Modern Vespa

I purchased my Primavera 150 from Scooterville last October. I test rode both the 150 I purchased as well as a 300. They checked my license before my rides and verified that I had a motorcycle endorsement. I had no probems with Scooterville during the purchase process or with my initial service check.

At that level of scooter that's EXACTLY what I meant. Good on you for going through a dealer. The lower priced bikes are not often cared for as well as a Vespa or a Piaggio.

I absolutely didn't mean to dissuade anyone from purchasing a used bike, but I've seen a lot of examples of what people do or don't do when their initial investment isn't significant.

It's the difference between buying a five year old BMW and a five year old Fiesta. As a first time buyer, if you buy from a dealer, you get a bike that's inspected, has a warranty and then when you decide you really like riding you pay up for a really good bike later.

That's still my plan ...

Exactly what I was thinking, seamus26! See if I like it (which I'm pretty sure I will, but start out slow), then after I've put some miles on, I'll have a better idea of what is really important to me and can put out some serious coin.

At that point, I'll also have gained enough knowledge to be able to look at a used one with experienced eyes. I've been in the vintage camper hobby many years, so can do an inspection and know a good deal from crap, but know absolutely nothing about scooters so am ripe to get ripped off.

From the looks of the local market, scooters appear to really hold their value. So, if I decide this isn't for me, I can sell without much of a loss and can scratch this off my Bucket List! At best, I've got a new hobby with the possibility of making a bunch of new friends! Win-Win!

Can I tell you how much I love your bottom graphic? MST3K started out in Minneapolis, where I live. And has a real Minnesota sense of humor.

You really did come to the right place for advice. There is more scooter knowledge on this site than anywhere else. There has also been advice that was less than helpful. There were naysayers that said my ZNEN would never last as long as it has, but it did.

If you are at all mechanically inclined, you shouldn’t fear a used bike. I come from a VW background, so oil changes, carburetors, valve adjustments and generally getting my hands dirty didn’t scare me. But I’d hate to see a first time buyer scared off when their used bike doesn’t start and it’s a simple fix, but they’re stuck.

I have no idea what your background is, but starting new has advantages, as you’ve already seen. Just remember, it’s not an addiction and you can stop any time. That’s what I tell my wife, anyway.

The most important decision is still left to make.




What color?

i know its more than the 2500 you were looking at spending but if you are wanting a lower maintenance scooter the genuine buddy 125 kick is fuel injected.

i have a regular buddy 125(carbed) and it is a great scooter. i dont ride it much anymore due to buying a used 2010 gts 300 that i ride to work daily but i still make sure to start and ride it once a week so it doesn't sit. its got a cupholder that my vespa lacks so its great for a run to get a burrito and horchata at my favorite taco shop