Or you could just get a used VStrom for about the same money, have plenty of suspension travel and comfortable, and with a tail case have as much or more storage and it can still cruise at 80mph if needed and is very nimble in the street and you don't look like you're riding a girl scooter. Vstroms aren't fast either, but they're faster than that.
@@rainchains So what Im typing on a tiny phone keyboard and missed a key. Now go jump on your vespa over to your bf's house and whine to him how someone was mean to you on the internet.
Any motorcycle rider who can't have fun on a scooter isn't doing it right. Love my bikes but also love scooters. They were first conceived to be efficient city utility vehicles. I've had plenty of various Vespas over the years and they have all been built as tough as tanks and age like a good red wine, As much an art piece parked in the lounge room as it is grinding out the miles, rain hail shine as your daily transport tool. Ergonomics are absolutely spot on, great for two up riding.
Definitely agree, have a Triumph Thunderbird Sport and a 300gts super sport. Guess what I used to go to the British MOTO GP at Silverstone yesterday. Only saw 2 other Vespas in the car park. Mine is a 2010 with 44,000 km (it’s in km not miles). At an indicated 70mph it’s about 10mph out ie only 60mph. We can lane split (we call it filtering in UK) anywhere and it makes a journey so much nicer. 👍🏻
There is something relaxing about it. And it's such a different perspective from a car. Also, it was so much clearer to hear Matt's voice. Not that I don't complain about great raw engine noise from cars or anything.
Mr. Farah just answer the highway 300cc question once and for all. Unless you want to do excessive speeding, 300cc is plenty for every day commute, highway or not.
I had a 2012 300 GTS and it’s one of my all time favorite bikes. Scooters are an absolute blast and better at getting around a city or small town than a motorcycle. Once you experience it you understand.
How cool that Vespa now has a 300. In August of 1980, my wife and I took our Vespa 200 from Minneapolis to Seattle via Highway 2. We had Harley's turning around to check us out. After packing all our furniture in a rental truck, we rolled the Vespa up into the back and moved back to the Twin Cities. Good times with Vespa Mama!
I ride a BMW K1300S but my dad has a GTS 300 and every time I see him I try and ride the Vespa because it really is a ton of fun. The bike feels super solid and comfortable and since you don't need to worry about launching or shifting its really quick for little red light races.
One of the best GTS 300 reviews I 've ever seen! Really! But when we talk about safety, because safety comes first, 75 miles per hour is not enough when riding on the highway. I own a Vespa GTS HPE '19 and I bought the Kubler disc in order to "make" it reach 83-85 miles per hour. The only reason was my safety and not being "Maverick supersonic"! You don't buy a Vespa to go like the SR-71... I love vespas since childhood but, in my opinion, new vespa's should have more power than 24 hp's... Keep up the good job! 👍👍
Great review Matt. Another bike that you might like to review is the Honda NC700. You get it in a DCT and it has a glove/helmet compartment where the tank is supposed to be. Keep up with the motorcycle reviews. They are really good.
@@TheSmokingTire they are definitely a bit weird. I think It’s a good stepping stone for someone that does not want to ride a scooter or is looking for the next step.
In my country Singapore this is a training bike for higher cc motorcycle license but in manual. I agree the fuel tank is hidden under pillion seat instead of the front for storage.
@@chancellemesse359 It depends on how harsh your winter is. If you bundle up (heavy gloves, balaklava, dry boots), you can totally ride in the cold and wet, just avoid snow and ice.
I used to have a 125cc to move around Paris and they are great fun,green is an interesting choice but hey if you dig it🤷♂️ have you heard of the Yamaha t-max?🤔
As a vintage Vespa rider who rides motorcycles and drives cars your review is totally spot on. I've ridden the Vespa 300 and it's a great bike. If ones not taking the freeway then the 150cc is a good choice as well. Very good fit and finish with the Vespa!
I bought mine (2021 GTS 300 HPE Touring) 4 days ago and have been riding only full size motorcycles until then. I am planning to use the Vespa as a daily commuter to work and the motorcycle on week ends. I couldn't agree more with your review. Thank you for doing it.
The Vespa GTS, in all its incarnations from the original 250 that I have to the current 300 HPE models, is an exceptionally capable machine for all sorts of riding. I have 44,000 miles on my 2006 GTS 250 and it's running as well now as it did when I bought it. And as your video suggests, it is just fun to ride. I've posted videos on my channel that illustrate how the GTS is far more than something to ride in town, but is an excellent choice for all sorts of backroad adventures and is my only choice for riding through winter here in Central Pennsylvania.
@@randylee2549 The salt, slush, and grit definitely take a toll on the surface of the mechanical parts of scooter. Not so much rust as an "etching" on things. The only rust issues I have had are on the muffler (annual repainting needed) and on the underside near the front wheel where stones and grit slowly wore off the paint and started some surface rust. I had the underside repainted after 10 years and it has been fine since then. But if you plan to ride in winter where you will encounter salt and grit it will have an effect.
I very much enjoy your video, you say buy a Vespa. Well after 10+ years and 3 Harley-Davidsons I've just traded my Softail Street Bob, in for the new Vespa GT 300 I'm awaiting delivery hopefully in the next week or so. The Harley's were great . But the Vespa is back. JP Liverpool UK.
Good review. Love my GTS 250. Friends ask why I like the little Vespa. I let them ride it, then they want one. Plenty fast, hauls groceries and feels like vacation. I have far more powerful bikes and my Vespa is ridden most.
As someone who has seen some shit after riding 10,000 miles in Saigon, Vietnam traffic on a 115 Yamaha, I approve of this message. That Vespa is a sweet motobike and has serious street cred in Ho Chi Min City.
I have 2 motorcycles and a Vespa GTS Super 300. I love my Vespa and it will always be in my stable! Great video! Top speed on mine with my 180 lbs is 82 MPH.
Agreed. Lane splitting needs to be more widespread. I've snuck by some traffic on the shoulder before at a light, and gotten dirty looks even though I wasn't bothering anyone. People just need to get over themselves.
I love that you did a scooter review. I've got several myself. You should attend an Amerivespa event. Imagine going on a nice country road ride with 500 friends!
Some motorcyclists won't give a scooterist the hand wave or head nod. They should meet you and realize that we are all riding on two-wheels. Great review and the profile just made me love my Vespa that much more.
Wow, wasn't expecting to see Matt on a Vespa. Great video, love how realistic and down to earth Matt is. I live in Italy and of course Vespas are everywhere. Now I'm thinking about a 300.
I have been commuting with my 2019 Honda Scoopy, probably the closest thing I can relate to your content🤣 . Where I live, we ride/drive our motorcycle as we see fit, there is no specific lane for motorcycle. As long as you can fit through, it's a lane for us 😆
@@dimitrisg.4504you're saying a Vespa is overpriced let me ask you this are Nike shoes worth $100. its all about the name but should they cost 5k may be not but compared to 99% of scooters . They are way better quality and way better built
@@treverpitts I totally agree with you. I mentioned the word "overpriced" relying on the fact that it has only 23,8 hps, forcing the owner (me and some others) to do some tricky stuff, such as to put a Kubler disc on, like I did, or even more a new variator or exhaust (I'm not gonna do this). We live in 2021 and when you built a 300cc scooter, 23,8 hps are not enough. As I mentioned on a comment above, it has to do with Safety. And I say this as a previous owner of GT 200L, GTS 250 and now a HPE one (and a 50's '72 small frame). As for the quality, I had 2 recalls within 13 months regarding braking system, which is ok now but I don't want to know what's going to happen when warranty expires... That's all. But I'll stick with it because I love it and I don't like anything else to ride. 👍👍
I've had my GTS for a tad over five years, and love it as much as the day I rode it home from the dealer. Your description of the bike, and the experience of riding it, is spot-on, and hearing this from a car guy is especially impressive. This bike is my sole transportation here in the Northeast, and ride virtually year-round (minus the occasional bit of heavy ice and snow drifts…not much of that the last two winters, but this time around is supposed to be different, like everything else in 2020). And it takes me everywhere I want or need to go, via two-lane or superslab. (Do a twice-weekly-average, 110-mile round-trip between the Jersey Shore and NYC). Glad you're enjoying the hell out of yours. (Hot tip: Go for the "Euro-spec" Vespa Flyscreen; just big enough to take pressure off your chest at higher speeds, and since you wear a FF helmet, it should be near-perfect. It also adds a few mph to the bike's top end…I top out a bit over 80mph on a regular basis.)
The ice and snow riding, while possible, presents all sorts of challenges as I'm sure you know. And to add insult to injury, there's the toll to the machine from salt and grit. My GTS has suffered greatly from it.
The biggest mistake that the Department of Motor Vehicles makes is they do not let car drivers know that lane splitting is legal. So everyone in a car who doesn't drive a motorcycle thinks you're a reckless idiot doing something illegal, And that creates massive Road rage.
Having been a motorcycle rider for more than 40 years I traded to a 650 Suzuki Bergman. I think it's great in town and cruises comfortably at 80mph on the highway !
Is it the HPE SuperTech? I got that one last year and the Grey color is BEAUTIFUL. I would love to talk to someone that has the Supertech, though. I still have a few questions about it that I can't seem to find answers for online.
There is a whorde of modded Vespas in Seattle and they sound AWESOME. Like a whole gang that rides together, pretty cool. They rumble like you wouldn't believe.
Nice review mate. I ride big bikes like the ZZR600 and discovered the Vespa 3-4 years ago to commute around London, never looked back since. My pride and joy is a vintage styled 2009 Vespa GTV250ie in Ivory/Cream colour. #ViviLaVita 💪🏼
I'm totally cool with lane splitting; where it crosses the line to me is when people do it at higher speeds. The rule of thumb I was always taught when I was younger is nobody should lane split in traffic that's moving faster than 25 MPH, and should never had a speed differential greater than 25 MPH, and I think that's pretty reasonable.
Great video and review - been riding scooters for 35 years(with a Yamah RD350LC thrown in) - and still love my Vespa PX200E might upgrade to a GTS HPE next summer as I'm getting bored with the gear changes!! 🛵🤪🙂
Great thing with the Vespa - you get a decent sized motor in a still compact chassis. The fast scooters from other manufacturers are big for round town. I own a 2004 Vespa ET2, with an engine mount from a Piaggio Zip 125 the 300 motor slots right in. Once I’ve figured out the rad plumbing and switching to a Malossi carb I’ll have a small frame scoot with an everyday reliable 20+hp. Best way to travel round town 👍
Driven many 500+hp cars but love my little 125cc Vespa. As you said. It’s luxury to save shitloads of time & park it anywhere. Nobody’s faster during rush hours. And its so comfy.
I am considering financing one. This video pushed me to do research and I'm thankful for your kickass input. I was indecisive about spending my money on a Vespa like this vs a Zuma or Grom. I’m gonna agree with the crowd, we love 2 wheel videos 🤙🏼
I got a killer deal on a Vespa S150 which is like s tripped down modern looking sleeker vespa. It was easily the most fun i've had on the road and i've driven some crazy things. Vespa's are way more fun than most realize, if you haven't ridden one, ride one! SO fun, SO practical, SO efficient!
Nice video and review. Fully agree on the road strategy 'They (likely) do not see me...' In my area, almost every scooter-like vehicle is licensed as moped or less, so image the stance from any random nitwit car driver. But I admit, this makes traffic light lane splitting and 'taking off' a true guilty pleasure :-)
LOVED your video!!!! Well commentated and extremely informative. Seeing you ride while commenting on the GTS 300 and riding in california was fun and made me happy to have invested in the 2023 GTS 300 here in Queensland Australia. Loved it!!!!
I was 12 years old living in Denver in 1960 and at that time I could rent a Vespa scooter. No license required, only money. I had my own little lawn mowing business and I spent half my profits on Vespa's.
What a great little video. I am on the fence about getting one. Got my learner's bike license in January 2022 and been shopping around to find the best vechile. Thanks for the review. Would have been nice to see more pros/cons and features.
I'm living in Taiwan and Scooter is the backbone of the society here, it is so convenient, fuel usage is cheap, tyres are cheap, maintenance is cheap, you can carry a surprising amount of stuff on a scooter, easy to find parking and some scooter are actually pretty fast. 150km for 4L of gasoline, that's about 3 dollars US.
Had a PCX125 for a bit and honestly it was a ton of fun. Lots of storage, easy to ride, and it was faster than 75% of cars from light to light and got 125mpg... hard to argue as a commuter vehicle
Aren't you afraid that someone is going to open their car door while you're lane splitting? Still, would you split traffic on a bumper to bumper freeway? What happens when a car juts out from their lane without warning?
@@dimitrisg.4504 It's really, really cool. I was born and raised in L.A. so I know the area. It's a great mode of transportation for there. I live in NYC and I almost pulled trigger on one too but I couldn't. It's cold here 6 months out of the year with rain and snow. I could get past this. What I could not get past is that 100% of Vespa's in NYC have dents in their rear fenders. Finding a parking space is tight and cars don't care about knocking over or denting your bike. So you either have a choice. Live with a dented bike or pay $500 each time to replace the fender.
Nice video, love your enthusiasm and don't doubt that the Vespa is iconic and has zilliions of accessories. I test rode the GTS300 but bought the Honda SH300i as my city ride with it's 27 horsepower, bigger wheels and imo better styled topbox. Either way, these larger scooters are great, effortless, practical and frugal fun !
Hey! That’s the same Vespa I have! Except I bought the windscreen and crash bars…after I dropped it. 🤦🏻♀️ Don’t judge me. I’m barely 5’2” and was going slow on an angled road. These aren’t made for short people. 🥺
Lane splitting is the norm here in Brazil and this makes small motorcycle a very useful vehicle. The only problem with that is during traffic jams, the bikes goes way too fast between the cars and frequently hits the rear view mirrors of get hit by a car changing lanes
I had a BMW 1200CC Scrambler R Nine T, motor bike for 7 years and it was an excellent motor bike. However, I needed to downsize as I am now retired and have no need to commute to work, and I cannot justify keeping such a heavy expensive motor bike any more. All I needed was a little runabout scooter to get me to the local shops and short visits to the kids. I looked at getting a Vespa , and a Lambretta 125cc model. Both are fine scooters,but in the end I choose the Honda Sh 125 I scooter. The main reason for choosing the Honda, over the Vespa, is that the Honda has 16 inch wheels back and front. Also it comes in much cheaper than the Vespa or Lambretta. Spec and tech wise it matches the Vespa, and in some features it out does the Vespa 125. I am not dissing a Vespa at all, its a fine scooter, but being so powerful ie 300cc, is not really nessessary in a small wheeled scooter; you want to go fast, buy a motor bike!
Been riding Lambretta and old school Vespas since 1980 and are seriously thinking of getting one of these. Not getting any younger and would like something I don’t have to mess about with nearly every other weekend 😂. The Gts looks fab 👌🏾
Terrific video this is precisely why I ride I agree with all your thoughts I consider a scooter a wave runner on land. No shifting is nice especially when you’re zipping around cars Yes cars do not move laterally so that’s a safe place to be you can always hit the brakes and have them shoot by you in an emergency My scooter has a flat floorboard so I could stack a box for drinks and groceries and make it sort of like a truckbed Eight dollar fill ups is highly addicting. At 100 miles to the gallon I’m basically free from gas I keep 10 gallons in my garage and I’m basically my own gas station
That is why a Piaggio BV is a better choice, far more powerful. And why are americans still amazed that a bike has abs? It is law all over the world except in USA.
Are you still happy with it after a year? I’ve been riding scooters for nearly 15 years. All year round. I currently have a Genuine Buddy 170i, only 8 months old and I’ve put almost 10k miles on it. I ride ALL the time. Rain, snow…even when it’s brutal. I have no car. I think it’s about time I plunk the cash down for an actual Vespa. But I’m worried about whether it’s worth the cost or not. What do you think? What did you end up paying, total? Thanks in advance.
I know technically it’s considered a motorcycle but saying it just throws me off because it’s a scooter… I didn’t realize that you can say I’ve been riding for years when referring to a scooter. I know you “ride” a scooter but I think the term “ride” refers to riding an actual motorcycle. I think saying “I’ve been scooting for years” sounds more right in my head. I ride motorcycles and have rode plenty of scooters and the only thing they have in common is they’re on 2 wheels. I laughed to myself when I saw the alpinestar and shoei gear for a scooter!! 😝🤣
Big fan of the progress as a driver as we both get older. From the vette to vespa :) engineering practicality. I just picked up a Buddy 150cc and have a Road King and the scooter is way more fun hands down. Lane splitting on the highway should be between far left lane and lane next to it when we're riding. Anything else should be in the riders judgement.
You must try Yamaha nmax 155. I own one now. For last 10 years I been owner of diferent scooters and bikes. I know nmax 155 not 300cc, but! 30kg lighter. Have 7.5 liter tank vs 8.5 liter on your 300cc. Lower comfortable seat with long ride geometry of your body, less tired after long ride and you can stretch your legs their full lenth. Nmax have 1 inch biger tyres which is also better on bumps. Contactless key, traction control system, 2 helmets under the seat space, ABS, phone connection.... Previous bike Honda PCX 150 also can be comfortable and more soft. I tryed Vespa once. It is like Honda Scoopy on steroids, feel less control. But of course Vespa was first and it is a style, you riding like a king of the throne and everyone around know it.
Great see some scootin on here. I ride an old Vespa P200e and a Honda Big Ruckus that I pushed home today 2 miles after the belt snapped. I did ride a friends 2014 GTS and gps’d the top speed of 82
And it reminds me of Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday! Seriously, I love it and the color! I have a Bergman 400 and a Honda ADV 150 (and two motorcycles) but there is something about the Vespa that makes me want one. Question: Have you ever ridden a Burgman 400? If you have, can you give me a quick comparison between the Burg and the Vespa?
Dear Sir, I'm seriously considering buying a brand new Vespa GTS 300 HPE. Although I live in England, I would very much like to travel over to the European mainland, and do dome touring around France, Italy, Austria etc.. I'm probably looking at doing 300 - 400 mile days, at high speeds for extended periods, on the motorways and German autobahns (or 'freeways' as you call them in the U.S.). Do you think that my Vespa 300 GTS HPE would be able to cope with long distances at such speeds? Also, I am 6ft 4" tall. If you don't mind me saying, you look like quite a big guy yourself - is the Vespa comfortable for you over distance? And lastly, having owned your Vespa for a little while now, have you experienced any mechanical problems with it? Your advice would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks, Neil (England).
I know these videos don’t always net the views and money, but I’d love to see more scoots!
Or you could just get a used VStrom for about the same money, have plenty of suspension travel and comfortable, and with a tail case have as much or more storage and it can still cruise at 80mph if needed and is very nimble in the street and you don't look like you're riding a girl scooter. Vstroms aren't fast either, but they're faster than that.
@@BoopSnoot No one who rides a Vstrom can compare their intelligent, lackluster decision to the sophistication and elegance of a Vespa.
@@ernestolopez9364 Sophiaticated and elegent? Thats such a colorful way to say fruity.
@@BoopSnoot "sophiaticated" "elegent" - lol. fruity? hardly.
Vespa owners can spell, too.
@@rainchains So what Im typing on a tiny phone keyboard and missed a key. Now go jump on your vespa over to your bf's house and whine to him how someone was mean to you on the internet.
I’ve said it before and will say it again - a true car guy also loves motorcycles and vespas. Vespas are one of the biggest automotive icons
Lol hey man I’ll take whatever 2 wheel content you’ll throw at me, nice scoot 👌
but we would appreciate more from TST. .
Any motorcycle rider who can't have fun on a scooter isn't doing it right. Love my bikes but also love scooters. They were first conceived to be efficient city utility vehicles. I've had plenty of various Vespas over the years and they have all been built as tough as tanks and age like a good red wine, As much an art piece parked in the lounge room as it is grinding out the miles, rain hail shine as your daily transport tool. Ergonomics are absolutely spot on, great for two up riding.
Definitely agree, have a Triumph Thunderbird Sport and a 300gts super sport. Guess what I used to go to the British MOTO GP at Silverstone yesterday. Only saw 2 other Vespas in the car park. Mine is a 2010 with 44,000 km (it’s in km not miles). At an indicated 70mph it’s about 10mph out ie only 60mph. We can lane split (we call it filtering in UK) anywhere and it makes a journey so much nicer. 👍🏻
@@leewatkeys9065 👌Brilliant!
Why did I find this more interesting than a review of a car?
ur gay
There is something relaxing about it. And it's such a different perspective from a car. Also, it was so much clearer to hear Matt's voice. Not that I don't complain about great raw engine noise from cars or anything.
More realistic experience compared to canyon carving.
4 wheels move your body. 2 wheels move your soul!
I don’t know about more interesting but I definitely love the 2 wheel content fr
Need more 2 wheels review.
thesmokingscooter great content
Mr. Farah just answer the highway 300cc question once and for all. Unless you want to do excessive speeding, 300cc is plenty for every day commute, highway or not.
Had 100cc bike. Fine
Big Farah on a scooter made my day! Having no ego when it comes to two wheels is the best mindset for the most fun! Ride safe bro!
I had a 2012 300 GTS and it’s one of my all time favorite bikes. Scooters are an absolute blast and better at getting around a city or small town than a motorcycle. Once you experience it you understand.
How cool that Vespa now has a 300. In August of 1980, my wife and I took our Vespa 200 from Minneapolis to Seattle via Highway 2. We had Harley's turning around to check us out. After packing all our furniture in a rental truck, we rolled the Vespa up into the back and moved back to the Twin Cities. Good times with Vespa Mama!
I ride a BMW K1300S but my dad has a GTS 300 and every time I see him I try and ride the Vespa because it really is a ton of fun. The bike feels super solid and comfortable and since you don't need to worry about launching or shifting its really quick for little red light races.
One of the best GTS 300 reviews I 've ever seen! Really!
But when we talk about safety, because safety comes first, 75 miles per hour is not enough when riding on the highway.
I own a Vespa GTS HPE '19 and I bought the Kubler disc in order to "make" it reach 83-85 miles per hour. The only reason was my safety and not being "Maverick supersonic"! You don't buy a Vespa to go like the SR-71... I love vespas since childhood but, in my opinion, new vespa's should have more power than 24 hp's...
Keep up the good job! 👍👍
Great review Matt. Another bike that you might like to review is the Honda NC700. You get it in a DCT and it has a glove/helmet compartment where the tank is supposed to be.
Keep up with the motorcycle reviews. They are really good.
my good friend Tim has one of those he loves it I think it's super fucking weird. I should do a video with it though.
@@TheSmokingTire they are definitely a bit weird. I think It’s a good stepping stone for someone that does not want to ride a scooter or is looking for the next step.
@@TheSmokingTire do the manual please.i used to own one .6ft4 300lbd. The hidden gas tank was sooo useful
My wife has had a NC750X for 3 years now. I absolutely hate how much I love it.
In my country Singapore this is a training bike for higher cc motorcycle license but in manual. I agree the fuel tank is hidden under pillion seat instead of the front for storage.
My 2006 LX150 is a game changer. Once you Vespa, you'll wonder how you lived without one. It just makes it so fun and easy to get around a city.
Would you recommend it in the winter?
@@chancellemesse359 It depends on how harsh your winter is. If you bundle up (heavy gloves, balaklava, dry boots), you can totally ride in the cold and wet, just avoid snow and ice.
I used to have a 125cc to move around Paris and they are great fun,green is an interesting choice but hey if you dig it🤷♂️ have you heard of the Yamaha t-max?🤔
T-Max riders are always riding like they have a death wish for some reason.
@@Zanpaa lol
I prefer the super cub to be frank
having a tmax is the definition of being hood rich in france
le sang
1:51 No sir. The 2019 gts 300 HPE is the fastest production Vespa ever made. With 23,8 HP. You're testing an older model
I was about to say the same thing. I had to double check the video's post date. I got the HPE Supertech and that thing zooms.
4:15 seeing a bmw using its turn signals is like watching unicorns mate
I have a GTS 300 Super as well, I agree with everything Matt says in this video. Go out and buy one, they're 7 grand out the door.
This video is brilliant. I have one and love it, my other motorcycle is a Harley Electra Glide, I commute to work on my Vespa almost every day
As a vintage Vespa rider who rides motorcycles and drives cars your review is totally spot on. I've ridden the Vespa 300 and it's a great bike. If ones not taking the freeway then the 150cc is a good choice as well. Very good fit and finish with the Vespa!
I bought mine (2021 GTS 300 HPE Touring) 4 days ago and have been riding only full size motorcycles until then. I am planning to use the Vespa as a daily commuter to work and the motorcycle on week ends. I couldn't agree more with your review. Thank you for doing it.
The Vespa GTS, in all its incarnations from the original 250 that I have to the current 300 HPE models, is an exceptionally capable machine for all sorts of riding. I have 44,000 miles on my 2006 GTS 250 and it's running as well now as it did when I bought it. And as your video suggests, it is just fun to ride.
I've posted videos on my channel that illustrate how the GTS is far more than something to ride in town, but is an excellent choice for all sorts of backroad adventures and is my only choice for riding through winter here in Central Pennsylvania.
Rust from winter use ?
@@randylee2549 The salt, slush, and grit definitely take a toll on the surface of the mechanical parts of scooter. Not so much rust as an "etching" on things. The only rust issues I have had are on the muffler (annual repainting needed) and on the underside near the front wheel where stones and grit slowly wore off the paint and started some surface rust. I had the underside repainted after 10 years and it has been fine since then. But if you plan to ride in winter where you will encounter salt and grit it will have an effect.
Not had a scoot for 34 yrs . Sold my wr450 Yamaha last September . Been riding my 2015 gts super today and I’m 18 again . Love it !!
I very much enjoy your video, you say buy a Vespa. Well after 10+ years and 3 Harley-Davidsons I've just traded my Softail Street Bob, in for the new Vespa GT 300 I'm awaiting delivery hopefully in the next week or so. The Harley's were great . But the Vespa is back.
JP Liverpool UK.
I’m with you 100% on lane splitting. You were right on with all that. Should be legal everywhere. From a fellow Cali motorcyclist.
we just got one of these, and for mobility downtown & especially parking (which is scarce in europe) these bikes are like cheatcodes
Good review. Love my GTS 250. Friends ask why I like the little Vespa. I let them ride it, then they want one.
Plenty fast, hauls groceries and feels like vacation. I have far more powerful bikes and my Vespa is ridden most.
As someone who has seen some shit after riding 10,000 miles in Saigon, Vietnam traffic on a 115 Yamaha, I approve of this message. That Vespa is a sweet motobike and has serious street cred in Ho Chi Min City.
Yap, 300cc Vespa is good weapon to punish those racer boys on there exciters and winners.
Ask ChYYYna
I have 2 motorcycles and a Vespa GTS Super 300. I love my Vespa and it will always be in my stable! Great video! Top speed on mine with my 180 lbs is 82 MPH.
Agreed. Lane splitting needs to be more widespread. I've snuck by some traffic on the shoulder before at a light, and gotten dirty looks even though I wasn't bothering anyone. People just need to get over themselves.
I love that you did a scooter review. I've got several myself. You should attend an Amerivespa event. Imagine going on a nice country road ride with 500 friends!
I own the 2021 racing 60's. I try to explain the pros and cons to that scooter and a Harley lowrider and people look at me as if I have 2 heads.
Some motorcyclists won't give a scooterist the hand wave or head nod. They should meet you and realize that we are all riding on two-wheels. Great review and the profile just made me love my Vespa that much more.
Wow, wasn't expecting to see Matt on a Vespa. Great video, love how realistic and down to earth Matt is. I live in Italy and of course Vespas are everywhere. Now I'm thinking about a 300.
Did anyone just search this or did they come from Luca
I’m 68 years old and still ride a sport bike but when it gets harder to get a leg up over a seat I won’t have a problem to ride a Vespa.
Absolutely great content and video. Can’t recommend this dude enough. Love Vespa!
I've ridden motorcycles most of my life I think I have a lot more fun on scooters
Agreed. My Trip to Vespa Orlando
ua-cam.com/video/QIllm4TBuYM/v-deo.html
I have been commuting with my 2019 Honda Scoopy, probably the closest thing I can relate to your content🤣 . Where I live, we ride/drive our motorcycle as we see fit, there is no specific lane for motorcycle. As long as you can fit through, it's a lane for us 😆
Scoopy is such a great name for a bike model 😊
just to clarify a Vespa is to scooters what Ducati is to motorcycles
Unreliable?
@@gl4989 not at all they are great
Overpriced as well!
But I love my HPE!!
@@dimitrisg.4504you're saying a Vespa is overpriced let me ask you this are Nike shoes worth $100. its all about the name but should they cost 5k may be not but compared to 99% of scooters . They are way better quality and way better built
@@treverpitts I totally agree with you.
I mentioned the word "overpriced" relying on the fact that it has only 23,8 hps, forcing the owner (me and some others) to do some tricky stuff, such as to put a Kubler disc on, like I did, or even more a new variator or exhaust (I'm not gonna do this).
We live in 2021 and when you built a 300cc scooter, 23,8 hps are not enough.
As I mentioned on a comment above, it has to do with Safety. And I say this as a previous owner of GT 200L, GTS 250 and now a HPE one (and a 50's '72 small frame).
As for the quality, I had 2 recalls within 13 months regarding braking system, which is ok now but I don't want to know what's going to happen when warranty expires...
That's all. But I'll stick with it because I love it and I don't like anything else to ride. 👍👍
Living right down the street makes me feel like I'm watching my own commute video. Nice scooter Matt!
Love the Burt Reynolds as The Bandit mural.
Ridiculously expensive though, they cost 13k in Australia. Extremely difficult to justify that.
I've had my GTS for a tad over five years, and love it as much as the day I rode it home from the dealer. Your description of the bike, and the experience of riding it, is spot-on, and hearing this from a car guy is especially impressive. This bike is my sole transportation here in the Northeast, and ride virtually year-round (minus the occasional bit of heavy ice and snow drifts…not much of that the last two winters, but this time around is supposed to be different, like everything else in 2020). And it takes me everywhere I want or need to go, via two-lane or superslab. (Do a twice-weekly-average, 110-mile round-trip between the Jersey Shore and NYC). Glad you're enjoying the hell out of yours. (Hot tip: Go for the "Euro-spec" Vespa Flyscreen; just big enough to take pressure off your chest at higher speeds, and since you wear a FF helmet, it should be near-perfect. It also adds a few mph to the bike's top end…I top out a bit over 80mph on a regular basis.)
The ice and snow riding, while possible, presents all sorts of challenges as I'm sure you know. And to add insult to injury, there's the toll to the machine from salt and grit. My GTS has suffered greatly from it.
1:12 missed the opportunity to say "THISSS".
you have to wear two tshirts before you say it
@@JoesBrandonomics and khakis
Seth Chandler Cargo shorts and Walmart shoes
@@LavenderOrc sketchers or new balance?
@@LavenderOrc or starter lmao
The biggest mistake that the Department of Motor Vehicles makes is they do not let car drivers know that lane splitting is legal. So everyone in a car who doesn't drive a motorcycle thinks you're a reckless idiot doing something illegal, And that creates massive Road rage.
Having been a motorcycle rider for more than 40 years I traded to a 650 Suzuki Bergman. I think it's great in town and cruises comfortably at 80mph on the highway !
I have a 200hp Zh2 and a 24hp Vespa 300 GTS HPE. I hear you about having no ego about riding. I ride the Vespa more.
Is it the HPE SuperTech? I got that one last year and the Grey color is BEAUTIFUL. I would love to talk to someone that has the Supertech, though. I still have a few questions about it that I can't seem to find answers for online.
@@iflovewasred823 the hpe is the motor. There’s a super tech hpe also. All 2020 and later Vespa 300s have the new hpe engine.
@@forrysc I understand. :) I have the HPE Super Tech and was wondering if you did as well. But I guess you would have said that if you did... lol.
watching people split lanes still kinda freaks me out...( also, I have huge Givi bags on my BMW)
There is a whorde of modded Vespas in Seattle and they sound AWESOME. Like a whole gang that rides together, pretty cool. They rumble like you wouldn't believe.
R they mods ???? I'm in Durham England UK
Nice review mate. I ride big bikes like the ZZR600 and discovered the Vespa 3-4 years ago to commute around London, never looked back since. My pride and joy is a vintage styled 2009 Vespa GTV250ie in Ivory/Cream colour. #ViviLaVita 💪🏼
i have a 2013 Piaggio BV350 and i agree with everything you've said in this video. it makes my life so much easier!
I'm totally cool with lane splitting; where it crosses the line to me is when people do it at higher speeds. The rule of thumb I was always taught when I was younger is nobody should lane split in traffic that's moving faster than 25 MPH, and should never had a speed differential greater than 25 MPH, and I think that's pretty reasonable.
Great video and review - been riding scooters for 35 years(with a Yamah RD350LC thrown in) - and still love my Vespa PX200E might upgrade to a GTS HPE next summer as I'm getting bored with the gear changes!! 🛵🤪🙂
Vespas are sooooo cool! They are really common here in Madrid, Spain.
Do you have Yamaha's T-Max over there? That's a different story! =)
caves76 t-maxs are complete hooligan machines :)
@@briansteele2723 you're right...hhahahahaha... T-Max are usually for the "bad boys"
This is what 95% of people driving empty cars and SUVs should be driving
Great thing with the Vespa - you get a decent sized motor in a still compact chassis. The fast scooters from other manufacturers are big for round town.
I own a 2004 Vespa ET2, with an engine mount from a Piaggio Zip 125 the 300 motor slots right in. Once I’ve figured out the rad plumbing and switching to a Malossi carb I’ll have a small frame scoot with an everyday reliable 20+hp. Best way to travel round town 👍
Need to wear wear the ska parka riding this vespa
Driven many 500+hp cars but love my little 125cc Vespa. As you said. It’s luxury to save shitloads of time & park it anywhere. Nobody’s faster during rush hours. And its so comfy.
I am considering financing one. This video pushed me to do research and I'm thankful for your kickass input. I was indecisive about spending my money on a Vespa like this vs a Zuma or Grom. I’m gonna agree with the crowd, we love 2 wheel videos 🤙🏼
you get one bro?
@@dank9288639 no bought a ninja 500 starter bike love it
I got a killer deal on a Vespa S150 which is like s tripped down modern looking sleeker vespa. It was easily the most fun i've had on the road and i've driven some crazy things. Vespa's are way more fun than most realize, if you haven't ridden one, ride one! SO fun, SO practical, SO efficient!
Nice video and review. Fully agree on the road strategy 'They (likely) do not see me...'
In my area, almost every scooter-like vehicle is licensed as moped or less, so image the stance from any random nitwit car driver.
But I admit, this makes traffic light lane splitting and 'taking off' a true guilty pleasure :-)
easily one of your best vids
LOVED your video!!!! Well commentated and extremely informative. Seeing you ride while commenting on the GTS 300 and riding in california was fun and made me happy to have invested in the 2023 GTS 300 here in Queensland Australia.
Loved it!!!!
I was 12 years old living in Denver in 1960 and at that time I could rent a Vespa scooter. No license required, only money. I had my own little lawn mowing business and I spent half my profits on Vespa's.
Agreed, I commute in central London on my GTS ...no better tool for it !
I've been riding motorcycles for 50 years and have always loved Vespas since day one. Perhaps one of these days. Thanks for the ride, Ciao.
Do a canyon run in it!
I 2nd this.
75mph is fast enough haha ;) want this but it is a bit too much. maybe will find a lightly used one
My Trip to Vespa Orlando
ua-cam.com/video/QIllm4TBuYM/v-deo.html
In the Uk we call 'Lane splitting' 'Filtering' and it is legal everywhere.
The same in Spain . Since most drivers in Spain grew up riding scooters they always leave room for you.
What a great little video. I am on the fence about getting one. Got my learner's bike license in January 2022 and been shopping around to find the best vechile. Thanks for the review. Would have been nice to see more pros/cons and features.
2 things i never get used to has a European ...
1: the stop lights working has blinkers
2: the turn right on red...
turn right on red does exist in some parts of germany (grüner pfeil)
what throws me of the most, is the lack of "rechtsfahrgebot"
I'm living in Taiwan and Scooter is the backbone of the society here, it is so convenient, fuel usage is cheap, tyres are cheap, maintenance is cheap, you can carry a surprising amount of stuff on a scooter, easy to find parking and some scooter are actually pretty fast. 150km for 4L of gasoline, that's about 3 dollars US.
I own a SYM HD 200, great scooters.
Cool Vespa. You may have sold me on it.
Had a PCX125 for a bit and honestly it was a ton of fun. Lots of storage, easy to ride, and it was faster than 75% of cars from light to light and got 125mpg... hard to argue as a commuter vehicle
Exhaust system and variator/cvt,and tune willl get you 30+hp
Aren't you afraid that someone is going to open their car door while you're lane splitting? Still, would you split traffic on a bumper to bumper freeway? What happens when a car juts out from their lane without warning?
Try not to think about it..
@@dimitrisg.4504 It's really, really cool. I was born and raised in L.A. so I know the area. It's a great mode of transportation for there. I live in NYC and I almost pulled trigger on one too but I couldn't. It's cold here 6 months out of the year with rain and snow. I could get past this. What I could not get past is that 100% of Vespa's in NYC have dents in their rear fenders. Finding a parking space is tight and cars don't care about knocking over or denting your bike. So you either have a choice. Live with a dented bike or pay $500 each time to replace the fender.
YESSSS! Scooter content!!
Another great scoot is the Yamaha x-max 300.
If if this was a paid promotion I wouldnt be mad, Matt is so genuinely enthusiastic about this thing.
Love your PFP
Nice video, love your enthusiasm and don't doubt that the Vespa is iconic and has zilliions of accessories. I test rode the GTS300 but bought the Honda SH300i as my city ride with it's 27 horsepower, bigger wheels and imo better styled topbox. Either way, these larger scooters are great, effortless, practical and frugal fun !
Hey! That’s the same Vespa I have! Except I bought the windscreen and crash bars…after I dropped it. 🤦🏻♀️ Don’t judge me. I’m barely 5’2” and was going slow on an angled road. These aren’t made for short people. 🥺
Lane splitting is the norm here in Brazil and this makes small motorcycle a very useful vehicle. The only problem with that is during traffic jams, the bikes goes way too fast between the cars and frequently hits the rear view mirrors of get hit by a car changing lanes
I had a BMW 1200CC Scrambler R Nine T, motor bike for 7 years and it was an excellent motor bike. However, I needed to downsize as I am now retired and have no need to commute to work, and I cannot justify keeping such a heavy expensive motor bike any more. All I needed was a little runabout scooter to get me to the local shops and short visits to the kids. I looked at getting a Vespa , and a Lambretta 125cc model. Both are fine scooters,but in the end I choose the Honda Sh 125 I scooter. The main reason for choosing the Honda, over the Vespa, is that the Honda has 16 inch wheels back and front. Also it comes in much cheaper than the Vespa or Lambretta. Spec and tech wise it matches the Vespa, and in some features it out does the Vespa 125. I am not dissing a Vespa at all, its a fine scooter, but being so powerful ie 300cc, is not really nessessary in a small wheeled scooter; you want to go fast, buy a motor bike!
Beautiful green! I love my 07- GTS250. Awesome machines!
I have seen so many vehicle reviews on UA-cam. This is by far the best. Very practical and to the point. Great job
Been riding Lambretta and old school Vespas since 1980 and are seriously thinking of getting one of these. Not getting any younger and would like something I don’t have to mess about with nearly every other weekend 😂. The Gts looks fab 👌🏾
Terrific video this is precisely why I ride I agree with all your thoughts
I consider a scooter a wave runner on land. No shifting is nice especially when you’re zipping around cars
Yes cars do not move laterally so that’s a safe place to be you can always hit the brakes and have them shoot by you in an emergency
My scooter has a flat floorboard so I could stack a box for drinks and groceries and make it sort of like a truckbed
Eight dollar fill ups is highly addicting. At 100 miles to the gallon I’m basically free from gas I keep 10 gallons in my garage and I’m basically my own gas station
That is why a Piaggio BV is a better choice, far more powerful. And why are americans still amazed that a bike has abs? It is law all over the world except in USA.
Are you still happy with it after a year? I’ve been riding scooters for nearly 15 years. All year round. I currently have a Genuine Buddy 170i, only 8 months old and I’ve put almost 10k miles on it. I ride ALL the time. Rain, snow…even when it’s brutal. I have no car. I think it’s about time I plunk the cash down for an actual Vespa. But I’m worried about whether it’s worth the cost or not. What do you think? What did you end up paying, total? Thanks in advance.
Maaan.. I SOOOOOOOO miss my Vespa 😨
I know technically it’s considered a motorcycle but saying it just throws me off because it’s a scooter… I didn’t realize that you can say I’ve been riding for years when referring to a scooter. I know you “ride” a scooter but I think the term “ride” refers to riding an actual motorcycle. I think saying “I’ve been scooting for years” sounds more right in my head. I ride motorcycles and have rode plenty of scooters and the only thing they have in common is they’re on 2 wheels. I laughed to myself when I saw the alpinestar and shoei gear for a scooter!! 😝🤣
I really enjoyed this review
Big fan of the progress as a driver as we both get older. From the vette to vespa :) engineering practicality. I just picked up a Buddy 150cc and have a Road King and the scooter is way more fun hands down. Lane splitting on the highway should be between far left lane and lane next to it when we're riding. Anything else should be in the riders judgement.
Vespa sprint,primavera or lx50 with a 180 cc 2stroke runner engine got it to 160km/h (100mph) in a few seconds ive seen builds.... crazy!
You must try Yamaha nmax 155. I own one now. For last 10 years I been owner of diferent scooters and bikes. I know nmax 155 not 300cc, but! 30kg lighter. Have 7.5 liter tank vs 8.5 liter on your 300cc. Lower comfortable seat with long ride geometry of your body, less tired after long ride and you can stretch your legs their full lenth. Nmax have 1 inch biger tyres which is also better on bumps. Contactless key, traction control system, 2 helmets under the seat space, ABS, phone connection.... Previous bike Honda PCX 150 also can be comfortable and more soft. I tryed Vespa once. It is like Honda Scoopy on steroids, feel less control. But of course Vespa was first and it is a style, you riding like a king of the throne and everyone around know it.
Great see some scootin on here. I ride an old Vespa P200e and a Honda Big Ruckus that I pushed home today 2 miles after the belt snapped. I did ride a friends 2014 GTS and gps’d the top speed of 82
i wish the 125cc Honda Monkey...'Came In'..a 300cc...'Mode like your Vespa!! ...does Vespa Feel 'stable' at 65mph??.... cheers from Canada!
And it reminds me of Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday! Seriously, I love it and the color! I have a Bergman 400 and a Honda ADV 150 (and two motorcycles) but there is something about the Vespa that makes me want one. Question: Have you ever ridden a Burgman 400? If you have, can you give me a quick comparison between the Burg and the Vespa?
Yes! Finally the Vespa review!
Dear Sir,
I'm seriously considering buying a brand new Vespa GTS 300 HPE. Although I live in England, I would very much like to travel over to the European mainland, and do dome touring around France, Italy, Austria etc..
I'm probably looking at doing 300 - 400 mile days, at high speeds for extended periods, on the motorways and German autobahns (or 'freeways' as you call them in the U.S.).
Do you think that my Vespa 300 GTS HPE would be able to cope with long distances at such speeds?
Also, I am 6ft 4" tall. If you don't mind me saying, you look like quite a big guy yourself - is the Vespa comfortable for you over distance?
And lastly, having owned your Vespa for a little while now, have you experienced any mechanical problems with it?
Your advice would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks,
Neil (England).