Modern Vespa

I've been a lurker here for a while, and never really had a need to register, but I've decided to plunge into my first REAL scooter, and decided on the 2009 LX 150, dragon red. BEAUTIFUL scoot. I'm 18 years old, and I owned an old 50 cc Chinese scooter when I was 13, and used it strictly for recreation, only throughout my neighborhood at the time (which was fairly large). I've been approved for my loan and whatnot, and all I essentially need to do is run by the dealer Tuesday, sign my contract, and scoot!

I'm excited, as I've been a HUGE scooter enthusiast ever since my first Chinese scoot at age 13. I notice this is a larger step up in speed, as well as weight. Any advice for a newbie to the 150 cc class? Note I haven't even TOUCHED a scooter in about 4 years, seeing as my Chinese scoot crapped out about 6 months after purchase. :/

The first recommendation most of us will give you is to take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course. You'll learn a ton in it, and it will likely save your life in the future. You'll walk out with a paper allowing you to get a motorcycle license very easily, and you can often get discounts on insurance with it, too. You'll be a much safer rider, and enjoy your scooter more. Your Vespa dealer should be able to give you information on contacting local courses.

Also, look into safety gear. Definately get a decent helmet. I would also recommend an armored jacket (they do make some with mesh, so you don't melt on hotter days). And sturdy gloves will more than pay for themselves if you ever fall. Again, your dealer should be able to steer you in the right direction for this stuff.

You'll be much happier with a Vespa than you were with the Chinese scoot that crapped out on you. Vespas are pretty freakin' reliable, and obviously have a lot of history behind them. Welcome to the forum, and have a great time with your new LX! You made a very good choice.

Thanks Witch.

Another question; as far as oil changes and tire replacement and all that good stuff, what kind of cost-of-ownership am I looking at? I don't have the deepest pockets in the world, but at the same time, I want to make sure my Vespa has a long, happy life. Upkeep tips/approximate cost of ownership?

Congratulations on the LX you'll love it. Take the MSF course as Witch has said. When ever i get a new scooter i take it on some roads with out traffic and then out to the old airport to practice my turns. A large empty parking lot will do as well. The LX is a quick nimble scooter. If you go to the wiki section it has the DIY section on oil changes etc. I think you'll find that you will be able to more wrenching than you thought. Have fun and ride safe. Pics when you get it

Congrats!

Another tip on the MSF course... some of them do use scooters/Vespas in the course. Not sure how you can inquire, but never hurt to ask and find out.

I will certainly be taking the MSF course. I have a buddy who took the course and told me it was tell worth it. Anything to increase my safety on the road. One of the main reasons I went with the red Vespa rather than a black or dark blue (which I would prefer for coloring) is to increase my visibility.

Congratulations and welcome to MV! You can check the link below...lot of good advice concerning new MV'er...below the link is what I specifically posted. Gear was covered in posts above.

https://modernvespa.com/forum/topic50032?highlight=

1. Securing your scoot: You've had quite a bit of good advice from posts above. Do your research...in my opinion best bet is to secure your scoot the best way you can in an area that might deter theft. Again secure and location.

2. Riding Skills: If possible take MSF Course in addition Coppper Dolphin made an excellent recommendation and link to view the MSF version for Scooters (see quote below) riding manual...there are riding skill exercises in the back of the manual. Find an open area to practice...away from parked cars and obstacle...use tennis balls cut in half in lieu of cones for outlining riding exercises (riding manual). Copper Dolphin wrote: Did you see the downloadable book here at: https://modernvespa.com/forum/topic3862
That should help you alot.

3. Rent the DVD "Ride Like a Pro", you can rent this from Smartflix. My wife benefitted from this more than taking the MSF course. She passed DMV Motorcycle Licensing Test recently.

4. Key practice drills (my opinion):

Stop and Go drills (this is what you go thru in traffic)...related to this is "how slow can you go", this will help you learn throttle control.

Turns are skills unto itself...just remember don't look down...turn your head and eyes to where you are going...don't just look with your eyes...turn your head! Go slow into tight turns and don't come to complete stop while in a turn...keep you hand off the front brake and if you need to use brake ..."feather" your left (rear brake) and keep throttle control (see Stop and Go drill)

Good Luck and hope this information was beneficial.

Best advice I can give:

When one of your friends asks to drive your scooter, just say "no".

Usually ends badly.

Toreador Pants. All the geara, all the time. I have seen road rash and it is not

something you want.

Paul

Vespas do need regular check-ups, but a lot of it can be done yourself at home (checking the oil, checking the tires, basic stuff). I would recommend the first couple of services (oil changes, adjustments, etc.) be done by your dealer, because they'll be more likely to catch any potential problems at that point. The cost shouldn't be too much, as most of the service points are pretty far apart, mileage-wise. Ask your dealer what they regularly charge for a basic service, as the prices may vary depending on where you go. Just keep to the service schedule in your manual, and you shouldn't have any major problems.

Also ask your dealer if they have a service package or special discount availible for customers who actually buy a bike. Some places are starting to do that now, and while it may seen like a big chunk of change upfront, it will save you a lot in the long run.

The only other real money-factor is accessories. Once you start getting them... ooh, they are not cheap. But they are fun. You have been warned.