Modern Vespa

Hey everyone- wanted to 1st thank everyone who has given me great feedback as buying a bike is a major purchase for a guy with med school loans. i been quite a pain of late trying to decide what ride I want. I was waffling before between an mp3 and a mana for a while. After I looked more at the mana, I really disliked it just because if i wanted a motorcycle i would get the real deal. the mp3's stability, practicality and storage has won me over.not only that but it kind of resembles my Honda CRV

now, should i spend the extra $1800 or so for the 400 or get the 250 and save my money possibly for an LX or something for my lady later on? Its really just for city commuting as i dont even like driving my car on the highway if i dont have to. im not a speed dude but i do like great pep and burst as some people drive way too slow here in hudson county nj for me. any advice from people who have had both, upgraded etc. I tested the 400 and it seemed to have a load of juice but that was just a 5 minute test ride.i also know the rear tire is better on the 400 and sits slightly higher. so, would i be kicking myself if i went smaller and saved the money? this happen to anyone already? advice? thanks!

If it's just for the city commute, I would say the 250.

I've had the 250, 400 and now 500. Only moved up because I do quite a lot of motorway/freeway miles and the 250 would get me into a little trouble - it doesn't have much grunt around 70mph.

It was lovely around London, though - nice take-off and light enough to be thrown around.

Not wanting to upset any delighted 400 owners here, but if you do want more power, I would advise going straight to the 500. They are the same weight and, unless you really don't like the looks of the 500 or you really must have the extra cubic foot of space, the 500 rides better.

+1 on elementalist's comments. For in the city or occasional highway the 250 is fine. If lots of highway, mountains or travel you'll want more power. MY 400 keeps up with the 500's I ride with fine.

A lot of good buys on used ones have shown up here and on craigs list. 250s for as low as $3,000 and in cherry condition for less than $5,000. 400s and 500s can be found for as low as $5,000. Two days ago KITT was available. I got my 400 with 498 miles for $5,000. It was worth a 600 mile drive to pick it up at that price.