It’s a funny thing – parting company with a very nice Series 1 Lambretta to fund the purchase of something “completely different”. I had spent around a year waiting for the Lamborghini – or “Diablo su due route” – A fully tangoed twin seat series 1. But the reality of ownership never lived up to expectation, and, after a number of teething problems and an inability to live with riding with my knees tucked under one of my several chins, the ebay listing was prepared!
The target was to get £3500 for the said article to cover the cost of a brand spanking new Vespa GTS 300 Super – and that’s just what happened. Much to the wife’s disgust a trip to Dyrons on York Road, Leeds ensued where a white steed of such specification was available from stock, ensued and the money was in and out of my hands quicker than you can say “girls bike”
PM Tunings PM68 pipe fitted, this sounds anything but a “girls bike” in fact more like a tractor on amphetamines. Getting used to the lack of gears came very quickly as I sped back down the A64 through Leeds – a big grin under the helmet.
It took a while to get used to the popping and farting of the pipe – apparently down to the engine management system not recognising the exhaust? – but apart from that, the handling and comfort of the GTS 300 were a breath of fresh air. Acceleration is effortless, but admittedly lacks the thrill that going through the gears from zero that you get from a TS1. But it isn’t a Lambretta. The jury is still out as far as I am concerned as to whether this actually is a Scooter. Sure it ticks all the right boxes in terms of looks (well nearly!) wheel size (well nearly!) engine size (just about!) but its just too – dare I say it – refined.
8 months down the line, Im trying to make my GTS more like a Scooter. I have added a very nice chequered flag airbrush design. I have even added some targets. I have added a “go faster” flyscreen – (don’t believe the hype its 80mph!) and it started to tick a few more scooter boxes. And then what do I go and do? Add a bloody Kenwood 200 watt Stereo with Rockford Fosgate Speakers and ipod compatability
And all of a sudden I have turned it into a Honda Gold Wing.
In all seriousness the GTS 300 is a superb piece of kit in terms of the quality and refinement. Its quick, handles like a dream, and up to press – very reliable. It is reasonably cheap to run and insure, however one criticism has to be the size of the fuel tank giving a range of around 100miles.
What it isn’t is a replacement for a classic Lambretta or Vespa. It doesn’t have the style or the thrill. But I love mine just the same and would advocate anyone giving one a trial. With or without a stereo.
It’s a funny thing – parting company with a very nice Series 1 Lambretta to fund the purchase of something “completely different”. I had spent around a year waiting for the Lamborghini – or “Diablo su due route” – A fully tangoed twin seat series 1. But the reality of ownership never lived up to expectation, and, after a number of teething problems and an inability to live with riding with my knees tucked under one of my several chins, the ebay listing was prepared!
The target was to get £3500 for the said article to cover the cost of a brand spanking new Vespa GTS 300 Super – and that’s just what happened. Much to the wife’s disgust a trip to Dyrons on York Road, Leeds ensued where a white steed of such specification was available from stock, ensued and the money was in and out of my hands quicker than you can say “girls bike”
PM Tunings PM68 pipe fitted, this sounds anything but a “girls bike” in fact more like a tractor on amphetamines. Getting used to the lack of gears came very quickly as I sped back down the A64 through Leeds – a big grin under the helmet.
It took a while to get used to the popping and farting of the pipe – apparently down to the engine management system not recognising the exhaust? – but apart from that, the handling and comfort of the GTS 300 were a breath of fresh air. Acceleration is effortless, but admittedly lacks the thrill that going through the gears from zero that you get from a TS1. But it isn’t a Lambretta. The jury is still out as far as I am concerned as to whether this actually is a Scooter. Sure it ticks all the right boxes in terms of looks (well nearly!) wheel size (well nearly!) engine size (just about!) but its just too – dare I say it – refined.
8 months down the line, Im trying to make my GTS more like a Scooter. I have added a very nice chequered flag airbrush design. I have even added some targets. I have added a “go faster” flyscreen – (don’t believe the hype its 80mph!) and it started to tick a few more scooter boxes. And then what do I go and do? Add a bloody Kenwood 200 watt Stereo with Rockford Fosgate Speakers and ipod compatability
And all of a sudden I have turned it into a Honda Gold Wing.
In all seriousness the GTS 300 is a superb piece of kit in terms of the quality and refinement. Its quick, handles like a dream, and up to press – very reliable. It is reasonably cheap to run and insure, however one criticism has to be the size of the fuel tank giving a range of around 100miles.
What it isn’t is a replacement for a classic Lambretta or Vespa. It doesn’t have the style or the thrill. But I love mine just the same and would advocate anyone giving one a trial. With or without a stereo.