I just bought a Vespa - Any one else have one?

[acidboy]

The first vehicle I bought with my own money was a used PX150. Loved riding it around though that bike was a ***** to maintain. I sold it later on to pay for the damage I did to my car and after a while talked to the guy who bought it to ask if I could buy it back and he said it was totalled. Down the line I know I'm gonna own a Vespa again.

 

[tiecollector]

Licensing depends on the state. In Key West I just needed a regular drivers license. In CA I still have to get my motorcycle license.

I'd wear it with with a suit, helmet and gloves. I'd never take mine on the freeway but in Key West I rode around on them in a swimsuit at 45mph.

The prices on used scooters skyrocketed this summer when gas prices jumped. I think it is a short-lived trend though and this winter people will be selling again. I don't have the cash to buy one right now and I need to take the freeway for 15 miles to get to work, so I won't be buying one until after I buy a house next year unfortunately.

 

[Absolute Beginner]

I ride a Stella (Vespa Px150 clone for those not in-the-know). My best advice is to prepare yourself for the worst. I've been in an accident before, but luckily I was wearing steel-toed boots, jeans, an armored riding jacket and, of course, a helmet. ALWAYS wear a helmet. I'd recommend a full-face model, too.

 

[mylesmyles]

I have an lx150 that I've been riding for the last 2+ years. It freed me of taxis and the subway, and I couldn't be happier.

As far as what to wear, some will sat ATGATT, but it can be hard to do. 3 things I swear by are shoes, gloves and a full face helmet. And although I ride in shorts sometimes, I know it's a bad idea.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/78/17...b147b7.jpg?v=0

 

[Modernist]

M@t, that is one sweet lady. I'm going to go and hide my PX200.

 

[fritzl]

Originally Posted by m@T

thanks Jason, it's a 1968 Super.

I would kill for a smallframe PV 125. Meanwhile the b....y Spaghettis know, what to ask for.

Yours is awesome, though I liked the flame job a lot.

 

[Modernist]

On what to wear, always drive with your helmet on. Full face is preferable, but get a stylish, retro-looking jet one for those warm summer rides. Davida and Cromwell are both classic british helmet manufacturers. Stylish, but at a hefty price.

Also, always wear gloves. They will protect your hands both from stains, dirt, etc, and abbrasion, in case of a fall.

And always drive thinking that everyone is about to make a mistake, and, since you are the one on two wheels, you are more likely to get hurt than they. Pedestrians in particular are the most dangerous.

But, keeping in mind that you are riding a scooter and you should drive responsibly, a Vespa is still a fun and stylish ride. Goes great with a nice, fitted suit

 

[Modernist]

Originally Posted by fritzl

I would kill for a smallframe PV 125. Meanwhile the b....y Spaghettis know, what to ask for.

Yours is awesome, though I liked the flame job a lot.

I know the feeling. I get it whenever I see a Rally going down the street.

 

[fritzl]

Originally Posted by Modernist

I know the feeling. I get it whenever I see a Rally going down the street.

Little anecdote:

There was a PV parked in my block every day, for over one year. I never saw "him" driving. I thought to myself, I should leave a message. You guess it: The other day, there was a rice-cooker. Maaamaaaa mia.

 

[Mauby]

I rode around on a Honda Elite 50 as a teen. It was a fun time, and girls always wanted to go for a ride. I'm sure you'll find your Vespa equally fun. Eventually I moved up to motorcycles, and haven't looked back since.