Modern Vespa price... What do you think about it.

supermach · Post by **supermach** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 3:29 am

Now I this whated to talk about this because I what to see what people that own scooters would say about this. Now I maybe like all of use I would like to get a Vespa GTS300 or a Vespa GTV300 but the price is CRAZY, and were I live it's VERY hard to find a used one. Like if I saved alittle I know that I can get one but I would be thinking about all that money for a LONG TIME. Now what do you guys think about the price for the modern Vespa?

This so you know I have a Buddy 125 and a stella 4t. I love them both but I this whated to ask this.

pcbikedude · Post by **pcbikedude** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 3:56 am

There's really nothing on the market from any other scooter manufacturer that comes close to the Vespa GTS or GTV 300. Sexy scooter in a small frame. I test rode at GTS300 and it is insanely quick.

The only "Gotcha" you have to look for, they are known to have bad fuel pumps.

jasondavis48108 · Post by **jasondavis48108** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 4:11 am

Price really isn't bad if you can ride year round. Even if you can't the way I figure it is that there are many motorbikes that cost significantly more and don't have anywhere near the style of the GTS. I'm sure you pay a bit of a premium since it's a Vespa, similar to the Harley premium, but hey that's the price of riding pure sex appeal

Post by **illnoise** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 4:35 am

I think some of it is premium (which is maybe well-deserved, considering its legacy), but you're also getting a metal body, and dealing with a product that, even though PiaggioUSA is clueless, is sold all over the world by a reasonably strong company (by Italian standards, anyway). So you know parts and accessories will always be available SOMEWHERE, and the base of shared knowledge about them will be more than any other scooters.

Parts for just about any Vespa manufactured since the late 50s are readily available worldwide, and they're not even expensive when compared to other motorcycles. The only stuff that's impossible to find is the stuff the DOT made them switch out for US models. You can find paint codes, service manuals, anything you need. With all the Vespa nerds out there, you can be sure that sort of documentation will continue.

Plus, don't underestimate resale value, you can't sell it for what you paid for it (like a lot of people on Craigslist seem to try to do) but resale value is better than pretty much any other scooter.

killbilly · Post by **killbilly** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 5:07 am

I gotta admit - I was really impressed with the one Vespa I rode. They're really solidly built machines, in my opinion. I think they're worth what Vespa asks for them.

neotrotsky · Post by **neotrotsky** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 9:13 am

illnoise wrote:I think some of it is premium (which is maybe well-deserved, considering its legacy), but you're also getting a metal body, and dealing with a product that, even though PiaggioUSA is clueless, is sold all over the world by a reasonably strong company (by Italian standards, anyway). So you know parts and accessories will always be available SOMEWHERE, and the base of shared knowledge about them will be more than any other scooters.

Parts for just about any Vespa manufactured since the late 50s are readily available worldwide, and they're not even expensive when compared to other motorcycles. The only stuff that's impossible to find is the stuff the DOT made them switch out for US models. You can find paint codes, service manuals, anything you need. With all the Vespa nerds out there, you can be sure that sort of documentation will continue.

Plus, don't underestimate resale value, you can't sell it for what you paid for it (like a lot of people on Craigslist seem to try to do) but resale value is better than pretty much any other scooter.

Vintage Vespa parts may not be expensive, but good luck trying to get reasonable prices on anything on a GTS!!! Also, expect anywhere from a week to SIX MONTHS of delay in getting any part. I had a GTS250ie, and it was a fabulous machine that was well built. But, when it broke down you were up a creek, and Piaggio USA treats their customers worse than Sony treats Playstation owners.

Post by **illnoise** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 12:53 pm

Yep, like I said, vespa USA is clueless, but in the long run, it won't matter, it's already easier and cheaper to order from Europe.

T'Pring · Post by **T'Pring** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 1:33 pm

Scooter rich and cash poor -- just make sure you have a sizable sum of cash set aside.

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 8:43 pm

If you have your heart set on a GTS - and I can easily see that - why not consider a GTS 250. New ones and low mileage used ones are selling all over at very attractive prices. The difference between riding the 250 and the 300 isn't really very dramatic in any case. My dealer has new old stock '08 and '09 GTS that he is selling for $2000 below MSRP. These low prices on new 250s have also really pushed down the price on used bikes. Then there is the GT200. A nice used one can easily be had for $3000. So, if a large frame modern Vespa is what you want - go get one!

Tazio · Post by **Tazio** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 10:42 pm

I love my GTS 250. I saved $500 because it was the previous years model, but that's the dealer's option. I bought the Vespa because I always wanted one and for me the price wasn't a factor. If you just want a scooter or are trying to save money, buy used and/or plastic. I love my Buddy also.

pugbuddy · Post by **pugbuddy** » Mon Aug 22, 2011 3:46 am

I'd jump at a GTS 300 if I could afford one right now (ever since Genuine dropped the 300cc idea). I love the "classic" looking scooters (my dealer wants me to get a bigger scooter since I ride across country but I don't like a "sci-fi" look so the Vespa is the only one I'd consider).

How is it on gas mileage? Dependability?

It sounds like parts are difficult to get but are they as solid as the Buddy (or close; nothing's as solid as a Buddy)? Is the 300 really that much better than the GTS250? Oddly enough, they both seem to cost roughly the same amount!

desmolicious · Post by **desmolicious** » Mon Aug 22, 2011 4:19 am

pcbikedude wrote:
The only "Gotcha" you have to look for, they are known to have bad fuel pumps.

There recently has been a recall of sorts for the fuel pumps, with upgraded units replacing the previous version. So this point now is moot.

neotrotsky · Post by **neotrotsky** » Mon Aug 22, 2011 5:00 am

desmolicious wrote:
pcbikedude wrote:
The only "Gotcha" you have to look for, they are known to have bad fuel pumps.
There recently has been a recall of sorts for the fuel pumps, with upgraded units replacing the previous version. So this point now is moot.

That's not the only issue Vespa has had. On their GTS250's they had weak exhaust couplers that would burn out causing all sorts of interesting issues with the engine. I know: Mine did (I didn't hear about the recall since Vespa is oh-so good about technical support for their bikes as we know...) and caused some major damage. The repairs were more than the warranty company (a 3rd party group since I bought the bike used) were interested in paying, so they refused the repair payment. Ended up losing the bike over it. Piaggio's statement was that since I wasn't the original owner (even if the bike only had 500 miles when I bought it) that I wasn't entitled to any coverage at all, even when the failure was directly attributed to a recalled part. Ever since then I've held a VERY negative opinion of Piaggio USA and the fact that they really couldn't care less about the US market or it's customers. They simply don't make enough money here for them to think it's worth their while.

Hence why I'm spending my cash on a Genuine scooter, even when I've loved Vespas for nearly a decade. Vintage Vespa bikes are great! And, the modern bikes *could* be great... Piaggio ruins the rest of it.

Post by **ericalm** » Mon Aug 22, 2011 5:01 am

There are great deals on GTS 250s (now discontinued) at a lot of dealers if there are any left.

As far as the price/value of a Vespa, well, it is what it is. No one can tell you if it's "worth" it; that's up to the individual. They're good scooters. Like any vehicle they've had their issues, but overall the build quality and fit and finish are unparalleled. There are plenty of valid complaints about the company but the product is top notch.

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Mon Aug 22, 2011 5:03 am

pugbuddy wrote:It sounds like parts are difficult to get but are they as solid as the Buddy (or close; nothing's as solid as a Buddy)? Is the 300 really that much better than the GTS250? Oddly enough, they both seem to cost roughly the same amount!

Design and build quality on the GTS Vespa is excellent IMO. Parts supply on Vespas is not particularly difficult, as scooters go

, but parts prices are certainly higher than for the Buddy. My GTS has been a very reliable ride and gets about 70 mpg. The 300 replaced the 250 without a significant increase in price. The 250s - new and used - are now available at very attractive prices as a result. Sort of like what the 170i did to prices of the 150s - except that the 250 Vespa is also fuel injected and liquid cooled.

neotrotsky · Post by **neotrotsky** » Mon Aug 22, 2011 5:03 am

ericalm wrote:There are great deals on GTS 250s (now discontinued) at a lot of dealers if there are any left.

As far as the price/value of a Vespa, well, it is what it is. No one can tell you if it's "worth" it; that's up to the individual. They're good scooters. Like any vehicle they've had their issues, but overall the build quality and fit and finish are unparalleled. There are plenty of valid complaints about the company but the product is top notch.

Their bikes are great! This I can attest to. I don't want anyone thinking I'm hating on Vespa as a motorbike. That's hard to do after you have ridden one. My issue is with Piaggio and not the bikes themselves.

supermach · Post by **supermach** » Mon Aug 22, 2011 10:21 am

Thank you everyone it is something for me to think about but I this whated to see what other people say about it... I may this suck it up and get a used one if I see it but i'm not goin to be in a rush to get one.

Raiderfn31 · Post by **Raiderfn31** » Mon Aug 22, 2011 10:33 pm

Just saw a silver GTS 300 at my dealer. Sat on it and it felt so solid. Would love to ride one. $5999 is a chunk of change though.

gt1000 · Post by **gt1000** » Mon Aug 22, 2011 10:44 pm

The deals on "new" old stock are subject to regional availability. I hear folks all over talking about "leftover" 2009 250's and, sorry, they don't seem to exist here in Denver. Dealers here have offered some incentives but the best I've seen for new Vespas is the list price with no set-up fees. So, I was patient and waited for the right used bike. When it appeared, I jumped on it and saved a bundle compared to a new 250 or 300.

If there are leftovers in your region that would be my first choice. If not, wait for the right used bike. I don't really think Vespas are "overpriced". The cost of a new one is simply more than I wanted to pay. And with plenty of low mileage used examples available, why pay more?

Post by **ericalm** » Mon Aug 22, 2011 11:59 pm

gt1000 wrote:The deals on "new" old stock are subject to regional availability. I hear folks all over talking about "leftover" 2009 250's and, sorry, they don't seem to exist here in Denver. Dealers here have offered some incentives but the best I've seen for new Vespas is the list price with no set-up fees. So, I was patient and waited for the right used bike. When it appeared, I jumped on it and saved a bundle compared to a new 250 or 300

Definitely varies by region. A lot of the discounted bikes are ones from shops that have closed. I know there are a number from the Scooter Superstore chain in the SE US that shuttered earlier this year. So availability will depend on whether the local shops still have '09 stock or whether they've picked up any additional stock via auctions, Piaggio's "scratched and dented" sales, closed shops, repos, etc.