Modern Vespa

If these start selling here it could pick up the numbers of scooter sales. I read that Kawasaki is debuting a 125 in Asia. It could probably become a 150+cc scooter if it came here.

https://www.rideapart.com/news/451759/2021-yamaha-bws-scooter-launched-taiwan/

That would be a great way to see the world at 50 mph. If it's got the S-Max engine, I would take a look at it.

Be more apt to buy the Honda ADV scooter, which actually has just the slightest bit of off-road cred with bigger wheels and a slightly larger engine.

Also known as the Zuma.

Looks like it's got a J rated Taiwanese tire. Would fit a Vespa, but only rated to 60mph. Same brand makes a P-rated winter tire. Part of me wonders what situations it would be better than a City Grip in, but I've ridden in the rain on CGs, and I've taken it offroad to the extent appropriate for a 2020 GTS. Haven't had any concerns in either environment, so not sure why I'd want a no-name tire.

That's a tangent but.. good sleuthing?

That said, the Yammy TW website lists an L-rated tire:
130/70-12 56L
https://www.yamaha-motor.com.tw/motor/motor_BWS.aspx

And if you've ridden scoots in Taiwan you'd know you're not going 120Kph to-fro work, especially during tropical storms. In parts of Taiwan where there are vegetable farms right next to electronics factories, the DS tires makes a lot of sense.

If I get this I'd get it in the murdered out "R" edition: https://www.yamaha-motor.com.tw/motor/motor_bwsR.aspx

Whenever I see an ADV scooter with 12" tires, I get curious if I can retrofit my GTS to be even more adventurous. Then again, I've never been sketched out by my CG2s, so I doubt I'll actually change them.

Kawasaki does not produce scooters, it has them made by Kymco...or by others.
Like BMW scooters.
Globalization ... yuck.

Security is priceless ... but for some it has.

Oh, I don't know. Would you prefer to buy a scooter from a manufacturer that is building scooters for the first time, or one that's been building them for a couple of decades? Probably nothing revolutionary from the long-time source, but probably nothing that bites you in the butt, either. BTW, that's American English for unforeseen failures, just in case it wasn't clear.

I think the Taiwanese, Koreans, and Chinese build machinery to a price. A $1000 scooter isn't going to have the best hardware, quality or longevity. A $4000 scooter is likely to be entirely competitive.

Would you rather have one built in Milwaukee by Harley-Davidson?