Hot Italian scooter maker opening store in Oakland

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette ^ | Thursday, November 28, 2002 | Teresa F. Lindeman

[Willie Green]

When the Italian manufacturer of Vespa motor scooters came back to the United States two years ago, it opened boutiques in places such as Denver, Chicago and the California community of Sherman Oaks.

But this trendy vehicle -- sort of the Volkswagen Beetle of the motor scooter world -- isn't being limited to America's trendiest cities. Even now, construction workers are putting together a 1,500-square-foot boutique along Forbes Avenue in Oakland. The store should open by January, not long after the state's first Vespa boutique opens in Philadelphia.

[Willie Green]

Related thread: Amazon.com to Sell First Segway Human Transporters Accepting orders for delivery March 2003

"Effective immediately, Amazon.com customers can order the Segway Human Transporter, priced at $4,950, by placing a $495 deposit."

.

"Vespas start at only $2900???
Then why would I want to ride this thing?"

[Weimdog]

The new Vespa's are really not my taste.

The Vespa's and Lambtretta's circa 1962 - 1967 are the coolest IMHO.

Check out these beauties finely restored to order in VietNam. They'll ship anywhere.

http://www.classicalwheels.com/codenew/product.asp

[F-117A]

The new Vespa's are really not my taste.

I kind of like the new agressive look!

[Rocksalt]

The restored scooters on that link are really sweet.No prices are given,I'm curious how much they run? Do you know if the new models are two-stroke or four?

[Weimdog]

In college, I rode a 1975 Vespa 150 Sport, it was a 2 stroke, so you had to add oil.

The last time I checked, restored models from ClassicalWheels were running $2800 - $3800, plus shipping ($400,fully crated, on a boat to a west coast port).

I'm still trying to talk my wife into buying one for old time sake. But with our first child on the way, I think it's on the back-burner for a while.

[Rocksalt]

I looked at the Vespa USA website and the new ones don't look nearly as stylish as the vintage ones.They do make a 4 cycle model now,and they are not cheap.About 4 grand for the 4 stroker.The vintage have better lines,but the 4 cycle is cleaner burning of course.I'll buy one when they start making retro ones that are 4 stroke.

[huyscooter]

HUY'S SCOOTER is a direct exporter of Vespa scooters and supplies, processing monthly shipments of vintage scooters and rare memorabilia direct to foreign countries. We feature a full-service/repair department and deep inventory of scooter parts.

Our 1960s Vespa has the price of USD 1299 per Vespa FOB Saigon port - Vietnam. Should you wish to know any further, please contact us at:

www.ec21.com/huyscooter

or

email: vnscooterguy@yahoo.com


Many thanks

Le Tuan Huy

[lewislynn]

The old Vespas are cool but I'd take a Cushman Eagle over a Vespa any day.