Even though I have had a couple mechanical failures I consider the Vespa to be very reliable. I know of one rider who swore them off because of ongoing problems but it turned out to be one simple issue that the mechanics didn’t find. Once it was identified the fix was easy. I see that more an issue of the technician than the reliability of the scooter.

I’ve consumed all the Vespa Kool-Aid.

That breakdown was a simple vacuum hose break that I hadn’t caught. I took it to Boris who saw it immediately and replaced it. No problems since.

I have put 10,000 miles on my new-to-me 2005 GT (Razzo) since buying it in late February this year. Those included rides to Virginia, North Carolina, Pensacola, three rides to Apalachicola and an Iron Butt Saddlesore 1000. No issues whatsoever.

Perfect answer. I couldn’t agree more. Some people get it, some don’t.

Like you, circumstance slowed down my riding for a couple years with longer trips becoming rare.

I also swapped scooters during my blogging time so the total Vespa miles is around 45,000 miles. Add to that some thousands more on motorcycles that I reviewed and the riding totals go up.

If I had no other responsibilities my riding totals would soar!

I didn’t want to say it for fear it would hurt the Burgy owners — but it is one ugly machine. I would have trouble photographing it, or I would be seeking out scenes where it actually might look ok — strip mines, garbage dumps, run down cityscapes. I’ve traded reliability for beauty…

I hear you. My skills and desire are limited.

I’ve read about Vespa problems but aside from recall items I have not been worried about any intrinsic issues with them. Your post reminded me to change the oil and filter — I’m approaching the 5000 mile mark…

I remember that post on ModernVespa.com! It was a scary look at mechanical disaster of a Vespa. But you don’t see a lot of those. I accept it could happen but I’m not concerned that it will. Sort of like I look at a second heart attack — could happen but I’m not focused on it.

Besides, look at all the mechanical knowledge I would gain if I had to rebuild the top end of the motor!