Oh What a Feeling To Drive
I know that I have been quite these past 2 weeks. But the
truth is that I have been busy having way too much fun! I am simply amazed,
floored, and otherwise stunned at how much better the GTS is over ALL other
models of Vespa currently offered. I have a great amount of love for my ET4, it
has served me well for 3 years through all types of NYC area weather. But this
year because of a new job and other fortunate circumstances, it was time for me
to make a vehicle change. So, in a very short span I found myself the proud
owner of both a new Vespa GTS as well as a new Mini Cooper. Now I know that
this is a blog about scootering so I will keep my Mini talk short. But it has
not escaped me that there is some connection between Minis & Vespas. They
are both European, they are both small but practical, and it must be said that
they are both very fun to drive. My new job requires that I travel all over the
NY, NJ & PA area to different office locations. I would be lying if I said
that I didn’t look forward to the days when I get to drive the Mini almost as
much as the days I get to drive the GTS. But the Mini, however great it is,
still isn’t a scooter. It is a car, and cars only have so much room with which
they can impress. I can feel the BMW engine under the hood of that Mini, I love
the performance and handling, and I am absolutely in love with the looks, but
still as good as it is, it did not blow me away like the GTS did. I am not the
only who is saying this. It is almost as if, with the GTS, Vespa has taken a
leap forward in the history of scooters. What is so great about it? Bearing in
mind that I have had real riding time on both the ET as well as a GT loaner I
got to ride for a month, let me describe the differences I have encountered:
Comfort: The seat of the GTS is much more comfy than the GT & ET seats. The GT seat always made me feel as if I was sliding forward, and the ET seat doesn’t have as much cushion.
Performance: The fuel injection makes a difference. A big
difference. The GTS is much more responsive than the ET4 or the GTS. The engine
is just waiting to give you all it’s got, and unlike on a ET4 there is not a
lot of friction zone, it’s just tighter. The responsiveness just makes the GTS
feel faster than the GT. I was able to get up to speed on the highway without a
problem, I topped out at 85mph. In case you are wondering the GTS does sacrifice
a bit of fuel efficiency for this performance. I got about 62mpg when only
driving city streets, but I got about 70mpg driving highway.
Shocks: This is *by far* one of the biggest differences. I ride on some VERY rough streets, the northeast has roads that are literally torn up every winter and seem to never be filled back in again. To give you and idea: my first ride on the GTS was down a horribly uneven cobblestone street. This is the type of street that would make my bones rattle when I was on the ET4. I came around the block and stopped in front of the store, looked at my wife and said “Am I driving a car? Because I hardly felt those bumps!” It was shockingly amazing. Words can’t describe the shocks on this bike.
I am sure there is more to write about how different and
impressive the GTS is, but this post is long enough. For now, why not enjoy
some “family photos” of all 3 of my vehicles. Unfortunately, I won't have the ET for too much longer, it's going on sale to help pay for the GTS. Also, you will notice that I have already
added a brown leather seat, matching leather/chrome hand grips and rear crash
bars to the GTS. By the way, my biggest regret with the GTS is that it doesn't come in more colors.
