GTS OWNERS CLUB

darklord · Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2008 10:37 am Post subject: gears/auto ??

Having read an impassioned rant about geared scooters in the scootering mag, it made me wonder exactly what if any the advantages/disadvantages may be. I have owned various scooters and motorcycles and to be honest the only time I can think of gears being needed was on a dirt bike on loose and muddy surfaces. Trying to empathise with the dyed in the wool traditionalist wont work because I am not prepared to suspend logic, perhaps you know better?. I do miss 2 stroke though, Very Happy

_________________
Vespa 300 super BSA Bantam, pushbike

Pepy27 · Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2008 11:03 am Post subject:

I've never owned a geared scooter although i've always had a bit of a thing for Lambrettas.

I do have a full motorcycle licence and have ridden quite a few different geared bikes though.

Before the Vespa GTV i had an Aprilia Habana Custom which i really enjoyed (despite it's crappy top end and plasticy feel).

My personal opinion is this........it's not about advantages, it's about what you like/love.....a heart over head thing.

If i was at all mechanically minded i would get that Lambo and keep the GTV.

MikeHolland · Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2008 12:23 pm Post subject:

I have had both, for many years, and for me the biggest difference is that whatever goes wtrong with an automatic fourstroke, you have to pull out the mobile phone and call the AA. With a geared twostroke, you will normally be able to get home whatever goes wrong - broken gear, clutch or throttle cable, or any of many other things that can go wrong.

And the old geared scooters usually have a spare wheel.

But I do love my GTS.

Mike
_________________
Vespa GTS250 Vintage Red

marky · Joined: 28 Mar 2008 Posts: 18

i agree with mike,i love the auto scoots,flying past the p200 and lammys on the way back from a rally is brill BUT as mike said if it goes bang its the good old AA.I loved my 20+yrs on geared scoots but i have to say i wouldnt go back.i will always have an auto from now on

darklord · Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2008 2:47 pm Post subject:

I must be lucky but my experience of both types has been very reliable, I do take the point of the spare wheel though. As to the 4stroke not being fixable, have you had a lot of problems then?
_________________
Vespa 300 super BSA Bantam, pushbike

Pepy27 · Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2008 4:10 pm Post subject:

Who needs a spare wheel with Ultraseal!! Wink

Scootaboy · Inspector Joined: 29 Jul 2007 Posts: 225 Location: London

the main difference is 4 stroke autos don't break down thus never give you the option of fixing or calling the AA (in my experience that is).

And yeah ultraseal every time!
_________________
Razz

Border · troop Joined: 07 Aug 2008 Posts: 31

I have had plenty of geared scoots and motorsickles...Been doing rallies on auto's since 2003. would never go back to geared beasties. Including the reliability you have decent tyres that (tend not to ) don't blow out and end up faceplanting the tarmac at near motorway speeds as per the bloke and his missus on the A3 going to the isle of shite in august( still very poorly in hospital), get well soon mate.Good brakes, faster .. pity auto's still upset some neandrathals !!(NOT).

old mod · troop Joined: 31 May 2007 Posts: 27 Location: Auckland, NZ

A two stroke can seize whereas the watercooled autos (hopefully) with those crimped waterhoses, wont.
But several autos have had full lock ups with broken belts.
Just a bit of balance.
Like both types for different reasons.
Hate my PX slowing my wife on her GTS up on the motorways though. Ha Ha.
Oh, also clutch gives better slow speed control.
_________________
Was at Brighton '62, always ridden my scoots everday from then on, beginning to think I have a slight problem!