Modern Vespa

Every now and then I come back to considering a secondhand 946.

In the UK, they're a 125cc (same as the Primavera / Sprint but obviously a heavier body).

Financially, to swap my 2022 Sprint for one, I'd be looking at a 2013 model and I'd have to put a bit of money towards it.

Just wondering what peoples thoughts are.

Some of the pros I'm not fussed about (rear disc brake and traction control).

Some of the negatives are more of an issue (lack of space for my helmet if I park up and go to the shops), and lack of an easy locking system (I currently have the Vespa lock built into my sprint which attaches to the end of the handlebars).

I love the design of them, and I love that they're special / unique.

Heart keeps saying yes, but head says why are you trying to swap a newer vehicle under warranty for a 10 year old model?

Has anyone ridden both long term?

i'd reallllly want a 946, it looks amazing, but as long as i cant get it in 300, it is off my table!! but if 125 is your right coffe...oh yeah!!

I love the fact that it's air-cooled. One less thing to check / maintain and seems more traditional.

It might be possible to fit the 155cc American market cylinder / piston, and there's also a higher compression Malossi option of around 190cc - which should nudge it closer to GTS300 performance.

But then I don't know if it's crazy to modify a 946! When something is built in limited numbers, it feels like it should be kept standard.

https://www.vespa.com/en_EN/models/946-dragon/

yeah...i want one!!!....when it gets a grown up engine:)

You currently have a 125 cc so there is no issue about wanting more powaaar. Its down to the condition of the 946 bike. I have owned lots of classic bikes ( not scooters) its condition and service / owner history thats most important. Yes its a ten year old bike but if it makes you smile every time you look back at it then go for it.

You will certainly have a limited numbers virtually hand built machine, but remember only you and a few other owners will know the difference👍. Last question would there be any insurance issues eg these things are £12k plus when new. Have you run a quick comparison through a compare insurance enquiry yet? Reason I ask I bought a 125 cc Monkey, my insurer Carol Nash refused to cover. About four out of five insurers declined as they are so easily lifted into a van !

In my own opinion, the 946 is overpriced and underpowered. Swapping a late model Primavera for an older 946 does not sound like a good deal to me - on the other hand, it does highlight just what this question is all about. The 946 is about appearance/image and little else. How important is that to you versus just riding a capable and reliable scooter? Only you can answer that question.

a negative (not saying it's a big issue) is that it's heavier than a primavera/sprint. 147kg vs 120kg

946 is a step down disguised as a step up, and people will pay a premium for that impression.

When did a hand built mostly all metal scooter become a "step down"?

All Vespas are hand built, especially the monocoque frame, after the robots do their part. The 946 as premium as it's considered, it don't justify the hefty price tag for a few more aluminum parts and the underpowered engine…

I guess it does boil down to aesthetics, and I really do love the design of the 946.

Power wise, I'm doing ok at the moment with 125cc, and I've enjoyed pushing the limits of what I can achieve on a 125cc - so far I've taken mine on a cross country trip to Italy and back to England. My licence also only covers me on a 125cc.

The power of the 125cc engine in itself isn't a problem, but I don't know how much of a difference the extra weight will make in terms of acceleration.

I might have to load up the under seat area and a backpack on my sprint, and see if it makes a difference I can feel - or see if I can find a 0-60mph app for my phone and do some back to back runs with the extra weight...

Well you see... This: But also... When weight goes up, but power doesn't go up, power to weight ratio goes down. Hence, step down.

But really, that extra weight will also negatively impact not just acceleration, but braking distance, and handling... so I probably should have said it's a couple steps down, not just one.

That's a bigger issue if you are planning to carry it places.
I would get one, if that's what I wanted. It's a beautiful and very unusual scooter. I would definitely go to 155 or 183ccs, and more than likely 183. One thing I have seen is that Malossi and Polini both make parts for it. Pick one. The people who mix them don't tend to have the same reliability as the ones who pick only one and stick with it.

Never ridden a 946, would be nice to try one.

Having owned a 125cc Sprint, a possible upside of the increased weight could be that mayby 946 feels more planted at higher speeds? I always felt that Sprint was a bit light footed when riding 'fast'...whereas this very same thing was nice when zipping around at lower speeds.

In any case, I'd think getting a 946 cannot be justified with any rational terms. Either you'll love the looks enough to get one or don't.

Braking might be offset by having a rear disc brake over the rear drum?

Weight is higher, but wheelbase is longer and the steering geometry is different, as is the rear shock layout (fully horizontal) - so I am expecting different handling, but there's not as many reviews about.

This is pretty much the only handling comment I've found on them, that specifically references other Vespas: In the UK (and I think mainland Europe) they're only 125cc, so it's probably worth going all out with a 183cc if I did change the cylinder. Thanks for the advice on sticking with a "system" and not mixing and matching. I am curious about this! It's tricky as they're rarely for sale, so I don't think I'd get a chance to ride one before making my mind up. I would likely have to buy one unseen and have it delivered.

Good post ^

Sounds like you get some upgraded suspension components with it.

Then again, with the money saved on the normal Primavera, you could upgrade your suspension and still laugh all the way to the bank, tipping the doorman a hundred on your way in.

I'm not opposed to people buying overpriced motorcycles because of a certain premium appeal... I've had over a decade of owning Harley-Davidsons so I'm definitely guilty of that People should get whatever makes them happiest. Just calling a spade a spade.

I really don't think I'd ever consider a brand new one, but there's a 2013 model for sale that's advertised as pretty much half off the brand new RRP. Ultimately, I'm thinking it might be a straight swap, or a swap where I pay a negligible amount of money.

So finances don't come into it so much. It's mostly about swapping something less than 2 years old and under warranty for a vehicle 10 years old and without a warranty.