Modern Vespa

Quick question to all California MP3 owners?

Just got my vehicle registration and License plate from the DMV for my new MP3-250..

On the registration document it says the vehicle is an Vespa NOT a Piaggio? and the model just says 'MS', Does anyone know if this is this correct or did the dealer put the wrong details on the paperwork when they sent off the registration details.

I'm sure its going to be a devil to change if this is wrong.

TJ

Hey TJ,
Vespa is Piaggio is Vespa. But I feel you.
Just thinking out loud here, it may be a 250 thing, Engine CC's etc.
These things came out so quick, my insurance company is calling mine "Other"
I can't wait to see the other posts from CA 250 owners.
My temp reg says Piaggio, My Vin plate says Piaggio.
What does your vin# start with (major identifier) mine starts: ZAPM610X....
On a positive note, considering your 250 a low CC Vespa scooter should be cheaper/easier to insure/register etc (some owners in diff states have posted it here)


Ciao 8)

Hey, John,

Thanks for the reply

My insurance is with Geico, they have everything correct on the documents, 'Piaggio MP3-250' etc. Plus they were the cheapest. I guess this is due to the fact they have the full details on file for the MP3. Other insurance companies I tried were 3-4 time higher than Geico. Probably because they had no idea what an MP3 was other than some electronic gadget that plays music.. (Pretty high insurance quote though for an MP3 player..)

But I digress.
The DMV document has the following details:-

Body Type Model = MS
Yr Model: = 2008
Cycls: = 00 (Interesting, No cylinders)
Class: = BQ
Type Veh: = 210
UnladenGCGW: 0000 (Also interesting very light these MP#'s)

The Vin Number starts with: ZAPM479Mxxxxxxxxxx

Very interesting.

I found a VIN Page:

http://www.vinguard.org/vin.htm

You will note, in the List of common WMIs (World Manufacturer Identifier)

ZAP is for Piaggio Vespa (both)

Is there a choice at DMV, for Vespa or Piaggio?

I would believe it is the computer data, current or not.

The DMV agent is not inventing your MP3. She types in VIN# and the data bank searches for vehicles registered in the United States Vin# database.

But, she might have typo'd like anyone.

Very good discussion thread TJ

My California registration shows
Make = Piagg
Body Type Model = MC
Yr Model = 2007
Cyls. = 00
Class = BP
Type Veh = 210
Unladen/G/GCW = 00000

It also shows Eng No 2163 just below the date issued block.
The Vin also starts ZAPM479M Which if you look at the workshop manual is the model number from piaggio I believe.

I'm betting the Make listed on the form is due mostly to what the dealer sent into the DMV, mine called it a Piaggio and yours said Vespa. Just a guess though.

Good Point Zinfan!

TJ, do you still have the temp reg from dealer?

Mine was taped inside boot (storage).

Look at that and see what dealer called it.

Whoever typed it up. may have sold more Vespa's.

If not, no sweat but...

Call dealer, contact DMV. http://www.dmv.ca.gov/online/email/esw_vr.html

The Dealer did list it as a Vespa and when I queried it with them, I was told it was because their system would not allow them to enter Piaggio. (not sure if this was their system or the DMV system), anyway they assured me that the DMV would go by the VIN number and not the name on the registration form, obviously not the case.

My concern is will I have a problem later on if I sell the bike and the new owner tries to register it with the DMV and the paper work doesn't match. Or indeed with your friendly Traffic Cop if he deduces the description on the 'Registration Document' does not match the bike.

Suppose I could talk to the DMV... I hate waiting in line at the DMV.


TJ

The VIN number is the unique identifier for any licensed vehicle. Color of vehicles change all the time but the color is on the same forms, usually. There is no issue as far as the name goes.