Modern Vespa

After looking at scooters for year's, I have finally decided to take the plunge and get one of my own! Because I've never owned one, I decided that a Vespa wouldn't be a wise first-time investment and am thinking of a Geniune Scooter Co. Buddy 50 or Pamploma. I sent a “interest email” to our local shop that had gotten a lot of good press here, Scooterville, telling them my I was a new, interested person, and asking to set up a test drive. I know the Pamploma is not yet in stock, but the Buddy 50 is. I got a terse, one sentence answer back saying they had no Pamploma’s. I got that. I said I’d like to test drive a Buddy 50 if they had no Pamplomas. I thought scooter places were like car places - you test drove a car and if the one you wanted wasn’t in stock, you could order the one you wanted. Is this not the way it works? Did I unintentionally do something wrong? Or is Scooterville just being crabby and there is a more friendly shop for me to go to?This has taken the wind of of my sails. I haven’t seen unfriendliness here online, but if the real scooter community is not welcoming to newbies, then scooters are not for me. I’m too old for that……

Welcome to MV!

Nah, you didn't do anything wrong, they have a poor communicator at the keyboard. Test rides are indeed different for motos in any form. If I understand correctly, you have to agree to purchase the bike before you ride it in case you wreck it. Once the ride is over, your agreement to purchase is void. It might be different if you don't go out on the street and ride in their parking lot or closed course.

I've only taken test rides on days when a specific brand takes its line of bikes from dealer to dealer for people to check out. On those, you just sign-up, show proof of M endorsement/insurance and ride.

I would make a phone call to Scooterville and ask that way. They have gotten good reviews over the years so maybe something more "In Person" would yield better results.

You did nothing wrong. It sounds as if your shop was having a bad day. Many motorcycle/scooter shops do not give test rides because of the liability and risk to the scooter. I don’t know where in Minnesota you are, but there are several members of this forum near the twin cities, and they will pop up here and give you some advice on good shops, etc. Stick around, and welcome.

One hint, it is regarded as a good thing to let a used scooter be your first one. There is a good chance you will drop it in your learning process, and if you put those dings and scratches on an already dinged up (cheap) scooter it won’t hurt as bad.

Oh, and welcome to the MV forum. Post a picture when you get your scooter.

In looking at their reviews on Yelp, it appears that people either love them or hate them. Evenly divided. Doesn’t give me a warm and fuzzy feeling about them.

Whatever you do, Genuine makes a fine bike. My wife has the 170i and it's probably the best bike in our stable. You won't go wrong with them.

Welcome Duchess, you did nothing wrong. It never hurts to ask, and any scooter shop should be doing its best to cultivate new riders. Maybe they just are not used to dealing with people through email.
You will find a lot of friendly and helpful people here on this forum, and I hope you will stick around.

Thanks! It was the great opinions of the folks here that made me decide on them in the first place!

My take, after years of being in the scooter world: this world is a bit off-kilter with respect to reality. Things that you would expect from an ordinary retail establishment either don’t apply or sometimes are just disregarded. Because scooters. You didn’t do anything wrong, but your expectations might be out of alignment with the alt-reality of the scooter world.

The only place I ever got a test ride from was a motorcycle show but that wasn't scooters so I don't know how that works. If you are good and comfortable on a bicycle I don't see dropping it or crashing it as part of the things to worry about.

It's the ergos and looks that are important to me. Especially for a small engine scooter so just sitting on one in the showroom should be good once you've ridden a similar sized engine scooter.

I would look to a rental outfit in your closest big city maybe rent one for a few hours. That should do it. Maybe the scooter shop rents?

If it's your first scooter, I would definitely suggest buying a used one first! As others have mentioned, your chances of dropping it are pretty good when you are new-- not even saying a wreck or anything bad, even just a tipover in your driveway is enough to cause some dents and dings... Far better to have a scooter that costs you lots less money and you won't be so nervous about tarnishing a $$$$ new investment while you yourself are trying to learn.

My first was a 2006 Piaggio Fly 150; I found it on Facebook. Very low miles (only about 1400), in perfect working order except it has some scratches and a cracked floorboard corner where someone probably knocked it over at some point. I think I paid only $1100 for it?? She runs like a champ though, that's what counts!

As for the test ride, unlike cars, a lot of bike shops don't allow it. Can you imagine, new riders who maybe JUST got their M endorsement?? Most of us are nowhere near good riders and the shops know this, lol! I took and passed the MSF to get my license, but even after that I did not feel confident test-riding a scooter that I was considering purchasing. Thankfully my much-more-experienced-than-me boyfriend test-rode both my scooters for me prior to buying them (both were private sales, not dealers). Heck, I've logged over 1500 miles so far this year and I'm still too nervous to ride anyone else's scooter but my own.

Yes, DO SIT one before buying. Test rides do not happen with motorcycles or scooters around here.
Read the reviews of the scooter (www.Justgotascooter.com is a great one)
Make your selection after sitting them.
If you choose correctly - you'll have very few dealings with any dealer afterwards, regardless. You won't need to.
O.S.

Those chat or text or email windows on the dealer websites never seem to elicit much meaningful conversation. Best to call or go in and talk live to a knowledgeable salesperson who can get to know you and help assess your needs. And that’s also the best way to wheedle your way into a test ride - hard to come by in the best of dealerships, unfortunately. Shopping is half the fun! Don’t get discouraged!!

I bet this seller might let you test drive it. It'll cost a lot less than a dealer.

https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/mcy/d/eden-prairie-genuine-buddy-50-scooter/7349648426.html

Great feedback! Thank you, all! I hadn't thought of much of this stuff. Finding a place to rent to begin with sounds like the best starting point. I can appreciate a dealer wouldn't want a newbie messing around with their new inventory....

You guys are the best!

Yep, Scooterville are good guys. You should visit them in person, preferably on a weekday when they're not so busy. I'm sure they'll be happy to help you choose a scooter. If they don't let you test ride one, It may be that they don't have a "demo" Buddy 50 on hand at this time, and any they have in the store may already be sold. This seller may let you test ride, but they probably want to hold your cash while you do.

Looking back years ago I was asking similar questions. I asked why the price difference between Vespas and the rest. Some of you may remember. Lots of good advice for the noob.

I kid you not, I simply SAT on a Vespa at the dealer and thought, "Oooohhh ... that's the difference." It was noticeable without even riding it.

But yeah. Used ones are ok if you like inheriting someone else's problems and you're not afraid to use tools. It's for sale for a reason.

If you are reasonably sure you want to buy one, find a dealer that sells Lance or Genuine or one of the more reputable lower end scoots. I know, that sounds like a contradiction, but they've come a long way in the last ten years. The good thing about a dealer is they usually do a PDI, they come with some sort of warranty (mine was two years 3k miles) and it's a place you can ask questions and they'll usually work on them.

Happy hunting.

When I bought my first BV350, I'd passed the MSF course on Sunday, went to the DMV on Monday go get the M endorsement, and went to the scooter shop on Tuesday on my lunch break, where they let me test ride three scooters (two 250cc Vespas, and the BV350). When I got back from the first test ride, the sales guy asked what took me so long. I told him that until that ride, I hadn't gone over 15mph on a scooter.

Welcome from Bloomington! I'd be happy to talk scooters with you if you want to send me a PM.

I'm glad you brought those things up, Seamus. I live in a Senior Apartment Complex where we are forbidden to work on our cars, etc., so I've already decided that I'm going to have to bite the bullet and buy new for the sheer convenience. Time to admit my days of actual wrenching have come to an end, sad to say.....

I'm in Chanhassen, Tor2ga! I'd appreciate the local advice more than I can say! Google is not being my friend as far as local information goes. All I can get is stuff about those goofy rental scooters that you stand on, in downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul....

I totally disagree on this one, at least about inheriting someone else's problems. Of the two scoots I bought on FB, neither of them needed a single thing, they were exactly as advertised. My Vespa was sold because its original owner owned a nice beachfront condo and needed his limited storage space much more than he wanted the Vespa; he had all of the maintenance records and there was not a single problem with the scooter.

I think "little use and lack of space" is a really common reason that many scooters go up for sale. If you are a savvy shopper, know how to "read" a buyer, and if you either have some mechanical know-how OR can bring someone along who has a good eye for issues, you can easily find decent scooters from private sellers. In my little "club" of scooter-riding friends, we have bought 9 scooters over the past 15 months between the four of us, only one was new from a dealer, all the rest were off FB, and none of them were lemons. You just have to know how to shop.

Welcome in MV from Latina, central Italy.

Hello Duchess, as a pretty new Vespa driver (think bucket list) I think that you should really take the good advice of those that are advising you to buy a used scooter first. I found a great Kijiji deal for an used GTS and I’m glad that I did. The cost of repairing any dings and scratches that could happen the first time it tips over is shocking- believe me i know how easy it is to tip it. It’s something that you don’t have to worry about if you buy used. I totally understand the lure of buying shiny and new but maybe save that for your next scooter. After you have some experience under your belt. Good luck and have fun.

That one looks like it's in excellent condition, but it's seven or eight years old (2014). I'd try to get $200 knocked off the asking price, just because of its age.

so we can all comment on our experiences. I took my motorcycle class in 2012, my first time driving a two wheeler. Decided to look into a Vespa and spent a lot of time online and fell in love with it. I lived in Chicago at the time and there were two dealers that were convenient for me and both had good reviews. They both allowed me to take the scooters out for a test drive. The first place I checked out was in Lake Geneva, WI and it was in a remote area so very comfortable for a test ride as I was the only one on the road. I rode a 50, 150, and 300 and decided on the 300. I eventually bought from a place in Chicago and while they would have let me take a test ride that was in real traffic and I had already ridden them so I declined. I did buy the 300 and have been riding it since and love it. But that was a number of years ago and not sure if places will allow a test ride now, but likely some would, worth looking around

Hi Duchess. Welcome from the Twin Cities. I have 2 scooters, both bought new from Vespa Dealers (one from Scooterville). I can’t speak for them, but my experience is that they are pretty busy right now. As far as electronic communication go it’s hit or miss. Very friendly though if you go into the shop, and easy to ask questions and get some good recommendations. They have a number of brands in stock so you can go in and see/sit on the models. Ive also had service work done there and thought they were reasonably priced. Good luck in your decision.

Scooterville are good people. They've been very supportive of the scooter community and I've gotten friendly service face to face.
I've had some bad experiences in their service department but that was many years ago and likely many technicians ago.
As was stated; visit them and give them a shot.

I agree with cnvh on this. I'm buying a truck in the next month or so, and I know that I'll most likely stop riding the scooter as much as I have been. If it sits without being ridden for too long, I'll consider selling it. There's absolutely nothing wrong with it. I'll be selling it to have others put it to the use it was intended.

Another one here who would highly advise looking for a used (but relatively new <5yr old) scooter. I bought my first Vespa (GT200) used and it was a fantastic experience. Sold it a few years later with no issues. My current BV350 was also purchased used (1yr old with under 2k on the clock) and it has been great as well. You can save a lot of money. Another big shout out for Genuine as well. I had a Blur 220i (that one was purchased new) for years. Great products. I would also recommend a 125cc minimum as you will find the 50cc lacking unless you are just driving in a parking lot.

All good points. If you are buying a second hand Vespa from the original owner, you know they paid up for it and took care of it. You are much more likely to have success with your used vehicle purchase than you would a five year old Tao Tao or something.

We have four bikes ... two of them are used. One was fantastic. It was a used Aprilia with 600 miles purchased out of the original owner's garage. No issues.

The other is the Stella. I bought it essentially from the original owner. Low miles, but rough. It's been a lot of work to make it a good bike.

So, if you know what you are looking at, you can find very good used bikes. Still, any used vehicle is only as good as the previous owner's maintenance.

We purchased our's second hand for a reasonable price and haven't had any issues. Buying used helps save some cash to deal with known issues or customize. I can't say it removes any of the stress around drops and scratches but at least you didn't pay top dollar.

A good set of crash bars will save you from most of the "oops" damage woes. Don't ask me how I know.

Buy used.

On the test ride front, if you were selling a car worth $7,000, would you allow an unlicensed, uninsured person to drive off in it all alone for a test drive?

I have no experience buying a used scooter as I have only bought the one I have and bought it new, but I did buy it towards the end of the year when the new scooters had come out and the dealer wanted to get the one I bought off his lot and it was just what I wanted so I did get a better deal as they don't deal much on Vespas. But I have bought many used cars, in fact most of the cars I have purchased are used, and you can often get a gently used vehicle and save a bunch. I have always bought them from dealers and certified as I do not think I know enough about the vehicles to check them out properly and from the dealer you do get an extended warranty. But the used scooter makes sense and I think you should be able to find a nice one as I do think many people buy these and use them a short time and then sell them. Best of luck, you will certainly enjoy riding one as they are just a ton of fun. Be happy and be safe

I agree with all of you about buying slightly loved merchandise. My last several cars have all been a few years old and I'd never buy a new one! Just to clarify, what I'm looking at is buying a new $2500 scooter, not a new $8000 Vespa, full decked out. I live in a Senior Apartment, which in the lease rules states that we are not allowed to work on cars, etc. So even basic maintenance is forbidden, and some of the old biddies who are my neighbors, and have nothing else to do, have been known to raise a real stink even about things as small as putting in new windshield washer fluid. My days of wrenching are over, which is sad, but which I've accepted. So buying new from a dealer, is what I think is the best for me. Virtually nothing to be done, and if there is something, I can bring it somewhere for someone else to work on. All of you will eventually get to this point in your lives, believe it or not!!!

When I've purchased high-end bicycles, they've allowed me to test-ride them around the parking lot to see how I liked the feel. That's what I meant about a test drive, not that I'd be taking the scooter even around the block.

While I've never owned a scooter or motorcycle, I've had close friends and family who have, so I understand that unexpected conditions can trip you up and down you'll go! I love the idea of crash bars! Even with some dings and scratches, it looks like I'd be able to resell at close to what I pay for a new one should I decide this is not for me, but crash bars are cheap insurance!

I appreciate everyone's comments and feedback! You have given me much to think about, and viewpoints I hadn't considered. Thank you all again!

You really shouldn’t have to do any more maintenance on a newish used scooter than a new one. An oil change now and then… The more I think about this one, the more I think it could be a good deal for you. It’s in almost new condition, though it probably could use an oil change and new tires. You could have that done at Scooterville. And as was stated above, the seller may be willing to let you test drive it.

Exactly! No matter if new or slightly used, there will still be routine maintenance which will be done at the local dealer. Tires, oil changes etc. If you buy a 2yr old bike with 500 miles on it you could do an oil change if desired or just ride as you would with a brand new one. The only difference is you save a lot of coin. I paid 3,900 for my 2017 BV350 in 2018. A new 2018 would have cost me over 6k after all the fees.

Thanks again for that tip! The 2022 model I'm looking at is $2250. I know there's negotiating room on this one, and will be extra fees (dealer prep, sales tax/license, etc.) on a new one, but for me the extra $550 is worth getting a brand new one instead of a seven-year old one. I've got quite a bit of experience with campers, motorized and non, and for those, low mileage isn't always a good thing as the engine needs to be taken out and "exercised" to keep it in tip-top shape. There's that sweet spot between too few miles and too many miles. But this shows you what our local market is like for used scoots!!

I paid $4k for my 2016 GTV300 with 492 miles on it, w/ added rear rack, front rack, and matching topcase. List price for the GTV minus those accessories was $7,499, plus prep fees, tax, etc., so probably close to $9k total. I will happily save over 50% buying used, lol!

You sound like you know what you’re doing. Life is short. Go for it and enjoy!

(Maybe give the old biddies a ride and show ‘em what they’re missing - or at least give ‘em something to talk about )