80 years of Vespa: Road to Rome

From Styria to Rome on a Vespa. For Helene Porta, the journey to the Vespa World Days 2026 was far more than just getting to an event. Together with her husband and a friend, the trip itself became a special experience. The tour was defined by impressive stages, numerous sightseeing stops along the route, and their shared passion for the unique Vespa lifestyle.

As a REMUS brand ambassador, Helene was unmistakable on the road. Her Vespa featured a specially developed REMUS branding and was equipped with the REMUS RS 2.0. This turned the machine into a real eye-catcher, both out on the track and among thousands of Vespa fans in Rome.

In the interview, Helene talks about how her Vespa and the REMUS RS 2.0 performed on the long tour. She describes the sound, the riding experience and the comfort, and recalls special encounters along the way and at the event in Rome. At the same time, she shares practical tips for anyone planning a longer Vespa trip themselves. She covers preparing the bike, planning the route, packing, and what she would do differently on her next tour.

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You travelled with your husband and a friend from Styria all the way to Rome. If you had to describe the trip with one feeling, what would it be and why?

Freedom and adventure. The ride to Rome was a true two-wheeled adventure. Every stretch of road brought new impressions, scents, and breathtaking landscapes. The feeling of being on the road together, leaving everyday life behind, with the open road ahead and the VespaWorldDays as the destination in sight, made the journey something truly special.

On this trip, your Vespa was not just a means of transport, but also your personal companion. How did it feel to ride it over such a long distance?

My Vespa really wasn’t just a means of transportation, but a FAITHFUL companion I could rely on at any time. It performed flawlessly over the entire distance and never let me down. It was precisely this reliability that made it possible to enjoy the journey without worries and fully focus on the experience.

Your trip to Rome wasn’t just the journey there, it was part of the whole experience. Which stage or section of the route has stayed with you the most?

What really stuck with me was the break at Passo del Muraglione in this rustic rifugio. We were greeted by a scene of motorcyclists lined up on simple chairs beneath the shade of the trees, enjoying the cool mountain air while temperatures down in the valley were close to 40 degrees. The atmosphere was truly impressive.

Equally impressive was the stage from Florence through Tuscany – especially the Chianti region and the Val d’Orcia. Gentle hills, avenues of cypress trees, historic villages perched on rocks or hilltops created a backdrop like a painting. On the Vespa, you could experience this landscape with all your senses. In terms of scenery, it was one of the most beautiful sections for me.

What was your personal highlight at the event in Rome itself? Was there a moment when the international Vespa community felt especially tangible to you?

My personal highlight was already the arrival and the welcome at the Vespavillage parking lot, when the Vespa was fitted with the official stickers and I received my admission wristband. I was particularly impressed by the bustling activity of Vespas in every color and model from different countries. Everywhere people were laughing, taking photos, talking to each other. Unforgettable, too, was the wait in front of the still-closed gates of Vespavillage. Hundreds of fans gathered, eagerly anticipating the opening. With every minute, the sense of anticipation grew and the atmosphere was electric. This was exactly the moment when I could feel the international Vespa community most intensely.

And of course, the big ride-out on Saturday. Thousands of Vespas – depending on the source, figures ranged from 15,000 to as many as 25,000 vehicles – rode together through Rome. The ride past the Colosseum, cheered on by spectators along the route, was a true goosebump moment.

You were out on the road with REMUS 2.0. What was your first impression of the look and sound of your Vespa?

My first impression was positive. Visually, it looks very high-quality, and the distinctive design with the golden end piece makes the exhaust a real eye-catcher.

Especially on a longer tour, you quickly notice whether a setup suits your riding style. How did the REMUS silencer feel for you on the trip (volume, riding feel)? Was the sound comfortable for you over the long distance?

It was specifically on the long-distance drive that the setup won me over. The driving feel was comfortable, and the sporty sound accompanied me on the journey in a pleasantly subtle way. The sound had a strong character, but was never annoying or intrusive.

How did the combination of Vespa, branding, and REMUS silencers feel at the event in Rome? More eye‑catching, harmonious, or truly special?

That felt truly special to me. The Vespa looked perfectly balanced – premium, yet authentic. At an international gathering with thousands of Vespas, it stood out in a positive way without ever seeming over the top.

If you had to describe the sound of the Vespa with the REMUS RS 2.0: which 3 words would spontaneously come to mind?

Powerful, resonant, unmistakable!

Many people underestimate what a longer Vespa trip really means. In your opinion, what should you definitely plan or prepare before such a tour?

A longer Vespa trip should be well prepared. A realistic route plan is essential, with a daily mileage that leaves enough time to enjoy the ride and the surroundings. It’s also worth planning sights along the route in advance and booking your accommodation in good time.

At least as important is the technical preparation. Before setting off, the Vespa should be serviced and in perfect condition – the ideal foundation for a relaxed ride.

Was there anything you would do differently next time – when planning, packing, or preparing the Vespa?

I actually wouldn’t change much in the planning, because the trip was very well prepared. I would schedule more time for the individual stages and to be able to explore the sights at a relaxed pace and make more spontaneous stops. Unfortunately, vacation days are limited.

Helene’s journey shows that a longer tour on a Vespa requires more than just good preparation. It also thrives on spontaneous moments, encounters along the way, and the many impressions you gather along the route. If you take your time for each stage and every sightseeing stop, the journey itself already becomes an essential part of the experience.

The right companion on your Vespa also helps make the journey unforgettable. On the way to Rome, the REMUS RS 2.0 won Helene over with its distinctive sound, its harmonious design, and a pleasantly refined acoustic experience over long distances.

Find out more about the REMUS RS 2.0, the available versions, and the perfect setup for your Vespa on our product page.

RS 2.0 Sport Exhaust System for VESPA GTS 310

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