The Italian Vespa - Fun Facts about the Romantic Vespa Motorscooter
84Tribute to the Vespa
The Romantic Italian Scooter
Perhaps, you are not as ignorant as I, but still you've heard of something called a Vespa and always wanted to know what one is. I mean perhaps you have heard the term "Vespa" somewhere before, scratched you head and asked yourself, "What in the world is a Vespa?" Well, in sum a Vespa is a small Italian scooter and happens to be one of the most romantic vehicles on the planet. This hub covers all you've ever wanted to know about a Vespa, but were afraid to ask.
A Romantic Getaway
Vespa by Piaggio
The Vespa was first intro by the Italian manufacturer Piaggio in 1946.
Since 1884 the Piaggio name has stood for innovation, quality and superior performance. The Company's rich history, which includes ship outfitting, railway construction and aviation, gave way to developing practical and accessible means of transportation for post-war Italy such as first Vespa® motor scooter.
Since making the transition Piaggio became Europe's largest manufacturer of two-wheeled vehicles, and has become known throughout the world for their superior technology, craftsmanship and design. Piaggio's well-fashioned, stylish and fuel-efficient line of motor scooters are the epitome of practical indulgence.
The Vespa was the first globally successful scooter. From the time of their creation, Vespa scooters have been known for their painted, pressed steel unibody which combines a complete cowling for the engine (enclosing the engine mechanism and concealing dirt or grease), a flat floorboard (providing foot protection), and a prominent front fairing (providing wind protection) into a structural unit.
New Vespa models are featured below, but used vintage Vespa models can cost between $1500 to $5000.
Vespa in Australia
New Piaggio Scooter Models
Currently Piaggio offers at least seven scooter models including
- FLY 50
- FLY 150
- BV Tourer 250
- BV Tourer 500
- MP3 250
- MP3 400
- MP3 500
Piaggio FLY 50
- Price $2099
- Maximum Speed 39 MPH (63 KPH)
- Gas Mileage: 110-115 MPG
- Gas Tank: 1.9 Gallons
Piaggio FLY150
- Price $2899
- Maximum Speed 61 MPH (100 KPH)
- Gas Mileage 70-75 MPG
- Gas Tank 1.9 Gallons
Piaggio BV250
- Price $4899
- Maximum Speed 80 MPH
- Gas Mileage 65-70 MPG
- Gas Tank 2.6 Gallons
Piaggio MP3 250
- Price $7199
- Maximum Speed 77 MPH
- Gas Mileage 60-65 MPG
- Gas Tank 3.2 Gallons
Piaggio Vespa BV TOURER 500
- Price $6399
- Maximum Speed 99 MPH
- Gas Mileage 55-60 MPG
- Gas Tank 3.49 Gallons
Piaggio Vespa MP3 400
- Price $8699
- Maximum Speed 88 MPH
- Gas Mileage 57-59 MPG
- Gas Tank 3.2 Gallons
Piaggio MP3 500
- Price $8899
- Maximum Speed 89 MPH
- Gas Mileage 55-57 MPG
- Gas Tank 3.2 Gallons
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I've always thought that the story of the vespa was pretty interesting, so I decided that I'd include a short summary of it on this page. Vespas story begins in the bombed out, war-ravaged, Italy of 1945. All...
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sord87 I was introduced to Vespa's in Cambodia. One of my co-workers had one to get around the capital city Phnom Penh. His was definitely an older model, but it was fun to ride with him. Thanks for sharing your experience with me.
so long that i have not seen a vespa!
love especially those in the black and white photos. :)
The new vespa looks so futuristic..and a lot like those special vehicles in a Japanese anime movie. prefer the older models definitely
Not really my cup of tea. I prefer to be supported by 4 wheels and totally surrounded by something solid to protect me from everything unsafe.
Dave.
Hana, the new styles do take a bit of the romance out of them, don't they. Thank you for your comments.
Dave, the Lord blessed me greatly with a scooter while in Cambodia. It allowed me to go places and that most four wheel vehicles couldn't go until recently. Plus the gas mileage is incredible.
Riding a scooter would be more dangerous in the U.S. because most Americans don't know how to co-exist on the roads with two- wheeled vehicles.
Hello EC, when we first bought our motorcycle shop some 34 years ago (so long ago I was actually married at the time), we purchased inventory from DJ's Bike Barn and sold Vespa's, Ducati's, Penton's, KTM's, an occasional Moto Guzi, Bultaco's, Ossa's... eventually turned to rice burners and sold Honda's and Yamaha's.
I wish I had kept a Vespa for myself...
thanx for the memories... not of being married (ugh), but of the classics...
KKalmes, sounds like you guys had an nice little motorcycle vehicle business. I hope I didn't conjure up too mouch pain. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Just your title alone made me chuckle with fond memories. When I was a teen, a boy's right of passage was not complete until he owned his own Vespa. Used Vespas were cheap to buy and cheap to run, but more important, they required that his girl wrap her arms around him. My first motorbike ride was on the back of my highschool sweetheart's Vespa. I can still hear the distinctive engine and gear shifting sounds if I close my eyes. Rated up and awesome!
Sally, thank you so much for sharing your wonderful story. I am happy that I have stirred up so many fond memories for you and the others who have commented so far.
I remember 15 years ago, I rode a moped and raced with a Vespa. I never thought this machine is so fast and agile. Great hub!
Ign Andy, thank you for sharing your story. That must have been quite a surprise to see the Vespa pull away from you. The one my friend had in Cambodia was old but it kept up with many of the newer Japanese scooter models.
sord87 Level 1 Commenter 21 months ago
Looking at your pics,reminds me the old days somewhere in 70's to 90's people used vespa frequently even to market in my country.Vespa looked so multi purpose and great looking.Now new models takes place but still keeping the design just like Vespa.Nowadays people open up a Vespa club and all those Vespa model being decorated and became a legend for public view.