Why I Love My Vespa (And Why You Need One Too!!)

Hello world! Long time no ramble. That changes today!!

As many of you will recall, this past February’s adventures in Rome and Florence included fun on two wheels with rental Vespas. This lit a spark that became an all-out obsession. Okay, probably just another ADHD hyperfixation BUT I FOLLOWED THROUGH!!

Say hello to Vincenzo il Rosso, or Vinny the Red.

He’s a 2023 GTS 300 Super, which means 24hp and a top speed right around 80mph. With traction control off he gets about 75-78mpg on my regular commute. Red lights? He’s the Spanish Inquisition–nobody expects him.

I picked the scooter up in late April and have just over 3300 miles on it as of this post….but that increases steadily.

It DOES require a motorcycle license in most jurisdictions….but the good news is the skills portion is super easy to pass on a small light scooter, especially without having to worry about working a clutch. New riders, if you need to test for a license see if you have a friend with a scooter you can use for the test. Pro tip there.

I started on 2 wheels at the age of “about” 14 when, in Iowa, I was allowed to ride a 50cc with a learner’s permit. My dad bought a Honda Spree in red and was known at the tailgates for the Iowa State football games as he would put an ISU flag on the back and roll thru the parking lot saying hi to all the tailgaters. I would use it frequently for school and runs to the library, mall, etc.

The only acceptable color for me, of course, was red. Though this one is SIGNIFICANTLY faster than that old “crime spree”, that’s for sure.

Having done the break-in service at 620 miles, everything went as planned and maintenance looks like it will be relatively straightforward. Parts, oil, filters, etc are all quite inexpensive. There’s a few specialty tools to buy for the true DIY experience but a tire changer is the most expensive and shoild pay for itself in a couple years, maybe less depending on mileage.

It’s been massive fun (minus the occasional inattentive driver especially here in MD) and I imagine a LOT of spectacular rides to come especially as your old friend Il Professore relocates to a mountainous region in a couple years….can’t wait!!

Drawbacks? Well, you apparently are NOT allowed to put pets inside the under-seat storage, and the key battery life IS relatively short. Oh and if you don’t turn the ignition switch to “off” when filling up it can take AGES for your fuel gauge to go back up to the top. Those are the only real “italian build quality features” i’ve found so far. The one other drawback….it’s wildly addicting and you end up wanting more. Like the rally 200 i’ve been lusting after….