Did I miss a discussion about this?

Southerner · Post by **Southerner** » Wed May 23, 2012 2:31 am

http://blog.motorcycle.com/2012/03/19/m ... h-america/

I do remember a thread about the concept but it appears from the above that not only is it going into production, we will be getting them over here.

phatch · Post by **phatch** » Wed May 23, 2012 3:10 am

That looks niiiiiiiiiiice...

Tocsik · Post by **Tocsik** » Wed May 23, 2012 3:25 am

right here: viewtopic.php?t=20478&highlight=vespa+prototype

Mutt the Hoople · Post by **Mutt the Hoople** » Wed May 23, 2012 3:41 am

Oh that's yummy.... I need one of those. No storage though

Lokky · Post by **Lokky** » Wed May 23, 2012 4:00 am

wait that's getting a production model? I thought it was strictly a concept bike?

I really don't see the lack of storage space on it working well.

un_designer · Post by **un_designer** » Wed May 23, 2012 4:25 am

Lokky wrote:wait that's getting a production model? I thought it was strictly a concept bike?

I really don't see the lack of storage space on it working well.

Ditto. The whole flying-in-the-air seat looks neat.

I give this 3

Keys · Post by **Keys** » Wed May 23, 2012 5:40 am

Lack of storage space doesn't seem to detrimentally affect the sales of certain basic Harley motorcycles...

Post by **ericalm** » Wed May 23, 2012 6:06 am

The photos are concepts. The production version will have several changes. No one knows what it will look like.

What we do know is that the 3-valve engine will be stock on the LX in the near future.

The 946 will reportedly replace the LX. What's weird is that Vespa hasn't officially announced this. They've just leaked it to dealers and others.

I think, as a concept, "whatever." Wholly impractical design masturbation. Overworked. However, there are bits of it that I think could work once developed. We shall see.

2wheelNsanity · Post by **2wheelNsanity** » Wed May 23, 2012 12:38 pm

Holy #@$%@. I better not let my wife see it, I'll never get my BV 350. On the other hand this might be just the ticket to get her to ride, hmm the delemma begins

Southerner · Post by **Southerner** » Wed May 23, 2012 4:38 pm

Keys wrote:Lack of storage space doesn't seem to detrimentally affect the sales of certain basic Harley motorcycles...

Or sportbikes, for that matter.

Post by **ericalm** » Wed May 23, 2012 5:55 pm

Keys wrote:Lack of storage space doesn't seem to detrimentally affect the sales of certain basic Harley motorcycles...

There's not shortage of options for Harleys, though.

The 946 is intended to replace Vespa's basic urban commuter, the LX. Lack of storage would be a problem. Inability to access the engine, also a problem. No place for a decent-sized gas tank, also a problem. Inability to hit the price point of current 150 models, also a problem. And so on.

Southerner · Post by **Southerner** » Thu May 24, 2012 12:37 am

A jacked-up price would be a killer but the thing looks so good, I want to ignore the lack of practicality.

As regards storage, isn't it limited on the current LX model anyway?
And I believe one reviewer mentioned that you need to exercise caution with what you put in there, particularly grocery items like milk, eggs, etc.

And as I'm trying to justify, I recall that I just brought home 5 quarts of oil plus a quart of gear oil from the parts house, plus the usual stuff I bring home from work at the end of the day, all stuffed into my panniers.

Post by **ericalm** » Thu May 24, 2012 12:58 am

LX has fairly spacious underseat storage and a glove box (LX S has no glove box). This has a place to put your key.

Southerner · Post by **Southerner** » Thu May 24, 2012 2:25 am

Oh yeah, the glove box.

All this one seems to have is a hook.

I guess one could imitate the sportbikers and use a backpack.

jonlink · Post by **jonlink** » Thu May 24, 2012 10:59 am

This scoot seems to be more about fashion than practicality. Sure, it looks impressive, but I don't think I'd want to buy one.

Southerner · Post by **Southerner** » Thu May 24, 2012 3:01 pm

I think scooter folk are the only 2-wheeled types who ever consider practicality.

un_designer · Post by **un_designer** » Thu May 24, 2012 3:40 pm

Southerner wrote:I think scooter folk are the only 2-wheeled types who ever consider practicality.

there is beauty in the perfect combination of form and function. us scooterists are just more refined that way. ;-D

but yea, that pic is just a concept, not a production-ready vehicle. a lot of concepts introduce wild and flashy ideas that would never make it to production due to their impractical nature or cost of manufacturing or safety. this certainly qualifies.

Southerner · Post by **Southerner** » Sat May 26, 2012 1:35 am

Surely they could at least offer a glovebox as an option.

And where's the radiator?

LunaP · Post by **LunaP** » Sat May 26, 2012 1:39 am

I'm skeptical- so far the only thing I like is the color.

Demo_Nic · Post by **Demo_Nic** » Sat May 26, 2012 2:10 am

Needs adjustable seat height.

Southerner · Post by **Southerner** » Sat May 26, 2012 1:26 pm

This is Italian, folks.

STYLE, not substance!

scootavaran · Post by **scootavaran** » Sun May 27, 2012 12:35 am

We have to remember that the pic only shows the concept bike.

Most vehicle concepts usually look completely impractical just to catch the eye of audience, but when the actually vehicle moves to the production line the looks have changed to fit the needs of the real world.

Besides Vespa knows that storage is usually the biggest draw toward scooters.

Southerner · Post by **Southerner** » Wed Jul 04, 2012 8:50 pm

I'm bringing this back up because Piaggio Group has officially announced that the 946, among other goodies, are officially coming to North America. This from the August issue of Roadrunner Magazine but I believe I've seen it in at least one other mag recently. They didn't say when, however. The monstrous Aprilia 850 is coming as a 2013 model.

Seems like if they are looking to replace the LX with this thing, getting it into production would be a priority. I do wonder how potential LX buyers are going to look on its air-cooled engine and lack of storage. Should appeal to the vintage crowd looking for a daily driver, though.

neotrotsky · Post by **neotrotsky** » Wed Jul 04, 2012 10:33 pm

Southerner wrote:I'm bringing this back up because Piaggio Group has officially announced that the 946, among other goodies, are officially coming to North America. This from the August issue of Roadrunner Magazine but I believe I've seen it in at least one other mag recently. They didn't say when, however. The monstrous Aprilia 850 is coming as a 2013 model.

Seems like if they are looking to replace the LX with this thing, getting it into production would be a priority. I do wonder how potential LX buyers are going to look on its air-cooled engine and lack of storage. Should appeal to the vintage crowd looking for a daily driver, though.

As a vintage scooter enthusiast, I can honestly say the new scooter look like ass. If this is the future of Piaggio, I can only assume that even more will be charged for it and if one or two actually make it to the US it will be a miracle. Piaggio and Vespa in particular have taken a Paris Hilton-like approach thinking we're going to fawn over them for simply gracing our shores with their presence and we'll take whatever junk they throw over here if they slap a Vespa badge on it and charge ungodly amounts of money.

I loved the original P-series scooters because they were stylish, simple and inexpensive. Now, they're hipster fashion accessories with the prices to match. Guess that's why I've migrated to Genuine bikes and only really have an interest in vintage scoots beyond that. Vespa has lost their way.

agrogod · Post by **agrogod** » Thu Jul 05, 2012 8:45 am

Don't like it. And don't take this the wrong way but its an Italian POS design. As others have already pointed out its pitfalls a thought comes to mind, maybe Charlie Sheen would like to drive it around his house.

Southerner · Post by **Southerner** » Thu Jul 05, 2012 8:13 pm

One would THINK that going back to air cooling would reduce the cost somewhat. They really can't justify an increased price over the LX just because it's a new model with a new body style. Flashy looks aside, it's just a stripped-down basic metal scoot.

When it comes down to actually spending money, I will continue to avoid Italian in general primarily because of the parts & service issue. It's safer to stick with Japanese, Taiwanese (with Kymco seeming to be the most nearly ubiquitous) as usual. I would have more confidence with India as well.

Still, Italian design continues to excel. It would be the fulfilment of a childhood dream to buy a Guzzi like the upcoming California but I would have to ascend several tax brackets before I would feel OK doing it.

I'd hate to be the one to tell Vespa they couldn't design a new body style. If it flops, they can drop it and either revert to something safe or try something else. There's a lot of weird and wonderful in the world of classic scoots and the newer stuff from the Far East can get pretty "out there" as well.

michelle_7728 · Post by **michelle_7728** » Fri Jul 06, 2012 12:50 am

Seems like a bad move on Vespa's part if they substitute a bike that's selling for this. They won't know if it's the economy or the style that's keeping them from selling....that is if they don't bother to read comments like those above.

I could see bringing it on as an addition to their offerings, as I'm sure there are a few that would buy them because they are neat looking, but for those that want that size of vespa, and want a scooter that's practical...

On the bright side--sales for other manufacturers scooters that are in the same engine size will go up!

k1dude · Post by **k1dude** » Fri Jul 06, 2012 2:06 am

I could see the design being successful if they had it made in Taiwan and sold it for somewhere around $3,599. It lacks the substance of other scoots, but could make up for it in style. However, if they come out with a typical Vespa like price of somewhere around $5,500, I see fail written all over it.

In other words, I could see a lot of people willing to give up practicality for style and name, as long as it isn't priced in the stratosphere. They would scoot around slinging a messenger bag for the coolness factor alone.

Post by **ericalm** » Fri Jul 06, 2012 5:18 am

According to some dealers who were at the annual conference, Vespa reps told them this will replace the LX.

We still haven't seen the production version, which will be unveiled this fall, I think. Hopefully some of the styling excesses will be scaled back and some of the practicality added back in.

ThreeSheets · Post by **ThreeSheets** » Fri Jul 06, 2012 1:38 pm

pretty cool

susann.t · Post by **susann.t** » Fri Jul 06, 2012 4:00 pm

I'm obviously alone here but that thing is UGLY

Post by **ericalm** » Fri Jul 06, 2012 5:00 pm

susann.t wrote:I'm obviously alone here but that thing is UGLY

No, you're not alone at all. I think it's over-designed and really undermines what's made the Vespa designs so iconic for decades: a balance of style and utility.

pugbuddy · Post by **pugbuddy** » Fri Jul 06, 2012 9:50 pm

jonlink wrote:This scoot seems to be more about fashion than practicality. Sure, it looks impressive, but I don't think I'd want to buy one.

Depends. Does it come with one of those Italian models?

Seriously, I agree with Susann.t. It's ugly (and impractical).

chloefpuff · Post by **chloefpuff** » Sun Jul 08, 2012 6:34 pm

Doesn't look like a Vespa at all.
So, it's a bold move or a stupid one. I'm going with stupid.
I hate the seat.

BuddyLicious · Post by **BuddyLicious** » Sun Jul 08, 2012 11:03 pm

Havnt seen em for scooters but another snow fun kit turns dirtbikes into snow machines.Whats cool is they have the rear track{not a wheel} that can go in about any depth of snow unlike a rear wheel.

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/20/2289/M ... n-Kit.aspx