Modern Vespa

All,

Since the first release of the 300 has had these well documented quality control issues I am looking towards the next model year. So, the question is is that model year 2010 or 2011? What were the brand new 300s labeled? 2009s or 2010s?

I'm also interested in the 4 stroke Stellas, but for the same *potential* quality control issues I think I'll wait until the second model year releases.

Thanks.

I bought mine in May, and it is a 2010.

Have a search on the forum - it's been discussed before, but to summarise, the concept of model year doesn't exist on non-American vehicles. Any changes are just made "as and when"...

What "well documented quality control issues" are there for the Vespa 300? I've had mine since last summer and I have not heard about these...

Can you elaborate and site specific articles or examples?

Thanks

Larry

in the case of the stella, why wait? they don't get any better

My 300 is one of the first 2009's, and the only problems I had with it were a defective wiring harness segment that caused the fuel gauge to not work, which was repaired by the dealer under warranty, and the spark plug wire came out of the spark plug cap a week after I got it. Well, those two issues, plus the poor adhesive that was used with the chrome strips on the horncast and the silver emblems on the bike. Other than that, I've had no problems with it whatsoever. The 300 shares most of its design with the 250, and the bugs with them were worked out a long time ago, so it's not exactly a "new" model.

As far as the 4-stroke Stella goes, I'd be curious to try one out and see what it's like before deciding whether to buy one, however there's no question it's a completely different beast. Since that bike has a completely new engine design, I suspect it would be more susceptible to first-model-year bugs. But you're talking apples and oranges, comparing it with the GTS 300. If you like the feel of smaller, vintage scoots, the Stella would be a comparable modern equivalent, but if you want a bigger, modern scoot, then the GTS would be your better bet.

Go with what you like the best, as long as you can afford it - don't put off you scootering joy out of concern for minor little bugs. That's what the warranty is for and if your dealer is any good, they'll take care of those issues quickly, and maybe even lend you a loaner bike while yours is in the shop.