[NMBR] The Future of Vespa?

[Southerner]

With the way it's made, there should be some way t attach some bags but nothing currently made would adapt well.

[ericalm]

I'm kind of surprised at how over the moon the entire world seems to be for this model. It's being posted to hundreds of blogs, Twitters, I've seen it on Facebook many times. And the response is overwhelmingly positive!

It's the Emperor's New Vespa as far as I'm concerned.

[Southerner]

I think the design is too pure to make it to market. If anything is developed from this, it will be thoroughly watered-down and bean-countered first. The result will be just same-old with a few small flourishes lifted from this. The one you are looking at will end up in Vespa's museum and the people who went ga-ga over it wouldn't buy it if they saw it on the showroom floor. All that love would evaporate before it came down to writing a check.

Call me cynical.

[ericalm]

To Vespa's credit, they were clear that this is pretty much just a design concept and a peek at a possible future aesthetic. Everyone else is kind of taking it further saying, "Oh, here's what Vespas will look like!"

They've presented concepts in the past but nothing this divergent, so I think that's a big part of why it's attracted so much attention. Few of those posting about it know (or mention) its design origins and inspiration or talk about the engineering and tech in the scoot.

I'm more interested in seeing developments in the technology and engine designs than splashy design concepts. That's much more important to the future of scooters, IMHO.

[JHScoot]

only so much you can do with a step through frame, i suppose...

[Dooglas]

I'm more interested in seeing developments in the technology and engine designs than splashy design concepts. That's much more important to the future of scooters, IMHO.

Indeed, and that takes us back to the new Piaggio 350 engine. A heck of a lot bigger news IMO.

[That Scooter Guy]

I think you guys are missing the point. This new model is the "46"... get it?

It's a nod to the original '46 Vespa prototype and its designer Corradino D'Ascanio:

Darn. And I was hoping it was the Valentino Rossi special edition!

[desmolicious]

Some people want a stylish really finished scoot and do not care about carrying stuff.
This will appeal to them.

The same kind of people who buy 'city' motos like Duc Monsters, Harley Sportsters, Triumph Bonnies etc.
But a scoot version.

If you don't like it, then just ride something else.

We should really be thankful Vespa is doing something like this, because it is energizing scooter visibility to the general public. This helps everyone.

[Roose Hurro]

Best part of the whole bike is the headset.

[Ethan Allison]

Guys, this is a concept*. As in they're not going to build it. Assume the production version will be way more practical.

*As in, actually a concept, not a "concept" where it's basically the production version with gigantic wheels

[Lotrat]

I like it in silver better.

[ericalm]

Now all we need's a crane and a 60-foot beer bottle!

[k1dude]

Lotrat, you're right. It looks MUCH better in silver!

That's weird that it makes such a huge difference to be depending on color. Most cars and bikes don't make that much difference to me what color it is. But in this case it makes a huge difference for some reason.

[Lotrat]

I wonder if you can use the seat as a hole punch.

[Southerner]

I think that the angle of that photo helps as much as the color. And it does look really good.