Vespa anyone?

[Skibo]

The Vespa is a cool scoot if you are traveling in town. If you want to do any speed then check out the Aprila. They are a little better built for speed and faster speeds. I have an italjet Formula 50. 50CC scooter that has been tuned up to do 75mph. I get 90mpg with it. With the vespa, you are paying a premium for the name. If you are not sure you can find a used Italjet velocifero for around $1000. Same classic look and similar performance. I'm not a fan of the asian scooters. The power plants are ok, but mechanically the bodies are not as good as the italian scoots.

[moeron]

I would just use it to go to cubs games on the streets only. Not Highway. Thanks.

[SuperTrooper]

I would just use it to go to cubs games on the streets only. Not Highway. Thanks.

Wouldn't it be cheaper to use public transportation?

Wouldn't you have to have insurance, etc? You'd still have to pay to park it?

[Lightning Bolt]

I would just use it to go to cubs games on the streets only. Not Highway. Thanks.

I think you've got the right idea about gas conservation,
but I'd really caution you about the scooters, since you're going fast enough to keep up with traffic, but...
slow enough and small (hard to see in mirrors) enough to get yourself in some serious sh** when confronting drivers.
If you have previous cycle experience, I'll give you the benefit
but as one who USED TO ride a motorcycle full-time, I had more life-threatening incidents occur than I can count!
Other drivers just don't see you all the time ...and if there's an evasive move needed, the scooters just don't have the wherewithall to
deliver you thru safely, vs. a full motorcycle (which can be as hairy as they are fun).
A work friend got a scooter some time back when they were getting popular. She was coordinated enough to handle her Vespa, but within her first month
she got cut off by a car pulling out of a driveway...driver failed to see her!
She landed in the hospital with broken ankle and arm ... and sold that scooter straight away!

I can see your angle towards economy ...and having some fun too!
I'm just really concerned about scooters in the city. You gotta have some daredevil in you! Good luck!!

[Skibo]

I've been riding my scooter since 2000. Over 15,000 miles on it. I have had one near miss on it and zero on my motorcycle of over 20,000 miles. On my near miss I had a car pull out from a side street. If you ride near the center line and pay attention most accidents can be avoided. Because the scoots are so light they can stop quickly. Don't buy it for the fuel economy though. you will never make up what you spent for it in fuel savings. Buy it because it looks cool and is fun to ride.

[Big Jimmy]

As most phans know Chicago has some of the highest gas prices in the country. I read a little blurb about a Vespa. I have a lot of questions about this. They get about 100 miles to the gallon. The Vespa website just has pictures. not much about shifting gears and the like. Can someone help me. They look like a good alternitive to my gas guzzler.

Ive seen a couple people driving them around the loop. I don't think you could ever catch me dead on one of those---give me more power.

[bravedave]

I would just use it to go to cubs games on the streets only. Not Highway. Thanks.

Wouldn't it be cheaper to use public transportation?

Wouldn't you have to have insurance, etc? You'd still have to pay to park it?

Couldn't you just walk around with it clipped to your belt loop on a carabiner?