Modern Vespa

20 year Vespa rider here jumped online over the weekend to help my son look for a scooter. Thought a 150 would work well for him - just starting out. Only condition was it couldn't be black (they're too hard to see).

Vespa Australia has a range of one. A bronze coloured Sprint 150. Plenty of colour options in the Primavera range, but they only do 50cc here (aside from the special gold 75th edition).

Looks like he'll buy a Kymco 150 instead. With similar features but almost half the price of the Sprint it's difficult to argue against.

Get him a hi-viz riding jacket.

The lack of ABS on the rear means you aren't getting any new 150s in.

Were you hoping for an argument?

due to this you may want to consider a 2nd hand (or a 300). or accept the one or two available as current stock

PS the honda 'postie' bikes are also affected

Do you get the GTS in 125 form, or is your only GTS the 300?

yes

https://www.vespa.com/au_EN/models/gts-super/gts-super-150-4s4v-2023/

Have you considered a Piaggio Medley 150? Same motor as the Vespas, dual ABS and bigger wheels make it a great ride.

And a bright coloured helmet.

Black is one of the most recognisable colours during the day. Silver gets lost in the rain, and green can blend in with surroundings.

Black IS obviously more difficult to see at night, but the modern Vespas have extremely bright LED running lights, and an LED headlight, and an LED rear light. These lights cannot be deactivated, they are permanently on day or night and mean that your son will be instantly visible. It's surprising how bright these lights are.

Yes I hadn't realised that was the cause - explains why Honda PCX150s have also disappeared. Vespa offers the GTS150 as someone mentioned - which the local Vespa dealer mentioned wasn't very popular. Everyone wants a 300.

He bought a Yamaha NMAX yesterday. He liked the look of the GTS but the Yamaha is $4000 cheaper here, so it's kinda no contest.

It's preventing us from getting some good scooters here. I wanted to get the Aprilia SR GT 200 but only front ABS means we don't get it. I tried the 125 which has no ABS but has linked brakes which I really didn't like the feel of. Went with the Medley 150 in the end which I'm happy enough with. Got to say that the dual ABS does give a little extra confidence.