GTS OWNERS CLUB

Charlie Magri · Joined: 26 Aug 2008 Posts: 14 Location: Thurrock

Hi

I'm Charlie and obviously have a Vespa GTS 250. I got it a couple of months ago second hand and really loving it. I am a classic scooter rider but 5 years ago did what I once thought was the unthinkable and brought a GT 200 TaG. Up to the GT I hated all auto's but fell in love with the classic shape of the GT with it's modern curves. Unfortunately I couldn't get on with it. Previously I had used my geared P200E to commute into London and I had got the GT to replace the P2. But I couldn't get the hang of the breaks and kept locking it up. I then came off, I never come off scooters, as I was breaking in plenty of time as a car pulled out further down the road. I did it again when a car crossed 3 lanes from a slip road in front of me but this time it flipped me off (in more ways than one) and span coming down on it's forks and writing it off. I had just gone through a 30mph camera so I wasn't speeding. The bike was less than 5 months old.

I replaced the GT with a TaG Piaggio Hexagon as that has a rear drum break and I thought I'd be safe with that. I was and have driven 3 hexagons over the last 3 years (2 having been stolen). Also they were cheap. I got proper shafted by my insurance who only paid out 1400 after my 250 excess. But the hexagon is sluggish and difficult to get parts for, especially exhausts. So I knew I had to give the vespa another go. I couldn't bring myself to ride one of those other monstrosity's, the hexagon was bad enough.

I don't know why but with this GTS the breaks are no problem, They are very good and soft enough that I don't lock them. I honestly don't know why but it's great. I feel completely in control and confident with this one. It might have something to do with the weight of the bikes. Driving a hexagon for a few years maybe got me used to a heavier bike. That might have something to do with it.

Anyway, just joint this forum and look forward to reading about your scoots.

Charlie

Castle-Barber · Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2008 9:26 pm Post subject:

Hello and welcome m8 Cool

Maver · Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2008 9:28 pm Post subject:

Hello & Welcome Cool

"locking up the breaks" Question

were you using both brakes or just the back????

must admit it does sound strange to me......
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GWGTS250ie · Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2008 9:30 pm Post subject:

hi and welcome , glad you like your GTS
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The Instigator ,

Charlie Magri · Joined: 26 Aug 2008 Posts: 14 Location: Thurrock

Thanks all.

When I locked up in was normally when I had to break hard so it would have been both breaks. Trust me, if the GT had been fitted with an anchor on a chain, a parachute and some sort of freezing laser I've been in situations when the bleeding lot would have come out, as well as both breaks.

Chas

smudger · Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2008 10:00 pm Post subject:

Hello & welcome, glad your liking the GTS Very Happy

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jetex · Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2008 12:50 am Post subject:

Hi Charlie, welcome to the forum. Is'nt your user name that of a well known boxer ? Glad you like the GTS, you certainly sound like you've been thru' the mill with all you experiences.

GAVSKIN · Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2008 6:48 am Post subject:

hello and welcome Cool

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NORWICH BROADSMEN S.C

vespaclaire · Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2008 10:12 am Post subject:

Hi Charlie welcome to the forum

Claire Very Happy

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GTS 300 is here and I LOVE IT!!!

http://www.bebo.com/Profile.jsp?MemberId=4301776581

CheekyThomas · Guvernor Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 1374

Welcome and im glad the GTS has made you fall in love with vespa again...

flipspeed · Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2008 3:07 pm Post subject:

welcome to the forum Smile

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rainham boy · Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2008 6:06 pm Post subject:

hi charlie, glad to have you aboard Very Happy

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Darkside, Norwich Broadsmen SC

Thermal Mick · Sargeant Joined: 20 Aug 2008 Posts: 96

Hiya.

jimvespa · Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2008 7:02 pm Post subject: brakes !!!!

being both a biker and scooterist, R1 and px200e experienced rider ! open to debate but def with superbike , i only use front disc in norm circ but add the rear when extra needed , but never use the rear alone on my scoot because cent of grav all at back causing slides , and the big NO NO never touch brakes when your whitelining this causes irratic riding / braking , yeh im sure someone will disagree , be a better rider , but i wish someone had given me this advice years ago , i had to learn by mistakes Tnx Jim Embarassed

ROD THE RED · Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2008 8:10 pm Post subject:

Hello Charlie and welcome to the forum Cool