Should I buy a Vespa?

[haydukelives]

I am pondering the idea.Just for commuting to and from work and school.
Does anybody know anything about the maker? are they well made or just junk.
Is it true I might get beat up ?
just wondering

[progmom]

1. yes.

and i will live vicariously through you.

[haydukelives]

4. Will you think

that I am a conscious citizen trying to save the world in my own little way, or a pathetic geek too lazy to ride a bike?

[Mr. Flibble]

2. Better ask the princess first!

Princess Vespa:


:D

[FuzzySlippers]

3. Sure.

Then you can go around saying, "Viaggio in Vespa" (I travel by Vespa) and you're certain to get beaten up. :D

[haydukelives]

7. I had better get the model

with the big engine (11 HP) so I can out run any attacker

[MADem]

5. They are workhorses in Italy

Kids, geezers, everyone loves them. Over there, parts are not an issue and I have seen some very old ones still chugging along. They also have a charming style to them.

Problem here in the US is that people are less willing to share the road. Be careful, and wear a helmet....

[Susang]

6. I ride a scooter to work every day

I live in Chicago and ride it about 15 miles round trip every day. I love it and can hardly wait for the weather to get tolerable enough each spring for me to jump on it. I've had mine for almost three years now and had very few problems.

However, I probably wouldn't buy a vintage Vespa unless you know how to work on it and the new ones are horribly over priced. If you want an Italian scooter, check out the Aprilias instead; they are much more reliable. BTW, I ride a Honda. ;-)

Other great scooter choices are Kymco, Honda and the Stella. As a matter of fact, if you want that retro Vespa styling, but in a brand new scooter, I highly suggest checking out the Stella. They are very well made and highly reliable.

You can check them out here:
http://www.genuinescooters.com/

[haydukelives]

8. Where is the Stella made?

I would prefer a European manufacture to a Japanese model. (no offense)

[Susang]

9. It's assembled in India

Based on the original Vespa design. Actually, I believe Vespas are also assembled in India as well, or at least the classic ones were.

Check out the scooter groups on Yahoo! if you need more info. 2StrokeSmoke (for classic scoots) is one and Twist-N-Go (for modern scoots) is another. They can be very helpful.

[haydukelives]

10. Is your Honda 2 stroke?

I would really prefer a 4 stroke. Vespa has a 4 stroke model that looks a nice high tec motor. I didn't think $4,000 was too over priced. how much was your Honda? I' getting one because gas will be $3 per gallon soon, not for any nostalgia

[Susang]

11. My Honda's a 4-stroke

All Honda scooters are 4-strokes. I think they always have been, all the way back to the Cub. Mine is only 49cc, but it gets about 90-100 mpg. I laugh at all the SUVs. ;-)

[Sugar Smack]

12. I know this is utterly ridiculous-

as I know nothing of Vespas. But I had to drop in and tell you-

YOU HAVE THE BEST USERNAME EVER!!!!

Welcome to DU! :hi: From a die-hard Abbey fan!

[Floogeldy]

13. Don't be a wimp!

This is what you need:



Heh heh. Just kidding. I used to have a scooter and love them. I've been thinking about getting another for some time now.

B-)

[yvr girl]

14. They are totally cute

:D

[Sugar Smack]

15. Did you read both books??

Just asking-

love, Edward Abbey fan. RABID.

B-)

[democracyindanger]

16. no