Considering a Vespa LX150 Scooter
This is going to be a long post, but it is 5000 miles worth of reflections after all…
Last week marked one year of Vespa ownership. I also saw the odometer turn 5000 miles and I thought it would be an appropriate time for a Vespa LX150 review. I’ll discuss the following:
Mechanical Reliability
Performance
The Ride
Mechanical Reliability
The LX150 is solidly built and 5000 miles of use has only seemed to improve it. With the exception of a clogged carburetor almost right out of the showroom (a small fleck of rubber from the fuel line dislodged during assembly and clogged the float valve) it has started every time I pushed the starter button. I’ve ridden the scooter in temperatures close to 0 degrees Fahrenheit to over 100 degrees. Rain, snow, fog, ice, humidity—whatever Mother Nature dished out the Vespa took it in stride.
Fuel economy has been consistent at around 68 miles per gallon in my town/suburb/rural commute. On the open road with steady throttle I have achieved as high as 90 miles per gallon.
Maintenance costs have been predictable and reasonable. I’ve had the oil changed at the 600 mile break-in period and then again (too early) at around 3000 miles. The maintenance schedule is a bit hard to pin down with Piaggio’s Warranty Book differing from their Owners Manual and both differ from the Vespa Shop Manual. I looked at everything and chose my own schedule that is in the happy middle of the three.
If there is an unexpected element in the scooter it has been tires. I am on my third rear tire now with each needed to be replaced with 2400 miles on them. The front tire still seems almost new. Granted the smaller tires turn more than bigger ones but I was surprised at how fast they wear. Replacing the rear tire is more complicated than the front so the cost to have it done is greater as well. The tire and tech time cost me $99.34. At the rate I ride that’s at least a hundred dollars a year for tires. More the years I have to change the front. I’ll pay for that out of fuel savings.
I have run the same tire—a Pirelli SL38 120/70-10. These tires are sticky and have excellent traction in all weather. The only dicey performance is off road on gravel roads but I suspect my skill is more suspect than the tires. I’ve heard of longer lasting tires but the feel of the Pirelli’s are fantastic.
I plan to start doing my own maintenance, not out of a concern for cost but more because I want to understand how the thing works. The engine and related systems are simple and straightforward and I don’t expect any problems. If I do there is a wealth of support out there in the Modern Vespa forum. Worst case I’ll have to drag my partially dismantled scooter to the dealer so that they can have a good laugh.
Performance
The LX150 is a solid performer within my expectations. On a flat smooth road it will easily haul my 190 body along at 60 MPH as long as I care to travel at that speed. It has gone faster in cool air and tucked down low I have seen the speedometer indicate 70.
Acceleration is smooth through the entire speed range though I slight slowdown in acceleration between 45 and 55 MPH. Hardly noticeable unless you’re racing a car away from a traffic light. From zero to 35MH it is quick!
I had some apprehension about tire size and how that would affect the quality and safety of the ride. I can say with confidence that it does not seem to matter at all. The ride is surprisingly smooth and the little tires allow the Vespa to corner well and provide excellent swerving ability. At the speeds the scooter travels it is an extremely nimble and agile machine. I am wary of potholes and rough roads and gratefully there are not a lot of scooter eating holes in Central Pennsylvania. I have hit a few and the scooter has not dropped into oblivion or high-sided me onto the pavement. The small tires have handled sudden gravel filled absences at 45 MPH without incident. Respecting the size of the tires and what they can handle is important. I have consistently underestimated their ability.
Another performance advantage for me of the LX150 is the two hand brakes instead of the hand and foot brake configuration on a motorcycle. I can get both hands on the brakes fast and really control stopping power better than I could with the foot brake. The Vespa simply stops fast.
One last performance feature that you never hear much about is the ability to haul groceries and other kinds of “stuff”. I can now easily haul 8 bags of groceries on the scooter using the built in bag hooks, under seat compartment, and rear rack with bungee cords. If I set my mind to it I bet I could increase that number by 50 percent. The Vespa performs reliably as transportation and as a utility vehicle. This is not just another pretty machine for sunny day use followed by diaper rubs.
The Ride
This is the real reason I bought this thing. What began as pure fun has transformed into a minor miracle of personal peace. Regardless of riding conditions, no matter how hot or cold a smile always comes to my face when I ride. I find the attention required to ride safely strips away the concerns of the day—things melt from my consciousness and I am left living in the moment. The ride is a contemplation of machine, body, and mind. I find a serene place.
Riding also provides an opportunity to pursue mastery. Not the simple definition of getting good at something but rather the definition of mastery outlined in George Leonard’s book “Mastery”. Leonard describes mastery
“It resists definition yet can be instantly recognized. It comes in many varieties, yet follows certain unchanging laws. It brings rich rewards, yet is not really a goal or a destination but rather a process, a journey. We call this journey mastery, and tend to assume that it requires a special ticket available only to those born with exceptional abilities. But mastery isn’t reserved for the super talented or even for those who are fortunate enough to have gotten an early start. It’s available to anyone who is willing to get on the path and stay on it—regardless of age, sex, or previous experience.”
The Vespa offers a chance to pursue this path and it reaches far beyond simple definitions of riding. It is a challenge personally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. I am grateful to have stumbled upon it….
I’ll post my next review at 10,000 miles.
quick question, what kind of gasoline do you use – regular or premium grade?
I always use premium—92 octane or higher. Since the engine is a small high compression engine it needs it I guess. And that’s what the manual recommends so I’ve stuck with it.
steve
Steve –
I’ve been reading your blog and want to extend my appreciation for you sharing your scooter experiences.
I am currently commuting via Honda Hurricane or Ducati 900. I’m beginning to look towards a purchase of something more comfortable and utilitarian, quiet and economical…did I mention comfort?!? Question: I’m wondering if you know how good the larger displacement scooters hold up (400cc or so) for freeway commuting. I commute 400 miles a week. It sounds like the vespa is quite the capable machine but I can’t see riding a 150 at those speeds for very long.
dan_durham: Glad you can find some use from my blog.
I think you’ll definitely find the scooter quieter and more utilitarian. Probably more economical and comfortable as well though comfort is pretty subjective for each of us.
You’re right that the 150cc scooter would not be a good choice for freeway commuting. The Vespa GT200 or GTS250 would be adequate for the freeway with top speeds over 70 MPH for each with some reporting speeds near 80.
Piaggio makes a BV500 scooter and there are others that size. How much power you really need vs. want will be a question you need to answer for yourself. While I have consciously chosen to have less power and make decisions while riding based on that your commute probably will dictate other needs.
I suggest you post questions about this on the MOdern Vespa forum. There will be people who commute with the bigger scooters and they can provide you with their experience in this area.
http://www.modernvespa.com
Good luck with your search and thanks for reading!
steve
Steve,
One thing you didn’t mention was the CVT belt. Has that been changed yet? What is the recommended mileage on one of those?
I absolutely love the simple and elegant styling of the Vespa, and really, almost all Italian vehicles.
You illustrate the design integrity of the 150LX in every one of your photos. It is truly a rock-solid piece of utilitarian art.
(Continue to…)
Ride well,
=gc=
Steve,
Who makes the riding jacket that you’re wearing in the profile picture?
Thanks for making another great 2wheel blog!
red
Gary: Have not changed the CVT belt or rollers yet. The schedule calls for an inspection at 4000 miles and a change at 7500. I’m going to do the sparkplug, change the belt to a Malossi Kevlar one, change the rollers, and do the oil and trans fluid change at 6350 miles.
Thanks for the comments on the Vespa photos. It is easy to photograph from several angles—profile, or side from front on back. But I am having trouble finding the “sweet spot” from the front or rear. Practice practice practice.
There is a lot of discussion about the lifespan or utility of the new 4-stroke Vespas. I have read of some in Taiwan that have 50,000 miles on them. I ride enough that I am putting car variety mileage on the scooter so I am interested in years of use rather than just miles.
I hope I can run it at least ten years at this pace without too many mechanical issues outside of routine maintenance….
red: My jacket is a Triumph jacket that I purchased from our local Triumph dealer. I have seen one other rider on the road with one but never another. You might check a Triumph dealer becasue I did see it in their catalog last winter when I was looking for a winter version of the jacket.
steve
The jacket is the the Triumph Motorcycles Raptor jacket in yellow. It is available also in red, blue and silver. You can ind it at the URL below. Look at “Outerwear” and go to the second page and you will see Raptor jacket in grey.
http://www.britishmotorcycling.com/
I alway enjoy reading your blog….. very nice and well written… I hope to have a Vespa soon myself.
Kindest Regards,
Jerry
Jerry: Glad you find some use from the bog. Let us know when you get your new Vespa! Which model of you thinking of acquiring?
steve
Steve,
Well I think that the LX150 will suite my needs just fine! BUT there is the PX150 (Love that classic look and manual tranmission). Torn between 2, however I dont have then $$$, All good thing to those who wait!
Kindest Regards,
Jerry
Steve:
a local cycle shop just started carrying Vespas and Piaggios in my town here and I am intrigued. Your blog is really helpful. In reading some online reviews, it seems the Piaggio has had reliability problems but that doesn’t seem to be the case with your Vespa. any words of wisdom? Is one better than the other? I am looking for about a 250cc model, either one and am looking for guidance. My commuting will be urban and I don’t plan on freeway riding but would like a bit of power. Thanks.
txiki: I have heard of individuals having problems with their Vespa scooters. I always take this anecdotal information for what it is—anecdotal. It doesn’t mean much beyond that. Like all scooters and motorcycles being manufactured (and cars and trucks) you will find people satisfied and disatisfied.
My sense from reading a lot of posts on the Modern Vespa forum is that the Vespa and Piaggio products are no better or worse than others. The majority of individuals posting on the site are thrilled with their scooters.
You do pay a premium for the Vespa name though. I made the decision to pay the extra because I liked the look of the scooter….
I think the GT 200 or GTS 250 would both be fine, powerful machines. You could ride either on the freeway in much the same way you could ride a bigger motorcycle. 70 MPH is plenty of speed.
I’ve ridden the GTS and it quiet, smooth, lots of power and torque. And it is a scooter.
Good luck on your scooter search and ride safe!
steve
Steve:
thanks for the response. I’ll be following your blog and am also now connected with Modern Vespa. I might also check out the Yamaha scooters and test them all, and I’ll let you know. many thanks
Thanks for sharing Steve! How long did it take you to do the 5000 miles? I love my Vino 125 but have been thinking of an LX150 or the GT.
kitkatknit: It took almost exactly one year. The scooter has about 5100 miles on it on its first birthday.
The LX150 is bigger and taller than the VINO and has a slight advantage in performance. I suspect it’s highway cruising speed is 5-10 MPH faster.
The GT or GTS is a big power jump. You’ll be functioning in the highway performance range of regular motorcycles with one of those. Certainly won’t have the top end and acceleration of a big bike but the useful performance for legal riding will be great.
steve
Steve-
I really enjoy checking in to your blog from time to time. I am looking at “scooting” as an alternate (and cheaper way to work). I am also interested in your photography. What kind of camera do you typically take with you? You’ve gotten some great shots.
Most of what I shoot is done with a little pocket-sized Canon S50 Powershot camera. It is a 5 megapixel camera, the optics are good, it has manual control of shutter and aperture, and it has a self-timer for those occasional self-portraits.
The scooter is a great alternative mode of transportation. I have gone from a Ford Ranger truck to the scooter. I believe I could live my life without the truck. I use it, but I could find alternatives to meet those needs.
steve
Steve
Are you not going to post until you hit 10,000. Sure going to miss those daily- weekly posts 😎
Tom: Yeah, it sort of seems liked I’ve disappeared but I promise I’ll be posting more—something today and another tomorrow.
Work has been extremely hectic and my riding has been confined almost exclusively to the commute to and from my office.
My apologies to those frequent readers looking for new things. I am going to try and get back on at least a three times weekly schedule.
steve
Steve,
As a fellow sccoterist – I ride in the back roads for a calmer atmosphere and truly enjoy the pace of a scooter. So keep up with the blog, its both enjoyable and very entertainingly informative.
Ride safe.
Phil
Phil: I love the relaxed rides. Thanks for your kind comments.
For those of you not intimately familiar with scooters, that does not mean that I’m riding in a fog and not paying attention. It means (for me) that I am completely present and enjoying the moment. A side benefit of that sort of awareness is you’re ready for anything.
Hey, I have bought the Vespa LX (50cc). It is an EU-moped which means that it can only go 45 km/h. I am going to pick it up this week and I can not wait. I was wondering if you had any good tips as far as breaking in the engine (if needed) or anything that a new Vespa owner should think about in order to make sure everything goes smoothly from day one. Thanks for any tips.
I’m not sure what the actual breakin requirements are for the LX50 but I suspect they are similar to the LX150.
That means for the first 1000KM you will not want to push the engine much past 60-80 percent power. And no long rides at a constant speed. Lots of variation. After the breakin period is over the engine and transmission oil is changed and a technician should give it a look.
Try the ModernVespa.com forum for more detailed experience from other LX50 owners.
Good luck with your new machine!
steve
Hello!
I just wanted to comment to you and say a big “Thank You!!” this post really helped a lot..As a newbie to this world of scooters, I’m debating as to if I should get one or not…But the more I explore into this world of Vespa’s and scooters, I feel as though I want to be a part of it as well.
Thank you so much for enjoying what you are doing and sharing your experiences with the world..
Glad I can help. the world of ridering is an amazing place. Good luck on your scooter search and keep us posted on your progress!
steve
YESSSSSSSSSSSS
Steve,
Appreciate all your info re: LX 150. This has been very helpful to me. Can you share any more detail regarding suspension vs. potholes, bumps, etc. I realize that we are looking at unishocks for this model. How does your Vespa handle longitudinal impressions in the road? Does it drive through them or create a noticeable wobbling sensation when crossing over them? I am looking at this model very closely. Just have not ridden it yet.
thanks in advance
John
I weigh in at about 190 pounds and the shocks are adequate for my weight. Obviously they are not going to be as smooth and forgiving as a bigger motorcycle but for the speeds the scooter operates at they’re fine.
I am careful with longitudinal grooves. In the case of scored asphalt the feeling of wobble can be unsettling until you realize the scooter will track fine. My bigger worry is dropping a wheel into a big groove. I keep my eye peeled for those and all I have seen have been in division between my lane and the oncoming lane. With the small tires you just have to pay attention to the road surface just as you would with a motorcycle.
steve
Steve,
I appreciate your comments–I have the exact same model Vespa (silver!), and have had experience with it very similar to yours. I haven’t put on as many miles, but have had the rear tire wear (and replacement) you speak of, far ahead of the front. The scooter has brought enormous joy into my everyday. It’s a bargin in many ways.
One question I had was if you’d taken the LX on vacation, and if so how you transported it. We go to a great place in Wisconscin every year–a ten hour drive–and I’d love to take the Vespa. I have a hitch on my Toyota Sienna, but it rides low. Do you have any suggestions for trailers that don’t cost an arm and leg, that would take the Vespa safely?
By the way, I also like the straightforward grace of your writing.
good riding to you,
Jeff
Hey Steve,
Just wondered if you have ridden the 50cc and if so, is it a dog compared to the 150cc?
Thanks,
J~
Hey! Where’d everybody go? I’m debateing between the Piaggio 150 with the 16 inch wheels and the new Vespa 150 with the 11 inch wheel in front and the 10 inch wheel in back. The big downside of the Piaggio is no storage under the seat and it’s NOT a Vespa. Any thoughts out there??
This is fantastic! I have a LX 150 and drive it EVERYDAY! I LOVE IT! I have reached the 6000km (3100mi) mark in less then 10months. I will need to replace my back tire very soon. One thing that I did notice is that I had to add oil before the 3000mi mark. What type of gas do you put in the LX150? My Oil consumption seems high.
Thanks for your detailed info. It certainly brings peace of mind to a very happy LX150 owner.
What an awesome blog! Thank you so much for the fantastic, detailed and inspired information. I’m upgrading today from an LX50 to an LX150. I realized just how much I enjoy riding the Vespa and I’m looking forward to having more flexibility with the 150.
Steve, I’m impressed that you put on 5k miles in a year. I’m coming up on my LX150’s birthday this month and I’ve just cracked 4k, made up almost completely of my 15 mile daily commute.
Definitely had the rear tire wear out, and I probably rode it bald longer than I should have. One thing you didn’t mention the battery losing its juice around 2000 miles, which makes me think it might have had something to do with my scooter being tipped in the city.
In any event, I ran the numbers on the costs of my first year of maintenance, which I thought you and your readers might find illuminating: Vespa LX150 Total Cost of Ownership. I’d be curious to know what scheduled maintenance goes for out in the sticks…
Hello,
I was just looking at Vespa’s yesterday. I live in eastern PA (Reading area). I have about a 30 mile roundtrip commute daily which consists mostly of back country roads. There are several steep hills along the way. I most interested in the 150, but I am wondering how it does on long somewhat steep hills. The dealer tried to convince me to buy the 200 (at $1,000 more), but I like the lightweight and simplicity of the smaller machine. can you tell me how it does on hills?
I would greatly appreciate it.
I forgot to mention that the dealer I went to would not allow test drives. Did you encounter the same? I really would at least like to drive one before I put out the money.
In regards to the available power of the LX150. I found it completely adequate on the hilly roads around here. It would not race up the steep hills at 55 MPH though. I could manage 45 on almost every steep road though. I would wave cars around me when they appeared. The 250cc GTS would run 55-60 MPH on similar roads but even then a lot of cars want to go faster.
The LX150 is lighter and more nimble. When I got my GTS it seemed much bigger and bulkier (and more powerful) but after a couple days of riding I could not tell any difference at all.
The choice between the LX150 and the GT200 or GTS250 is personal. Any of them will get you around on two lane roads with traffic. The bigger engine will just allow you to move faster or dart around a bit more. And go up hills faster. Do you need that extra power? Really depends on your own expectations on the road. For me I was happy to go slower. Still am and still do.
As far as test rides go I think it is not uncommon for dealers to not let people take bikes and scooters for test rides. Especially now with so many no-experience riders showing up to buy scooters they just don’t want to take the risk.
And some dealers will let you test ride but you have to sign a waiver to cover all damages should you crash and you have to have a motorcycle license.
Anyways, good luck! I was at our local Vespa dealer yesterday and he is selling one or more a day. This past Monday he sold 3. It’s amazing what rising gas prices will do….
Steve,
I just wanted to thank you for such a lovely blog. I have been doing a little research on the LX150, and this has been wonderful to read. And the the photos make life at the office a little more enjoyable.
Hopefully I can find a scooter of my own before the rest of the world realizes their worth.
Take care!
Liz: Glad you enjoy Scooter in the Sticks. I couldn’t have done it without the Vespa!
Scooters are just plain, unadulterated fun. Wish I found one myself years ago….
Steve,
I recently just took over my boyfriends 2006 Vespa LX150, and it is about to reach it’s 5,000 miles. Lately it has been running really poor. I am going to change the battery, and the rear brakes. But I’m not sure what kind of maintenance he hasn’t had, that he was supposed to get. What was the maintenance schedule you came up with? I don’t know what he did with the manual, and I can’t find anything online. Thanks for any help you have.
channing: at 5000 miles you would have a second oil change, perhaps another sparkplug. If you don’t have the owners manual I can get you something better. Go to the link below at the Modern Vespa forum and download the Service manual for the ET4 for free. It has the maintenance schedule in it as well as everything else.
I had mine printed and bound at Kinkos and it looks like an official shop manual.
Vespa and PIaggio Shop Manuals
Hi Steve – Thanks! This was great to read – being a new Vespa S150 owner myself and driving to work everyday. I only commute 2.5 miles in Sunny California so I was very impressed to see you ride in the winter. I’ll have to think about that when it rains here. Your photos are beautiful. I’ll keep checking back to see what else you write/post. S
SAM: Congratulations on your new Vespa commuter. They are a joy to ride. And thank you for the kind words about Scooter in the Sticks. My Vespa, riding, writing and photography are the perfect mix for me.
Ride safely!
Great blog. I am considering getting an LX150, but feel I need a scooter capable of taking a rider and passenger to 35 MPH. Can you offer any insight into whether the LX150 is adequate around town for two-up riding? Thanks.
The LX150 will easily transport two people around town. You should not have any problems hitting 50 MPH with two people.
For more specific info check out ModernVespa.com
Good luck with your future scootering!
I bought my dragon red Vespa LX 150 in May. I live in upstate New York and have a 14 mile commute each day. I am in a semi rural area and drive on back roads. I replaced my back tire after 1700 miles. It was bald! I changed from a Perelli to a Brigdestone to get better wear.
I am looking to find what servicing I need for my bike at 2000 miles. Anyone know? I just love my Vespa. FYI: Also, my dealer added a battery charger unit built into the battery because of the problem of the batteries going dead. If the bike is to sit for a period of time, which it will in the winter, it is to be plugged in.
I bought my dragon red Vespa LX 150 in May. I live in upstate New York and have a 14 mile commute each day. I am in a semi rural area and drive on back roads. I replaced my back tire after 1700 miles. It was bald! I changed from a Perelli to a Brigdestone to get better wear.
I am looking to find what servicing I need for my bike at 2000 miles. Anyone know? I just love my Vespa. FYI: Also, my dealer added a battery charger unit built into the battery because of the problem of the batteries going dead. If the bike is to sit for a period of time, which it will in the winter, it is to be plugged in.
Unfortunately the rear tires on scooters go fast. I have found myself replacing them anywhere between 2000 and 4000 miles. Depends on how I am riding more than the brand.
I’ve used Pirelli, Continental Zippys, Savas, and Michelin. I’ve never noticed a difference in performance or longevity.
In the winter when scooters may sit for long periods of time you need a trickle charger. I ride mine constantly so I don’t worry about it. If you ride that 14 mile commute at least once a week you won’t have any problems.
Good luck with that Dragon Red scooter!
Steve fantastic review. I think I’m going to buy the LX150 this weekend and your blog and others have really sold me on it. I’m wondering how you cope with weather conditions when riding it such as rain or snow? I imagine it makes it more difficult but it is doable right?
sam: Sorry for the delay in responding. By now you have probably purchased your Vespa and are finding out how the colder weather affects a rider.
I handle the physical part of riding — cold, rain, and snow — by using the right protective gear. There are numerous manufacturers out there with a wide range of prices. Aerostich and NewEnough just to name a few.
If you keep yourself warm and dry you can ride through a lot of the winter.
As far as riding in bad weather I follow two fundamental tenets– ride much, much slower, and stay within my skill limits. In the rural area I live in I can ride slower due to less frantic traffic and I have a lot of options in terms of routes. In a more urbanized area this might not be the case.
In rain the risk increases but is pretty easily managed by slower speeds and understanding what the rain will do to various road surfaces — like painted lines, leaves, oil, stuff like that.
Snow is a much different matter. I only ride with roads covered in snow if I get caught out in it or I know that it will soon be melting. The stock tires on most scooters aren’t very good in snow and the challenges are great. If you decide you want to try snow I would suggest finding a parking lot to experiment in.
Are you close to 10k yet?
Steve,
I own a 07 LX150 and I started noticing a rattle noise coming from the bike around the tranission area on the left side. I was wondering if you have experienced any similar noises while riding and if so, how did you go about fixing. Love your site.
Benjamin: The only time I experienced any noise was after I changed the drive belt and rollers myself. And that was due to the fact that I reassembled things incorrectly and ended up destroying the crankshaft.
Bad. Very bad.
I have heard others complain of noise when the rollers begin to wear out.
I would suggest you create a free account at ModernVespa.com and post your question there. A lot of Vespa technicians hang out there and will be able to point you in the right direction.
Good luck!
I am a total newcomer to the idea of a Vespa, but am seriously considering one to commute to work a mile or so from our home. What Vespa would I consider? Don’t want or need to go too fast. I’ll be riding this around town — not on the highway. Can you fit a little passenger on the back? We’re in Bethesda, Maryland.
Thanks…
Anonymous: Sorry for the delay in responding. It gets ever more difficult to follow comments on older posts.
For a short trip around town any of the Vespa’s from the 50cc LX50 to the new Vespa GTS300 would work fine. The difference is in how quickly you want to accelerate and how fast you want to go. At the low end you are near bicycle speeds (professional bicyclists that is) to being able to outrun cars at the upper end.
Much may depend on the nature of your traffic. If people are racing along even on two lane roads you may want to look at the 150 rather than the 50cc model. Same size scooter but the 150 will offer more acceleration and higher speeds so you can keep up with traffic.
I have a picture of Bethesda traffic and in that picture people don’t move along at 35mph. I could be wrong though.
Good luck!
Nice Blog. I live in South Africa and have now done about 33500 kms in the 23 months I have had my GTS250. My most epic trip was the 1200km trip from Johannesburg to Uitenhage in the Eastern Cape which I completed over a day and a half. Most of the mileage has been daily commuting though. No serious problems yet. Keep up the good writing.
Still loving my LX 150 after a full year of riding. It was always my dream to own a Vespa and this is certainly a dream come true! I just turned the 3700 mile mark. Not bad for seasonal driving in Upstate New York. So far I’ve had one flat, changed one back tire due to wear and tear, and have done regular work on this bike. Well made and wonderful! I wear a skirt often when riding and find this to be most practical!
~Laura in New York
I’ve read that the battery life on the Vespas are atrocious. Any knowledge of this?
Ruben: I no longer have the LX150 but had no problems with the battery that I can remember. But I operated the scooter in a year round manner almost on a daily basis.
I now have a GTS250ie. It is almost 3 years old with around 13K miles. The battery is still functioning fine (though I wonder if it should be changed anyway) and cranks the scooter in very low temperatures. I do keep it on a Battery Tender though since I don’t ride daily in the winter time — now more like weekly. I don’t brave the snow and ice like I used to.
Hope this helps.
I ride a GTS250ie too. I have done over 40000km in just over 2 years without any problem with the battery. The battery is a sealed unit so requires no maintenance, I understand. A friend has a GTV200 and after about 5 years replaced her battery. It was not a sealed unit. I don’t think this is too bad though.
I have a 2006 lx125 which I purchased new. I have only done about 1000km on it and it has been great. Just wondering if you would recommend changing the oil because of the little use it gets. If so I am happy to do it myself if I can get instructions/manual!
dom: I used to change my oil in my LX150 every 3000 miles. I was riding constantly so I didn’t have to worry about changing it because it was sitting around a long time.
You can find workshop manuals for the Vespa at the Modern Vespa forum.
Click WORKSHOP MANUALS FOR VESPA.
Good luck with your Vespa!
Dear Steve,
I bought my LX150 about six months ago. I use it often as California weather is perfect for a scooter.
I admit that I know very little about the mechanics of the scooter and I am now seeking some advice.
The only problem I have encountered is that the scooter sometimes does not start. I am not sure if the battery needs to be replaced. I keep it on a trickle charger when not in use, but on occasion, it simply will not start.
If I need a new battery what do you suggest? Again, I know very little about engines or mechanical matters. I simply love my scooter for the ride.
Thanks.
Anne
Anne: So many reasons why a scooter won’t start. If the engine turns over but does not fire you may want to remove the gas canister evaporation hose. It can get clogged sometimes and keep the engine from starting.
If it just doesn’t sometimes turn over I would check the battery and make sure the cables are tight.
Your best bet is to go to the Modern Vespa forum and pose your questions there. Lots of experts on the site.
Good luck and good riding!
hey! im doing an advertising project for vespa, what do you love about it? any insights would be helpful, thanks
Sophie: Things I love about the Vespa…
Freedom. And joy. The kind of joy I felt as a kid — pure fun.
No matter how hectic or chaotic a day at work might be a ride home on the Vespa drains that energy away and I’m just having fun. Fun that infects my spirit and the world gets a little lighter.
And freedom, for me, there is nothing more uplifting than turning the throttle and watching the road sweep past as I ride forward without destination or expectation. On the Vespa I’m able to distill my focus to the scooter and road, be alone with my thoughts, and find the world.
And I should add I love how well the scooter performs. Well made, reliable, and utterly transparent. On all the motorcycles I ride I always feel like I am on a machine. On the Vespa I’m just flying….
Hope this helps.
hey, i know that bridge. good fishin down there… better fishin where i live now (fresh Ahi, anyone?)
otherwise, i dig your blog. just got a vespa LX 150 for my wife. its 10 years old, almost 6000 miles, and runs like a champ. keep the posts comin, im a DIY kind of guy, myself.
karatemonkey: I think it’s time I visit that bridge again. Could use a nice long ride.
I’ll keep posting and congratulations on the LX150 in the family. Ride safe!
Ran into your site while shopping for a Vespa. I ended up buying a 2009 LX with 600 mile on it. So far so good! Nice write up of all your activities! I look forward to reading more. I’m in the Dayton, Ohio area so winter riding is possible and looking at next week’s weather predictions, pretty agreeable. Below 40 degrees, I worry about ice on roads. My only serious accident that involved a Vespa and myself traveling though a fence happened because of a patch of ice in the shade of a hill. Hope your holidays are great! miketayse@gmail.com
Congratulations on your acquisition of the 2009 LX. Is it a 150 or 50? Both are pretty cool machines.
Riding below the freezing mark is a challenge for exactly the reason you describe. The only way to manage that risk that I’ve found is to sharpen my sense of where ice would be a problem and slow down. Any sort of aggressive riding is just off the table. Not that I ride that way but when things are below freezing my whole approach changes. It also changes in situations that seem ripe for deer crossings in any weather. Slowing down is the only solution I’ve found.
Hope you have a fine 2020. Be well and be safe!
Steve great write up on LX150. I just got mine yesterday. 298 miles got it at 300 from test ride. It’s in almost immaculate condition with 1 or 2 scratch barely notice them. Priced at 3K got it at $2500 and 1 owner who installed Vespa brand crash guards for front fender, back side and front panel he showed me the receipt cost was $675 when he bought scooter new in 2015. Ride’s great he My questions R battery is original he kept tender on it and seems strong how long will it last?, How do you put the air pump from gas station (with long metal thing) when pumping air on back tire? I can’t stick it in on muffler side (realize didn’t look at the other side :D) lastly do you think I got a good or great deal? It runs fun no problem may just have to adjust idle. Any thoughts i would greatly appreciate it. Oh mine looks just like yours.
Sorry for the delay in responding Jake. I get lazy in the summer…
Regarding your LX150. $2500 is a good price, especially now with used machines of all shapes and stripes seeing big price jumps. But I suspect you’ll be facing some additional costs considering the low mileage and the fact that they quit making the LX150 in 2014. New inventory stuck around for a few years but even so you may need to consider the following:
Oil and Hub oil change
Filter change
Brake fluid flush and replacement
New tires
Maybe a battery — I replace mine every two to three years. The Battery Tender will keep them charged but if you don’t monitor the fluid level closely it can evaporate and damage the plates. Once part of them get dry that part effectively doesn’t store power anymore even if you add fluid.
Unless you know when that service was last done I would do that. And you can check the DOT stamp on the tires to see when they were manufactured. Regardless of what they look like, if they get to be 5 years old I suggest you get new ones. Considering all that’s between you and the road are those tires I feel it’s a good investment to have fresh ones.
Crash guards look cool. I never put any on my LX150 or my GTS, in part because of the cost, but mostly the additional weight. On a 150 more weight would show up sooner in performance. And other than a slow or stopped drop, they aren’t going to do much to save the scooter in a crash.
Using air at gas stations is a hit of miss thing for exactly the reason you state. They are intended for cars and scooters and motorcycles sometimes can’t accommodate the ends. I use a bicycle pump at home and always check the air before I ride. And I have a little electric pump in my topcase to add air if I need it. I’ve never needed it. It plugs into the outlet that the Battery Tender does.
I’ve quit doing most to all of the mechanical and maintenance work on my scooters and motorcycle. I’ve lost the desire and satisfaction. I want to ride not wrench. But that comes with a cost. And it will affect your thoughts on whether you got a good deal on the scooter. If it runs reliably as it is I think $2500 is ok. I’ve seen them go for $1500 but that was a couple years ago. And if you have to drop another $500 to $700 on service it will make you wonder. But my feeling is the fun and pure joy I get riding my scooter is well worth the price. It’s not an investment or a way to save money. My scooter and motorcycle are doorways to a brighter, more joyful life!
Hope this helps Jake. And it would be worth joining the ModernVespa.com forum. Excellent advice and information there. I’ve broken down at night, posted from my phone, and had someone call me in a few minutes with an answer to my problem. And it’s free!