Modern Vespa

Both are pretty iconic designs.

Anyway, I don't know how many people here are into electric guitars, but at the Fender Custom Shop they frequently knock out guitars that have been relic'd - that is to say, made to look like they have been gigged hard for 40 or 50 years, and taken the use and abuse of the stage and touring.

Some people like this, and see it as 'a bit of fun', whilst others take a big issue with it, and say you should play the heck out of a new guitar in order to get it genuinely used.

I'm curious; how many people would buy a Vespa that is 'brand new', but has been aged to look like it's a vintage? I think I would, unless the price was considerably more, for several reasons, not least because:

1) If I fell off/had it knocked over/had someone back into it, they would be adding to its 'charm'

2) You get all the 'charm' of a vintage bike, combined with the reliability and fuel injection of a newer model

What are your thoughts?

Um ... not I! If I want a vintage scoot, I'll buy a vintage scoot. I don't want something that ain't what it appears to be!

In that vein you might be able to pick up some "vintage" Harleys.

A semi tipped over in Columbus yesterday morning with 30 brand new Harleys on it. Trailer broke open and scattered some of 'em on the road.

I like some elements of the older scoots. I love the 60's front fenders that have the graceful curve on them. I would gladly change out my GTS fender for one of them if it would fit--I fear not. And, I have to admit, once my white GTS begins to pick up some cosmetic issues I would like to repaint it one of those metallic light blues and greens that are so "vintage". I am not removing the radiators though...

OTOH, I don't think the average MV could be made to look like a vintage without some serious demolition, and even then, are you talking about a total paint/wear&tear finish? Uggh. I say yuk.

Personally, I think "aged" guitars and other musical instruments are lame. Faded, pre-torn-pre-washed clothing as well. Garbage. IMHO.

A couple times I have gone shopping for new pants, only to find racks of them that are more torn and tattered than the one I am trying to replace! I just chuckle and leave...

I don't want a distressed Vespa, but I would like it if they had at least one vintage color option for each model. I would have bought the "classic" color. I have bought Fender guitars in classic color combinations, but new. I agree that road wear should be earned, not bought.

Didn't Vespa just do that a couple of years ago? PX150E?