Modern Vespa

I am in the market for a new or used Vespa. I can't decide between the LX 50 and the 50 S.

Thoughts?

It comes down to personal taste/style. The S does not have the immobilizer that the LX features. I would personally choose the S (Orange) because I like the look of it.

Are you sure you want a 50cc engine? You may outgrow it too soon. There's lots of conversation about it here.

Good luck. It's never easy to decide between vespas!

Think 150cc as a minimum instead - really.

It appears as the OP already owns an ET2, folks... Perhaps he (Joey?) just wants a new 50cc and isn't interested in a 150!

The S50 has the 4-valve head and a bit more oomph, at least the newer ones do. Don't know if they've had it since the model was introduced.

The quattrovalvole head on the S50 is a new(er) addition - 09 or 10 and up, only.

Brushing aside all the old wank that you need at least a 125 to get off the driveway (some of us are quite happy with our 50cc's, despite common wisdom telling us otherwise) I'd go for the S.

My own bias aside, I find the open glovebox of the S very practical - blackberry and smokes go in the one side, and a smallish coffee/cola/water bottle is quite safe on the other. Personally, I find the design a good bit more appealing (all a matter of taste), the sporty seat is, well, sporty (ish) and the trapezoid headlight makes it look a tiny bit less toylike than an LX.

No offence, LX'ers. I like it, but I like mine better. It looks quite a lot like (if you squint and stand 200 yards away) a 50 Special...a good thing

I have 2 S150s in the family so I'm biased towards the S. I think it looks better anyway, the most like a old Vespa. I like many here do agree that a 150 would be better, especially now with so many deals to be had.

Unless you live on Capri, Bermuda, or a similar sized island, don't buy a 50 cc scooter. If they still made two-strokes, I might be more equivocal. In DC, you won't be fast enough even on the local streets.

So -- following your logic -- bicycle riders should abandon the streets unless they live on a small island?

As long as you are aware of its limitations and ride accordingly, a 50 cc scooter is a perfectly valid mode of transport. Just because it doesn't suit you, doesn't mean others won't be perfectly happy with it.

What is "fast enough"? So what?... folks will pass you... big deal...

The OP lives in DC and already owns a 50 cc scooter. I think he probably understands his needs a lot better than you do.

I own an ET2 and get up to the low 40s. This speed is more than enough on city streets.

I am having a hard time finding a used S 50. I looked on craigslist and ebay. My local dealer has none. Where else can I look?

You might check with Vespa Arlington, Vespa Annapolis, and Vespa Baltimore to see if they have any trade-ins.

Already did. Thanks

Does the LX50 actually have an immobilizer? I'm pretty sure it doesn't.

I'd really look for another ET2 if you want another 50. The 4 strokes are slower. I know there's 2 for sale in DC on Craigslist.

I have to agree with you. In May, I got an LX 50. In July, I got an LXV 150 and gave my LX 50 to my husband. On Monday we are selling the LX 50 and getting an S 150.

I have to agree, you may outgrow it soon. Just saying...

Yeah, one of them is mine. I got 2k for a 2003 ET2. Blue Book is well under $1500.

The LX an S's are much heftier machines.

get a 150. you'll outgrow a 50 in no time and wish you had a bigger scoot.

Don't become a target for a car to hit!!!!!
Buy a LX150, it's just $1,000 more then a 50cc.

Have to agree with Dave here. Joey has a 50cc scooter, and apparently has been using it. Give him some credit for being able to make an informed decision.

Al

The 4 valve head also comes on the LX50 now so differences in the two models are little more than personal preferences.

Had the LX50 and loved it; while I did eventually upgrade I entirely enjoyed the 50's super-smoothness, light maneuverabilityand great looks (man, the amount of anti-50 sentiment 'round here is nuts!).

The 4-valve 4T 50 is supposedly closer to 2T performance. If you've ridden an ET2 don't get an older LX50 or S50 - you'll be disappointed with the performance - hold out for a 4-valve to pop up on the market.

The S50 is lighter than the LX50, no? If that is true, you'll also want to consider that for performance purposes, although the looks are different enough that your aesthetic preferences may be more important than subtle vehicle weight differences.

Personally I'd get a 4-valve S

Just curious: why did you switch to a 150 and why do you call it "an upgrade"?

Power.

But that was MY choice; OP, as others have already noted, had already had 50's- therefore, he knows their limits and power - - and since he's asking about 50's, I think we should respect and respond to his original question.

My knowledge of Vespa four stroke 50's is paper thin so forgive my earlier comments. But are they as quick as the OP's two-stroke ET2? I'm also biased because I'm fat and need the extra power. I also see 50 cc owners kitting them to 80 cc's and lots of posters trading from 50 cc scooters to larger ones. I haven't seen any posters saying that 150 is too big and trading for a 50. In my neighborhood there are many 50 cc scooters but they are all being driven by delivery men, none of whom weigh more than 125 lbs. and who can't always keep up with traffic on main throughfares where cars, buses and trucks often exceed the 30 mph posted limit. They are also running their engines full throttle all the time which can't be good for longevity. I have also encountered a few four stroke 50 cc riders on rural roads going too slow for prevailing traffic and it would scare the hell out of me to have a large SUV on my ass with no shoulder to pull over.

Living happily with a 50cc scooter is a mindset issue. It requires a laid-back attitude that the thing will get you there eventually, so sit back, smell the roses, and let the world drift by. It's most decidedly NOT for Type A personalities. And if you are intimidated by 5,000-lb. tailgating monster vehicles, forget it. You need the attitude that will just allow you to ignore them (fuck 'em, let 'em pass if they want to!).

In my 40-odd years of riding small motorbikes and scooters (with a long hiatus in the middle), I never owned a bike larger than 90cc until I bought my LX150 two years ago, although I did "babysit" a Kawasaki 200 for a year for a friend back in the '70s. I understood the limitations of these bikes and exercised common courtesy to get out of the way when the situation dictated.

Some localities make living with a 50 a lot easier than others. They make tons of sense for college campuses, especially in small towns with laid-back business districts and residential areas. They fare far worse in metropolitan areas that have sacrificed all rational urban design sense to the almighty automobile, with the old high-density neighborhoods chopped to pieces by freeways.

As small-displacement-scooter-friendly cities go, Washington, DC, isn't bad. Wise urban planners decided way back in the '60s to give plans for freeways the boot, and the few there are predate that era. You can safely (at least from a traffic standpoint) get anywhere in town quite efficiently without ever needing to leave tree-lined surface streets or exceed 35-40 mph.

DC Metro Police target scooters for tickets. I'm in the military so I get to keep my FL DL. This allows me certain privileges. No registration is needed on 50cc scooters. Scooters that are registered can not park on the sidewalk and get ticketed. I only use the scooter to drive around town. I have had a 50cc for years. I just want an updated model.

I got myself a LXV 150 two summers ago and was very happy. Now am looking to trade it in to get a GTV 250. Need to get on the highway for about 10 minutes and need the extra oommph! If a 50 cc is all you need then get one though the 150 will give you better in and out of street traffic.

Thank for clarifying Joey; now maybe all the 50 bashing will stop & people can answer your original question, yeesh.

Don't hold your breath

the OP has posted that he wants a 50, not a 150, not a 250, not a 1500cc sport bike.

If you don't agree with his descion, then well thats your problem not his.

Yes some people buy 50cc scoots and regret the choice.

I have had mine for just under 3 years. I have had the oppertunity to sell it (for more than what it was worth) and could have bought a 150 or 250 with the money from it...but I didn't why? because I actually enjoy the thrill of riding a 50cc scoot.

For LESS money than a LX50 I could have gone out and bought a 500cc motorcycle off of CL but I didn't want that. I wanted to be forced to take back roads and learn my surroundings.

would it be nice to accelerte up hills...I guess, is it important to me? Not at all. I really don't mind people passing me all pissed off that I'm not riding 50 mph on a suburban back road. It actually makes me chuckle how people are in such a rush.

a 50 makes you slow down in life - literally, and I enjoy that fact. Is it dangerous? yes so I guess you could say us 50cc riders are more hardcore than you guys with that extra pep to get out of the way.

Everyone will buy what makes them happy or what they think will make them happy. Some make the wrong choice, but it is their choice and bashing that choice does not build a strong community.

The number 1 reason I wanted a scooter vs MC was because of the community I found and the friendships built around scooters.

That sir is why I proudly ride an lx50 (both in the city and in the urban areas)

Huzzah!

JOEY i wouldn't have a 150 if i didn't have some mountains roads to get out of here. I used to have a knock off vino look alike 50cc scooter but it's in scooter heaven now. Put 15,000Km on that little scooter. I'm always on the look out for a ET2. I wouldn't get rid of the ET if you don't have to. People say they go faster than the LX series but i've never ridden either so i can't make a solid comment. I get annoyed when people always try and tell others to get a larger CC scooter. Sometimes you don't need it. I sure don't, a 50cc would fit most of my needs but i do need to get the mountain more and am perfectly happy doing it on my 150 rather than a 200-300. Good luck and post some pics when you finally get it.

My 2008 LX50 did not have an imbolizer. I sold it when I purchased a 2009 S150. The power difference is significant, and is helpful with the hills here around Charlottsville. I think I would prefer the power in DC that the 150 offers.

[quote]


++++++++++++++1 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Neither the Vespa LX50 and S50 have the immobilizer for production years 2009, 2010, and 2011.

I rode my first 4 valve Vespa 50 (an LX) the other day and was pleasantly surprised with its speed. Once it warms up, it has reasonably good speed off of the line and better than expected top speed.

I cannot say the same about the 2 valve Vespa LX50, which is a great scooter if you like to take naps while driving.

I would suspect that one of the reasons you are having a tough time finding a used Vespa 50 (especially a 4 valve version) is due to the state of flux in the scooter shops in the mid-atlantic over the past couple of years.

So I found a brand new 2009 S 50 for $2400. A dealer is trying to get ride of there 2009 stock. Should I go for it or try to hold out for a used 2010 S 50?

Guess that's a good price for new model, but too bad you can't find one used on Craigslist, bummer! I found/sold my original scooter via CL - avoid all those lovely dealer fees...that price is pretty much right on with the Blue Book recommendation:

http://www.kbb.com/motorcycle

Best of luck Joey.