Modern Vespa

Hi all ! About 10 days ago now my scooter got nicked from my car-port, gone not to be seen again.. Insurance will hopefully pay out, 2 week stand down period though.. Today I started the finance process on purchasing a used in good working order a Gilera :2 stroke: 2003 180cc yellow + Black scooter with 20 000 Km on the clock. Any of you folks have any comments on this model , good or bad decision?? Have any of you experienced problems with mentioned machine?? Took for a test ride, goes like a bomb, fast .. Cheers Superfly..

I had an SP125 (many years back) and thoroughly enjoyed it. Mine gave me no problems in the couple of years I owned it and just needed regular servicing so a well looked after SP180 should be similar.

They are very tall scooters , so don't suit people of a shorter leg , but if you've taken it for a test ride already I'm sure you've figured out if you fit or not.

I used to have one (Gilera Runner 180SP) as my main form of transport for 4 years. It was a fantastic scooter then. It went like a missile and was reasonably reliable in the years I had it though the engine, electrics and suspension were all completely knackered when I was finished with it.

The main issues with owning them are whether you're responsible enough to ride it - you'll find what used to be a leisurely commute will now turn into a race - it's impossible to sit at the lights and not be considering racing every vehicle around you. I'd also expect every previous owner would also have ringed the living daylights out of the thing as well. Not sure how many miles the engine will do before it needs major work. Can you get spares parts for the engines now? The local youths will think it's Christmas when you park that in your normal parking spot so you'll need chains and alarm etc.

I still look back on my 180SP as being one of the most fun bikes I've ever had (of any capacity). Not sure if I'd get one with that mileage though.

i believe bill dog used to have one of these as well. it was nicked they are quite attractive to thieves.

They're supposed to be faster than the current VXR200 that replaces the SP180 as well... and probably is a sought-after racing scooter.

They're flyers. Easily beat a GTS 250 in the traffic light drag race.

In the UK, they're very stealable.