should i buy a vespa?

Question

I'm thinking of buying a vespa to commute to work (cental london, 5 miles). I'm new to scooters and thinking of buying a vespa as I love the look of it. I have a few questions before taking a decision:
- is a vespa (vs. Other brand) a good investment. I know it's more expensive than other brands but does it keep its value if I was to resell?
- what is the cost of having a scooter in terms of insurance, MOT, road tax...etc?
- should I buy a 50cc or 125cc?
- is it better to buy new or secound hand given that it's my first one and it will sleep outside on the road but in a garage during the day?

Sorry for all the questions but would appreciate your advice.
Thanks!

Answer 1

I would suggest a new one then 1st you have no M.O.T to worry about for the next 3 years. 2nd if you buy secondhand you don't know the history of the scooter and it may be one that has had a lot of T.L.C. on the other hand it could have been flogged to death by some wannabe bike racer. 3rd I would recommend the 125cc as I think that it will have a better secondhand value. Check the insurance for both size engines and also the road tax for both size engines. These costs may help you to decide what to buy. You should get a lot of miles out of a gallon of petrol on both engines. My Vespa is 200cc and costs £68 to insure fully comprehensive for a year and £34 for road tax for a year. I get 100mpg. I should also add that it is 26 yrs old. Not sure that leaving it outside overnight is a good idea. Is there no where it can be garaged / put in a back yard etc. Leaving outside could effect the insurance premium and you can bet your last dollar some toe-rag will have ago at nicking it. finally don't skimp on helmet / clothing buy the best you can afford.
Davidh

Answer 2

Sorry don't know the answer to your technical question but...my uncle had a similar motor bike that he let us ride in Italy 30 years ago. It was so cool even then.

All the young people in the small towns had a motor bike even my 14 year old cousin. I think it is a great idea to get around in especially if you are a student or single and just going to work, no kids and stuff.

It does really look good and feels ever so great to be riding on. I'll never forget those fun times. But falls can be serious, so that's the big down side. I scraped the entire side of my body once falling, so live and learn. Just make sure you wear your proper leather gear (protects from getting scraped) and helmet for safety, it will make you look even cooler while keeping you safe.

I think vespa's can be pricey (as they're becoming trendy and popular), I have never bought new in terms of any of my vehicles, in my experience used was always good enough. Of course if you can afford it new is better. Happy trails.

Answer 3

Spasmatic weather? have you ever been to mainland europe where the Vespa comes from.. Italy can get very wet very dry and very cold. you can be in t shirt and shorts and in five minutes be in the ice caps of the mountains So don't give that chessnut as an excuse. You wouldn't question the sexuallity of an italian stalion and they ride vespas.. So that ain't a reason Safety well that's up to you... You can't get better freedom even if you walked than on a bike. So there you go don't be put off but don't be persuaded either do your own thing :-)

Answer 4

Vespas are great bikes. Mine is from 1979 and it still runs fantastic. Vespa is to scooters what Mercedes is to cars. You can get cheaper ones that may do the job, but the fit and finish will never be the same. I live in the states in a major city (Philadelphia) and I pay 315 a year for total coverage including theft. the 50cc's I don't like because unfortunately the body is a little heavy for the engine size (200lbs). 50cc's are really meant for mopeds. You will be happy with the 125. You will find yourself accelerating as fast if not faster then the cars esp. in the city itself. Also if you buy second hand, that should be alright as long as the bike itself is in good shape.

Answer 5

If you want a scooter, Vespa is THE Name, if it is deserved is a matter of heated arguments. They do hold their value for resale much better than most others. I would get a 125cc over a 50cc just for the extra available power. You never know when it might come in handy, and the scooter could actually be used for some distance travel too. A 50cc is just to limited to speed and power. Not living in the UK, can't say anything about the other stuff. Envoy the ride!

Answer 6

there are two types of vespa auto and geared most of the above answers are talking about geared bikes. I would of course say 125 and of course new, as far as keeping value, if geared yes, auto no. around town I would have to say auto. my gf has 3 vespas and she uses the et4 for round town because of traffic light s etc. she would be the first o say that out of town geared rules but you only have a 5 mile journey. go auto, go new and in regards to insurance etc yes depends on liscence, age and where you live. As far as vespa and other brands is concerned. a vespa is a gucci if you want a work horse burgmann is a good auto but your a lady and we all know how much you love gucci, prada etc. very pretty but expensice to maintain and buy, there are cheaper and more reliable bikes. hope this helps and I hope we can welcome you to the motor bike life.

Answer 7

1) No motorcycle or scooter that is used daily is an 'investment'. They will always depreciate in value. Only rare bikes, kept in centrally heated garages and used once or twice a year are 'investments'.

2) That will depend on your age, occupation and postcode. Insurance will inevitably be high if you live in London and keep the scooter in the street at night.

3) If you are ONLY going to use it for your 10 mile round-trip for work, 50cc is enough. If you would ever contemplate travelling further afield, get a 125.

4) Second hand, recent model, with some sort of dealer warranty, from a reputable shop.

Answer 8

I always wanted a Vespa, too ..... I live in New York City.....once when I asked my BF of the moment about this, he got very serious with me suddenly ......he grew up riding a motorcycle; he said not to get a Vespa because it was not heavy enough to get out of a tight spot in traffic quickly .....I complained that they use them all over Rome, Italy ....and he replied, "That is in Rome.....they are used to all sorts of motorscooters, but in New York they are not used to scooters going in and out of traffic, and the drivers might well cut you off without thinking ..... he said that for heavy traffic that is not scooter-wary you need **power** and that a Vespa was not heavy enough to do this ....he said that in order to survive in New York I would have to be a very "with-it" aggressive driver, and he knew I am not, so he nixxed the whole thing for me !!!! I have been to London where the traffic is a little easier ... but you will have to be the judge .... Just passing this info. along ......hope it helps !!

p.s. I would not leave my scooter outside on the road .....they are too pretty, and in seconds flat someone could come along with a van and loft it off and you would never see it again.

Answer 9

It's not going to be considered an investment, using it every day. Remember that you will be riding in the rain alot in London, street's get very slick and not easy to ride when the streets are slick, I say save your money and ride the bus.

Answer 10

one of the best small bikes on the road,makes no difference if its new or second hand just so long as it actually works
go for it girl you will look very trendy on it im sure