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Vespa. For many
its the name synonymous with scooters, and as a brand its known all over the world. Now
its fairly obvious that compared to most of the Asian brands on the market (excepting the higher quality models from the Japanese
brands), the price of Italian-built scooters is somewhat higher. So it's not surprising that one of the question we
continually get asked is - "Are Vespa's worth the extra money?"
Well, I can categorically answer that
yes, they certainly are. But why? - Well firstly, these really are full sized scooters, built large enough for European sized people with a full
sized European sized person on the pillion. Plenty of leg room for all.
- Secondly, because the monocoque chassis is made from metal, these scooters
have a bit more weight to them, and an awful lot more rigidity - about 250% more than a tubular framed scooter. And
in Perth's blustery conditions, that extra weight and rigidity can really be a godsend.
- Thirdly, despite the weight, the performance of these machines
is unbelievably good. When it comes to making small engines, it's important to remember that these guys have been at
it for 60 years.
- Fourthly,
they are built to last. For a long time. A long, long time. In Italy there are Vespa's that have been passed
through 3 or more generations.
- Finally, there is no other scooter brand which can conjure up the same magic. There is a lot of pride in the
heritage of this brand, and when it comes to styling, no-one - and I mean no-one - beats the Italians. When you
ride one, you'll know what I mean.
And here's the other thing - when it comes to popularity, it's Vespa that heads the list. There
are more internet searches on Vespa than any other scooter brand, and more people visit this page than any of our other
scooter pages. By a significant margin. As objectives of desire go, they are right up there! Which is why
so many scooter brands, and scooter shops try desperately hard to look and sound Italian - but don't be fooled, because no-one
else will be. Why be a wannabe?
We were delighted when Vespa approached us about becoming a dealer. Unlike other newer brands, Vespa have built a
unbeatable reputation over a significant period of time, and demand only the very best from their dealer network.
Which is why there are so few Vespa dealers around.
But please don't just take our word for it.
Come see us, take an obligation free test-ride, and see for yourself. I promise I'll try very hard to not
be over-enthusiastic about them! And I personally guarantee, that if you do manage to find a better deal, we'll find
a way to beat it - that's how much we love these scooters!
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Vespa
LX (50, 125 & 150cc)
The LX is Vespa's
second generation of mid-engined scooters. Replacing the ET2, the LX is ideal for local and main roads travel, being
available in 50cc two-stroke, and 125cc and 150cc four stroke versions.
Unlike the other modern Vespa's
the LX50 still features a two-stroke engine for that authentic Vespa scooter smell, but also power off the mark that puts
a lot of much lighter 50cc machines to shame.
The 125cc is a classic Vespa displacement, the first 125cc Vespa
going back to 1948 — the famous model used in the cult film Roman Holiday. Forty-seven years later, the Vespa
LX 125 uses an advanced Leader series 125cc engine. With power output of 10.3 bhp, the engine takes the Vespa LX to a speed
of 91 km/h, offering the reserve power needed to slip through town traffic with the greatest of ease. The LX 150
provides just that bit extra, particularly useful if your intention is to regularly take your Ms Hepburn or Gregory
Peck as a passenger!
Like all the
Piaggio range there are a host of accessories that can be bought to further increase your riding pleasure including windscreens,
matching topboxes, chrome sidebars and more. Birthdays are sorted for years to come!
Key features:
- Classic scooter styling - never looks outdated
- Steel chassis/body
- 250% more rigid than conventional scooters
- Unique leading arm front suspension
for improved ride characteristics
- Built to last for a very long time!
- Priced at aummer special $4,300 rideaway (LX 50 - save $500), $6,400 (LX 125 - save $400) and $6,750 (LX 150 - save $500).
- Available in a variety of colours including red, black, silver, yellow, dark blue
and even the LX 150 in orange!!
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Vespa LX S 50 & 125
Newly arrived in April 2008, we already know
that the S is going to be a classic. The appeal of the sporty ‘Vespino’ lives on in the shape of the all-new Vespa
S, inspired by Vespa’s long traditions in young and dynamic scooter design. The minimalist styling of the Vespa S traces
its origins back to legendary models like the 50 Special and the Vespa Primavera.
Under the hood, the S incorporates the tried and tested engines of the LX series, but on the outside its a whole
new style! A whole range of accessories including some great graphics kits like the ones shown in the picture.
The 2-stroke 50cc is only $105 more than the LX50 at $4,650 rideaway, whereas the S 125 is priced exactly as the
LX125 at $6,740. The only hard decision is which colour to pick - shining black, dragon red, tangerine orange or
montebianco white? Whatever you choose, the S is a very classy, and sporty looking Vespa. We love it!
Key features:
- Based on hugely successful LX chassis and engine
- 70's styling - sharp and sporty
- Decals available
- flowers, flags or stripes for individualising your ride
- Underseat storage for
helmet, plus hook and legshield compartments
- Summer Special - $4,300 rideaway
for 50cc, $6,400 for 125cc.
Available in red,
black, white & gorgeous tangerine.
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Vespa GTS 250ie
The GTS250ie is the current top-seller
in the Vespa fleet. Piaggio's hyper smooth fuel-injected Quasar engine not only makes this the best accelerating scooter in
this engine class, but it also has provides engine braking which gives wonderful handling around bends.
Which means
that riding it is an absolute treat. We try to always have a demo in Rosso Dragon (that's the delicious bright
red you can see in the picture), and we are never off it. Pedestrians stare. Car drivers are amazed when you leave
them for dead off the lights. Test riders come back either slightly dreamy, or blabbering in superlatives. It's
just that good. It's the Ferrari of the scooter world - classic styling, immaculate performance. Poetry in motion.
And don't just take my word for it - in a top 10 otherwise full of budget priced scooters, the Vespa GTS250ie is the
ONLY premium scooter which regularly makes the list, and the only scooter larger than 125cc. If you think in terms of price, this may not be the scooter
for you. If you understand the concept of value, then look no further. It's simply the best of the best of the
best in the scooter world. Try it, and you'll see what we mean!
Key features: - 244cc
fuel injected, liquid cooled Quasar engine. Capable of freeway speeds
- Steel
monocoque chassis for improved rigidity and handling
- Timeless style
but totally modern engineering
- The very essence of functional cool
- Summer Special - $8,850 Rideaway -save $500
- Available colours: red, black, silver, yellow and dark blue.
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Vespa GTV 250ie If the GTS is the Ferrari of the scooter world,
the GTV is perhaps the Bentley. Not the Bentley Azure or Arnage - but the Continental GT Coupe! Plenty of
leather, classic instrumentation, but with the performance of the GTS - how can you go wrong? On the very first prototype Vespa in 1946 the headlamp was
positioned on the front mudguard, moving to the handlebar in the mid-1950s. By placing the headlamp on the front mudguard
once again, the Vespa GTV makes a clear reference to the origins of the Vespa, while the size and the lamp surface
resemble the modern styling of the Vespa GTS. The saddle, another feature that has changed considerably on Vespas over the years, has been comprehensively
redesigned. As on the earliest Vespas, the GTV saddle is split into two distinct parts, one for the rider and one for the
passenger. The genuine leather saddle has visible stitching, emphasising the detail on this vehicle. Key
features: - Based on the hugely successful GTS body
and Quasar engine
- Styled on the original Vespa with fender
headlight, flyscreen and genuine leather split saddle
- Range
of additional accessories including topbox with matching leather backrest
- Priced at $10,395 rideaway with 12 months rego
- Available in the very traditional silver/green (Portofino), or the new yellow/cream (Sienna)
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Vespa GTS Super
Oh baby! What can I say about the latest edition to the Vespa range that won't sound
too fawning? When the GTS250ie was introduced, people said that it was a step change up from the GT 200, and the word
is that the GTS Super brings a similar step up from the unbelievably great GTS250ie. We've even heard the term "the best scooter ever" being bandied around,
and I'm not one to disagree. In fact we were asked to do a recent review for Scootersales.com, and I admit that I gave
it 97/100.
So what's the scoop? Well, what makes the Super, well, super, is the additional engine
capacity delivered through a larger bore and a longer stroke. If that doesn't mean anything, then how about the fact
that it delivers more torque at lower revs. Still gibberish? Ok. The GTS Super delivers better acceleration
through the range but particularly at lower speeds, giving it great take-off - perfect for about town travel. Moreover,
it has a distinctly different look to the GTS - more sport, less chrome. Rock hard in fact.
Key features:
- 278cc fuel injected, liquid coolled Quasar
engine delivering 22.3Nm of torque at 5,000rpm
- Classic, yet sports
styling, with new features such as two-tone alloy wheels and grille on rear right panel
- Available in three classic colours - Nero grafite, Rosso Dragon and Monte bianco (that's metallic black, bright
red or white)
- Priced at just $9,880 rideaway.
Simply awesome value.
- Top 8 finalist in Scooter magazines scooter
of the year 2008.
- But beware - these are as rare as hen's teeth.
If you want one, you will almost undoubtedly need to order one in advance. Please call/email for availability, but to
ease your pain, we'll knock the pre-delivery fee off the price - so save yourself $180 when you put down your deposit.
- Available colours: red,
black, and stunning white.
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