Modern Vespa

I know the engines in both of these scooters are the same, but will someone explain why the LX is so much more expensive? Is it just the metal frame vs a plastic frame? Is the build quality superior on the Vespa? I know with extra charges, it would probably cost me $5,000 out the door for the LX150, and about $4,000 for the fly. Now for me, 5k may be out of my price range, but I would appreciate your opinions. Thanks

It's primarily the steel body vs. the steel tubing with plastic panels. The new FLy is also made in China as opposed to Italy. The engine is the same, though!

I'm by far no expert, but I think the price difference breaks down to 60% metal body, 40% the "privilege" of getting the Vespa name (and the styling, which I prefer) on your scoot.

It'll be interesting to see what everyone else thinks...

(Note that I have a Vespa and four of my five scooters have been Vespas)

Well how is the quality control in terms of italian models assembled in China? I want to make a good investment.

I've heard the new Flys are good quality...Piaggio still has quality control over the situation.

I have heard both good and bad things, and am not sure entirely. I would say there are more positive comments than negative. If you find a 2006 or older Fly, it is Italian-made.

I think resale value will be much better on a Vespa, too, if you decide you'd like to upgrade at some point. Something to consider...

Everyone says it, but seriously, I am curious. If an LX costs $1000 more MSRP, are you going to get more than that $1000 back vs the MSRP of the Fly when you resell it?

Both are great scooters, you really can't go wrong with either.
You are the one who has to ride it. So I would go with which style you like best.

No Fly model has a kick-starter (probably not much of a loss), and the Chinese-built Fly has no engine immobilizer.

Probably not. The poster above who suggested that 40% of the differential is in the Vespa name is probably right. Agreed. Very happy with my Chinese-assembled Fly 150, and revel in the fact that there are fewer of these in town than LX 150's. It has bigger wheels too.

I honestly believe the resale value is better on a Vespa, although I have no empirical data to back that up. Seems to me that when someone wants a Vespa their hearts are often set on it and that factor can help with resale. I just don't think Piaggios have the "it" factor that Vespas have. I could be biased...

That said, I absolutely agree, go with what style you like best. Or, if you can only afford the Piaggio, get it. It's still a good scoot.

This Fly sold for a handsome amount...

https://modernvespa.com/forum/topic32268

Yes the vespa lx is pricey....BUT! its the only scoot on the road that has a full steel body,,,,which allows better handling and stablity. rigidity and precision steering! safety and agility! on top of that it is a very stylish bike...if you like the classic retro look then thats the bike to get! i had a look at the piaggio fly and read some reviews....it looks cool too and no one had a bad thing to say about it! funny enough it looks like a cross between an lx and an et4 from the front....but just not as solid looking as the lx all round....ive had my blue midnight lx 2 weeks now and i wouldnt want anything else! if u want a solid classic retro scoot the lx is the one! or the gran turismo which is like a bigger version!

I guess my point is, has anyone ever verified that the resale is better with a Vespa over a similar Piaggio branded scooter, or is this just based on personal opinion or hearsay.

Actually, the Genuine Stella (LML Star) is the only 100% steel scooter

I don't think there's any way to "prove" a Vespa has a higher resale value. It's just a generally held belief by Vespa owners. LOL. Many people have no idea what Piaggio is, but have heard of Vespa. Could help with resale value. Sentimental value probably adds, too.

Perhaps one of the number crunchers on here could do some research on eBay and see...?

We will all be dead when it's proven. There's some 1946-47 Vespas out there still on the road. Even more 50's and 60's models.
How many Fly's do you think we will see on the road in 2050?
The essence of the Vespa lies in it's proven frame.

You can look up resale prices up on Kelly Blue Book.

OK, so I looked them up...

2006 Vespa LX 150:
new retail - $4199
KBB used retail - $2975

2006 Piaggio Fly 150:
new retail - $3399
KBB used retail - $2205

So, it looks like the Fly has the better resale value, since the difference between the new ones is $800 more for the Vespa and the difference for the used ones is $770 more for the Vespa. Fly wins by $30 according to KBB.

Taking into account longevity, etc...who knows?

it looks pretty much to be even.
I recently sold my 2006 Fly for $2400. Of course, she was looking for a Red Fly and there were none available at the dealers.
Last year I sold my Stella Fireball for more than MSRP.
So you are right, you never know!.
I just wanted to give correct information when people here and on my site do ask. Thanks for the research!

Looks pretty close to me too. Another way to look at the numbers -
The Vespa lost 29% of its new value in 2 years (usually called depreciation). The Fly lost 35% of its new value. Small advantage Vespa if you want to see it that way.

Perhaps not as many Flies as Vespas, but then there wouldn't have been as many built, I'd guess. One thing is certain, though, the Fly would be impervious to rust in areas where the Vespa would not, so I would, in 42 years, be more inclined to trust the structural integrity of the Fly.