Modern Vespa

You're Ferrarri doesn't have a Gucci interior? To bad.

Summary from today's press release- Sounds like the aluminum elements are very traditional if you look back to where the earliest Vespas had aluminum on them.

More new photos here: http://www.motofan.it/notizie/vespa-946-passato-e-futuro-si-incontrano-ad-eicma-2012/10529/foto

I haven't got time to post the photos on this board at the mo (I'm supposed to be working!) - but if someone else gets a chance that would be great!

Two words: NO STORAGE. Also would be difficult to use those nifty saddlebags we bought from David. No like.

From the new pictures of the left side:

Not there:
Anti-dive
3 piston caliper

It looks like the same disk (220mm) and caliper (2 piston floating) as the GTS. At the center of the disk there does appear to be ABS, at least in this picture.

I REALLY like the white and red! Vespa has plenty commuter style scoots. I'm happy to see a throw back to the earlier models and as mentioned earlier- motorcycles don't have under seat storage or glove boxes.

It's up on the Vespa Austria website now: http://www.vespa.at/modelle/946
So looks like for sure it is only "aluminium elements" and not the whole frame.

Another Link:
http://www.vespa946.com/

Max

"Underseat storage" consists of the hook below the front of the seat.

There appear to be rear footpegs and handgrips under the rear of the seat, so it seems like it will be a 2-seater afterall.

I would snap one up in a heartbeat if I had the cash, but would still keep my ET4 for shopping trips!...

Well, if I didn't make it clear enough before, I was clearly wrong about the 946. They did make it, and it even looks interesting. Mea culpa.

I would buy one, I think.

I'm not super wild about the detachable side panels, as the seam breaks the aesthetics a bit. The handlebars also look quite a bit clunkier than the concept. But then, these are two areas that clearly made the concept unrealistic to begin with, so no real surprise that they would have to address those areas with lesser solutions.

I'd still like to know where they're going to put the evap canister.

I do like that white/red combo. And while not very big, I bet plenty of us could make use of that little rear rack.

I still can't see putting 2 people on that seat, though. Even with the handles underneath.

When I read one members comment about "No Storage", it occurred to me that I didn't even see where one would carry the registration papers.

Agreed - no storage - but people who buy a Mazda Miata or a two seater Porsche or a Corvette don't really complain about a lack of storage either...

It is what it is - something to elicit nostalgic feelings with a bit of a 'zoomy' burst of power, housed in a modern/safe shell.

I'd buy it if I had the money (and need) for a second scoot! Would be even more tempted if they figured out a way to do something similar design-wise with a 250 or 300...

Desi B.

There isn't much room in the trunk of a BMW 328i when the hard top is down. Heck, up or down there is as much, possibly more storage in my GTS than there is an a Mini convertible. I know I looked at one a few years ago but while I was willing to make some compromises on storage (hence the BMW) the Mini would barely hold a laptop bag.

In a two-seat sports car, you can always put groceries on the passenger seat. And at least there's a place for registration / paperwork.

True... Maybe there is a small bit of room 'inside' the seat for a little tool kit/paperwork/etc? I do like the little rack on the back in a couple of the pics too.

On another note... The thing that would make this effort stand out to me is if there is a drastic reduction in plastic body parts. If what is plastic on an LX or GT(S) is now aluminum, that would be pretty cool I think!

One thing I DON'T like is that - even though it is supposed to be a fusion of past and future - the digital display just doesn't fit somehow. But heck, maybe the gas gauge works now .

Desi B.

I concede as well, looks like they are building it. With the vespa946.com site there is now something direct from Vespa on the subject.

I think the handles under the seat are more for getting it on the stand than they are for a passenger.

Interesting that piaggio is still photoshopping some of the photos. The seam down the center is visible in some photos and missing in others. The first concept was missing the seam since it was vacuform plastic.

I like the hubs.

2 questions:

Handling

Shocks, basically what kind of ride can you expect with that seat.

That seat?

Wondering how smooth the ride will be or are you trading design and asthetics for a smoother ride?

But yeah, I'd give it a whirl and if I liked it, I would get it. So far my dream machine is the Zero Electric Motorcycle. But I am wondering if one of these new scooter models will knock that off it's pedestal.

Looks very nice but the seat portion has a very cartoony look bit like bazooka joe with the cap backwards.

Mark

I think it's pretty awesome looking. I probably won't buy one, at least not until they come up regularly on the used market. Even then, I'd have to be in collection mode for that to happen. Pretty slick design, and it doesn't look like much else out there.

That is one interesting website Vespa has.

"It returns from the future to move humans. Of all galaxies."

O-K then.

I was not aware of humans in other galaxies, nor that Vespa had branched out quite that far. But if they're marketing it to Alpha Centauri, perhaps we have a chance of seeing it in the US.

Maybe they put in a warp drive instead of the evap system...


In that case, I am definitely ok if there is no storage space available!

Desi B.

Well yeah, how else are you going to get to a dealer authorized with new training to work on it? 8)

Holy crap. Bryce!!!

Damn. Just bought the LX. Although this seems a different beast all together.
I really like the look of it.
Here's the official video.

Guess folks will be buying something like this for their papers and possibly one of the helmet lock plates that go behind it because I sure don't see any way to secure a helmet either.

Taken at the show:

The under seat area seems large enough for the papers, if nothing else.

A few more details found in this video.

That's right.

I think they're gorgeous. Its was probably my stumbling across photos of the concept model that planted the seed of getting another vespa in my brain. If I had the money I'd have one like a shot. Screw practicality, that's a beautiful looking scoot. My old Vespa's and Lambretta had sod all luggage capacity. But they looked great.

Also loving the design touches on this bike. The seat pivot resembles the front and rear lights. Loving that!

This is the latest picture of 946 take today by a private person. You can see the actual size. It looks like the seat is good for two. Also it looks like the rear rack is standard. It has a stand now, not a white pole.
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Doesn't she have nice teeth ?

Bill X

She doesn't look british

I hope to get more pictures today, they are having press conference right now.

I wouldnt worry too much about them forgetting to include a helmet hook just because you dont see it in these pictures.

It's part of their tradition, since what? Day one? I'm sure it will be there. Somewhere.

I'm not thrilled with every detail but the overall design looks beautiful in 2 dimensions. And some of the details are lovely.

I'll be very curious to see one on the showroom floor. I'm guessing that in a sea of GTS's, S's and LX's, they'll attract quite a crowd.

The bag hook is there, there are no lockable helmet hooks (like on P)

I like it very much.

2 please

Bill X