Modern Vespa

I am excited to have become a new member of Modern Vespa. I just purchased a pristine 2005 Antique Green Granturismo 200L with custom ivory white appliques on the fender bulges, front mudgard and shield. It has been exactly 38 years since I owned a scoot, a Vespa 50 that got handed down to me while studying art in Rome (and which was stolen out of the piazza seven months later...).

I will post a picture soon... My first time back in the saddle was a bit clunky, but I regained my chops pretty quickly. I must say, I love the CVT! No chance of stalling in an emergency... and, though I've owned a motorcycle or two in my time, I can't imagine one being half as much fun as riding the little Italian "Wasp"!

First additions were a matching top case and half-size windshield. The outfit will be a Corazzo 5.0 jacket in black with white/red reflective stripes, (on order) and an Arthur Fulmer SS "Maelstrom" helmet in red, black and white. I plan to add LED driving and brake lights to my scoot, and carry a battery tender. BTW, found a six pack fits nicely under the seat!

Welcome to MV!

And yes, pictures please

Welcome to MV and do post some pics. That sounds like a beauty of a scoot.

Hi, Green Hornet! Better throw an ice pack in with that six pack unless you enjoy warm beer!

Welcome! We love pictures. I hope you get as much enjoyment out of your 200 as I have gotten. I love that bike. It is a great scoot!

Welcome GH! Sounds like a fine ride...I look forward to seeing it. What took you so long to get back on a Vespa?

Aloha and welcome to the forum. You'll love the 200 it's the best after the 150 Be careful and shoot us some pics when you get a chance

Yiasas and welcome to MV. Ride that new treasure in good health.

A&A

Make that two bags if you riding very far...

Welcome to MV...I also own a 2005 GT200 and it's been running quite well.

Take care and Ride Safe!

Welcome Green Hornet... I can guess what your scooter theme song is. 8)

Pictures, yes we do love pictures, we're a very visual group. Welcome to MV Green Hornet.

Welcome to MV Green Hornet! Enjoy your new scooter and ride safely!

Welcome! Sounds like a beauty of a bike!

Congrats! Welcome and ride safe.

Welcome and enjoy your ride!

Cheers,

Gianni

Welcome to MV and congrats on your great choice of a scooter. Like everyone else, I'm very anxious to see pictures of your GT.

When I bought my GTS, I knew I'd have it custom painted, and at first, I was thinking of a dual tone green with cream. So, I can hardly wait to see yours.

Awesome to study arts in Rome. Stupid quesiton: how did you like it?

PS: I ended up having mine painted unicolor pastel green (see avatar).

Thanks to all for the warm welcome!

I will post pix of my scoot as soon as time and weather allow.

Meanwhile, to answer the question about studying in Rome...

This was in 1971-72. My school maintained an extension near the Lungotevere (An avenue along the East bank of the Tiber River). Many students ignored the possibility of spending a year in The Eternal City in those days, as art and student life had been greatly politicized by the Kent State shootings (which had effectively brought higher education to a stop for months), and going there seemed a frivolous choice to some. However, those of us who went have never forgotten the wonderful experience of being a student in Italy. I even made a student film featuring my Vespa that I called "Maiali delle Strade" (Street Swine), a take off on "Easy Rider" done on scoots! Some day I hope to post a link to it.

Meanwhile, I have already learned a lot from reading numerous threads on MV, and will NOT carry beer under the seat again!

BTW, found a six pack fits nicely under the seat![/quote]

Yes, the 6 pack under the seat makes me smile every time!

Welcome to MV but you have "borrowed" my GT's name and it's sulking in the garage because of it.

Mind you I bet mine's in better condition so I win.

Bill XX

We can't have that! Go give your scoot a pat on the rump and tell it my username is meant to flatter with imitation! These bikes inspire all kinds of naming games. I have a lot of handles for mine. "Minto Mento" is one of my favorites.

I have to admit that my GT did go through a name change after about 2 months of owning it.
It used to be called Wang Chung for a reason I never fully understood so I changed it to the Green Hornet which seemed more suitable.

Bill X

Congratulations on your new scoot. To say that I am envious of your Roman adventure is an understatement. All told I have spent three weeks in Roma and if I had my druthers, my 300 GTS Super and I would retire there tomorrow.

Ride well, have fun and stay safe!!

Oh.... and while I'm thinking about it, the 300 fits six bottles of premium wine under its seat without issue.

Clean out the pet carrier, pour in the wine, add a little brandy and triple sec, cut up some fruit, e, ecco! Sangria ala Granturismo!