A lot of motorcyclists (and would-be Vespa owners) don't seem to realize that you can totally ride a Vespa on the 401... specifically, one of the GTS250 or GTS300 models, probably not most of the smaller ones.
It's less of a "can you do it?" kind of issue and more of a "should you do it?" kind of one. The answer is yes, to both, but there are a few major limitations. Since I live near the 401 and people seem surprised when I mention riding the little thing to all corners of the GTA, I decided to shoot a little video to show what it's like:
Basically the problems are:
- The smaller wheels and shorter wheelbase make it feel less stable
- You have a lack of top end power that becomes noticeable on inclines or when carrying a passenger on the highway (yes you can do that too)
- You get less respect/consideration/space as you would on a motorcycle
Besides those annoyances, riding my 16 year old Vespa GTS250 on the highway is fine. I wouldn't want to do it for extended periods though. I used to work in Etobicoke, and my route would take me along the Gardiner for a few exits. If I were still working there now I could totally take the Vespa to work if I wanted to... but considering I have motorcycles in the garage with bigger wheels, longer wheelbases, and more displacement, I might choose those to be more comfortable instead.
Then again, the Vespa is my weapon of choice for carving through the inner city, and the upright ergos and small size are great for seeing over traffic and filtering through.... so maybe the Vespa really wouldn't be terrible for a cross-city commuter after all.
It's less of a "can you do it?" kind of issue and more of a "should you do it?" kind of one. The answer is yes, to both, but there are a few major limitations. Since I live near the 401 and people seem surprised when I mention riding the little thing to all corners of the GTA, I decided to shoot a little video to show what it's like:
Basically the problems are:
- The smaller wheels and shorter wheelbase make it feel less stable
- You have a lack of top end power that becomes noticeable on inclines or when carrying a passenger on the highway (yes you can do that too)
- You get less respect/consideration/space as you would on a motorcycle
Besides those annoyances, riding my 16 year old Vespa GTS250 on the highway is fine. I wouldn't want to do it for extended periods though. I used to work in Etobicoke, and my route would take me along the Gardiner for a few exits. If I were still working there now I could totally take the Vespa to work if I wanted to... but considering I have motorcycles in the garage with bigger wheels, longer wheelbases, and more displacement, I might choose those to be more comfortable instead.
Then again, the Vespa is my weapon of choice for carving through the inner city, and the upright ergos and small size are great for seeing over traffic and filtering through.... so maybe the Vespa really wouldn't be terrible for a cross-city commuter after all.
That last v7 review really took off!
lol
