Modern Vespa

Hi there. I'm in the market for a scooter having just taken the motorcycle safety course. Unfortunately, I live in a condo so I have limited space and a scooter seems like a good fit. I've been looking at 250's but am a little concerned as I live on the top of a BIG hill... was worried about both power and durability. Maybe this shouldn't be a concern as this doesn't stop the SF folks and that city is the KING of hills! I took a look at a number of scooters... mainly, the Vespa GTS250, the Piaggio BV250 and the Aprilia SportCity 250. As for usage, I live in the suburbs and would use it mainly for rides into the downtown for errands, quick trips here and there, and every now and then, 2-up riding for short day trips. Well, and I also am the type to just go for a drive. I don't intend to go on the highway much but would like to know I "could" and feel safe. In terms of size, they are all not THAT different from each other. I'm very torn to be quite honest. As I near a decision, I'm walking away with these observations:

Vespa:
PROS:
1. Dealer network/service
2. Fuel Injected
3. Build Quality seems top notch
4. Cargo Space impressive under seat
CONS:
1. Feet feel cramped for some reason (and I'm 5'9, 30" inseam)
2. Small wheels in the suburbs... potholes galore
3. Price Premium
4. Fuel Filler Location (worried about overspill into storage)

Piaggio:
PROS:
1. Dealer network/service
2. Front foot position comfort
3. Price
4. Fuel Filler on floor
5. Larger Wheels
6. Locking helmet bar
7. Charger port and Light in cargo area (hey, it's the little things....)
CONS:
1. Plastic... lots of it
2. Not fuel injected
3. Poor quality wind screen (optical distortion)
4. Storage capacity seems lacking

Aprilia:
PROS:
1. Small size, Big ride/handling
2. Fuel Injected
3. Dual front brakes
4. Large Wheels
5. Price
CONS:
1. Feet feel slightly cramped
2. Dealer network/service limited in NY/Metro area
3. Very little storage to speak of
4. No helmet locks
5. Gas Filler Location (again, worried about overspill into storage although they built in an overspill collar that drains to the ground)

NOW.... add to this one more element: I can pick up a new 2006 Aprilia Scarabeo 500 GT ABS for less than a Vespa GTS right now. Yes, it is a bigger scooter, but is still considered to be one of the greatest out there despite it's demise for 2007.

I've been reading all of the posts on this fabulous site... but could still use your expert wisdom.

Thanks so much for your time!!!!

Get a Vespa.

Try them both before making up you mind. How does the small wheeled Vespa feels in the pot laden suburbs vs the large wheeled Aprillia? Probably there is no difference, the driveability of the Vespa is probably superior in the lower speeds encountered in the Suburbs.

However, these large wheeled scooters have an advantage in suburban distances and you might consider this also into the equation, because the larger wheels the more stable at higher speeds. Having the extra oomph in the motor is also welcome in a highway setting.

Given the likely situation of the US Dollar depreciating even more against the Euro perhaps you should consider this into the ecuation also, since as soon as the current batch of Vespas, Aprillias or Piaggios go they might become more expensive when the new shippment arrives! Most likely Piaggio will turn to components or subassemblies made in China or other countries with cheaper labor or currencies, and quality could suffer. This is my personal appreciation. A VW made in Mexico doesn't feel like one made in Germany (no offense).

Regards,

That says enough for me... Between the Aprilia 500 and the Piaggio BV500, the Aprilia wins the storage space comparo, as the BV essentially has none (for all practical purposes), but you're comparing it to a 250 Vespa - apples and oranges, my friend!

In terms of the Piaggio "Con" you had listed - plastic, lots of it - that's only a "Con" in the style/coolness factor. Think about this, though - what would you rather repair/replace in the event of an accident? Inexpensive plastic, or unibody-style metal? See what I'm saying?

don't worry about spilling while filling the GTS- there is a trick to avoid that (and it really works)

ps get the gts

All considered,
get a Vespa GTS 250.

You will not regret it.

As to the Scarabeo GT500, is a great comfortable scooter (tried personally in many occasions), but it is mainly meant to mid to long trips in out-of-town roads.
Of course you can ride it downtown, but it is a bit heavy, bulky and not as agil e as a Vespa or a SportCity.

As to the SportCity, the name says it all. Sporty, fast, relatively small scooter, with good handling and steady ride. Not as comfortable and easy to drive as a Vespa GTS. And you aren't that sporty driver, are you?

Get the Vespa.

Get the Vespa. A lot of my friends here in SF told me otherwise because of the small wheels and commuting in urban environements like SF with the potholes. However, I find it completely comfortable and sporting. So get the GTS or go for the gusto....GTV

They are various philosophies.
Vespa is the mito(i has also one Vespa 150 vintage).
What you would make with one and what us with other?
Council:buy before the Vespa and after a Beverly or a Scarabeo.

IMO the Aprilia SportCity 250... is quite an improvement over the Scarabeo line. A great scooter for the money.



http://www.apriliausa.com/modelli/scooter/modello.asp?id=117

That said, there's nothing like a Vespa.

Stop making lists of analytical features and go with your gut... what scooter do YOU want?

There is no right answer to be 'figured out.' 8)

Most people here have Vespas, love them to death, and would never consider anything else. But even though I own one too, and probably fit into that category, I do feel like I can be objective.

If I were to make a purely logical list of pros/cons I might possibly have made a different decision. I often find myself wondering if larger wheels would make more sense. And if plastic panels are cheaper, doesn't that also make more sense in the long run if I have to replace them?

But, being the vacillating person that I am, I'm sure that if I went a large wheel scooter, I would be wondering why I even bought a scooter in the first place. I'd be kicking myself for not just going all the way and getting the ducati like I fantasized about. (oh, wait. My wife won't let me. I keep forgetting.) My point is that I'm the type of person to always second guess large ticket purchases.

The only thing that I know for certain is, the BV250, Aprillia, or really anything else out there, will always be just a scooter. But the Vespa will always be a Vespa, and on a list of pros and cons, that trumps everything. So if you just want a scooter, there are lots of great models to choose from, but if you want something really special, get the Vespa.

Another vote for the Vespa!

jmatero, Since there aren't any Vespa/Piaggio dealers in Westchester, which dealer did you check out, Vespa Bronx, or Vespa Ridgefield?
Also, there are Aprilia dealers in New Haven and Danbury.

You won't go wrong with Vespa GTS250, BV250, or SportCity 250. They are all great. Get the one with the style you like the best!

Test ride each, you'll know which one "feels" right for you!

All other factors should be considered but are 2ndary to that. Test ride them!

The GTS has helmet locks too!

maybe this goes without saying but the sportcity 250 and GTS 250 are the same drivetrain. I've been torn between these two scooter for a while. But the thing that makes it easy for me is that I don't have the money to buy either so it's just a dream for now! I wouldn't worry about tire size. I've been fine everywhere I've been on my Bajaj 10" wheels. I agree with everyone who says go with what you want. But it is nice to have a dealer close by.

The Aprilia 500 GT ABS sounds great and would be an excellent buy. However, based on your requirements, I would recommend the Vespa.

I absolutely love the styling of the Vespa GTS.
Iv'e test ridden them on various occasions.
I chose the Sportcity simply because I can lean it over alot further than a GTS!! (centre stand scrapes very easily)
I like to get into and out of corners quickly and the Vespa just didn't give me the confidence to do so.

So go the Vespa if you like to just cruise around.
Or go a big wheeler for that more sporty "Valentino Rossi" road bike feel.

im 5ft 10 and i dont feel at all cramped on my gts.

even after a 300 mile trip

If you want a Vespa because it's a Vespa then get it because its a fine machine. However, if you're looking for controlability, stability and ride, then the BV-250 or Aprilia 250 is the way to go.

You just can't compare the handling of the suspension and small tires to the big 16" tires on the BV-250 or Aprilia.

From that list, I'd go Sportcity 250. Mostly becuase I live in SF, and there are HUGE potholes everywhere. Between riding my 599, which swallows potholes like they're not even there, and my GT200 which feels every bump, the 599 feels smoother in the city by leaps and bounds.

Same thing when I had an Aprilia Atlantic 500 - felt like butter on the roads, felt almost none of the potholes.

Bigger tires help me a lot out in the city, and honestly, the bigger tires don't make it impossible to navigate in the city or anything.

That said, the GTS/GTV (in particular the GTV) are beautiful. I already have a GT though, and don't need another Vespa in that displacement range.

The dealer network isn't a HUGE issue. As long as you have at least one good dealer near you: it's "ok".
It's really when you leave the city and go elsewhere...
Of all the people that I know that ride Aprilia motorcycles: they love the reliability.

Comfort will play a big part in how happy you are with your ride. Make sure you fit it well and how well it soaks up the bumps (and NYC has A LOT).

Don't worry about plastic vs. metal. Remember these advantages: plastic doesn't rust, plastic is lighter and plastic is cheaper to replace should you drop your scoot. I'll take plastic bodywork almost any day.