Modern Vespa

Good Morning Everyone,

As you many of you saw from one on of my previous posts, my 400 was totaled in an accident. I was looking to do my MC license but the cost is around 2000 Euro to get and I don't feel like spending that much money to get one. After reading about the new 500hpe, I am thinking of ordering/purchasing one next year in February. For those of you that have test ridden one, what is your perception of it? I've watched a few videos online, but they are all in French and mine is really rusty from my high school days. I would be looking to purchase the sport model and get a top case and for sure, heated grips. Side cases don't seem to be needed, as I never had them for my 400 and never needed them. The increase in HP and from what I've read, people seem to like the fact that there is more power, increase in compression thereby making the motor more responsive, and a better saddle. Price is not really a big factor as I am able to take the tax off the vehicle at time of purchase, saving me about 2 grand on the purchase. I really enjoyed the 400 and the fact it could be driven on a car license.

Thanks for any information that you can offer.

i would also look at the Quadro Qooder 400 also on sale in 2019

The HP increase between the 400 and 500 is 9hp the 500HPE still got 41 HP


The 10% increase talked about is between the 300 and 350

The new 500hpe actually has 44.3hp, so an almost 13hp increase over the 400.

The Qooder looks cool but I think with 400cc at 32.5hp and all that extra weight, I can't see it being as fun to ride as the MP3. The optics are nice though and I like the center exhaust. Maintenance...hmm. 4 tires to replace, 2 belts to replace, although probably easier to do certain maintenance, I don't know.

I think I am going to stick with the MP3 to be honest. Looking for riding impressions for those that may have one. Especially if they upgraded from a smaller motor.

the belt needs replacing evry 30.000km and kost 25.- each the tyres are also cheaper because the are 14" the Quadro is lighter then the Mp3

Friend of mine did test drive the new Qooder and he drives also a 400 mp3 its a lot quicker he wants one

Yikes! I wouldn't feel like getting it either!

But I am curious - what makes the cost do high?

in Europe you need to take 3 exams basic traffic laws, special driving skills like figure 8, close turning, walking with the bike and stuff like that and if you passed those 2 you can take drivers exam

In order you take a full m/c licence (so you can ride anything) you have to pass the on-road tests on a machine with a power greater than you can legally ride on a provisional ('permit') licence - unless you are accompanied by an instructor. In some EU countries you have to do a certain number of hours of riding under instruction. It's the cost of undergoing the necessary instruction that makes it so high, not the cost of the tests themselves - though those fees are higher than you'll find in the USA.

To get my US licence in CA all I had to do was some slow manouvers - the 'lollipop'. Minimal cost.

In the UK, we have a classroom-type 'Theory Test' that needs to be completed before you can attempt the Off-Road Module and On-Road Module.

Part of the Theory Test is called the 'Hazard Perception Test', where you sit in front of a computer screen and watch a number of video clips of a vehicle driving along a series of different roads, and you have to click a mouse button when you spot a potential hazard, and again when you see it develop - and it is this that is stopping me going full M/C on my licence!

Maybe it's because I have been driving cars for nearly 50 years, but I just don't get the point of this section.

It quickly becomes obvious that you have no idea of what sort of vehicle you are supposed to be in, where you are, what time of day it is, or what's behind you, and of course, you can't vary your speed or position.

Some of the situations that come up, seem to me like normal things I see every time I go out on the road, and I would normally check my mirrors, adjust my speed and position, and prepare to either swerve or stop - not reach for a mouse to click on!

I would probably do better at completing a level on Call Of Duty!

I found the hazard part of the theory test very easy. Assume you're on a motorbike, and treat hazards accordingly. Click once when you'd think of covering your brakes, and twice when you'd actually apply them. You'll ace the test doing that!

So now that we've discussed the M/C tests around the world and what is required, impressions of the new 500hpe? I've watched a few videos but my Italian skills suck and my French skills are very rusty. Took it back in 1993 in high school, so I remember very little since I never used it since. My German is good but haven't found any videos as of yet.

Seems to be 10% more power, higher lift cam and remap. Different exhaust design but best bit redesigned transmission hopefully with less losses and more rear wheel power.
I will get the sport 500 version soon. Does anyone want my old one?

Oh and the wheels are one inch larger ?

Not sure if I like the matt dark army green and the gold ?!! maybe in Dubai ? might have to go for the black one again.