Modern Vespa

Ok, so I have had and ET2 for 3 years or so. Love it, but it is way underpowered for our city streets/hills.

I love the classic vespa styling...

My local dealer has a very appealing BV250, which I had not considered before now. It's an '09 with 400 miles on it. Perfect condition. Supposedly the owner brought it 500 miles (trailered) to trade it on a BV500 they had.

They are asking 4k. I'm tempted, it's an amazing ride, but then in comparison to a 50, ANYTHING would be an amazing ride, right?

Is it a good price? Will I really regret not getting the classic vespa styling? Opinions anyone?? I know we all have one!

Hmm....how about a GTS?
You know you want to since you asked ;o)

4K seems a little high? I'm not sure, I've just seen a few GTS250s for less than that. It's not ridiculous though, cheaper than a new 150cc Vespa still.

I too love the Vespa styling, but I had a Piaggio Typhoon and that was a truly fantastic little scooter. I think you would likely come to love your BV dearly.

That being said, you can easily upgrade to a Vespa with larger displacement for even less than that. An ET4, for example, could be obtained for 2500. I've seen GTS under the 4,000 mark as well, as I already mentioned. So if you love Vespas, don't just jump on the first thing you find. If you're willing to pay 4k for a BV with some searching you can put that same 4k to a Vespa as well. But if you just can't wait and the BV floats your boat, it's got features a Vespa does not - larger wheels being one of them.

My vote is exercise a little patience and get the Vespa you say you prefer... they are out there for that price easily. But you can't lose with a BV250 from what I hear if that's the way you choose to go.

So many choices..... so little patience! Unfortunately, we only have 1 dealer nearby and they have limited stock..... Guess I should keep watching and riding.....

If you plan to do a lot of highway / freeway riding I would go with the BV. I love mine, but I'm not thrilled with the styling.

Have you looked on craigslist?

What we need is a TARDIS chameleon circuit on a BV500 that makes it look like a GTS...

No, it's a good idea, but I'm nervous about buying online.. I'm having a hard enough time getting any service.

I LOVE it!! (And I'm pleased I even know what you are talking about!!)

Scootmom,

I went from a 150 S to the BV 250 (actually, I still have the 150 S, but a friend likely will buy it from me).

I can't say enough good things about the BV 250 for general open road riding. A couple of weekends ago I went on a 300 mile single day ride with the local scooter club. From low elevations (300 ft or so) to moderately high (5200 feet plus). Freeway to summer-only mountain twisties. The scoot was perfect. Can't think of anything I don't like about it, except that perhaps it could have more storage. But that is the price you pay for the 16" wheels, which is part of what makes it handle so well those kind of excursions. And a topcase easily solves that problem.

Add to all of that -- the engine now has about 1100 miles on it. I've been getting a steady 80 mpg since new. What a bonus!

So, is $4000 a good price? Maybe. You'll have to decide. I got mine for about list (under $4900, no dealer prep or other add on costs). And I live where there's no sales tax and licensing is very cheap. Plus the dealer gave me a first service for free.

I could have done better about 50 miles away, but I chose to stay local. Some dealers have been selling off stock at near losses, because the scooter market is so soft. My guess is that the BV250 may be a BV300 when it comes out next. But that's just my guess.

My own sense is that you might be able to get the price lower. But consider making it an attractive deal for the dealer. Like throwing in the first service. Or maybe a topcase at dealer cost. In other words, try negotiating on price, and if not price, on some other things that are would cost you more than they will cost the dealer.

I do think you'll like the scoot if you are doing anything beyond around town driving. (For around town, I still prefer the small wheels and weight of the 150).

Good luck!

Thank you! This is exactly the advice I need!!

You're welcome! And good luck. Let us know how it all turns out.

I don't think $4k is a great price but its not bad. If you get it, you'll love the BV250. My dealer loaned me one when they we're doing the 600 miles service on my 500 and I was really impressed with it.

Too bad you're not closer. I've got a like new BV 200 for sale. '04 with less than 1,500 miles on it. Big top case. Leo Vince exhaust.

For only $2,500

AARGGGGG! Wish I were closer too!!