What you share in this video is so on point. The friendships, adventures and most importantly, the fun. I can not put a dollar value on the smiles a Vespa has put on my face. Another outstanding production that should be a must see for all prospective Vespa buyers.
You're too kind in your comments Eric. I am glad you (and others) have found something of value in the video. That's gravy on top of the selfish enjoyment I get making them. So many smiles. Just sitting here thinking about the scooter makes me smile. How lucky we are...
Hi from UK , you have just sealed the deal for me to go and find my perfect Vespa which I have always yearned for . Been hankering after one for years but work commitments , kids etc. Recently been forced into premature retirement due to serious illness but think this is my answer to improve my physical and mental well-being being so gonna take the plunge . Than you 😊❤
I agree 100 percent. This video came together by chance. I was talking while riding and pieced it together at the keyboard. That's probably why it was so long. The ones I plan are more succinct. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
As I listened to this video I kept plugging in "Royal Enfield Motorcycle" every place you said "Vespa Motor Scooter". Try it, you'll see that it mostly works. Like you, I have scooters and motorcycles. I like the scooters. They're easy to ride, have copious cargo capacity and do what they do. The motorcycles? They just stir my soul. Each shift is another acceleration or deceleration. The engine changes sound and sometimes tone as powerbands come and go. I'm involved with every aspect of them. The clutch, gear shift, throttle and brakes. What is you said? "It stirs my soul." I get the allure of a Vespa about the same way I get the allure of a Harley. An old brand built with engineering that mixes old and new. Costly and in a dry comparison not really "Better" than the less costly competition. But as you say, "It stirs your soul." I have a Honda and a Kawasaki. Honda's work but in my head "Kawasaki Let's the Good Times Roll."
Royal Enfield Himalayan would work for everything but the nimbleness around town. What I was assuming in the video was a desire for a Vespa. No desire and none of it works. So from that perspective you could easily place the vehicle of your desire in there. And from there determine whether in "stirs your soul." I've ridden a lot of motorcycles but few have done that for me.
@@ScooterintheSticks I think you would be surprised how nimble a motorcycle would be. Years ago I did the MSF Experienced Rider Course on a W650 Kawasaki. I did several figure eights in the 20'w X 40'L box fairly easily. The usual ride for beginners there are 250cc bikes.
@@ScooterintheSticks And with all due respect Steve. I've seen how you ride the RE. If you want your soul stirred you have to "Get On It". This past weekend I did a local event and by choice ending up riding alone not suffering lumbering V-Twins blocking the road. Me and the 250 Nighthawk did some serious, at the speed limits, corners. My soul was stirred. We bring soul stirring to the bike, not vice versa.
Hello Steve, you have a way with words, if you were a motivational speaker I’d gladly go hear you speak. you’re definitely attached to your Vespa, I’m the same way, I seldom sell or get rid of my worldly belongings. Thanks for bringing us along, as always the ride was beautiful and scenic.
I'm glad you enjoy the vicarious ride in the videos I make. And thank you for the kind words about the things I share. I'm not sure I'm speaker material but I am comfortable rambling on while I ride. And since the weather has warmed the visor doesn't fog up from my yammerings!
thanks for the ride - it's like having breakfast with a couple of old friends. I'm a little jealous -1. your roads are bucolic. there's so much developement here - central Pasco county, fla. now I have to go 10 miles to get to rural roads - used to be 2 miles. 2. I'm waiting for a replacement back tire for my 300GTS - the currrent one picked up a nice big nail.
That was the feel I was hoping to capture -- breakfast with an old friend. There are so many bucolic roads here spreading out in everything direction. And less than a mile from my front door. I hope your tire arrives soon and you are back on the road soon!
Perfect timing! I just took delivery of my new 2023 GTS 300 Super Sport literally an hour ago! Love the look, the sound, the zip! No more Harley attitude, loud pipes, expensive mods! Going to be posting some rides and mods myself. Your videos are an inspiration!
Congratulations! The GTS is zippy compared with a Harley. It's a different beast. Go slow in adapting so your shiny new scooter stays shiny and bright. Seriously, thank you for your kind and supportive words about my videos. I appreciate knowing you find some value in them.
Thoroughly enjoyed this video. Can't get over how the scenery is so similar to here in rural Scotland. Vespa sales need to send you a big thanks. Thank you very much.
I've always wanted to visit Scotland. Someday maybe. I don't think I fit the Vespa marketing target demographic. I'm too far from the urban lights! But it is nice to think I may have pointed a few people toward the Vespa life.
My new favorite scooter video. Completely agree with your sentiments and felt like I was riding alongside you and Paul while you delivered them. I’m grateful to be friends with you guys and to share this beautiful landscape that you so beautifully capture.
That's high praise about the video. Thank you. Riding with you and Paul is always fun. We're fortunate to live in a place that affords such beautiful riding landscapes from the open rural valleys to the twisty mountain roads. It's hard to go wrong shooting videos here.
Very refreshing as a balance to the finance gurus who keep telling you that you cannot buy anything expensive and need to put every cent in index funds. I’m doing my motorcycle license at the moment and looking forward very much to buying and riding a Vespa myself!
Well, I'm about as far from a finance guru as one can get. I do regret not being wiser in my youth regarding money. Saving for a rainy day, and investing in my future by buying a few index funds every month when I was 20 instead of spending every penny would have been a wise choice. I'm just glad my employer forced me to invest in my pension for 44 years. Now that I can afford to buy whatever I want I don't seem to want much. What's that all about??
Another one of those coincidentally/perfectly timed posts! LOL. Finally took my safety course in the last couple of days and got the motorcycle endorsement on my license yesterday. And now I'm looking to finalize a deal on my new "investment". I expect to get on the road with my new Vespa in the next couple of days. Life is good and will now be good with the Vespa! Cheers Steve! (And keem 'em coming.)
Congratulations on your motorcycle endorsement. I still remember when I became "legal." It was a great day and opened many doors for fun and adventure. Good luck with your riding and with a new Vespa scooter.
As a classic introvert your words ring so true for me. I'm not necessarily looking for more or new friends and certainly don't enjoy maintaining a large group of friends, but it has taken me almost 30 years to fully understand that there is really nothing "wrong" with me and that it's ok to stop and recharge the social battery so to speak. Of course, there is the occasional problem of having your family or friends understand that we really are not anti-social in the true sense of the word. Nevertheless, motorcycling for me is just another way to get out of the house and ride alone to recharge from social activity (family, friends, work etc.) when necessary. It is also an opportunity, as you say, to perhaps make a few unintentional new friends along the way or bring current family/friends in to share this motorcycling journey for new adventures. It's all about mental balance for people like me and riding is just another tool to help manage my mental well-being.
Your observations and thoughts about the need to stop and recharge the social batteries mirror my own. I lean toward introversion and being around people drains my energy. It's not that I don't like being with people but it doesn't energize as it does some. As you say, riding is a tool for me to manage my mental well-being. And fun too!
Well said. As an introvert also, I know how you feel. I’ve ridden many bikes over many years and have recently bought a new Vespa GTS 300 and am loving it. Every trip, even just locally, is a chance to recharge and regain some energy and mental balance.
Kind regards from Germany! It' s so true. I'm riding my Vespa for 30 years! What can I say, it's Love! Finally it is an investment for life. Ride save.
You can't put a price on mental health my Vespa has nearly infinite value to me because of that a more pragmatic person walking into a dealership in seeing that he or she would need to drop 10,000+ dollars for a new GTS 300 might just feel otherwise of course the cost of everything has gone through the roof another great video with a wonderful philosophy on life to which I subscribe wholeheartedly the best to you, always
It's a complex issue made more so because of the price tags on Vespa scooters. As you say, it's difficult to put a price on mental health. I guess it comes down to knowing what you want and being honest about whether you can afford it. Just don't cloud the issue with price comparisons to other kinds of machines. Thanks for the kind words about the video and the message. I appreciate them.
@@ScooterintheSticks you and I are always on the same page. As a pediatrician dealing with mental health issues is often more common than dealing with physical health ones. I have tried to protect my own well-being mentally the best I can. Traveling by two wheels has been in my life for almost four and a half decades. I will ride until I no longer can and having my Vespa will help me too so when I no longer feel safe on my Royal Enfield Himalayan or my Honda Good Wing. I appreciate you and your UA-cam channel more than you know
I have a small 50cc Piaggio Typhoon which is not technically considered in the Vespa family because it looks more like a small motorcycle. But it's built by Piaggio and has similar characteristics. I ride it here in Seattle three seasons and really not on long rides although I should. I do use it everyday in the Summer months and I can say I just love it. The more I ride it the more I appreciate it's reliability and quality build. I can tell you that I am already considering buying another larger Vespa so I can keep up with the friends I have made. Is it an "investment" ?? it is...in my overall happiness.
Piaggio makes some fine machines using the same engines and drivetrains in some cases. I just prefer the aesthetics of the Vespa. As you say, my Vespa is an investment in my overall well-being. Happiness is just one part. And as long as the purchase doesn't adversely affect my financial well-being then it is a great investment!
What a beautiful video... the way you talk about your point of view in this video shows your awareness and your big heart. I have been thinking about buying a Vespa for years, after I sold my Vespa 28 years ago. When I remember the time when I first rode a Vespa and the joy that arose in me, it makes me deeply sad.... the fear of an accident on the streets of a big city like Austin, Texas, and the upheaval of life that two young children in It has deprived me of one of my greatest pleasures.
Thanks for your kind words about the video and for sharing your experiences. Sometimes we have an opportunity to do something we love and life intervenes and takes it away. Big city traffic and young children are certainly good reasons to question riding. Hopefully you, all of us really, will find some other pleasure in life when we're deprived of something.
What a beautifully-made, thoughtfully-narrated video. Thank you. My last motorcycle was a Bonneville which I rode for 7 years, until my arthritis pain became too much of a bother (at age 65). Now, another 7 years later, I feel like I can't ignore the desire to ride again, but switching to a scooter has crossed my mind, living in a region where 2-lane county roads with a speed limit of 50 are most prevalent. I like Vespa's all-metal construction, though I wish the wheels were a little larger (like, 13" or 14"). And, there's always BMW and Yamaha 400s sold at much-closer dealers. 'Guess I'll have to try one as a demo.
Thank you for the kind words about the video. I appreciate them. Aging, arthritis, and myriad other conditions can make riding a motorcycle, even a small one, uncomfortable and even dangerous. I’m grateful I am still able to navigate a motorcycle but I realize the day will come when I can’t. Swinging my leg over a bike gets more challenging with each passing year. The Vespa’s step through design eliminates that concern. It is an easy step through. Not all scooters are for me. The BMW scooters are difficult because you really need to lift your leg a lot higher than with the Vespa. Same with some of the other brands. A few minutes getting on and off a scooter will reveal your limits. As far as tire size goes, it’s a non-issue for me. My GTS hums along at 70 without anything worrisome. The small wheels are what give the Vespa its nimble feel. That is foreign to motorcycle riders and takes some time to discern nimbleness from thinking “instability.” Good luck with your investigations!
Nice video I am a vesper lover as well. I have two love with you live it looks so peaceful I live in New York City actually Brooklyn but no matter where I ride my vespa
One of the things I noticed is that the employees at the Meandering Mallard are amazing. I've worked in the service industry my whole life. It's a thankless job. You barely make enough money to survive and yet, "a smile is part of your uniform." Look how comfortable and accommodating the employees made you gentlemen feel. I think, "How do they afford to pay their rent?" They don't have health insurance and no one cares. The owner of the Meandering Mallard might be struggling to pay bills too. Landlords are predatory and so are utilities, taxes, and food costs. The struggle to survive is repeated across every town, big and small, across the country. Something has to change.
I suppose both the working environments and pay scales differ from business to business and place to place. Your observations about the people working at the Meandering Mallard are correct -- they're always pleasant, warm, and engaging. And the clientele is always genial, patient, and relaxed. Perhaps the combination works out in Milheim in ways that it couldn't in busier and more stress laden businesses. I don't have direct knowledge of how people support themselves as workers or how businesses like the Meandering Mallard can remain profitable. At some level I have to believe the business owners chose their line of work because they love it. But I know the statistics concerning business longevity and failure is pretty discouraging. I try and patronize local establishments and tip generously. Not sure if it helps or merely helps me feel a little better about the situation. Whatever it is, I always enjoy sitting down for tea at the Meandering Mallard.
I fear I'm so far from Piaggio's target market that they would not take a second look. They're pushing an active, young, urban/metro lifestyle. But thank you for the kind words about the video.
Thanks for another great video Steve. I really enjoy your laid-back introspective nature. I noticed that you stopped at the Meandering Mallard in Millheim. Is that the same place that used to be the IngleBean? I was through there on Sunday after a ride to Lewiston and then back towards home via the Milheim-Siglersville pike. It was really nice gravel road through the mountains. When passing through Millheim I was keeping an eye open for the coffee shop that I have seen you do videos in, but didn’t recognize any signage. Today I am off from work and am heading out to where 322 and 144 meet. I am going to follow 144 up to where it meets 44 and then turn south-east and head home. Thanks for the entertainment and for identifying points of interest in your area.
Yes, the Mallard is the reopened Inglebean. Different owner. Same place. The Millheim-Siglersville Pike leads into some beautiful riding areas and crossed the Mid Atlantic BDR. The only expert section is not far off the pike. I've ridden in on my GTS but won't try it on the Himalayan. I've gotten too old and wussy now... Prime riding on 144 up to Renovo and beyond. I've done that ride many times on my scooters and motorcycles. I hope you have a great ride!
Thank you for your kind words about the video. I appreciate them. My GTS has been in the shop for some long overdue maintenance and upgrades. I spoke with the mechanic a few days ago and I suspect it will be ready soon. I'm looking forward to more scooter adventures despite the winter weather here...
I'm picking up my new 2019 GTS 300 Monday in Quito, Ecuador ($7,700). Everything here is more expensive and thus sits on the showroom floor longer. The 2023 is $10,500. As I was trying to decide between another motorcycle and a Vespa, I own a Triumph and a Chinese adventure 250, I realized the Vespa isn't a motorcycle. It is something else.
Like you, I've found the Vespa GTS to be "something else." And well worth the cost. I still have a desire for a Triumph Bonneville though. It is something else as well I think.
A true friend is friend that will bail you out of jail and help you get your life back in order. Hopefully we don't go to jail but if you've ever been there the first thing you think of is "who am I going to call to get me out of here?" If you don't have any friends you better never get arrested.
Friends don't grow on trees. And not the "friends" collected on Facebook. The kind of friend you and I are referring to are rare. Even if you have friends, it's best not to get arrested!
Talking about investments, I'm italian. Here as you can imagine you see lots of vespas, some that are very, VERY old and still used daily. So, consider that if you buy a Vespa you only need to buy it once and if you really want you can go on maintaining it forever, so even financially it might be a good decision. Other scooters might break after a while and you might not find spare parts anymore, a thing that doesnt happen for Vespa.
My thoughts exactly -- my Vespa can be kept going for a long time unless a crash or accident severely damages it. The only thing I have heard can be hard to get for some of the older 4 Stroke Vespa scooters are wiring harnesses. But otherwise parts are plentiful.
@@ScooterintheSticks im no expert so I dont know about that. I have never owned or ridden a Vespa, but they are incredibly common and many of them are also very very old. So if most people can keepban old vespa functional it must be because parts are available.
Another great video…. Soothing…. Thinking about your comments in comparison to my lifelong motorcycle habit… I ride motorcycles for the same reason… at 76 I don’t ride as much as I used to but still get out couple of times a week for lunch or breakfast meet up… if I haven’t ridden for a week or so I ache to get out for an hour or two…. For fun adventure and friendship….it also keeps me sharp in terms of using skills not used in a car…. Maybe I should try a Vespa!!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences. Unless you ride a motorcycle for the adrenalin rush of speed and power I think it's definitely possible to find most of things during a ride that I do on my Vespa scooter. It is hard to escape the mechanical nature and weight of most motorcycles though. Fun, adventure, and friendship. All gifts of riding scooters and motorcycles. And as you say it does sharpen skills and senses that aren't exercised in a car. I hope I'm still riding at 76. But I'll focus on today. That's all I have.
Thanks for responding…I get very nostalgic watching your videos….rode around Europe in the early 70s…. Around east coast Canada and the US in the 80s to now….. currently ensconced in Pa not far from you on the Delaware river… current ride is a Triumph Tiger… nice bike….. curious to see if you actually pull the trigger on a new Vespa…. I know that itch.
@@grahams6390 Riding memories seem to be universally strong. They remain easy for me to recall. While I definitely plan to replace my GTS when it finally dies beyond repair, I'm not sure if I can bring myself to buy a new one. Even though I have the cash for one the price of the new ones just seem to high. So I suspect I'll look for a lightly used, non--HPE machine. I'll hope to get another 20 thousand miles out of my current GTS before replacement looms its head.
I agree on the nimbleness of the Vespa. I feel like I just think about what I want to do and the scooter just does it. So easy. 2022 GTS Super. I am also lucky because we have a local club that has group rides every month. So Fun!
The scooter certainly is nimble. It’s nimbleness make some motorcycle riders uneasy. Some thinking there’s something wrong with the scooter. And as you say, there’s so much fun to ride.
It's nice to have two completely different machines to ride. Each makes the other stand out more I think. To go from a long day on the Road King to the Vespa might feel like getting on a clown car though. I remember spending several days riding a BMW K1600 GTL and when I returned it to the dealer and got on my patiently waiting GTS I felt like I was getting on a tiny toy. But I really did appreciate how nimble and easy to handle it was.
@@ScooterintheSticks I think that I made a mistake buying the classic 350. Nothing wrong with the bike but it is too flashy and shiney.. I get anxiety every time it rains. And some years only on scooters has taught me how nice it is not to care about the chain in the back. I commute regularly in bad weather like you and practicality is important to me. But I have space just for 1 bike, so the classic needed to go. Some day if I have a House, maybe few bikes will be on the list.. But this house prices are trough the roof even for me in eastern Europe.
Another awesome video Steve and well-balanced perspective. I think nearly 100% of Vespa owners feel they are over-priced. So too are most motorcycles, some by not as much though. I also feel most all sun glasses are over-priced. So . . . we the individual must choose which over-priced purchases still in the long run, provide good value. A few years ago I purchased a very over-priced Sleep Number Bed, my sleep number is 45 by the way . . . ;) ;) ;) At the end of the day, it is an item I literally use once everyday of my life so, even though it sold for double what it should have cost, I still bought it and LOVE IT. The Vespa returns in spades, countless smiles, memories and experiences. So . . . even though they sell for three grand more than they should, life is short and procuring a little more enjoyment along the way, is perhaps well-worth the inflated expenditure.
Thank you for the kind words about the video and for sharing your own experiences with things that seem just "too expensive." I had to chuckle about the Sleep Number Bed. We have a Sleep Number store here and I paid them a visit when shopping for a new mattress last year. Sticker shock doesn't adequately describe my response when I heard the price. But as you say for something that gets used 6 to 8 hours a day every day the price isn't so bad I guess. We ended up with s Saatva mattress so no sleep number needed! As much as some people try to tell me there is no difference between a "luxury" brand and something less expensive my own experience has found a lot of differences in craftsmanship, fit, finish, etc. Why else would I pay a premium price for a Filson jacket when a Carrhart would be much cheaper. I have both. The Filson fits better. Anyway, I find my Vespa a good investment in my life. And when the time comes, I'll invest again.
How would you characterize the differences? I’ve heard some good things about the ADV HOnda in terms of speed and reliability. In this year’s Scooter Cannonball there were 3 ADVs in the top ten finishers. The first Vespa GTS to appear was in 13th place. None of that speaks to the feeling you have riding but I am curious. Also, congratulations on your GTS! That’s a fantastic price for a 2021 too.
@ScooterintheSticks the adv is great, don't get me wrong, but it doesn't hold a candle to the gts. The engine is not as smooth, suspension is much firmer and the brakes are no where near as good IMHO. Acceleration is quite a bit less. I never thought about upgrading from the adv until I bought my wife the gts.
@@IdahoChevyDude Thanks for your response. Like you, I've found the GTS to stand alone in terms of smoothness, acceleration, braking, and feel. Other scooters perform well but they just are different. It's why I probably would never be happy with something different.
As you get older the types of bikes you can physically ride becomes more restricted. The Vespa is the last one you will be able to handle and so will be the last bike you will ever need to buy.
Both good choices. The Honda is a better choice financially. Not sure what the scooter thievery is like in Chicago but something to keep in mind. Especially the price of insurance. It's where a beater rat bike or scooter might be a better choice.
I see you have a sm-med windshield. What kind is it? What do you prefer, small, med or large... or all? Thanks... Love your videos. BTW, I have a brand new GTS 300 super sport. Keep up the great videos. I like a little fresh air in my face, but no rocks or bugs. Haha
I have the Vespa brand short windscreen on my GTS. I got it solely for looks. I'm not really a fan of windshields or screens. I like feeling the wind hitting me. I am always geared up and wearing a full face helmet so bugs aren't an issue. I've been hit by a couple rocks over the years but nothing big enough to do damage. And a bird hit my helmet once. That was the biggest thing to ever hit me. Thanks for the kind words about my videos. I appreciate them. I'm working on another Vespa video and should post it sometime this coming week.
@@ScooterintheSticks thank you. I also where a full face helmet. I think I'll go with the small screen as well. I look forward to seeing your new video.
I KNEW that this video was gonna be about touchy-feely subjective opinions. I was hoping for an honest and objective presentation of factual pros vs cons to my wallet.
I suppose my relative indifference to the financial costs of ownership always pale in comparison the the touchy-feely aspects of a particular machine. No amount of monetary pros and cons will dissuade or convince me to buy a particular motorcycle or scooter if it doesn't possess the right look and feel while riding. And you're right -- that is absolutely subjective. I used to buy cameras based on the pros vs. cons to my wallet. Over and over I purchased the ones kindest to my wallet. And over and over I found myself in possession of a tool I didn't really like to use. Eventually I learned to evaluate purchases differently and while often choosing the more expensive and less "practical" option I found I enjoyed and used things more. Didn't matter if it was a camera, clothes, cars, or scooters and motorcycles. That approach may be unique to me for a variety of reasons. Each of us learns what will work for us and what works for me may not for you. Good luck on your search. Ride safe!
There are a variety of mountains here. Not sure which you are referring to. The most common ones that stand out on the landscape are Mount Nittany, Egg Hill, and Brush Mountain. Otherwise I am in the longer ridges of the Appalachian Mountains -- Bald Eagle Ridge, Tussey Mountain, Jack's Mountain.
you pay a lot extra to get the brand that makes the most beatiful scooters alof all time, it's as simple at that...Vespa's aren't the best at anything other then design, but for city riding they are more then enough and obviously gorgeous to look at
I agree. Mostly. One thing though -- they do feel and sound different to ride than other scooters. It's subtle but present. It's a large part of why I choose the Vespa scooter.
@@Makul-rt4sz the GTS 300 has plenty of power for me. The deep black Beverly 400 is pretty but it doesn’t have a classic Vespa look and it has a lot of plastic on it. I’ve never ridden a 400 but I have been on the 250 and it felt cramped to me, The good thing is we each get to make our own choices and decide what works for us. That’s all that matters. There’s no profit in comparing myself to other people. Or their choices of what they ride. That may make things easier, but until I figure out what I want, I’m not gonna be happy.
@@Makul-rt4sz Yep. That’s the difference. Hard to put a value on that difference. For me it’s worth the price. For others it might seem wasteful and extravagant.
Hi Steve, Apologies if this has already been asked; is there a PA Vespa group that I can look into? I've been riding my Primavera 150s for a year now and haven't seen any scooters in the Bethlehem area. I'd be willing to plan a couple of day's trip to meet up with a group, even if for one time. I appreciate you very much; thanks for the content!
I'm uncertain if there are any purely Vespa groups in Pennsylvania but I know there are some scooter clubs around. The Three Mile Island Scooter Club in the Harrisburg area. You can reach out to them on Facebook to see if they know of other groups. And the Philadelphia Scooterists Club is on Facebook. facebook.com/groups/211345746052219/ Good luck on your search. They're out there!
Take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation class - get the motorcycle endorsement on your license, and yes, it is easy to learn to ride a Vespa... yet, it is a 2 wheel conveyance that can be a life-time investment. Keep in mind, though, that a Vespa gets very expensive if you drop it; thus, the reason for suggesting the MSF class as a starting point.
Sure. With practice and not pressing yourself to get on the road before you're skilled enough you and your daughter can handle a GTS. The only caveat would be height. The seat height on Vespa scooters is high. For new riders, if you aren't tall enough, it can feel very unsteady. If you have a chance sit on one to make sure. My daughter isn't comfortable on the Vespa. She opted for the lower seat height of a Yamaha Vino 125. And definitely take the MSF beginning rider course if you can.
I use a GoPro Hero 8 camera on the helmet. It is in a Media Mod box so I can plug in a microphone that's inside my helmet. I also have a Hero 8 on the handlebar. It moves to other locations depending on what I'm doing. Sometime I'll mount the Insta360 camera on the bars as well.
I've stuck to the stock 12 inch wheels. I feel no need to tinker with the wheel size or have to change the speedometer settings to account for the bigger wheel.
"I found that I had that throttle in my hand and I could propel myself through the world". I love that statement!
Throttle joy!
What you share in this video is so on point. The friendships, adventures and most importantly, the fun. I can not put a dollar value on the smiles a Vespa has put on my face. Another outstanding production that should be a must see for all prospective Vespa buyers.
You're too kind in your comments Eric. I am glad you (and others) have found something of value in the video. That's gravy on top of the selfish enjoyment I get making them.
So many smiles. Just sitting here thinking about the scooter makes me smile. How lucky we are...
I agree...
+1
Hi from UK , you have just sealed the deal for me to go and find my perfect Vespa which I have always yearned for . Been hankering after one for years but work commitments , kids etc. Recently been forced into premature retirement due to serious illness but think this is my answer to improve my physical and mental well-being being so gonna take the plunge . Than you 😊❤
It's a quality of life investment! Another nice video - thanks for sharing!
I agree 100 percent.
This video came together by chance. I was talking while riding and pieced it together at the keyboard. That's probably why it was so long. The ones I plan are more succinct.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
As I listened to this video I kept plugging in "Royal Enfield Motorcycle" every place you said "Vespa Motor Scooter". Try it, you'll see that it mostly works. Like you, I have scooters and motorcycles. I like the scooters. They're easy to ride, have copious cargo capacity and do what they do. The motorcycles? They just stir my soul. Each shift is another acceleration or deceleration. The engine changes sound and sometimes tone as powerbands come and go. I'm involved with every aspect of them. The clutch, gear shift, throttle and brakes. What is you said? "It stirs my soul." I get the allure of a Vespa about the same way I get the allure of a Harley. An old brand built with engineering that mixes old and new. Costly and in a dry comparison not really "Better" than the less costly competition. But as you say, "It stirs your soul."
I have a Honda and a Kawasaki. Honda's work but in my head "Kawasaki Let's the Good Times Roll."
Royal Enfield Himalayan would work for everything but the nimbleness around town. What I was assuming in the video was a desire for a Vespa. No desire and none of it works. So from that perspective you could easily place the vehicle of your desire in there. And from there determine whether in "stirs your soul."
I've ridden a lot of motorcycles but few have done that for me.
@@ScooterintheSticks I think you would be surprised how nimble a motorcycle would be. Years ago I did the MSF Experienced Rider Course on a W650 Kawasaki. I did several figure eights in the 20'w X 40'L box fairly easily. The usual ride for beginners there are 250cc bikes.
@@ScooterintheSticks And with all due respect Steve. I've seen how you ride the RE. If you want your soul stirred you have to "Get On It". This past weekend I did a local event and by choice ending up riding alone not suffering lumbering V-Twins blocking the road. Me and the 250 Nighthawk did some serious, at the speed limits, corners. My soul was stirred. We bring soul stirring to the bike, not vice versa.
Hello Steve, you have a way with words, if you were a motivational speaker I’d gladly go hear you speak.
you’re definitely attached to your Vespa, I’m the same way, I seldom sell or get rid of my worldly belongings. Thanks for bringing us along, as always the ride was beautiful and scenic.
I'm glad you enjoy the vicarious ride in the videos I make. And thank you for the kind words about the things I share. I'm not sure I'm speaker material but I am comfortable rambling on while I ride. And since the weather has warmed the visor doesn't fog up from my yammerings!
thanks for the ride - it's like having breakfast with a couple of old friends. I'm a little jealous -1. your roads are bucolic. there's so much developement here - central Pasco county, fla. now I have to go 10 miles to get to rural roads - used to be 2 miles. 2. I'm waiting for a replacement back tire for my 300GTS - the currrent one picked up a nice big nail.
That was the feel I was hoping to capture -- breakfast with an old friend.
There are so many bucolic roads here spreading out in everything direction. And less than a mile from my front door.
I hope your tire arrives soon and you are back on the road soon!
Perfect timing! I just took delivery of my new 2023 GTS 300 Super Sport literally an hour ago! Love the look, the sound, the zip! No more Harley attitude, loud pipes, expensive mods! Going to be posting some rides and mods myself. Your videos are an inspiration!
Congratulations! The GTS is zippy compared with a Harley. It's a different beast. Go slow in adapting so your shiny new scooter stays shiny and bright.
Seriously, thank you for your kind and supportive words about my videos. I appreciate knowing you find some value in them.
That must have been quite an exciting day!
@@peaceandcalm-paulruby9304 Totally!
Nice.
Thoroughly enjoyed this video. Can't get over how the scenery is so similar to here in rural Scotland. Vespa sales need to send you a big thanks. Thank you very much.
I've always wanted to visit Scotland. Someday maybe.
I don't think I fit the Vespa marketing target demographic. I'm too far from the urban lights! But it is nice to think I may have pointed a few people toward the Vespa life.
My new favorite scooter video. Completely agree with your sentiments and felt like I was riding alongside you and Paul while you delivered them. I’m grateful to be friends with you guys and to share this beautiful landscape that you so beautifully capture.
That's high praise about the video. Thank you.
Riding with you and Paul is always fun. We're fortunate to live in a place that affords such beautiful riding landscapes from the open rural valleys to the twisty mountain roads. It's hard to go wrong shooting videos here.
Really enjoyed this one! Of course, I’m converted already😊 I don’t know what it is about riding somewhere to eat yet the food just tastes better.
The food during a ride always seems better. It must be the enhanced focus of the senses. It pays off while eating.
Very refreshing as a balance to the finance gurus who keep telling you that you cannot buy anything expensive and need to put every cent in index funds. I’m doing my motorcycle license at the moment and looking forward very much to buying and riding a Vespa myself!
Well, I'm about as far from a finance guru as one can get. I do regret not being wiser in my youth regarding money. Saving for a rainy day, and investing in my future by buying a few index funds every month when I was 20 instead of spending every penny would have been a wise choice. I'm just glad my employer forced me to invest in my pension for 44 years.
Now that I can afford to buy whatever I want I don't seem to want much. What's that all about??
Another one of those coincidentally/perfectly timed posts! LOL. Finally took my safety course in the last couple of days and got the motorcycle endorsement on my license yesterday. And now I'm looking to finalize a deal on my new "investment". I expect to get on the road with my new Vespa in the next couple of days. Life is good and will now be good with the Vespa! Cheers Steve! (And keem 'em coming.)
Congratulations on your motorcycle endorsement. I still remember when I became "legal." It was a great day and opened many doors for fun and adventure. Good luck with your riding and with a new Vespa scooter.
You are blessed to live in the area with almost no cars in the road, it makes riding the motorcycle so much easier and relaxing.
I'm grateful to not have to fight with traffic here. My biggest concern while riding are the Whitetail Deer we have in abundance.
watching your video just makes me want to take my Vespa out and just ride till sunset…
I know that feeling well...
Great video and philosophy on what’s important in life. Thanks for sharing 🙏
Thank you. I appreciate your comment. I hope others find what's important to them --- riders and non-riders alike!
Love this videos!! Thank you from italy🇮🇹🇮🇹💪
I'm glad you've found some value in the video. Thank you for the kind words!
Don't have a Vespa (yet), have to make do with the Himalayan :) Beautiful ride! Thanks for taking us along.
Making do with a Himalayan isn't such a rough life. I could manage that if I had to I guess!
Yet another wonderful video. Thank you👍
I appreciate your kind words about the video. Thank you.
As a classic introvert your words ring so true for me. I'm not necessarily looking for more or new friends and certainly don't enjoy maintaining a large group of friends, but it has taken me almost 30 years to fully understand that there is really nothing "wrong" with me and that it's ok to stop and recharge the social battery so to speak. Of course, there is the occasional problem of having your family or friends understand that we really are not anti-social in the true sense of the word. Nevertheless, motorcycling for me is just another way to get out of the house and ride alone to recharge from social activity (family, friends, work etc.) when necessary. It is also an opportunity, as you say, to perhaps make a few unintentional new friends along the way or bring current family/friends in to share this motorcycling journey for new adventures. It's all about mental balance for people like me and riding is just another tool to help manage my mental well-being.
Your observations and thoughts about the need to stop and recharge the social batteries mirror my own. I lean toward introversion and being around people drains my energy. It's not that I don't like being with people but it doesn't energize as it does some.
As you say, riding is a tool for me to manage my mental well-being. And fun too!
@@ScooterintheSticks Absolutely Fun and probably the most important thing I failed mention specifically.
Well said. As an introvert also, I know how you feel. I’ve ridden many bikes over many years and have recently bought a new Vespa GTS 300 and am loving it. Every trip, even just locally, is a chance to recharge and regain some energy and mental balance.
Kind regards from Germany! It' s so true. I'm riding my Vespa for 30 years! What can I say, it's Love! Finally it is an investment for life. Ride save.
My thoughts exactly!
Great content,bravo from Greece.
Greece! Thank you so much for taking a moment to say hello.
@@ScooterintheSticks we love Vespa and, personally,i totally agree with the term invest in my happiness. Keep up the good job.
That was awesome..........thanks for sharing......and keep up the good work.
Thanks for watching! It's always nice to hear someone shares my Vespa enthusiasm.
Boston Bob checking in Steve. I feel the same. Ride on bro.
Thanks Bob. The ride is great.
You can't put a price on mental health
my Vespa has nearly infinite value to me because of that
a more pragmatic person walking into a dealership in seeing that he or she would need to drop 10,000+ dollars for a new GTS 300 might just feel otherwise
of course the cost of everything has gone through the roof
another great video with a wonderful philosophy on life
to which I subscribe wholeheartedly
the best to you, always
It's a complex issue made more so because of the price tags on Vespa scooters. As you say, it's difficult to put a price on mental health. I guess it comes down to knowing what you want and being honest about whether you can afford it. Just don't cloud the issue with price comparisons to other kinds of machines.
Thanks for the kind words about the video and the message. I appreciate them.
@@ScooterintheSticks you and I are always on the same page. As a pediatrician dealing with mental health issues is often more common than dealing with physical health ones. I have tried to protect my own well-being mentally the best I can. Traveling by two wheels has been in my life for almost four and a half decades. I will ride until I no longer can and having my Vespa will help me too so when I no longer feel safe on my Royal Enfield Himalayan or my Honda Good Wing. I appreciate you and your UA-cam channel more than you know
I have a small 50cc Piaggio Typhoon which is not technically considered in the Vespa family because it looks more like a small motorcycle. But it's built by Piaggio and has similar characteristics. I ride it here in Seattle three seasons and really not on long rides although I should. I do use it everyday in the Summer months and I can say I just love it. The more I ride it the more I appreciate it's reliability and quality build. I can tell you that I am already considering buying another larger Vespa so I can keep up with the friends I have made. Is it an "investment" ?? it is...in my overall happiness.
Piaggio makes some fine machines using the same engines and drivetrains in some cases. I just prefer the aesthetics of the Vespa.
As you say, my Vespa is an investment in my overall well-being. Happiness is just one part. And as long as the purchase doesn't adversely affect my financial well-being then it is a great investment!
What a beautiful video... the way you talk about your point of view in this video shows your awareness and your big heart. I have been thinking about buying a Vespa for years, after I sold my Vespa 28 years ago. When I remember the time when I first rode a Vespa and the joy that arose in me, it makes me deeply sad.... the fear of an accident on the streets of a big city like Austin, Texas, and the upheaval of life that two young children in It has deprived me of one of my greatest pleasures.
Thanks for your kind words about the video and for sharing your experiences. Sometimes we have an opportunity to do something we love and life intervenes and takes it away. Big city traffic and young children are certainly good reasons to question riding.
Hopefully you, all of us really, will find some other pleasure in life when we're deprived of something.
What a beautifully-made, thoughtfully-narrated video. Thank you. My last motorcycle was a Bonneville which I rode for 7 years, until my arthritis pain became too much of a bother (at age 65). Now, another 7 years later, I feel like I can't ignore the desire to ride again, but switching to a scooter has crossed my mind, living in a region where 2-lane county roads with a speed limit of 50 are most prevalent. I like Vespa's all-metal construction, though I wish the wheels were a little larger (like, 13" or 14"). And, there's always BMW and Yamaha 400s sold at much-closer dealers. 'Guess I'll have to try one as a demo.
Thank you for the kind words about the video. I appreciate them.
Aging, arthritis, and myriad other conditions can make riding a motorcycle, even a small one, uncomfortable and even dangerous. I’m grateful I am still able to navigate a motorcycle but I realize the day will come when I can’t.
Swinging my leg over a bike gets more challenging with each passing year. The Vespa’s step through design eliminates that concern. It is an easy step through. Not all scooters are for me. The BMW scooters are difficult because you really need to lift your leg a lot higher than with the Vespa. Same with some of the other brands.
A few minutes getting on and off a scooter will reveal your limits. As far as tire size goes, it’s a non-issue for me. My GTS hums along at 70 without anything worrisome. The small wheels are what give the Vespa its nimble feel. That is foreign to motorcycle riders and takes some time to discern nimbleness from thinking “instability.”
Good luck with your investigations!
This is great. I been watching the craiglist for a nice 150.
Thanks! Good luck for your search for a 150 scooter. Check Facebook marketplace too.
Nice video I am a vesper lover as well. I have two love with you live it looks so peaceful I live in New York City actually Brooklyn but no matter where I ride my vespa
Riding in Brooklyn or NYC seems like another world to me. I've driven there in a car and truck but never on my scooter. Someday maybe.
@@ScooterintheSticks its really not the bad you ever decide you like to try it message me will show you around
One of the things I noticed is that the employees at the Meandering Mallard are amazing. I've worked in the service industry my whole life. It's a thankless job. You barely make enough money to survive and yet, "a smile is part of your uniform." Look how comfortable and accommodating the employees made you gentlemen feel. I think, "How do they afford to pay their rent?" They don't have health insurance and no one cares. The owner of the Meandering Mallard might be struggling to pay bills too. Landlords are predatory and so are utilities, taxes, and food costs. The struggle to survive is repeated across every town, big and small, across the country. Something has to change.
I suppose both the working environments and pay scales differ from business to business and place to place. Your observations about the people working at the Meandering Mallard are correct -- they're always pleasant, warm, and engaging. And the clientele is always genial, patient, and relaxed. Perhaps the combination works out in Milheim in ways that it couldn't in busier and more stress laden businesses.
I don't have direct knowledge of how people support themselves as workers or how businesses like the Meandering Mallard can remain profitable. At some level I have to believe the business owners chose their line of work because they love it. But I know the statistics concerning business longevity and failure is pretty discouraging.
I try and patronize local establishments and tip generously. Not sure if it helps or merely helps me feel a little better about the situation.
Whatever it is, I always enjoy sitting down for tea at the Meandering Mallard.
If id work at Vespa, I would use this as an AD with no changes whatsoever. This is gold and so spot on.
I fear I'm so far from Piaggio's target market that they would not take a second look. They're pushing an active, young, urban/metro lifestyle.
But thank you for the kind words about the video.
Thanks for another great video Steve. I really enjoy your laid-back introspective nature. I noticed that you stopped at the Meandering Mallard in Millheim. Is that the same place that used to be the IngleBean? I was through there on Sunday after a ride to Lewiston and then back towards home via the Milheim-Siglersville pike. It was really nice gravel road through the mountains. When passing through Millheim I was keeping an eye open for the coffee shop that I have seen you do videos in, but didn’t recognize any signage. Today I am off from work and am heading out to where 322 and 144 meet. I am going to follow 144 up to where it meets 44 and then turn south-east and head home. Thanks for the entertainment and for identifying points of interest in your area.
Yes, the Mallard is the reopened Inglebean. Different owner. Same place.
The Millheim-Siglersville Pike leads into some beautiful riding areas and crossed the Mid Atlantic BDR. The only expert section is not far off the pike. I've ridden in on my GTS but won't try it on the Himalayan. I've gotten too old and wussy now...
Prime riding on 144 up to Renovo and beyond. I've done that ride many times on my scooters and motorcycles.
I hope you have a great ride!
Beautiful day, beautiful scenery. I think your today's video explained the best why it's worth it. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for your kind words about the video. I appreciate them.
My GTS has been in the shop for some long overdue maintenance and upgrades. I spoke with the mechanic a few days ago and I suspect it will be ready soon. I'm looking forward to more scooter adventures despite the winter weather here...
I'm picking up my new 2019 GTS 300 Monday in Quito, Ecuador ($7,700). Everything here is more expensive and thus sits on the showroom floor longer. The 2023 is $10,500. As I was trying to decide between another motorcycle and a Vespa, I own a Triumph and a Chinese adventure 250, I realized the Vespa isn't a motorcycle. It is something else.
Like you, I've found the Vespa GTS to be "something else." And well worth the cost. I still have a desire for a Triumph Bonneville though. It is something else as well I think.
What a great video!! I have two Vespas, a two stroke and a four stroke. Best purchase without doubt!! Greetings from Argentina 🇦🇷
Thank you very much! Thanks for taking the time to comment.
See your video and i make a decision to buy one in Hong Kong~Thank you
Congratulations! I hope you find as much happiness and satisfaction with your scooter as I have with mine.
A true friend is friend that will bail you out of jail and help you get your life back in order. Hopefully we don't go to jail but if you've ever been there the first thing you think of is "who am I going to call to get me out of here?" If you don't have any friends you better never get arrested.
Friends don't grow on trees. And not the "friends" collected on Facebook. The kind of friend you and I are referring to are rare.
Even if you have friends, it's best not to get arrested!
@@ScooterintheSticks Agreed. 🙏
Talking about investments, I'm italian. Here as you can imagine you see lots of vespas, some that are very, VERY old and still used daily. So, consider that if you buy a Vespa you only need to buy it once and if you really want you can go on maintaining it forever, so even financially it might be a good decision. Other scooters might break after a while and you might not find spare parts anymore, a thing that doesnt happen for Vespa.
My thoughts exactly -- my Vespa can be kept going for a long time unless a crash or accident severely damages it. The only thing I have heard can be hard to get for some of the older 4 Stroke Vespa scooters are wiring harnesses. But otherwise parts are plentiful.
@@ScooterintheSticks im no expert so I dont know about that. I have never owned or ridden a Vespa, but they are incredibly common and many of them are also very very old. So if most people can keepban old vespa functional it must be because parts are available.
Another great video…. Soothing…. Thinking about your comments in comparison to my lifelong motorcycle habit… I ride motorcycles for the same reason… at 76 I don’t ride as much as I used to but still get out couple of times a week for lunch or breakfast meet up… if I haven’t ridden for a week or so I ache to get out for an hour or two…. For fun adventure and friendship….it also keeps me sharp in terms of using skills not used in a car…. Maybe I should try a Vespa!!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences. Unless you ride a motorcycle for the adrenalin rush of speed and power I think it's definitely possible to find most of things during a ride that I do on my Vespa scooter. It is hard to escape the mechanical nature and weight of most motorcycles though.
Fun, adventure, and friendship. All gifts of riding scooters and motorcycles. And as you say it does sharpen skills and senses that aren't exercised in a car.
I hope I'm still riding at 76. But I'll focus on today. That's all I have.
Thanks for responding…I get very nostalgic watching your videos….rode around Europe in the early 70s…. Around east coast Canada and the US in the 80s to now….. currently ensconced in Pa not far from you on the Delaware river… current ride is a Triumph Tiger… nice bike….. curious to see if you actually pull the trigger on a new Vespa…. I know that itch.
@@grahams6390 Riding memories seem to be universally strong. They remain easy for me to recall.
While I definitely plan to replace my GTS when it finally dies beyond repair, I'm not sure if I can bring myself to buy a new one. Even though I have the cash for one the price of the new ones just seem to high. So I suspect I'll look for a lightly used, non--HPE machine.
I'll hope to get another 20 thousand miles out of my current GTS before replacement looms its head.
Thanks you. I made the decision to buy a Vespa today.
A big step forward on a wonderful journey. Riding a Vespa opens unexpected doors. Ride safe and enjoy the ride!
Beautiful words brother ❤. I'd ride with you any day! Cheers from Germany have a wonderful day!
Thank you for your kind and supportive words. Ride safe on those European roads!
You are the reason why i just did buy a vespa. 😊
I hope you find the same measures of joy, thrills, excitement, and relaxation that I've found riding my Vespa.
What did you buy?
"The vespa is investment on my well-being" it hits me hard and decided to bought the sprint 150. Thank youu
Great video!! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
Thank you! 🤗
Just got a 2023 Vespa primavera 150 dark blue. I can’t stay off it. I feel like a kid riding it around town.
I am familiar with that feeling! The first time I got on a Vespa I felt the same way.
I agree on the nimbleness of the Vespa. I feel like I just think about what I want to do and the scooter just does it. So easy. 2022 GTS Super. I am also lucky because we have a local club that has group rides every month. So Fun!
The scooter certainly is nimble. It’s nimbleness make some motorcycle riders uneasy. Some thinking there’s something wrong with the scooter.
And as you say, there’s so much fun to ride.
COOL Bother! Go a GTS 300ie I'm working on changing the Voltage Regulator on...have a Harley Road King as well but love the Vespa as well...great vid!
It's nice to have two completely different machines to ride. Each makes the other stand out more I think. To go from a long day on the Road King to the Vespa might feel like getting on a clown car though. I remember spending several days riding a BMW K1600 GTL and when I returned it to the dealer and got on my patiently waiting GTS I felt like I was getting on a tiny toy. But I really did appreciate how nimble and easy to handle it was.
Steve, I've just sold my RE classic 350 and I am back to scooters. I will be looking for a new one next year.
I've had my eye on the Classic 350 but I think I'll just stick with my Vespa scooters and RE Himalayan. That's plenty of machinery to keep me busy!
@@ScooterintheSticks I think that I made a mistake buying the classic 350. Nothing wrong with the bike but it is too flashy and shiney.. I get anxiety every time it rains. And some years only on scooters has taught me how nice it is not to care about the chain in the back. I commute regularly in bad weather like you and practicality is important to me. But I have space just for 1 bike, so the classic needed to go. Some day if I have a House, maybe few bikes will be on the list.. But this house prices are trough the roof even for me in eastern Europe.
Another awesome video Steve and well-balanced perspective. I think nearly 100% of Vespa owners feel they are over-priced. So too are most motorcycles, some by not as much though. I also feel most all sun glasses are over-priced. So . . . we the individual must choose which over-priced purchases still in the long run, provide good value. A few years ago I purchased a very over-priced Sleep Number Bed, my sleep number is 45 by the way . . . ;) ;) ;) At the end of the day, it is an item I literally use once everyday of my life so, even though it sold for double what it should have cost, I still bought it and LOVE IT. The Vespa returns in spades, countless smiles, memories and experiences. So . . . even though they sell for three grand more than they should, life is short and procuring a little more enjoyment along the way, is perhaps well-worth the inflated expenditure.
Thank you for the kind words about the video and for sharing your own experiences with things that seem just "too expensive." I had to chuckle about the Sleep Number Bed. We have a Sleep Number store here and I paid them a visit when shopping for a new mattress last year. Sticker shock doesn't adequately describe my response when I heard the price. But as you say for something that gets used 6 to 8 hours a day every day the price isn't so bad I guess.
We ended up with s Saatva mattress so no sleep number needed!
As much as some people try to tell me there is no difference between a "luxury" brand and something less expensive my own experience has found a lot of differences in craftsmanship, fit, finish, etc. Why else would I pay a premium price for a Filson jacket when a Carrhart would be much cheaper. I have both. The Filson fits better.
Anyway, I find my Vespa a good investment in my life. And when the time comes, I'll invest again.
I just picked up my 2021 300 gts for $5500 from a dealer with 660 miles. Such a great scooter, way better than my adv 150 honda
How would you characterize the differences? I’ve heard some good things about the ADV HOnda in terms of speed and reliability.
In this year’s Scooter Cannonball there were 3 ADVs in the top ten finishers. The first Vespa GTS to appear was in 13th place.
None of that speaks to the feeling you have riding but I am curious.
Also, congratulations on your GTS! That’s a fantastic price for a 2021 too.
@ScooterintheSticks the adv is great, don't get me wrong, but it doesn't hold a candle to the gts. The engine is not as smooth, suspension is much firmer and the brakes are no where near as good IMHO. Acceleration is quite a bit less. I never thought about upgrading from the adv until I bought my wife the gts.
@@IdahoChevyDude Thanks for your response. Like you, I've found the GTS to stand alone in terms of smoothness, acceleration, braking, and feel. Other scooters perform well but they just are different. It's why I probably would never be happy with something different.
oh wow! not far from my alma mater, F&M!!
Not so far. Only about 120 miles to Franklin and Marshall from here.
I'm autistic-OK with being alone. Can only go 2nd hand on a Vespa, may go new Piaggio or Honda minimoto next year.
If you're patient you can find some good deals on pre-owned scooters.
It's the only way I could go Vespa.@@ScooterintheSticks
As you get older the types of bikes you can physically ride becomes more restricted. The Vespa is the last one you will be able to handle and so will be the last bike you will ever need to buy.
Absolutely right. I keep a close watch on what I can handle.
Im buying a new Honda adv 160 or new Vespa gts 300. I live in Chicago not sure which one to get. Wish I had beautiful streets I've got try to survive
Both good choices. The Honda is a better choice financially. Not sure what the scooter thievery is like in Chicago but something to keep in mind. Especially the price of insurance. It's where a beater rat bike or scooter might be a better choice.
I see you have a sm-med windshield. What kind is it? What do you prefer, small, med or large... or all? Thanks... Love your videos. BTW, I have a brand new GTS 300 super sport. Keep up the great videos. I like a little fresh air in my face, but no rocks or bugs. Haha
I have the Vespa brand short windscreen on my GTS. I got it solely for looks. I'm not really a fan of windshields or screens. I like feeling the wind hitting me.
I am always geared up and wearing a full face helmet so bugs aren't an issue. I've been hit by a couple rocks over the years but nothing big enough to do damage. And a bird hit my helmet once. That was the biggest thing to ever hit me.
Thanks for the kind words about my videos. I appreciate them. I'm working on another Vespa video and should post it sometime this coming week.
@@ScooterintheSticks thank you. I also where a full face helmet. I think I'll go with the small screen as well. I look forward to seeing your new video.
I KNEW that this video was gonna be about touchy-feely subjective opinions. I was hoping for an honest and objective presentation of factual pros vs cons to my wallet.
I suppose my relative indifference to the financial costs of ownership always pale in comparison the the touchy-feely aspects of a particular machine. No amount of monetary pros and cons will dissuade or convince me to buy a particular motorcycle or scooter if it doesn't possess the right look and feel while riding. And you're right -- that is absolutely subjective.
I used to buy cameras based on the pros vs. cons to my wallet. Over and over I purchased the ones kindest to my wallet. And over and over I found myself in possession of a tool I didn't really like to use. Eventually I learned to evaluate purchases differently and while often choosing the more expensive and less "practical" option I found I enjoyed and used things more. Didn't matter if it was a camera, clothes, cars, or scooters and motorcycles.
That approach may be unique to me for a variety of reasons. Each of us learns what will work for us and what works for me may not for you.
Good luck on your search. Ride safe!
What's the name of that beautiful mountain that stands out among the others and shows up often in your videos?
There are a variety of mountains here. Not sure which you are referring to. The most common ones that stand out on the landscape are Mount Nittany, Egg Hill, and Brush Mountain. Otherwise I am in the longer ridges of the Appalachian Mountains -- Bald Eagle Ridge, Tussey Mountain, Jack's Mountain.
@@ScooterintheSticks It is prominent at 3:29 minutes.
@@69telecasterplayer That’s the end of Brush Mountain east of Centre Hall, Pennsylvania.
you pay a lot extra to get the brand that makes the most beatiful scooters alof all time, it's as simple at that...Vespa's aren't the best at anything other then design, but for city riding they are more then enough and obviously gorgeous to look at
I agree. Mostly. One thing though -- they do feel and sound different to ride than other scooters. It's subtle but present. It's a large part of why I choose the Vespa scooter.
@@ScooterintheSticks they are well build, and you can feel that..but so is beverly 400 with more power and bigger tyres done by some brand kinda))
@@Makul-rt4sz the GTS 300 has plenty of power for me. The deep black Beverly 400 is pretty but it doesn’t have a classic Vespa look and it has a lot of plastic on it. I’ve never ridden a 400 but I have been on the 250 and it felt cramped to me,
The good thing is we each get to make our own choices and decide what works for us. That’s all that matters. There’s no profit in comparing myself to other people. Or their choices of what they ride. That may make things easier, but until I figure out what I want, I’m not gonna be happy.
@@ScooterintheSticks beverly does offer far more for less money tho, it just doesn't look special like vespa does..
@@Makul-rt4sz Yep. That’s the difference. Hard to put a value on that difference. For me it’s worth the price. For others it might seem wasteful and extravagant.
Hi Steve,
Apologies if this has already been asked; is there a PA Vespa group that I can look into?
I've been riding my Primavera 150s for a year now and haven't seen any scooters in the Bethlehem area.
I'd be willing to plan a couple of day's trip to meet up with a group, even if for one time.
I appreciate you very much; thanks for the content!
I'm uncertain if there are any purely Vespa groups in Pennsylvania but I know there are some scooter clubs around. The Three Mile Island Scooter Club in the Harrisburg area. You can reach out to them on Facebook to see if they know of other groups.
And the Philadelphia Scooterists Club is on Facebook.
facebook.com/groups/211345746052219/
Good luck on your search. They're out there!
Do you think a total newbie rider can handle a Vespa 300 GTS? For me self and my 21 year old daughter. Thank you
Take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation class - get the motorcycle endorsement on your license, and yes, it is easy to learn to ride a Vespa... yet, it is a 2 wheel conveyance that can be a life-time investment. Keep in mind, though, that a Vespa gets very expensive if you drop it; thus, the reason for suggesting the MSF class as a starting point.
Sure. With practice and not pressing yourself to get on the road before you're skilled enough you and your daughter can handle a GTS.
The only caveat would be height. The seat height on Vespa scooters is high. For new riders, if you aren't tall enough, it can feel very unsteady. If you have a chance sit on one to make sure. My daughter isn't comfortable on the Vespa. She opted for the lower seat height of a Yamaha Vino 125.
And definitely take the MSF beginning rider course if you can.
Lovely roads and poignant thoughts.. Can you tell me what cameras you are using on the helmet and facing you.. 🤔
*Crap Game* 🎉
I use a GoPro Hero 8 camera on the helmet. It is in a Media Mod box so I can plug in a microphone that's inside my helmet. I also have a Hero 8 on the handlebar. It moves to other locations depending on what I'm doing.
Sometime I'll mount the Insta360 camera on the bars as well.
Hallo!! What’s your opinion about 13inch wheels?
I've stuck to the stock 12 inch wheels. I feel no need to tinker with the wheel size or have to change the speedometer settings to account for the bigger wheel.