I can honestly say I didn’t expect to hate anything but i do, im back here to say that’s i hate the seat. True deep hatred. It’s so uncomfortable compared to the shape of the 08’ 250 ie. a friend of mine just got the same bike 2018 and hers has the older comfy seat. I’m thinking of getting it shaved down. I also hate how they changed the shape of the front so that none of the pre 2020 front racks can be used on the bike and you have to drill into the Front cover . I hate the seats so much I’m actually riding my older vespas 😂 however you might like the fact that I cannot seem to find the oil dip stick so there did hide that away lol.
Maybe the seat will wear in over time, it will be hard if it’s brand new. Thanks for the info, I’ll be keeping my 2013 GTS300 for now. Ride safe.🛵
Thank you 🙏
Happy to help out. Also check out my other video about the things I love about it, it balances it up a bit.
beautiful the Seiko 5 :-)
Thanks, yes had this watch maybe 10 years now, it's a self winding one. I like it as it's simple and I do like Seiko Divers watches.
I had a vespa gtv 300,it rains alot in seattle.i used wax the shit out of it before rainy season.i had no rust on it at.not even underneath.wax all metal parts on any scooter.
Yeh good idea but if it’s second hand and hasn’t been treated it’s a big problem. But we shouldn’t have to do this, I’ve got a VW Van and don’t lay under it waxing it all the time!
Ride safe 🛵