Modern Vespa

Hi everyone!
For several years now I've wanted to get a vespa, and am going to Italy in a couple of months, so decided I'd finally get around to buying a vespa.

I've decided I'm going to get a brand new one, and was looking at the Vespa website.

The important things for me are -
1) I'd like something fairly traditional
2)I'm 6 foot 2, so are there any models I should avoid as i'll look ridiculously big on them? (To clarify, height is the only problem, I'm not at all fat)
3) i've done not much scooter riding, so are some Vespas much tougher to use than others?

looking on the Vespa website, I wasn't particularly enamoured by any of the GTS's, which leaves the 946, the Sprint, the primavera and the PX.

Based on what my requirements, do you guys have any particular advice or suggestions?

Well, the most traditional would be the PX. Two stroke with manual gear change.
The rest is automatic and four stroke so, in theory at least, easier to ride. I would recommend a trip to a local showroom, have a sit on each one and take it from there.

You haven't told us what you want to do with this scooter. Ride around town and on a few country roads? In that case a Primavera or Sprint would likely be a good choice. Do some longer distance rides and some riding on M roads (Interstates for us colonists)? If so, a GTS would be a better choice. The PX and the 946 are in somewhat different categories. For those who want an old school shifty, only the PX or equivalent will do. For those who are drawn to the style and exclusivity of the 946 (and don't mind the high price), you end up with a scooter that goes like a Primavera, but turns some heads.

I'm starting to like these topics: you have all possible Vespa owners present and get an equal amount of viewpoints

1) 946 is more a modern approach than traditional, but it's no doupt the best looking Vespa. It only has a 125cc engine, so top speed is limitd - but I've not yet noticed a 946 owner, who is dissapointed to be one?

2) I'm on the short side, so can't help here. For me, there's plenty of room in Sprint - the 946 might serve you well here too.

As warned, if you'll want to drive faster, then you'll have to skip 125/150cc models. Sprint is great also in long distance driving, but only if you are happy with slower speed. Also, it won't burn any rubber at traffic lights - a 300 GTS almost does.

no its not
george

If I were you I check GTV 300, it is very similar to GTS 300 but has that retro look: http://www.vespa-canada.ca/scooters/gtv-300-abs/overview.html. But taking in consideration your 6'2" height the best fit will be GTS 300 because of the one piece seat which will allow you to move back freely. You may want to check the ergonomics here: http://cycle-ergo.com/. They don't have a lot of Vespa's to pick from but they have GTS 300. This will give you an idea how you will fit the scooter. In my opinion buying anything below 300 (278cc) is waste of money unless you precisely know what your real needs are.

What type of licence have you got?

That is a very pertinent question. If you have no licence (i.e. riding on CBT only) then you're capped at 125cc, so the GTS 300cc models are out of the question, as is the slightly punchier PX 150cc.

Also as Dooglas said, the right scooter will depend on your needs. My two cents on that...if you'll be doing short commutes then a Sprint or Primavera. If you're planning long motorway rides then a GTS. If you're planning to ride for leisure only and want to be hands on with maintenance and repairs then a PX. If you've got stacks of cash and want something to put on display then a 946 8)

Im 6ft 2 and found the gts the most accommodating ..

Just resign yourself to get the GTS.

There is not a scooter made that can match it. Vintage, fast, beautiful.

I'm 6' 1" and absolutely love riding my 946, which has a slightly longer wheelbase than the GTS and more room than the Sprint, which would be my second choice.

I'm 6'3" and the GTS or GTV would be the best fit. Another non Vespa but still Piaggio is the BV350. It's an amazing ride.

Says the guy who drives a Grom OK, I'll have to confess that I've sat on a Grom in an exhibition, and it' roomier than looks...just couldn't resist the comment.

Hi mate if you want traditional a vintage styling vespa, its a px all the other are all modern looking ,i personally wanted a geared 2 stroke classic looking scooter and the px is an enigma as you can effectively buy 30 years old technology bike but brand new ................i don't think its everyone's cup of tea as its low tech and more hands on,but its twist gears and clunky gearbox is a unique and very very engaging ride
george

Thank you so much for all of your kind and helpful replies.

To answer a few questions:

1) I'm only riding on a CBT, so i undertsand 125 is my cap
2) I'm looking to ride it for leisure - driving through the city, no motorwars or anything like that!
3) I'm not god's gift to mechanics, so I don't want something requiring constant maintenance (which is why I'm not going for a vintage Vespa)

I'm really greatful for all your help. I will of course try out any Vespa before buying it!

hi mate best to try a few bikes, the service intervals are actually longer for the px every 5000km the bike seem very simple and easy to maintain ,i bought a new px125 so 2 years vespa warranty ,i,ve had all kinds of bikes over the last thirty years and if you want a proper vintage look and ride and easy maintenance you will love the px but its not very refined,a bit agricultural but authentic twist gear change and it also has a spare wheel, yes a spare wheel "how cool is that"
george

The GTS 125 will be fine for Oxford and environs. Lots of lovely roads to explore. Beats a pedal cycle any day!

(Queen's College, many years ago...)

I would agree with George on a 125cc PX if it were not for your third point about mechanics. Therefore I would suggest a nice Primavera or Sprint. Nothing wrong with the GTS 125cc as jimc suggests, but personally I think the Primavera and Sprint look sexier and (in my experience) are smaller and lighter.

Edit: Dug out the actual dimensions...included my scooters, since that was what I was actually looking for All specs are for 125cc models.

Dry Weight
GTS 145kg
Primavera/Sprint 121kg
PX 97kg
946 147kg
LX 110kg
50L 66kg

Length
GTS 1,930mm
Primavera/Sprint 1,860mm
PX 1,780mm
946 1,965mm
LX 1,755mm
50L 1,630mm

Width
GTS 755mm
Primavera/Sprint 735mm
PX 745mm
946 730mm
LX 740mm
50L 610mm

I love my 946 and it sits even bigger than the GTS/V: But don't expect to carry anything except in your rucksack. Considering that you have told us are not interested in the vintage look (you x-ed even the GTS), told us you were not mechanical, and have expressed no interest in shifting... the Sprint, with larger wheels, is probably your best bet. Try one on in several colors and let us know what happens! Post pictures!

This is a great, helpful thread - thanks guys. I'm amazed at how light the PX is. I still well remember how much easier the old Vespas are on right hand bends rather than left handers, keeping the bulk of the weight low and under the rear wheel. That one-sided drive train is definitely an acquired taste! It's good to see that the spare wheel is still included - although it was an optional extra on my 125 back in 1961. Happy days.......

Hi mate i think i,m a little confused

a brand new px has a 2 year warranty modern electrics, electric start and real easy maintenance after the warranty,one of my reasons was the simplicity no belts injectors ect,i didn't buy a vintage as i didn't want to be wrenching all the time,but wanted a vintage looking bike ,so i bought a new one,the drawbacks of a px are its lack of refinements and 55mph but perfect for around town,i totally agree that a vintage bike is for the hands on only,and the px cannot handle motorway speeds, but a brand new bike with modern upgrades a warranty and brilliant reliable little 125cc engine that actually looks vintage would seem exactly what the guy wanted
george

Single cylinder scooter engines are typically mounted as the swing arm of the back wheel. In the case of many 2-stroke Vespas, the engine was distinctly offset to one side (even the wheel was offset a bit). This changes the balance of the scooter somewhat and is especially noticeable on curves as rjc notes.

Yes indeed. The whole package - engine, gearbox, drivetrain, is carried in the right-hand "blister". That means that there's hardly any weight at all on the left side of the scoot (particularly if you don't have a spare wheel mounted in the left "blister"). Right-hand bends are simple, with all that weight inboard of the rear wheel, but left-handers are a whole different kettle of fish!

It's a bit like the torque reaction you get on old airhead twin shaft-drive BMW bikes - very noticeable at first but you soon get used to it.

Back in the day when some of us had Vespas and others had the inferior Lambrettas, chopping from one to the other felt very odd. The Lammys had their engines mounted more or less centrally. Chain driven too, unlike the Vespa's geartrain.

The modern vespa is actually quite well balanced. I'm not sure whether this is because the parts that "stick out" are relatively light weight or if the wheels are slightly offset or whether they balance the weight using other components. There is certainly no difference cornering left or right and you need to corner very aggressively to get anything to touch down.