Thinking of a Vespa

[AgentTripleX]

LX 150... I've been thinking of one every since I started my new job, and especially since selling the Range Rover. It'd be perfect for getting around town and parking would never be an issue. The Lotus would truly become the fun/weekend toy. And I can park both vehicles in one parking spot if I need to.

Vespa just released a limited edition Pink LX 150. I've already picked a matching helmet out. I'm also interested in the bike to hold onto as a collectible. Only problem is I don't know how to ride and safety is a concern for me. I took the CHP class for motorcycle licensing a few years ago and freaked out the 2nd day of riding. I'm hoping that since Vespas are automatic I'll have a better experience.

I'm barely 5'2 and just under 110lbs. Curious if anyone, especially women with similar proportions to me, have experiences they can share. I'm going to start lessons today.

And before you all give me grief that it's pink, I actually can't stand pink, but it's so obnoxious on this bike that I love it. So there.

[dickedup]

Originally Posted by AgentTripleX

LX 150... I've been thinking of one every since I started my new job, and especially since selling the Range Rover. It'd be perfect for getting around town and parking would never be an issue. The Lotus would truly become the fun/weekend toy. And I can park both vehicles in one parking spot if I need to.

Vespa just released a limited edition Pink LX 150. I've already picked a matching helmet out. I'm also interested in the bike to hold onto as a collectible. Only problem is I don't know how to ride and safety is a concern for me. I took the CHP class for motorcycle licensing a few years ago and freaked out the 2nd day of riding. I'm hoping that since Vespas are automatic I'll have a better experience.

I'm barely 5'2 and just under 110lbs. Curious if anyone, especially women with similar proportions to me, have experiences they can share. I'm going to start lessons today.

And before you all give me grief that it's pink, I actually can't stand pink, but it's so obnoxious on this bike that I love it. So there.

Why is that you ask? See that baby-sized front tire? These types of designs have the propensity to cause you to wipe-out during a sharp turn or evasive maneuvers.

Have no doubt you'd be cute tooling about town on one but save the Roman Holiday stuff for a place like Cabo.

[Timmah]

Underpowered, virtually invisible to drivers

I understand the appeal but they aren't very safe.

[MightyMike]

^^ and neither is a Lotus

[cory1000]

I have a Vespa LX150 (not pink) also, its a great little scooter. My wife is 5'3 115, never been on a scooter or motorcycle before picked it up right away.

As far as being safe...I had more close calls with people not seeing the Lotus then when on a scooter. Big thing is to be aware of what is around you and plan for people doing something stupid. If you are getting it to just go around town or short commute to work, I say go for it!!

[chapster5]

I think i just puked a little in my mouth

[fishtaco]

Triple X,
I've been ridding street bikes in black leather jackets for 30 years and only got hit once Since then I follow this basic rule, pretend you are invisiable to all other drivers. Plan on the person turning left right in front of you. I hate approaching an intersection with an on coming car with its left turn signal on. What I do is try to catch up to the car in front of me and get pretty close to it and go through. I figure they'll see the car. That being said, I still keep the bike on the right side of the road to give me a little more time if I need it. I try to use cars as much as I can that way. Also try to minimize your expose to danger. If the road has three lanes, pick the left or the right, one less side to protect.

I know I may get flamed for this, but you only live once. Ridding is very liberating and fun. What's the fun in only doing things that are safe

[Mr. Know]

Its hard not to want one of those when you are around them all day.

That said, I'd personally be scared to ride it in SF with so many tourists around all the time.

[bueno]

I say go for it and I too am thinking of Vesper .........

[ms355]

There is no doubt that driving on 2 wheels is more dangerous than on 4. And although I think that you will take no risk unnecessarily, you should be aware of most other car drivers. They just don't care about slow bikes.

As far as driving safety is concerned, you might want to think about the threewheeler Piaggio MP3.

Apart from that, I believe that you would look great on a pink Vespa.

[MikeinAlexandria]

I think a scooter would be great for San Francisco. Like your Lotus, you'll want mods... A belt and malossi variator help with acceleration, exhaust to lighten weight and give that engine a chance to breathe.

Vespas are high quality scooters and not cheap. They are much better than anything from any Asian country, and more than twice as expensive. But if you take care of one, it will give you many year of service. An LX is not likely to become a collectors item, too many of them out there.

You need a heavy chain, always lock the scooter, even if you are only popping into a store for a minute. Wear a helmet, and ideally, a motorcycle jacket and heavy pants to protect your skin in a fall

As for safety, Vespas are easier to ride and more nimble than a motorcycle, but even a 150cc is not terribly fast, no riding on interstates! Be careful and aware, like in the Lotus and you will be fine.

Scooters are great 50-80mpg fun (I have a Genuine Stella Atomic Fireball and an Aprilia Atlantic 500 different, but very fun scooters) Go for it, you will not regret it. Also, finish your motorcycle safety foundation class. Lots of good info there. Riding an automatic scooter is easier than shifting, but the shifting skill can be very useful! Good luck!

[AgentTripleX]

Originally Posted by ms355

There is no doubt that driving on 2 wheels is more dangerous than on 4. And although I think that you will take no risk unnecessarily, you should be aware of most other car drivers. They just don't care about slow bikes.

As far as driving safety is concerned, you might want to think about the threewheeler Piaggio MP3.

Apart from that, I believe that you would look great on a pink Vespa.

Thanks for the suggestion. The MP3 AKA Urban Assault Vehicle is about twice the weight (500lbs) compared to the LX 150. Also, the two wheels in front give the deception of stability that is not really there.

[mgsst23]

OK I may get flamed but IMHO...My vote is to get a little Ninja, a 250 or a 500 ( which are available for less than 2k in my area) learn how to shift it & ride around an area you are completely comfortable in, see if you like it, which you will & then get a bigger bike, or whatever you may want. My point is get something cheap and disposable for a 1st bike since you WILL dump it, then get something nice. I want another bike every spring but you have to accept what might happen & I can't.. Good Luck. I want another bike sooooo bad, for me though the Lotus makes up for it. Not really, but I tell myself that.
I bought a little Ninja cuz I knew I could pick it up if i needed to, which I did. Less than 300 lbs you can balance on your knee and force up, although I was 140lbs and 5'10". My very drunken point is don't get what you want as a starter bike.

[delise]

The Vespa would be perfect for running around downtown San Francisco. Speeds on the streets are never too fast it seems with the hills and the traffic. As others have said you would have to adopt the you are invisible attitude but you are used to that already from the Elise. I was contemplating getting a scooter or electric bike or such for my 8 mile drive to Santa Monica for work. But in LA it is just way too dangerous, long straight roads like Olympic people do upwards of 70mph while texting !! It is scary enough when I ride my Bicycle, usually end up riding on the sidewalk. San Fransisco is so compact and European a scooter would be great I think.

[AgentTripleX]

Originally Posted by delise

The Vespa would be perfect for running around downtown San Francisco. Speeds on the streets are never too fast it seems with the hills and the traffic. As others have said you would have to adopt the you are invisible attitude but you are used to that already from the Elise. I was contemplating getting a scooter or electric bike or such for my 8 mile drive to Santa Monica for work. But in LA it is just way too dangerous, long straight roads like Olympic people do upwards of 70mph while texting !! It is scary enough when I ride my Bicycle, usually end up riding on the sidewalk. San Fransisco is so compact and European a scooter would be great I think.

The dealership I work for is also the largest Vespa dealer in the country. My guess is because so many people do ride Vespas in SF. Most of the clientele are female as well. It's encouraging.

I went for my first ride yesterday and it was ok. I asked a lot of questions. It seems a scooter is easier to handle than a motorcycle, less worry of tipping over and going in the wrong direction. I'll be sitting in a couple classes in the coming weeks. If I go ahead with this I will most likely buy the limited edition LX 150 and borrow a beater for a few weeks/months until I have some experience. I would hate to drop a brand new bike.

[Mr. Know]

Borrowing a beater to get some experience is an excellent idea. Have fun!

[Chris Mackey]

I'm sure it would be fun, but isn't a bicycle better for the following reasons:

1. Cheaper to buy
2. Cheaper and easier to maintain
3. Easier to store and transport
4. Exercise is healthy
5. More flexibility for parking and riding - I get on sidewalks on my bike

#4 is why I don't own a scooter. I have no idea about what kind of shape you're in, XXX, but the hills in San Francisco would probably get you into better shape in a few weeks no matter where you start.

[dickedup]

Originally Posted by delise

The Vespa would be perfect for running around downtown San Francisco.

Believe they have what they call hills there also.

Agent 99 needs to stay away from this accident waiting to happen. MAYBE if she had some experience but even then...

[AgentTripleX]

Originally Posted by Chris Mackey

I'm sure it would be fun, but isn't a bicycle better for the following reasons:

1. Cheaper to buy
2. Cheaper and easier to maintain
3. Easier to store and transport
4. Exercise is healthy
5. More flexibility for parking and riding - I get on sidewalks on my bike

#4 is why I don't own a scooter. I have no idea about what kind of shape you're in, XXX, but the hills in San Francisco would probably get you into better shape in a few weeks no matter where you start.

I'm not too concerned about cost. The most expensive one is $10k. That could easily go on a credit card if need be. The one I'm looking at is less than $5k. I'm friends with the techs so maintenance is not a huge concern. I agree with the healthy bit, but I will still continue to walk my dogs 3 times a day for exercise. I'm not worried about parking though; scooter vs. bicycle. Plus I don't want to get sweaty riding a bicycle.

As for my shape, I've lost 10lbs in the past year without trying. I'm actually a bit concerned that I'm underweight. I walk almost everywhere these days. Most of my pants are falling off me. Genetically my family is full of toothpicks, fortunately for me I have some curves in the right places.

I used to ride a bicycle 6 miles a day to college when I lived out in the boonies. My thighs got so big. I was not a fan. I think women should have feminine petite thighs.

[AgentTripleX]

Originally Posted by dickedup

Believe they have what they call hills there also.

Agent 99 needs to stay away from this accident waiting to happen. MAYBE if she had some experience but even then...

I'm still not 100% sold. I actually witnessed a motorcyclist get t-boned yesterday. A BMW ran a red light. Biker couldn't walk away on his own. Ouch. Baby steps. Hence I'm in research stage now.