La Vespa- I think I'm in LOVE
Written: Apr 06 '02 (Updated Jun 20 '02)
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Pros: Come on, admit it, it's pretty cute looking. Great gas mileage. Zippy.
Cons: none!
The Bottom Line: Go for it! It's a great mode of transportation and you can't beat the gas mileage. Quick acceleration with no problems keeping up with traffic. And, it looks great!
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| xxskagirlxx's Full Review: 2000 Vespa ET4 150 |
I first would like to warn you that I'm a chick. Chick's tend to think differently about certain things, especially concerning cars (not all chicks, just a lot of them including myself). Heck, I'm not even sure how to check the oil in my car. So, this review is mainly going to deal with my experience with the scooter in not-so-technical terms. I am including the specifications of the Vespa ET4 at the end of this review for all the auto buffs that need their fix.
Okay. Glad we got that out of the way.
I became interested in scooters back when a close friend had a rather alarming obsession with Audrey Hepburn. She chattered endlessly to me about how easy it would be to get a scooter to ride about town. Somehow, this scooter fascination of hers died after she realized all the scooters available in town were rat scooters and needed some serious TLC. I happen to live in South Dakota and scooter parts are rather hard to come by (go figure). We were only in high school at the time. For some reason, the allure of scooters stuck with me. I think it had something to do with the supposedly hip scooterist lifestyle that has yet to be attempted here in my hometown.
Fast forward three years later and I'm following my family around in downtown Denver, CO (we were on vacation visiting relatives). We had rounded the corner in pursuit of a specific shop when I saw it. My dream. A baby blue scooter just sitting in the middle of the sidewalk, screaming to be touched. I immediately began salivating. All of a sudden, it was as if I was surrounded by them. They were everywhere! Propped in doorways, left in the alleys, parked on the street. They were in all colors of the rainbow. I walked past the first one and followed past the rest, which led me straight to the Vespa Boutique. Clever marketing ploy on their behalf, I must say.
For those of you who have never been in a Vespa Boutique before, I'll catch you up. Basically, the boutiques are a way to snag hip and trendy young adults. Think of any motorcycle shop you've been in and clear it from your head because these dealerships are completely different. They are literally boutiques filled with pretentious employees, candy colored scooters, and high priced merchandise. Basically, Vespa wants to appeal to this crowd because scooters are beginning to be seen as a hip way mode of transportation by the trendy and elite (thanks to movies and music videos). So I sadly touched a pink little scooter, knowing that it would be a long time before I had that much money ($4000) and it would also be a long time before I was back in Denver.
That was last summer. I managed to erase the visit to the Vespa Boutique (I feel silly even typing that word) completely from my memory because it was too painful. However, over the course of the year I managed to develop an interest in motorcycles, thanks to my dad. Surfing the internet one day in February I came across www.vespausa.com, realized there was now a Vespa dealership in Minneapolis, MN (only 3.5 hours away from here!) and the scooter bug bit me again.
I knew I wanted one. However, my dad (who owns a 78' Harley dresser) thought a vintage Vespa would be more appropriate. I agreed with him wholeheartedly (I wasn't really too crazy about the idea of snobby "Vespa Boutiques") but we soon realized that having a vintage scooter in this area of the country would be crazy. No scooter shops, no available parts. And how would we get it here? I realized a new scooter would be much easier to take care of and enjoy.
Then came the hard part. ET2, or ET4? The ET2 is about $1000 less than the ET4. However, it's only 49cc where the ET4 is 150cc, allowing for a max speed of over 60 mph (20 mph faster than the ET2). I decided on the ET4 because I knew I needed power to contend with the rural traffic that frequents this city on the weekends. I also plan on sharing the scooter with my fiance and we'll need the extra power to get both of us anywhere in a timely fashion.
Another difficulty was choosing the color. There were so many to choose from! Vespa offers a choice of eight different colors (ivory, pearl, light green, red, platinum, black, cobalt blue and light blue) complete with matching helmets. I wanted a bright scooter that would be easily seen in traffic. Making the decision was even harder after I saw the scooters in person.
Some quick talking and lengthy arrangements led to bringing my new 2002 red Vespa ET4 home last weekend (Easter weekend). We ended up purchasing it from MotoPrimo (formally Trackstar) in Minneapolis as the Vespa Boutique was not quite open yet. However, the owner of the new Boutique worked at MotoPrimo and was storing his Vespa Inventory there. He was more than happy to sell one to us.
Vespa offers a one year warranty as long as you play by their terms which involves taking your scooter in for check-ups every so many miles to a certified Vespa Mechanic. This means I get to go back up to Minneapolis for check-ups and maintenance otherwise the warranty will be voided. You also can only use Vespa Certified Accessories and absolutely no major alterations. These two things will also void the warranty.
Vespa also offers one year of Road Side Assistenza. This service is provided by Motorcycle Towing Service. Hopefully we won't have to take advantage of this.
It's been one week since I've brought my little scooter home and I love it. It is known as a "twist-and-go", which is to be taken literally. You insert the key, twist, push the automatic start button, and off you go! Completely automatic transmission. I had no previous experience on motorcycles or scooters (unless you count being a passenger) and it literally took me only 5 minutes to learn how to ride. Perfecting my technique, however, is a different story! The scooter also includes an optional kick start for those of you who would like to feel a little more rugged in front of motorcyclists or vintage scooterists. The engine kill switch is right under the push start. The scooter also contains an instrumentation panel that is easy to read. My biggest complaint is that some of the lights (such as the light that shows your turn signal is on) can be difficult to see in direct sunlight.
The scooter comes complete with a computerized safety system that is automated once your key is removed from the ignition. This system enters a code into your key, allowing only keys with that same code to turn on the scooter. Our scooter came with two keys: the master key that programs other keys, and a regular key. Additional keys need to be ordered through the dealership and programming them is outlined in the owner's manual. Despite this safety system, I recommend purchasing a cable lock in order to attach your scooter to inanimate objects (preferably ones that have no chance of going anywhere haha). I say this because the scooter weighs around 230lbs and can be easily lifted into the back of a truck by two people. Although they won't be able to actually ride your scooter, they will be able to take it and/or vandalize it.
Yes, I am currently studying for my Motorcycle License. Many people have the popular misconception that you do not need a license to operate a scooter. That is completely wrong. Obtaining a license is one step toward becoming a better rider. And, in most states, it's against the law to operate anything with two wheels that is over 50cc without a license. I would also suggest looking into Motorcycle Safety Courses through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (www.msf.org). These courses prepare you for a lifetime of riding. They are offered in almost every state, are cheap, and most times will waive the need for you to take the Motorcycle Skill Test at your local DMV. Vespa also has plans on developing a Scooter Safety Course with the help of the MSF.
Back to the scooter. I want to mention the large, comfortable leather seat. It's built with enough room to hold two people comfortably. My fiance (who is 6' 1") and I (at 5'2") both easily fit, getting rid of the need to own two seperate scooters (although I wouldn't mind haha). The only downfall is that it if very high off the ground. You have to rock the scooter off the kickstand to go anywhere. My fiance (who is lanky) can easily do it but I can barely do it. I'm getting better with practice. I suppose it's not Vespa's fault that was born with extremely short legs. Once off the kickstand, however, everything fits perfectly.
I also purchased the large windscreen and a top case. The windscreen was very easy to install and I think it makes the scooter look a little more vintage. I still have yet to install the top case, which will afford us more storage and a built-in back rest. With the top case we will have three different storage places. There is a glove box that can be accessed by putting the key in the ignition and pushing inward. This is handy for small things such as registration papers, sunglasses, etc. Another is a large storage well underneath the seat that is perfect for storing a helmet, or a bag of groceries while you are riding. This can be accessed through a lock on the side of the seat. The third will be the top case which is also completely lockable.
Vespa offers many additional accessories to customize your scooter experience. The thought of customizing your scooter may be exciting, but we quickly found that things can easily add up, making a spendy scooter even spendier. My suggestion is to start with basic accessories and add more down the road. My fiance and I are looking at adding the chrome kit sometime in the future.
I've ridden the scooter for about 20 minutes every day and so far I like what I hear and feel. The motor sounds like a small lawnmower. Surprisingly, it soothing rather than annoying. Although it is smaller and lighter than a motorcycle, it definitely has kick to it. I've only gotten up 40 mph, but I got up to that speed before I even realized it (I had to quickly slow down as I was going through a zone where the speed limit was only 30 mph). I can't wait until it's broken in a bit more and I'm able to take it out on a open road to really see what it can do. I am confident that I will have no problems keeping with traffic. I've also ridden over various potholes and bumps in the road and handling was just fine (even for a rookie like me!). We filled up the 2 gallon gas tank last weekend and the gas gauge hasn't budged.
For those of you who are still hesitating, I say go for it! Nothing is more fun then cruising out in the open. My dad, a long time Sturgis Rally/Harley buff, is now looking at purchasing a scooter himself. My fiance and I are also looking at purchasing an additional one in the future (we're having problems with sharing). Scooters offer great gas mileage and a fun mode of transportation. All I ask is to be safe, get the proper licensing and training, and always wear a helmet!
If you have additional questions, please e-mail me.
**UPDATE 4/19/2002**
Well, we've now owned our little Vespa for around three weeks. The transition was so easy that it seems like it's been longer than that. I've ridden it quite often by myself, but my fiance and I prefer riding it together. We both fit on the seat nicely, and it gives us someone to talk to! My parents have also taken it out and thoroughly enjoyed the ride. One thing that takes a lot of getting used to is the number of people who feel a need to honk and wave at you. They don't realize that their horn is about ten times louder on the outside of their car, so it always gives us a good scare. I really wish people would think twice before doing that. Another problem we have run into is with the dealer who sold us our Vespa. They didn't have a helmet in my size at their location so they promised to send one to us. That was about three weeks ago, which means that my fiance makes me wear his helmet (which is too small for my head) and in turn doesn't wear a helmet at all. We've contacted the dealership (formally Trackstar, now known as MotoPrimo) and they seem to have no idea what is going on as the guy who did our paperwork is no longer with them (he's the owner of the new Vespa Boutique opening soon in Minneapolis and has left to...well...open it I guess). We have contacted them numerous times and refuse to get back to us. We have already plunked down a nice bit of cash for the helmet (rightly so, considering it's to protect my melon) so this is very frustrating. Although owning our Vespa has been a lot of fun, I would strongly suggest avoiding the Vespa Boutique- Minneapolis and MotoPrimo. Thankfully, there's another dealer that is about as many miles away as Minneapolis that we'll now go to for our maintenance.
As far as gas mileage goes, we've only spent about $4.00 total and have already put almost 200 miles on the scooter!
That's all for now. We can't wait for the weather to finally warm up and we are looking forward to enjoying our new mode of transportation all summer long...
-Stevie
**UPDATE 6/20/02**
My little scooter is still going strong! My fiance and I finally collapsed and purchased footpegs through www.vespamotorsport.com for when we ride together. I found that my thighs were cramping up (and I didn't even know that was possible) after long rides from trying to keep my feet on the floorboard so having the footpegs makes everything even better! Also, Motoprimo has since switched owners and the new owner is also the owner of Vespa Minneapolis. He wrote me a detailed e-mail with his sincerest apologies for all the trouble with the helmet so now I will reconsider giving them my patronage.
Riding in the summer has been so much fun! I loathe the thought of winter.
Take care everyone,
-Stevie
Technical Specifications Mumbo Jumbo:
ET4
MSRP: $3,980
Made in: Pontedera, Italy
Frame: Pressed steel monocoque
Engine type: 4 stroke, single cylinder
Engine power: 11.26 bhp
Engine size (displacement): 149.58 cc
Bore: 2.5 in. (62.6 mm)
Stroke: 1.9 in. (48.6 mm)
Compression ratio: Ranging from 10.1 to 11.1:1
Lubrication: Wet pump with cup capacity of 1 liter, chain driven lobe pump
Oil: 4-stroke synthetic oil (Selenia oil is recommended)
Fuel: Unleaded 92 octane minimum
Fuel capacity: 2.4 gal (9 l)
Mileage: Approx. 42 mpg
Induction: SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)
Ignition: Electronic CDI and variable timing (note: the letter "E" in ET stands for electronic ignition)
Starter: Electric and kick starter
Engine Cooling: Forced air
Transmission: Automatic Continuous Variable Transmission with torque server
Clutch: Automatic centrifugal type
Weight: 236 lbs. (107 kg)
Length: 69.3 in. (1,760 mm)
Width: 26.4 in. (670 mm)
Wheel base: 50.4 in. (1,280 mm)
Seat height: 31.7 in. (805 mm)
Front wheel rim: Die-cast aluminum alloy, 2.50 - 10"
Rear wheel rim: Die-cast aluminum alloy, 3.00 - 10"
Front tire: Tubeless 100/80 - 10" Pirelli SL38
Rear tire: Tubeless 120/80 - 10" Pirelli SL38
Front suspension: Swinging arm (aeronautical type) with helicoidal spring and hydraulic double effect single
damper. This type of suspension has been adopted on all Vespa models since 1946.
Rear suspension: Helicoidal spring and hydraulic double effect single damper
Front brake: Disc brake (7.9 in. [200 mm] diameter) with hydraulic linkage (r.h. brake lever) and dual piston hydraulic caliper
Rear brake: Drum brake (diameter 4.3 in. [110 mm]) with mechanical linkage (l.h. brake lever)
Warranty: 1 year, unlimited miles
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 4000
Condition: New
Model Year: 2002
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Epinions.com ID:
xxskagirlxx
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Member: Stevie
Location: South Dakota
Reviews written: 152
Trusted by: 85 members
About Me:
I dress up my dogs and then force my husband to take them for walks.
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