Modern Vespa

just wondering if anyone had an opinion on these bikes - I'm looking at a '05 - 125cc Aprilia Atlantic - same engine as my GT125 so i've got the basic service covered - spark plug change may be a bit more hassle and I'm guessing all the parts are your normal Piaggio stuff.
just wanted to know if people had horror stories about dodgy electrics etc.
looks like an ok bike, kinda an X9 with more style.....or should i just bite the bullet and get an X9 ?

sorry, forgot to include an image. this forum loves pics !!

I had the 500. I'd say only buy it if you have lots of flat ground you travel, and no real city riding.

In those conditions it's a great bike.

I'd go for the X9 myself - but then I'm biased. 14" wheels instead of 13", twin discs at the front (the left-hand one part of the combined braking system, very handy), many more dealers around to get hold of parts easily and quickly. More after-market bits available for the X9.

That said, I've not ridden an Atlantic, so can't comment on storage etc. I do know the X9's storage is more than adequate for most courier applications.

To be very honest, I would avoid Aprilia at the moment. Two London dealers have either gone bust or dropped the franchise. (Aprilia Centre in Commercial St and Southern Cross in Kilburn). There are only three relatively central ones. Metropolis in Vauxhall, Harry Nash in Chiswick and Ahsan in Streatham. Others are further afield. That said, my partner has an Aprilia. Getting it serviced to maintain the warranty is a major pain in the butt. Piaggio and Honda are much easier. Have you thought about an SH300? It's as fast as a 500 Piaggio, narrower for London streets, not as much storage as the others though.

If it's out of warranty then no problem, a Piaggio dealer can source stuff.