Quote:
Originally Posted by
fritzl 
this is not a "Vespa"... it's a scooter with auto transmission.
+1 My best friend had a GTS 250. Saw the light, sold it, then got a PX 200, and then a Rally
A friend of my girlfriend's also got a GTS about 6 months ago. And he has now asked me to find him a classic, preferably a Rally or a Sprint.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
KnowYourRights Disclaimer: I don't know how much riding experience you have, so forgive me if my comments seem rudimentary. If you're considering a 300cc scoot for the power, just buy a small-displacement motorcycle. Better brakes, bigger wheels, more power. I've commuted on scooters in the past (newer Honda and old Vespa). When you're tapped out on the throttle and the light turns yellow...it can be a puckering experience. WIth a 500cc or 600cc motorcycle, you've got enough juice (and gears!) to drop a gear and get through the intersection (or away from whatever kook is currently trying to kill you). If you're considering a scoot because you think it will be easier to ride (or handle better), get a motorcycle. I have a '70 Vespa Rally 180. My wife has an '04 LX150. They're fun, but my motorcycles handle much, much better at any speed (and they're older than the scoots). One thing I've noticed about scooters of any vintage is the feeling that they're "not as dangerous as a motorcycle." And so I see a large number of scooter riders wearing little to no protection while they buzz around town. I'm not a gear-Nazi, but it just seems that scooter riders have a false sense of security when it comes to their rides. Of course, if you really want a step-through, then get the scooter.
Excellent points. I'm all for Vespa, and IMHO (perhaps even in my misguided belief) they are one of the best means of urban transportation, especially when considering its low upkeep, the capacity to carry groceries, shopping bags, etc, and the ability to wear a nice pair of shoes without them being scuffed from gear changing , or a suit without the trousers getting covered in oil (I wear a scootering parka by Armadilo on top of that, or a lighter jacket in the warmer months, with shoulder and elbow shielding, plus gloves and helmet). But they do handle poorly when compared to a motorcycle. One reason I'm against the new "Vespas" is because of their price, the aforementioned advantages pale in comparison to the power and handling of motorcycles, who are not that much more expensive.
My response to that...
Lonestar would.
