Modern Vespa

Your motivation isn't going to come from this forum. If you can't convince yourself, there's your answer.

Besides, I bet you'll be coming back around in 6 months with some "I'm surprised that something that had such a premium doesn't do XYZ" comment. Buy something reliable that doesn't push your "it's too expensive" button, and its reliability and cost effectiveness will make you smile a ton. When something finally does crap out on it (as all mechanical things do), you'll be much less likely to blame the machine for being a machine.

It seems you know what you want, but needed to hear more facts to justify the added expense. I have been in the same position. Here's another point: Vespas, with their construction, can carry more of a load. I am a big person, so that was important to me. The Buddy is too small for me and I would come a little too close to maximum load for comfort. The vespa fits well and can carry myself and whatever I need to carry. The fit and finish truly are superior as well.

I dunno, maybe I just meet all the other types of people. Because I'm always being asked about:
1} What's the gas mileage?
2} How fast does it go?
3} How much did it cost?
4} isn't it dangerous?
5} How long have you had it? (Or, how long have you been riding?)
6} And, do you need a motorcycle license to ride it?

Most all of the people I meet who are curious about my scooters have NEVER asked me if one was a "Vespa" or not!! In fact one friendly MC riding policeman just recently asked me in a gas station (about my Buddy), "What's the name of the scooter? Who makes it?"

Here in the USA I think it's just us scooter types who are so brand-name conscious, y'know? Most other people are just interested in that it's a scooter, and want to chat about that...! Because, really, I get almost the exact same types of questions and responses from non-riders regardless of whether I'm on my Vespa or my Buddy...
Maybe someday when USA'ers are more aware of scooters I might get those Vespa type questions, but it really doesn't happen now, AFAIC..!

They ride differently... My Buddy darts about like a beserk little sparrow, zipping here and there, finding impossible places to ride and park. I prefer it for short distances riding, and sometimes for when I'm zooming around with a scooter mob or club.

The GT200, OTOH, cruises around the way a hawk circles in the air; smoothly, comfortably and quickly... I prefer it's stability and power for any longer distance riding, and definitely also for when I'm riding with my motorcycle buddies. 8)

Having both of them IMO is really the best of both kinds of scootering, and that's why I pay the *&%^#*$ double insurance and registration bills!

This thread has really reinforced my decision to get a Vespa, Thanx.

Coke/Pepsi vs. store brand cola?

My girlfriend bought an LX150 and I drove it for a year,
Then she wanted to drive it to work, So I needed a scooter.
I bought a Derbi Blvd 150 and have had it ever since.

It has the same engine as the LX150 but is tuned differently,
Her top speed is 95 k/ph whereas mine is 120 k/ph

If only Piaggio would start importing the Derbi Blvd again,
So many people would be extremely happy.

Dave

When I bought my GTS 250 I never looked at or considered anything other than a Vespa. It's so much fun that now I wonder why I waited so long.

1. Northern Arizona Red Table Wine
2. North Carolina Merlot
3. Napa California Cabernet
4. Boone's Farm pink

If you love Vespas, and I do believe most people here do so, then there is no substitute.

My recent purchase of an LX 150 was supposedly because of "rising gas prices", but in reality, I've lusted, dreamt and coveted a Vespa for years and years.

It's an icon and a statement. It's a lifestyle and an expression.

You have to feel it to live it.

I just finished the book, "Scooters: red eyes, whitetails, and blue smoke"
by Shattuck. I strongly advise you to buy and read it, before you make your choice.
That being said, I love my GTS. the "Fun Factor" is +10

My goal was to come back from Italy with the wife and feel like we were still there. We rented them and had the time of our lives. We would not have bought a scooter if it were not for Vespa. No other brand will do for us.

Vespa also holds real value while other scooters lose 20% just by riding it home.If your buying a scooter for gas savings just by any scooter but if you want something that you can live with for years and is made of steel unlike other plastic scooters then a vespa is for you

Vespas are transportation and lifestyle...all other other scoots are transportation. Nothing wrong with going just for the transportation...but clearly the MV folks live the life too.

Amen!

I stand corrected..........see MJ's post below she has a very valid point

godoggo ~

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I posted this in another thread, so I will plagiarize myself:

Vespa is the Rolex of scooters. People who own Timex watches don't understand the cost of a Rolex, but Rolex owners do.

all scooters/bikes are lifestyle choices set far apart from cars and trucks. If you're not committed, if you think you might ride it for a while and then give up (the SUV is too convenient in the weather, for picking up groceries, not having to wear a helmet, whatever) then it's best to go with a lesser brand.

But if you are committed to the lifestyle, where you don't give a hoot about helmet hair, don't shop at bulk stores, like parking just about anywhere, then a Vespa is a consideration.

My local Costco has a dedicated motorcycle parking area right across from the entrance. I once saw a women put her car into it while she was waiting for someone. I told the security guard and he walked right over and chewed her out.

Having owned a Yamaha Vino 125, I assure you that the Vespa is worth every penny...not to mention the wonderful Vespa community experience.

If you don't think a Vespa is worth the $$$, go buy a Tank, Lance, Roketa, etc. You know, the mainland Chinese scooters. You can buy at least 3 of those compared to a Vespa.

Things to remember when buying
1. Quality/Stability-How does the scooter handle? Is it put together (fit and finish) well. Reputation of the manufacturer.
2. How long has the manufacturer been around.
3. Location of dealer.
4. Warranty

I disagree 100% with this statement. Just because you ride a Vespa doesn't mean that you are more serious about scooting than people who don't ride Vespas.

...um, even modern Vespas have many plastic parts on them. If you want something w/o plastic, don't buy a modern Vespa, or any modern scooter for that matter.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond....thanks for all the information and guidance. I'm looking for the best experience in scooting and just wanted to get the insight of the professionals here who know much more and have so much more experience than I do. Joining the Vespa family for me is not about trying to save a few bucks at the gas pump...it's about joining a proud tradition and being part of a community. Thanks again for your help!

You sound like you have already made up your mind. What model are you considering?

I read about 10 entries and didn't see anyone say anything about the warranties. I have 3 years, bumper to bumper (someone correct me if I'm a newb) but that was one of the selling factors for me.

That and some of the security features. At least they convinced me they were security features.

Indeed, the security features of Vespa are excellent. But like anything, theft-proof (by definition) is entirely dependent on the skill and determination of the thief. I'm not at all familiar with what other brands offer as deterrents, but I do know the desirability of the Vespa brand makes them more prone to thievery, thereby requiring better protection.

Warranty seems to be a big selling feature for many. Again it's only as good as the dealer who will honour it. Apparently the when the cast center-stand snaps, I would have had to still pay for the labour to install it for the part to be covered. Same with the defective GTS exhaust coller thingy. Cheaper to just buy the parts and do the labour myself.

Some things are unquantifiable and just must be experienced.

For the most part, a person who will see the value in an Apple Computer will see the value in a Vespa.

Don't know about that.

Paid $7,400.00 for my GT in 2006.

Looked to trade for a GTS in 2007, and was offered $4500.00.

Tried to sell it on the market, best offer, $4700.00.

Tried to sell it again this spring, best offer, $4,000.00.

If that is holding good value, I'd hate to see what bad value would be.

I think Vespa's are like most things that people buy, you always try to put a good face on because YOU bought it and have to try and show your friends that you didn't get diddled.

They are great machines, but ...........

Isn't that called "Snob Appeal"????

If you compare that to most 4-wheelers, that's a pretty good trade in value - especially esoteric, special interest cars. While I wouldn't say that most people keep their vehicles (whether they're cars or scooters) as long as I do, it is accepted that most depreciation comes during the first 3 years of ownership; after that it starts tapering off enough so that by the time it is 6 or 7 years the value differences for year-to-year are very small. My experience with cars is that after 8 years it starts getting hard to find parts that are specific to a particular model, so I usually get rid of them after about 10 years.

I pretty sure I never used the word "serious"...scooting, to me, is anything but serious...

Just found out about a 2006 GT 200 with 2800 miles and a few scratches and dings for $5,000...is that a good deal....dang, I wish I knew more about this stuff...Thanks for your help!!

When then perhaps I don't understand what you mean by "all other scoots are transportation," whereas Modern Vespa riders "live the life too."

Can you elaborate? Because clearly I don't ride a Vespa (I do have an appreciation for them, as well as Lambretta, Heinkel, et cetera) but I don't use my scooter solely for transportation. I've been on serious 1,000 mile rides, have attended rallies in other states, take great care to be involved in the scooter community by donating merchandise, buying swag and supporting other riders. I usually buy from my local scooter shops and have done this with nobody leading me along the way. I'm extremely involved <i>without</i> a Vespa.

I'm not trying to be difficult, but I still don't agree with your original statement. What is this "lifestyle" you refer to that only "modern Vespa" riders adhere to?

That would be a good warranty except.......................there aren't bumpers on a Vespa!

MJ: I won't be difficult at all. It's apparent though by this forum that many Vespa riders know exactly what I mean. Sorry though if I offended your sensibilities. Maybe I should have just answered the original post: Yes, Vespas are worth the extra $$$. Happy scooting!

Ahem.... SURELY you meant Coca-Cola vs. Pepsi/store brand cola?

One cannot lump the blue-labeled, sugary nastiness in with the wholesome goodness of Atlanta, Georgia's finest...

You seem to be implying that since I'm not a Vespa rider I simply just don't understand what you mean, but that many Vespa riders in this forum do. Unfortunately in your last two responses you have failed to answer my question and I have yet to see any of these "Vespa" riders that you mention, chime in and answer it for you. So perhaps I'm not the only one that doesn't understand what you mean...

I'll leave it at that, but would like to leave the discussion open to anybody who would like to shed some light on this mysterious "lifestyle" that modern Vespa riders have and all other scooters seem to be lacking. As far as demographics are concerned, I see a lot of people who ride modern Vespas with disposable income, multiple modern Vespas, 2 cars, own houses, paying their kid's student loans, don't do a lot of their own wrenching, new to riding in general...is that what you mean by "lifestyle?" I'm being completely serious here...

Mj, I think it has something to do with this:

https://modernvespa.com/forum/topic7040



Brendan