Modern Vespa

The commie reincarnattion is "jelly"
It is so funny. Do you ask luxury car owners the same question? Do you ask big house owners the same questions?
One good reason , among other reasons mther people and me mentioned above is The Price. The problem of many scooters is low price. Once the price is high, justified by technology, materials, social status , the brand get wider spectrum of customers. Another good reason to buy it- having a two wheeler which is legendary, classy, perfectly crafted one can show he is 1%, not 99% and spend just $10000

Amazing how emotional some people can get over an F-ing scooter that no one is forcing them to buy. The 946 only has to make those who choose to buy it happy. Get over it.

It is so funny. Do you ask luxury car owners the same question? Do you ask bog house owners the same questions?
One good reason , among other reasons mther people and me mentioned above is The Price. The problem of many scooters is low price. Once the price is high, justified by technology, materials, social status , the brand get wider spectrum of customers. Another good reason to buy it- having a two wheeler which is legendary, classy, perfectly crafted one can show he is 1%, not 99% and spend just $10000

This triggered a thought. I was always taught you can not buy class and self importance.

In flight school, the Army issued me this:



On the instrument panel of every aircraft, they installed this:



Between the two, every timekeeping task an Aviator needed to do could be done, handily.

Yet, countless people in flight training spent a couple of thousand (in 2013 $$$) on something like this:



Even though in a helicopter, it was damn near impossible to free up both hands to use the chronograph functions of such a watch, and thus these folks ended up using the panel mount clock for in flight timing tasks, of which there are many.

Did I loose any sleep over it? Hell no. They don't tell me how to spend my money, and I don't tell them how to spend theirs. Makes for lasting friendships.

Vyatka wrote :
"It is so funny. Do you ask luxury car owners the same question? Do you ask bog house owners the same questions?
One good reason , among other reasons mther people and me mentioned above is The Price. The problem of many scooters is low price. Once the price is high, justified by technology, materials, social status , the brand get wider spectrum of customers. Another good reason to buy it- having a two wheeler which is legendary, classy, perfectly crafted one can show he is 1%, not 99% and spend just $10000 "

So would you buy a 946 simply because it is very expensive?

The purchaser of a luxury car expects some extra value for his money - more performance, better quality build, quieter running, more comfort. The 946 offers none of these.

Legendary? Only because of its price.
Classy? I think a GS150, SS180, and mony other models are equally classy, and were not overpriced in their day..
Build quality? Maybe. We must wait and see.

You could join the 1% crowd by buying a Vespa Cosa. But I have never seen people clamoring to get one, or boasting because they have one.

Mike

What I like the most about the 946 is that is looks like a prototype but is for sale. Isn't that the most important thing? Not that it is expensive but that it is for sale at all?

People who buy expensive stuff aren't usually bothered by the price of things but that they can buy it at all. A manage of Rolls Royce said that the customers who visit the factory to buy a new Rolls Royce Ghost are buying probably the least expensive thing they are buying that year.

They will visit the factory with their private jet. The journey alone will cost more than the car they are about to purchase.

The point of my post is: if you think the 946 is way overpriced it probably isn't for you. Vespa offers much cheaper scooters that will do the job of riding around on just as good as the 946 but for considerable less money. Just buy one of those.

And it goes on. The guys that keep returning to beef about a scooter you have no desire for and absolutely no chance of buying need to find something better to do with their time.

Kinda baffling, isn't it? All I can figure out is some people really are of the persuasion:

I don't like it so no one else is allowed to like it.

I think what you meant to say was:
10K and no analog clock?

You don't have to waste a lot of time deciding what colour you want because its only black or white instead of six colours that I can't even spell.

A - - - - and his money soon part.

I apologize. Comment was inappropriate.
People have a right to buy whatever they darn well please.

Oh, sour grapes!

V don't let them get you down. I remember when i bought my Ruby helmet. Got comments about how expensive it was. Paid $900 for 1 of only 300 made. So a Shoei is almost as much. Ride it with the biggest smile on your face.

No one has to buy anything they don't want. All materials goods and services are worth what someone is willing to pay for it. I don't understand why anyone would complain about the cost of something they did not want to buy unless they really do and can't afford it.

The marketplace will ultimately determine if Vespa made the correct assumptions. for the overwhelming majority of us in the US who buy Vespas they are a luxury toy that gives us great fun and are therefore worth the price. I know that this post will trigger replies from some individuals for which their scooter is their primary and necessary mode of transportation; however, that just simply is not the case for most of the two wheeled marketplace in the United States. For those for whom it is true the 946 is not for them. And for that matter either is any Ducati, the entire Harley-Davidson CVO series, a Porsche, Ferrari, boat, aircraft, or any other recreational device.

I don't know about you but I don't want to live in that type of world. I don't want to live in a world where everything is measured strictly by its utilitarian worth. That type of environment is usually the creation of Central Planners that don't end up creating a world of value to all, but in their benevolent wisdom create a world for the masses that will fulfill their needs as the planners determine them, and a world for the Central Planners that fulfills their desires.

Excellent!

Those asking [whinging] why would someone buy a 946 reminds me of the [older] Budweiser commercials...

Why ask why?

I think that anyone that wants one and can afford one should buy one. I am a firm believer in ride what you like...like what you ride!

I have spent over 10K for a scooter..BMW 650 GT. It was worth it to me.

I also understand owning a unique vehicle, I have a Chevy that was only produced for 4 years, only 535 of this configuration made,some consider butt ugly and is pushing 450 hp. I did get it at a great price it has turned the corner and is going up in value!

If you have one..enjoy it...it's just not for me!

Says the man who paid money for a Kymco.

Now ^^^ here ^^^ is what ought to be the final word on this subject. Those who like the 946, like it for their own reasons. I presume they aren't looking to vet their reasons with the rest of us. And I trust nobody is buying a 946 who can't afford one, so that really isn't a problem either. To quote Star Wars - "move along, nothing to see here". Back to the "why would you pay so much money for a BMW" discussion.

Vespa Motorsport sold 2 last week and has a commitment for another. 6 of the 10 they ordered are gone so if you want one hurry before the resell market price goes up!

The hell with the stock market put all your money in 946 futures

Woah! Now I paid money for a Kymco Agility 125. A purchase that MANY scooter snobs insisted was a "waste". Well?

It was one of the best damn scooters you could get for the job!

Was it Tupperware? HELL yes... the thing screamed plastic! Was it quick? Well, about average compared to other 125 which means it wasn't thrilling at all. Was it stylish? Well, it didn't look like a total Chinese junker, but it didn't stand out. All in all, it had ZERO features and options, and it was just an engine with wheels and a seat.

And, it was one of the best purchases pound for pound. It did what it said on the tin.

As I said, I have nothing against the design of the 946, as I do any bike (Well, except for perhaps Grom. That thing is ridiculous.). It's the direction Piaggio obviously wants to take the entire company, and it clearly doesn't want to include anyone under a certain credit rating or income class. It's a good perspective on why many fans of Vespa from years gone by have a "snobbery" of their own. The GTS I have is expensive, but it is also a freeway class motorcycle, which is a HUGE value to me. The 946 gives the public perception that all Vespa riders are pretentious, gives no performance, durability or economy enhancement but demands twice the price.

In short: It's an image issue. Vespa has lofty goals to be some sort of accessory maker to the rich and famous, and no longer is looking to be a motorcycle manufacturer with a message like this.

Have`nt seen anyone boasting because they have a 946 what is there to boast about . If some of the people commenting on this thread think because you can buy a 946 you are rich they are truly ignorant clowns. I bought one because I wanted one , if people don`t then don`t buy one. What I am finding hard to understand is that is you dont like them and have no interest in buying one then why are you even bothered what they are like or how much they cost . Just seems like there are a lot of spiteful w-----s out there that just want to slag off people for er having a scooter that they don`t like or want . What colour is vintage red by the way sounds to me like someone is trying to "grand up" thier scooter haha.

Read my post in other thread where I posted documents about first years of Vespa. It was marketer to upper middle class initially. It used rich and famous to promote it. Then Piaggio turned to the rest of consumers. 946 is following the same pass and it works.
Kymco; made in Taiwan , respected anywhere in the world, excellent quality. Nobody argue with that. However you are using Price/Quality method, how much quality, practicality units u can get for one monetary unit. Piaggio deliberately abandoned this principle in case of Vespa 946. And it works. You don't like it but people are buying 946. Despite the hissing that "those rich bastards will keep it in glass boxes" 946 owners ride it.
Today is 40F and rainy. Which one I' ll take outside, primavera, PX or 946? Of course 946 because I have better chance to survive riding her today. It looks like she is going to get higher mileage than I expected before.

Judy: don't worry. I survived commies once. Neocommies have no chance

See Vyatka's post further up this page here he says something about being part of the 1% and only having to spend $10k

I want a 946.
I desire a 946.

I can't afford a 946.

I'll happily ride my LX.

I don't begrudge anyone buying a 946. If you want it and can afford it, more power to ya. Just don't drop it.

End of story.

I agree.

Yeah I seen that but I don`t take everything literally . Unless of course he actually meant it. I would still have a 946 if it was the same price and as readily available as a LX125. I think IMO its one of the best looking 2 wheelers ever made that and the original Ducati 916 which I also had.

I do think this thread is quite funny and it does amuse me especially the "whinging about the price when in actual fact they are not that expensive.

Thank you for understanding my irony

If one wants to impress others in the area I live in, he needs to get shiny Harley or monster truck with rubber balls attached to the rear differential
My overchromed PX is shiny with whitewalls tires therefore it is almost OK Local people are not familiar with Vespa, some of them heard the name from American Pickers show which I never watched. At least they know the name.
I would be The Hero if I paint 946 in hunters' camouflage colors

The 946 is simply another "choice" in the Vespa product line. As to the comment: The 946 is not indicative of where Vespa "wants to go" by any means. The Primavera 125 (in Italy) is priced at 50 Euro more than the LX 125, which is pretty much in line with inflation. If they "wanted to go" to higher priced machines, why invest in the introduction of a new "small frame" at the same basic price point?

In short, no "choices" have been removed, and an additional "choice" has been added. Sounds to me like the bleating of some of my fellow shifty owners posting about those abominations called "twist and go".

To all who buy a 946, I care not why you did so. I do wish you years of enjoyment.

10k and they couldn't even make it a shifty?

Finally, someone has identified the fundamental shortfall in the 946. Couple that with rubbery tires, mirrors too close together, and it all adds up to an overpriced trash heap on wheels.

Motor vehicles shouldn't only be valued by how fast, comfortable, fuel efficient, gadgety they are, surely beauty has value that can only be measured by the beholder, and that (to me) is what the 946 is all about. I would repeat my earlier post that if Piaggio are only producing 1000 of these, they're not going to be banking a lot. They should be commended for actually producing a usable design concept, and selling them for a very reasonable price.
I like nice stuff as much as the next bloke, this is a nice scooter, we're on a scooter forum, why shouldn't 946 owners come on here to show others their pride and joy.

edited to remove economic/government system references

I am not sure what the price of the 946 is here in the UK but I am sure it is an absolute disgrace.

I just wanted to start registering my discontent early in 2014, before it is even started. And while I am at it, I just want to point out that calling next year 2014 is an absolute disgrace too. I have just got used to 2013 and they go and change it. Its just rubbish.

Thank-you.

I think that everyone who thinks the price of the 946 is too high should just refuse to buy one. That will fix Piaggio's wagon.

I think about this every time I drive by the US Post Office in a nearby town. It was designed with nothing but budget and utility in mind, and as soon as it was built it became a local eyesore. Instead of a new building lifting up the local area, it detracts from it and makes it look ghetto-ish. Not only is the design poor, but the cheap, substandard materials used are already making this public building look as though it is in need of remodeling or replacement.

Contrast that with the wasteful, extravagant public buildings built by the Greeks or the Romans, many of which still stand today! Who but a fool would put that kind of effort and money into a public edifice?

It's somehow fitting that our modern American culture, which is driven purely by pragmatism, is represented by materials and methods which won't last until the next century, much less the next millennia.

Don't forget the silly rabbit head looking seat. Piaggio has some nerve don't they?



OK serious moderator hat on now. Let's back off of the economic/government system references ok? Wouldn't want this valuable thread to get locked right?

Sticky, you've got to be kidding. There is nothing remotely partisan in my post, merely historical observation.

What makes you think I was referring to your post?

Keep in mind that VW group lost money on every single Bugatti Veyron they built, and that was known up front. They did it as a design exercise, to say to the world, "We can also build these...not just Passats and Beetles."

In this day and age of corporate one-upmanship, with highly limited, special vehicles like the Veyron and the 946, it's more about what statement the company is making and less about whether they can turn a profit on it or not.

Moi?