Hello All.

Been riding for about 40 years, short bike less periods when working in city centres and when having company cars.
Had a bucket list moment about 7 years ago when a work colleague who has a vintage Lambretta rolled up on a white Vespa GTS 300. Tried a couple of cheap 125’s and got bitten by the scooter bug, some of which I will admit is plain laziness – not having to bother with all that tedious gear changing, nothing to do with your feet other than stopping the bike falling over. Finally got a shiny black Vespa GTS 300 in 2013, have modified the suspension and added crash bars, racks and stuff. This is the fair-weather weekend toy. Also had a few 125’s to commute short distances to work.
I’ve recently been able to take early retirement, so I decided to sell the 125 and get a bike I could do some gentle touring on – just in the UK and probably nothing more than an overnight stay. Not going to ride round the world. After reading lots of reviews I decided on a Silverwing. It’s a 2009 model, 2800 genuine miles, full service history and practically mint. Not ridden it far or fast yet, but initial impressions are good, excellent brakes, powerful enough engine, neutral, predictable handling, comfortable, loads of storage.
Looking forward to my first longer trip.
I think the tyres are original but look to be in good condition. Might replace the battery, if it’s nearly 10 years old. Anyone got any hints about how to get a pressure gauge on the back-tyre valve? Very inaccessible! Thanks.

Welcome to this forum also

Hello & Welcome bud

Hello Bunny. Nice introduction. Welcome to the forum.

I'm curious about what/how you modified the GTS 300 suspension.

Regarding checking the rear tire pressure: No easy way to do it. The "traditional" method is, with the bike on the centerstand, to lay down on a piece of cardboard and make the check while the valve is at the 6 o'clock position. Do insure that the valve stem holder is secure --replace immediately if missing.

Of course if you happen to have a bike lift the task will be be much less awkward.

Tim

Welcome from arky!

I have been using a FOBO TPMS system to monitor my tire pressure for four years now. It communicates with my phone via Bluetooth. Has been accurate to about a half pound. It will alert you when the pressure falls outside a user set range. I add air about every two months when I get the alert. You can get realtime pressure readings anytime.

Welcome from o-HI-o.

Vespa GTS 300 suspension. Opinion is divided. Many are quite happy with the standard suspension. Some have a front-end wobble. Some come to scooters from sports bikes and the like. Before my epiphany I had a Suzuki DRZ400SM. Fully adjustable front and rear suspension. I found the Vespa to be a bit “bouncy” and the handling a bit vague. Only the rear suspension is adjustable. Malossi and Biturbo do replacements, both with preload and rebound adjustments front and rear. I went with Malossi and the difference in handling is remarkable. Changing the tyres to Diablos completed the picture.

Welcome from MN. This site is the BEST!

Welcome from Arizona, yes checking tire pressure is a hassle.

Easyrider wrote:

I have been using a FOBO TPMS system to monitor my tire pressure for four years now. It communicates with my phone via Bluetooth. Has been accurate to about a half pound. It will alert you when the pressure falls outside a user set range. I add air about every two months when I get the alert. You can get realtime pressure readings anytime.

I will second this. I haven't (yet) bought FOBO for the swings but used FOBO on a k7 b400 that was notorious for losing air...