Modern Vespa

“It’s just a Vespa” I say to myself. Why are you obsessing over this? Is Vespa fever a real diagnosis?

In April our cycling buddy buys an 09 Vespa 50. Cool I say. Maybe I should look around for a used one too!

Two months ago I find a 2015 Red Primavera 50 two hours away in wild and wooly Miami,FL. Agree to buy, then two days later with a rented pick-up truck, drive back to Miami, load it and bring it home. Sweet!

I’m 70, and haven’t ridden a motorcycle or scooter in 50 years. I was slow and tentative. But I soon gain some confidence and get more comfortable. I spend more time researching and installing accessories than riding.

It starts to dawn on me that maybe a 50 is a bit limiting on road options.

Then I obsess over whether I should get a 150 or 300. Not if.

I ride a 2016 primavera 150 on Vespa Parade day. Wow. I try to buy it but the deal falls through. I spend hours and hours looking for a similar one. I also look for a great used GTS 300. I’m looking at 150’s and 300’s 800 miles away in other states and getting quotes on shipping!

Two more cycling friends show up with new Vespa 150’s.

Last weekend I take the Motorcycle Endorsement course so then I am licensed!

The final step was falling in love with the Racing Sixties white/red color scheme. We have two local Vespa dealers and they each had one Sprint 150 White Racing Sixties. I HAD to move. And I did. Got quotes from each and made a deal with Vespa Naples, 8.6 miles away.

Of course I drove it home. As I pulled away from the shop with my new Vespa, it was one of those great moments. I felt great and the bike rides like a dream. Could not be better!

Now my wife is starting to ride the 50 and look at what she might like to have. Another saga coming.

That is a GREAT colour scheme!

Congrats. I love that colour scheme.

Congrats. Turns out that these damn things are addicting…

Chris from CLE

I'm a px125 driver with 180 kit and although I love it with the years passing its taking toll on my joints such as gear changing and declutching etc. I'm deliberating getting an auto as well and for me the sprint is very attractive because of its lighter weight over a 300gts of which I've never liked its looks. The sprint you have bought looks gorgeous and I love its slimmer lines and importantly the parabola headlight and sleeker headset. I intend to find out how much a 180 kit would cost to have fitted as I can only source a 125 in the UK as 150 not a standard model over here. Congrats on your scooter, looks amazing.

The pair are a perfect match. Congratulations! I’ve caught the fever too.

What a pair! Congrats.

I do like Red on my Vespas

Nice looking scooter. But I have to say - you may want to up your gear you wear for more protection. Yes, I know how hot it is, I was born and raised there in South east Florida until I moved after 50 years. But there are some really good mesh jackets out there with included armor and full face helmets that breath well. To this day, I still own two helmets at a time as one usually needs some cleaning and airing out. Stay safe and enjoy.

The 50s are good for 35mph inter-city, the 150s are a better for speed up to about 55 and can do highway in a pinch on a lazy weekend morning.

I would have had a hard time turning down that new steed too! I really like the whole presentation of it. Nice!

Welcome Bill. Those two bikes sure look great together.

“Is Vespa Fever a real diagnosis?”

Yes. It. Is. And quite incurable.

Love the story and your acquisitions!

Great looking scooter! Wonderful tale of Vespa attraction. Ride safe, have fun.

Let’s not forget my favorite side view. The diagonal stripe on the side is classic. Sorry for being such a proud papa.

Thanks for all the kind words!

Go on, be a proud papa. I think I have more Vespa photos than ones of our kids.

I’d like one but I’d have to show Frau Fritz which may cause a problem.

She might not share it once she’s stolen it from me.

WOW... thats a nice ride.

Nice !