Well, my experience with Pirelli tires have been faster wear than other brands but by far the best ride and performance of any tire too. Front tires don’t count though for me because they always last longer. I guess I have to admit that all my thinking is centered on the rear tire. Silly me…

Scott, I’m not sure I can let your comment on Pirelli tire wear slip past. I just replaced the front tire (Pirelli) on my 2010 GTS 300ie after 10,000 miles. During those miles I’ve replaced the original Pirelli rear with two Michelin Power Plus although the newest replacement was only 100 miles ago. Still, 3 tires in the rear while the front Pirelli (original equipment) still had some tread left.

if the pirellis are the stickiest and best handling i can stay with them even though they wear faster.

thanks for the help

i know the pirellis don’t wear that well and the other brands get longer life….

can someone tell me what is the best tire for my et2?

thank you.

Don’t get me wrong, it is a good machine, but you’re right, you can get a less expensive scooter from Asia.

I think the important things to consider are:

Do you have local dealer support? This is important for service and repairs unless you are going to do everything yourself. And if there is not a dealer is there a mechanic around who will work on your scooter.

Parts availability. Piaggio does not have a stellar record of stocking parts in the U.S. I understand that there are times you have to wait for things to be shipped from Italy. There are inexpensive Asian scooters on the market that you’ll find difficult to get parts for.

Aesthetics. I’ve found over the years if I don’t like the looks and feel of something whether it’s clothes, cameras, or scooter, I just won’t be happy. I spend what I need to get something I will actually use. In this instance I wanted a Vespa and paid $1000 or more for that look.

There are lots of good scooters around. Honda and Yamaha both make good ones. Kymco and Baron do as well. And the Genuine Scooter Company gets rave reviews for their machines:

http://www.genuinescooters.com/

Good luck!

steve

http://www.scooterwest.com/

They have lots on their web site and if you call them you’ll find they can get you practically anything.

Other sources are Scooter Parts Direct:

http://www.scooterpartsdirect.com/

and if you are looking for performance items for modern Vespas try:

http://www.vespaspeed.com/shop/

Good luck!

steve

Gary: I understand the desire to pass and the need to have some power to do it. My Vespa doesn’t have it. Tempermentally I am a slow driver and rider. I have never been one concerned with speed or getting out in front instead always being content to hang back. My first car was a 1962 Ford Falcon, 3 on the tree, 144 cubic inch inline six, slower than slow. I think it set the pace for my transportation life.

Having said that there are times I wish I had the power to “zip” past or through things. But I have misgivings about where that desire would go. For me it may mean faster and more agressive. Maybe after I mature a bit more I can handle the extra power…

And you’re right about freeway driving. If I had to commute at those kinds of speeds or at distances beyond 20 miles the 150cc engine would not be appropriate.

Michael: It is about the journey! Everything else sort of falls away….

steve