View Full Version : Vespas, Scooters etc
...am considering getting a Vespa. Probably 2nd hand. Has anyone got an experiences of owning/buying one?
Am aware of the licence restrictions etc, more interested in the practical side of things, what to look out for, any tips on picking up a good one etc :)
TIA.
Knipples
16-09-2011, 18:43
I have nothing constructive to add, just one thing
"Bagsie having a backie when you get it!" :D
Tres Jealous!
FakeSnake
16-09-2011, 20:00
I had one many years ago, and loved it. Not sure how the modern ones are in comparison, as mine was an original one. but either way DO IT!!!
I also can't add anything helpful outside of do it :)
I dream of owning one. Loved that they were so common in Paris. Much nicer way of getting around town.
You'll probably have to do the CBT and then you'll be fine on L plates on a Vespa as long as it's 50cc I believe owing to the fact you got your licence before they changed the rules.
It's been a while since I got my bike licence so I can't advise you on what it's like now. If you don't do your full test and are on L plates you will not be able to have a pillion though.
I had one and I also had an aprilla scooter too! Loved them both - but then I would as it was my first vehicle in all my life meaning FREEEEEDOOOOM! One thing I would say is I did get in a number of pickles riding them in the respect that as I was a new rider I wasn't aware of the lack of "oomph" it had and thus got stuck in a couple of dangerous spots!
I cannot really advise what to look for but there's a vespa forum (modern vespa) with people on who I'm sure will help :)
Excited for you! Just be sure to be super safe!! :D
(Second Wills post! A CBT is between £85 - £130! You'll have to redo your theory test too which is £30 odd :)) CBT's were a breeze when I did them, I'm sure you'll be fine especially seeing as you have road awareness (unlike me back then!) :D
You'll probably have to do the CBT and then you'll be fine on L plates on a Vespa as long as it's 50cc I believe owing to the fact you got your licence before they changed the rules.
It's been a while since I got my bike licence so I can't advise you on what it's like now. If you don't do your full test and are on L plates you will not be able to have a pillion though.
As said, already researched all the licence and legal stuff thanks. It's actually up to 125cc with L plates and a CBT, and I'm told i don't need to do a theory test :) I think you can do up to 50cc without a CBT & can carry a passenger sans L plates as long as you have a car licence but that doesn't apply to me.
Is just the purchase i'm looking for help with really, will look up that forum, thanks Pheebs :)
Oh right ok. Well I'm a bit behind it's been a while since I did my full test and the rules may have changed.
Good luck with your purchase :) I've they can be temperamental to maintain (typical Italian machinery!) however, are generally fairly reliable.
On L plates I'm pretty sure you can't take a pillion though - however that's not what you're interested in.
I can ask the question on OcUK on your behalf if you want?
No, I meant on a 50cc you don't need L plates and you can carry passengers :). have also confirmed i dont need to do theory either, yay!
Not asking for legal info as everyone gives different answers (many wrong) and a lot depends on type of licence held & when issued, so have done research myself :)
I might take you up on that Ocuk thing, but not yet. Thanks :)
No worries. Let me know. :)
Yep, I've had a string of 50's and 125's. Loved them. So practical round town and only use a sniff of petrol. I'd say go straight in and get a 125 because the extra power makes riding easier and you're less likely to get bothered by cars.
That's the plan Jonny. Won't be going lower than 125 :cool:
Of the newer models, the Vespa is a better choice than the other scoots on the market. I found it's better made, quieter and more comfortable. Also cheaper to insure and less likely to get stolen, but do still spend a lot of money on security for peace of mind. You probably already know, but the Vespa is made by Piaggio which is the same company as Gilera and Aprilia. Parts are abundant and they're easier to get serviced than the no-heard-of makes.
Justsomebloke
19-09-2011, 09:17
If you go for a Vespa then get an older model, summit like a PX, They are bigger faster & loads cooler. As for reliability I would say that anybody that says they are unreliable has never owned one as they are Brilliant little motors.
From the newer range of Scooters I'd recommend the Gilera 125 Runner I think it's called, They do 75 so will cruise all day long at 60 & are surprisingly reliable for a Gilera, They do a 4 stroke & the older 2 stroke but I would Always recommend a 4 stroke as you can thrash the knackers off them all day long without any bad effects. 2 strokes will Always need more attention/servicing etc
I did my CBT in April & ride my 125 Chopper so if I can offer any Actual user advice then ask away.
The CBT is Training though & Not a test, It's a good day out that I think is in-valuable, You'll enjoy it & feel much better about going out on the roads. :cool:
thanks Malc & Jonny, thats really helpful!
The Runner is a really good bike, but I think you'll have the same problem as I had with my first scoot. The minute you take it outside it's getting eyed up by all the kids and thieving scumbags.
I think the only problem I had with mine was the immobiliser used to drain the battery in about a week, so if you left it standing it would be completely dead. Wouldn't be a problem in itself but the kickstart mechanism was complete chod and it was really difficult to start the bike with it. When you use it every day or every other day it's not a problem :)
not really like that here Jonny, there aren't really any kids that hang about & bikes/motorbikes etc are left outside houses/on the street overnight with no trouble. It'll be kept inside most if the time anyway, obviously not much I can do when out and about though.
No worries, just a warning. My first one lasted 3 months before it was stolen. Switched to a Vespa and never had any bother after that.
I think its very 'me' :D
I know very little about them but have always thought they are pretty cool, and I agree you would totally rock one :)
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