Modern Vespa

Hey everyone. Very new to the world of scooters. In fact i know next to nothing about them. I have only ever ridden 600cc and up bikes so i have no real basis for comparison.

My wifes birthday is in a little over a month and I would really like to get her a vespa. Everytime we pass one she says how much she would like to have one. My question is this...which model?? I dont think she has ever ridden one, bjt i have no doubt she would do fine. I dont think a 50cc would be any use because we live in a pretty heavy traffic.city in the rocky mountains. She loves the vintage vespas but i dont think something that needs constant maintenance would suit her for now either. Please help me? Thanks so much!

There are a couple of questions that you should answer first,

What kind of riding are you looking to do?

What is your price range?

Are you looking specifically for a Vespa, or would any "cute" scooter work (cutting out scooters that aren't aesthetically pleasing such as the Yamaha Smax, or like the Honda PCX or Forza).

Is there anything you know you don't want?

Lemur,
Thanks for replying. Mostly riding around town and commuting to work around 10 miles. I just want her to be able to get up the hills here in Colorado Springs and get out of the way of people in cars who may not be looking for a scooter. She loves the vintage look so that the only input i have from her. Lol And since I want it to be a surprise, its hard to ask without tipping her off.

Price isnt "really" a major concern. Im more worried about her being happy with it.

From my "research" the perfect buy would be a late 50s to mid 60s vespa with the reliability of a new scooter lol

Genuine Buddies are pretty awesome smaller scooters (125cc-170cc) but lose the vintage vespa look, but are still cute. They are also pretty cheap retaining the same resale price as the used one you buy to be able to upgrade when she decides she actually likes riding her own motorcycle.

Genuine Stellas (the shifty ones, not the autmoatics) are rather cool. 150cc and are retro vespa looks with a modern engine.

A Vespa GT200 would also be a great pick. Although pricier, they have great power (fastest out of all of my suggestions). And its a Vespa.

An LX150 would also be a good choice. Slightly less power than the GT, but still decent. and still a Vespa.

If you're diehard looking at a retro vespa with a modern engine, then try something like this;
https://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/5606108561.html

I have seen a used white 06 LX150 with 1400 miles for 2k an hour away that i think she might like. New im thinking a Vespa primavera 150 would dit the bill quiet nicely.

Im not saying that Vespa is the only thing im looking at, its just that I KNOW that name and I dont know a thing about scooters lol. They also seem to have the best looking vintage options. Are Vespas reliable? Are the asian bikes as good as say my R6 for reliability?

Good brands include; Vespa, Piaggio, Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, Sym, Kymco, and Genuine.

I would also learn what dealers are in your area and base part of your decision off of that. If the closest Vespa mechanic is 150 miles away, its gonna be harder to get it serviced if you aren't going to do the maintenance yourself.

Stay away from the cheap Chinese brands like TaoTao, SSR, and Tank.

Wow i didnt even see that craigslist add! That would be great as far as style that she wants and the speed i would want for her. Thanks so much!

Before settling on a price, make sure you check service records and such.

While a 2006 with only 1k miles sounds like a good find, rubber pieces and fluids should be changed before seriously riding.

Tires are good for a max of 5 years. One of our most active member is a big proponent of changing out fuel lines every 4 years or so because they deteriorate.

Coolant should be flushed every 2 years even if it hasn't seen many miles.

Oil should be changed yearly if seldom used.

Batteries lose their life if they have been sitting dead.

Depending on how much riding experience your wife has, an MSF safety course may be a good thing to give as well. You could even join her in the course to brush up on your basic skills. It should also give you a discount on your insurance (maybe even car insurance as well).

Edit: This ad gave me a laugh. Bike also might not be to shabby either.
https://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/5644644048.html

My 2 cents: one BIG difference with vintage Vespas vs. modern as well as some vintage styled scoots is automatic transmission vs. manual (hand operated) transmission. For daily life, this is a major: either you love twisting the gears or don't. Modern Vespas as well as most of the other modern scoots are auto.

Being a Vespa owner for just 2 years, at least mine seem to be reliable. Meaning, I just drive and get the basic maintenance done. Nothing broken yet. Not up to Honda quality in details.

The big opinion divider in new Vespas is 125/150cc (Sprint and Primavera) vs. 300cc (GTS in various shapes). 300 feels like a biger bike in good and bad: it's heavier, has a bit more bulky shape and goes faster. 125/150 is lighter and has more lean shape, accelerates fast, but the top speed is not good for freeways. Perfect in-city commuter. Both have classic Vespa styling.

Lemur i dont ride any longer and got rid of my last bike back in 13. The base offers the msf course and i am trying to get them to answer so i can see if i can get her scheduled for the class. Definately will be trying to get a little wiggle room on the price on any used especially at that age though. That last link you sent was great. I give him points for creativity for sure, but that thing had better be cherry for 2k.

Rrider thanks a lot. Good info in there highlighting the differences between the engine sizes.

If she doesn't ride already then I'd recommend a Vespa Primavera 150ie 3v. If she's used to bikes and she can handle the heavier bike then a GTS250 or GTS300 is pretty quick. I personally wouldn't advise getting an older Vespa (or a Stella) because they need more maintenance, are a lot slower, they're also more difficult to ride with the gears and have little in the way of storage. I'd also try to find a lightly used 2nd hand bike - that way, if she drops it while parking it, it's less heartbreak.

If she doesn't ride already get her a cheap 2nd hand 50 to learn on. Some people like the idea of riding but thats short lived once they start. Also dropping scoots is reasonably common amongst learners, not a big deal on a plastic scoot but a small off can total a Vespa.

We are happy to have you join us! We will be looking forward to hearing about you and your wife's experiences.

I too will recommend going for second hand to start with. There is a very good chance that while learning, your wife will drop the bike. This can be very expensive to fix and/or drastically reduce the value of the bike. If it has to be Vespa, get something like the second hand one you have seen. If all works out OK and your wife is still keen in a year's time, then look at a new one.

Welcome aboard!

I completely agree with the idea of a used scoot. It's so much less stressful if it already has a few scratches so she doesn't worry too much about ruining it if she ends up dropping it. You can always sell it and buy a newer scoot or a bigger one after she learns to ride. But, and I'm saying this from this woman's point of view, I don't think it should "be a "beater" - it has to look clean and cute (smile!)
I also think an automatic might be a good idea if she's a beginning rider. I have always ridden big motorcycles, and just a few years ago got my first (automatic) Vespa. The automatic transmission is SO much easier to use! It's fun, and so much easier, to ride the narrow, twisty roads near me when I just ride and don't have to worry about constantly shifting.

Great surprise gift you have in mind!

Don't forget that taking her to a Vespa dealer is a surprise in itself.
That way she can pick the model and color.

have look at the GTV or LXV these are both modern vespas but with a vintage look

GTV
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/mcd/5672460227.html

LXVhttp://www.cycletrader.com/dealers/R-%26-D-POWERSPORTS-2797776/listing/2016-Vespa-LXV-150-i.e.-115562441

I whole-heartedly second Lemur's comment about a nearby dealer. (I have to travel 130 to Richmond for mine). Find one. Pop in and chat. Tell them your situation and listen to their advice. Maybe they have a good used scooter and can line up a new one for when she is ready.

Ask her to take a MSF training course. (Take it with her!!)

Oh, and welcome to ModernVespa.

I don't think anything was mentioned about your wife's proposed commute other than hills. What is the speed limit?

Without more info, I'd second (third) the recommendation for starting used. The 150 size is great for manuevering on and off the scooter. Even for me, pushing 250# the GTS 300 feels like a behemoth pushing and balancing compared to the LX150. She shouldn't have any problem riding at 60 mph. As long as that's enough for dealing with traffic, she's good to go.

Realizing that as much as you want it to be a complete surprise, I think you should also consider what a commitment it will be for your wife. First, if it's anything bigger than a 50cc, she will have to start with at least a learner's permit, and preferably a motorcycle safety course. She could probably ride to work with only a permit but she'll soon want to get the full license so she can ride anywhere with you.

Then, she might have a different idea than you what a "fun" scooter would be. Maybe "vintage look" or whatever isn't so important to her as color or brand.

Maybe you could scope out some possibilities at your dealers (by price and what might appeal to her), then drive her over and let her have her pick.

Ride safe & have fun!

Welcome to the forum,

I would meander over to Sportique and check out the scoots they have in the shop. They are great. How tall is your wife? The Vespas have a taller seat and she may not feel comfortable without having her feet flat on the ground.

What about having her take the motorcycle safety classes to determine if she really wants to drive one? she will need the endorsement to ride anything above a 50cc there in CO.

Also go with fuel injection there at altitude especially if you are wanting jaunts into the foothills and beyond. So that does leave out older model Vespas I am afraid.
Good luck!

There is a bigger selection of scoots at
Sportique Denver and a large selection of Vespas at Erico Motorsports in downtown Denver.

I go visit all the stores when I can when i visit Denver sonce we dont have a great selection of gear here in the land of enchantment. Have fun shopping!

I have an LX i love. Gets me around the hills of Santa Fe efficiently although i wish I had a bit more umph starting out. I travel 18 miles per day daily commute but at 5 2 my feet are not flat on the pavement. But i am ok with that.

One of the guys over here bought his wife a used LX after he got his 200. She rode it twice (maybe even once). She practiced riding in a empty parking lot and hit the edge of something,dropped it and broke her leg. Hasn't ridden since. She used to ride on the back of his MC'S and scooters and thought she would like her own. That didn't work out so i'd get her a cheap second hand one and see how she does. Just because somebody can ride a bicycle and ride on the back of a MC/scooter doesn't mean they can ride their own scooter. Unless you have extra money laying around i'd get a cheap bike and see how she does. My friend fixed the LX and rides it more than his 200. He has a LX 150, GT 200 and a Triumph here and a Kawasaki at their Maine cottage. I'd surprise her with a used one. Has she expressed some interest in riding her own and has she ridden before? The "surprise" may backfire. My friend wife wanted one and that didn't go over well. So "surprising " her might not be a good idea. Just my thoughts.

You never said how tall your wife is. The comment above about the Buddy is exactly right. Shorter riders may struggle with the seat height of any of the modern Vespas. My wife is 5'3", rides a Buddy, and has never been comfortable riding an LX.

Now, about surprise scooters. I'm with Judy. There are times that the idea of a surprise scooter has gone terribly wrong. My 2 cents worth is that the journey for a new rider should start with the MSF Basic Course. Makes for a safer learning experience and allows the new rider to decide whether the whole experience is really for them.

Forget it. Buy her a puppy.

Haha ok guys. I found a way to get around it. Sent a picture of one to her brother. Then had him text it to her and say "i could see you riding something like this" she said she would love to have one. So. That gets that out of the way. She is only 5'3" so with the stella's she would not be able to flat foot at a stop but lean over on her left foot instead. Which shouldnt be a problem i dont think but im going to see if i can get maybe lower suspension to help a bit.

As far as a MSF course goes, Colorado does all of their MC licenses via 3rd party now and there are plenty of them around plus one free through the Army. Im getting her set up now to take that course.

I DID see a very clean 1961 Vespa VBB 150 that would be the perfect size for her. Hell I even like the lines on it. That thing was cool as a cucumber! Going to be hard not to buy it.

Do we get to see a picture as well?

Robinm I just grabbed a screenshot of one off the web. I did take a bunch of pics of the old one though. Ill see if i can figure out how to load them.

I hope this works. Please forgive me if they aren't sized correctly for the site. These are not what I sent to get an idea if she would like a scooter, just pics of one he had in the shop.

She doesn't deserve you.

Haha! I dont know man. Thats one awesome scooter he has there. Ive never thought of riding one before, but i may just get that one for myself and get her flowers! Lol!

If she is too short for the Stella, she will be too short for the LX150 as well. The Vbb you put up is a beautiful classic scoot. However, it will not win any races. If fact, it will hardly keep up with traffic. It is more of a put-around-the-town bike. Top speed of 50 and it will take a while to get there. Don't think I am knocking the older Vespas, I'm not. It is just that there are better choices if you are going to ride in traffic and deal with hills. My 2 cents.

Thanks Tierney. Yeah i am kind of falling in love with that thing. Lol going to.start seeing if there are any performance mods to help with speed for it. If so, i may end up getting it for her.

There are lots of threads about performance mods for the two port Vespa engine. The most popular and easy to do would be a Pinasco 177 top end kit specifically for that engine .Add a 20/20 carb and a decent pipe and it would really wake up the engine. The exhaust pipe is the tricky part as you have 8 inch wheels and not a lot of room under there. So finding one that won't bottom out on a curb and sharp turns is a challenge.

Thank you Tierney. Thats good info. I have sort of broached the subject a few times the last few nights. She would be all about having one. She would love to have a vintage one. I told her that would involve her learning how to work on it and everything. She said she thinks it would be a lot of fun. So....im looking at that 61 that i posted pics of as her present.

That '61 sure is a beauty and hard to pass up, but aren't you kinda letting your heart get in the way of your head and what you originally posted as to her needs- hills, traffic, stay out of the way of cars that may not be noticing a scooter right away. All are safety related requirements. I'd rather have my wife have the edge in being safe more than looking the coolest way possible. Not just safety. If she feels she's at a disadvantage with regard to cars, she won't ride the thing. That '61 will not have the oomph she may need. And I'm not a fan of 8 inch wheels.

Modern, more powerful models still do retain that vintage look. And for a first scooter, you can't beat a lightly used Genuine Buddy on price and value retention. Heck, she'll either like the Buddy enough to look for a Vespa, or she might like it enough to keep the Buddy. When I surprised my wife with her Buddy 125, her first reaction was - "It's not Italian." That stung me a bit, but now, she wouldn't give up that Buddy for anything.

I think you hit the nail on the head with this comment. I believe this thread has started to confuse the best alternatives to train and equip a new rider with classics and collector bikes which might/do appeal to the OP. Maybe set up the new rider with safety training and an appropriate/reliable newer 125/150 which meets her needs and fits ergonomically. The OP can acquire that '61 as a collectible that he sometimes rides along with his wife on her new scoot. Everybody (hopefully) gets what they want and enjoy.

Buy both - then you can both ride scoots together in the learning curve stage.

Santa gave my wife and Primavera 50. But wish she got a 150. She has riden my Gts300 but is a bit too heavy for her. I personally like the style of the Primavera.

Great solution, Jim and Dooglas!