Guys, there is no purpose to tell you about Vespa’s legacy. So first of all don’t compare it with other scooters. Vespa VX is one of the cheapst product of Piaggio’s Vespa spectrum. The costliest one costs 6.19 lacs INR.
If I tell my story, I had no plan to buy a two wheeler because of its accident prone charecter. Suddenly I saw a Vespa roaming on streets. It was a love at first site. I instantly decided to have one. Though I marely have any time to ride it. More of a rider’s vehicle, its a collector’s one.
Looks: Vespa is one of the most beautifully designed vehicles in the world. You buy it or not, you can’t ignore its presence at parking lot. In last one month I’ve faced at least 1 million questions about Vespa from my friends, relatives, even from passing by people. People used to stop me at signals to ask about it. The lines and the chrome finish are just awesome. Vespa badging all around the body tells its identity. The care has been taken to design the scooter reflects in every part of it. Only the control switches are a bit plastic.
Ride: Vespa VX is comfortable to ride. Thanks to its wide sit. Sitting posture is comfortable. The scooter is incredibly balanced. There is no vibration even at top speed. You will never loose confidence to speed it up. You can run it up to 100 kmph without any concern. Both suspensions are very good. Manages well even on bumpiest roads. The front disc break is one of the USP. Works fine. Tubeless zapper tyres have a firm grip on asphalt. Though sometimes the rear wheel skids because the scooter is a bit heavy.
Engine: Piaggio launched new gen Vespa with a one cylinder 3 valve 125cc engine in India. There is no issue with power and torque. But ignition is a bit issue. It takes at least 5 mins to start every morning. Thanks to its easy kick start. You can try it with your hand if you know the trick. Piaggio marketing Vespa as retro redefined. So you have to take some bad things from legacy too. Millage is as promised. 55 km/l is average. You may get some more on long rides. The 8lit fuel tank capacity helpful in long rides.
Few other things: Vespa has a very poor dealers network. You may have to ride 500 km to service your scooter. Even more then that.
The storage is fare enough. But the under sit storage gets heated when the engine is on. The headlight is bright enough and its don’t fluctuate with the speed of the scooter.
Actually Vespa is aall about customizing. From paint to body art, charome fittings the possibilities are endless. Unfortunately Piaggio don’t sale any of the Vespa standard accessories in India like fly screen, top box, classic front career. Other manufacturers don’t have offerings for the scooter.
Two more things: Few says that Vespa is a feminine scooter. But I would like to say to them, if only muscles represents masculinity then Vespa is feminine. But the God is neither masculine nor feminine. And those who feel the spirit of God they don’t care about it. They just feel the beauty forgetting all the segregation.
Fiat 500, Volkswagen Beetle, Vespa, Tajmahal are few of them, seems to be crafted by God’s own hand. Did you ever thought you are actually visiting a graveyard when you visited Tajmahal?
So please don’t buy the scooter if you have a urge to overtake. You can if you wish. But buy it if you are happy with as you are. Some says its not value for money. But Vespa buyers can’t buy any other scooter. After all, Vespa is the "Symbol of Supercool".