Vespa Questions?

I'm looking at getting a 50cc Vespa (or some sort of scooter) for myself, so I can have some more independence.

Would you recommend getting one?
Is the insurance like a bike...very cheep?
Is it alright to buy used? (I can't imagine one would treat a scooter really poorly, so I wouldn't think one a few years old would be in rough shape...)
Do you have one? And if so, do you love it or hate it?

Thanks so much! =)

I ride a Reflex 250 to work most days as well. Before that, we had a 50cc scooter. The tendency is to go with a 50cc scooter because it doesn't require an endorsement. My recommendation is to take the MSF class and learn to ride a motorcycle. It all applies to scooters as well, and will make you safer on even if you choose a 50cc scooter. Many motorcycle manufactures will pay for your MSF training if you buy a new bike from them. The 125-250cc scooters are more practical than the 50cc ones.

I would go for it. Depending on where you live, the insurance shouldn't be too expensive. You will save a ton of money on fuel by buying a Vespa as compared to owning a car. As for buying used, you can also save by buying used. Personally, I like buying new because I know that no one else has wrecked it, but if you can't afford it, go ahead and buy used. If you want to save money, you could always buy a much cheaper brand, like one built in China. You may be able to purchase them for under $1000. Check out this website for a whole bunch of different models. Vespa, Honda, Suzuki and X-treme seem to be the most popular.

http://motorscooterwarehouse.com

>I'm looking at getting a 50cc Vespa (or some sort of scooter) for myself, so I can have some more independence.<

Great idea! If only more people would think this way, we could reduce our oil consumption and get gas prices back where they should be.

>Would you recommend getting one? <

YES. I would recommend getting a 50cc scooter.
You stated you wanted a Vespa, and Vespa does, in fact, make very reliable bikes. However, since you are dealing with a long time scooter icon, expect to pay a lot for any Vespa you look at, new or used. Honda, Yamaha, and Kymco also make reliable 50cc scooters, but there prices will not crush your dreams of owning a small scooter.

>Is the insurance like a bike...very cheep?<

50cc scooters usually have a 49cc engine which allow the bike to be licensed as a moped. In most states, you can operate a moped with only a drivers license, and no insurance is required, but in a world where you can be pulled into court for looking at someone wrong, insurance would be a good idea.

I have a Honda Elite SA50, and I have had insurance on it since the first day I bought it. My insurance is $53 a year For just basic PL,PD, and uninsured motorist(maditory in Michigan even mopeds)

>Is it alright to buy used? (I can't imagine one would treat a scooter really poorly, so I wouldn't think one a few years old would be in rough shape...)<

Yes and No.
Yes, because many people buy these little bikes and ride them for maybe one or two summers and then put them away in the back of the garage or barn and forget about them. Such bikes may not even be past their break in mileage yet and simply await rescue from disuse. A new battery, some new gas, and some wax, and you are good to go.

No, because many people buy these little bikes and ride them for maybe one or two summers and then put them away in the back of the garage or barn and forget about them for 10/20 years. By the time the owner decideds to sell it, the bike needs a battery, tires, the carb cleaned out and rebuilt, or just a complete overhaul of the engine.

No, because mopeds are some of the most abused bikes on two wheels. Most 50cc scooters are operated by teenagers whose parents bought them the bike. These teenagers then go show their friends, and the friends talk them into doing stupid stunts with the bike, and in a few years, the bike may still run but it is junk.

I know first hand- I Was A Teenager Once(now you know), but I bought mine with my paper route money. My first moped was a Suzuki Shuttle. I used the bike to go dirt riding, jump ramps, taking girls for a ride, pull over loaded wagons full of news papers, and burned up my electrical system on the bike trying to out run a thunder storm.

If you by used, try to find the one that just needs a little TLC.

>Do you have one? And if so, do you love it or hate it?<

I have two bikes that are still active. A 2001 Honda Elite SA50 that is currently being used every day by the minister of the church I attend, and a 2005 Honda Reflex 250(Scooter/ motorcycle) to commute(80 miles round trip) to work.

Inactive bikes include an 82 Honda Urban Express needs a battery and headlight, and an 88 Honda Elite LX in need of an engine overhaul. Long gone bikes include Suzuki Shuttle, the shaft drive Yamahopper, and a few really old Solex engines that I retro fitted to ten speed bicycles.

All these bikes were a lot of fun for me and bring back a lot of memories. So yes, I loved them all. You will be able to understand better once you are rolling down the road to somewhere on your own bike and generating your own memories.
Ride Safe