Vespa Nation | Vespa Motor Scooters » Featured

Scooters re-emerging in Memphis as fun, economical transportation

vespa — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 19:09:54 +0000

Vespa and Piaggio in Memphis

The bumper sticker slogan about motorcycle safety may need an update as more Memphis consumers are getting their two-wheeled kicks on Euro-inspired motorbikes.

An informal look on drives around Midtown and Downtown easily reveals the trend, helmeted riders atop compact scooters with either curvy, European lines or quick-angled Japanese designs.

Linda Casals, owner of Metro Moto on Poplar, says she has seen a steady increase in showroom traffic since her Vespa and Piaggio dealership opened last September.

But no matter what they ride, scooter riders are easily distinguished at least by their stance. They don’t straddle their machines like motorcycles, but sit upon them like barstools or kitchen chairs.

“I ride my scooter every place I go, summer and winter,” Holt said. “I wouldn’t want it any other way. Getting there is half the fun.”

Three dollars a week fills Holt’s gallon-and-a-half gas tank, which yields about 100 miles, perfect for daily rides in Midtown and Downtown, he said.

Many contend gas prices were the beginning of the American scooter surge that began in 2005, the reason they popped again in 2008 and why they slumped last year.

U.S. scooter sales topped out at some 1.1 million in 2005, says industry watcher webbikeworld.com.

But sales toppled 59 percent from 2008 to 2009, from about 77,000 sold to roughly 31,000. The group’s data reported falling sales in every motorcycle category last year.

Metro Moto owner Linda Casals said scooter sales have revved up a bit this year and have gained ground in overall market share.

She said she has seen a steady increase in foot traffic in her Poplar dealership since it opened in September, and has had customers ranging from “high school students, to experienced doctors and lawyers, to retirees.”

“People are becoming more aware of scooters in general,” Casals said. “I think it’s also a little bit contagious. You see others on them and it just looks like a fun thing to do.”

Casals said Metro Moto is dedicated to Italian models Vespa and Piaggio, which begin at about $3,200 and $2,000, respectively.

Vespa GTV 300i.e.

vespa — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 02:09:53 +0000

GTV 300i.e. “Via Montenapoleone”

New Limited Edition Vepsa launched at Eicma 2009. Introducing the VESPA GTV 300 “Via Montenapoleone”.

The GTV “Via Montenapoleone” is the latest version of the highest Vespa engine capacity ever produced, and underneath its more elegant vestment beats the heart of a 300 cc engine. The special and exclusive version of the extraordinarily elegant Vespa GTV draws its inspiration from the world of fashion, art and design, and is called the “Via Montenapoleone” in clear reference to the exclusiveness and elegance that distinguishes Vespa.

Vespa GTV “Via Montenapoleone” shines in elegance by regaining and reinterpreting the elements of style most characteristic of the 1950′s in terms of form and function. With an ultramodern, Euro 3 compliant and powerful 4-valve liquid-cooled 300 cc engine with electronic fuel injection, what sets the Vespa GTV “Via Montenapoleone” apart is the incredible tractability and exuberance of the engine.

DESIGN

The sophisticated look typical of Vespa triumphs on the new GTV “Via Montenapoleone”. By reutilising the most significant stylistic and functional elements, the new Vespa model inspired by the “fashion street” is rendered unique and timeless.

The position of the headlight assembly on the front mudguard that characterises the GTV “Via Montenapoleone is an explicit reference to the Vespa’s origins. Just like the handlebar, which was distinguished by the simplicity of its exposed metal pipe. The ‘naked’ handlebar that appears on the “GTV Via Montenapoleone” however has a modern motorcyle-type look.

The two-seater saddle is elegant and comfortable, and is made of eco-leather, and like on the original Vespas, it is even broken down into two separate and quite distinct parts; the elegant lining strip accentuates its graceful lines.

The five-spoke wheel rims are now chrome-plated and enhance the brand-new “Via Montenapoleone” even more.

A grille with horizontal slots stands out on the right side of the steel body: this typically “racing” touch is a reminder of the sports DNA of the Vespa GTV Via Montenapoleone.

The “Via Montenapoleone” nameplate identifies the most elegant Vespa, and by resting on the leg shield back plate at the edge of the glove-box, with the very first glance it reminds us of the uniqueness of this enchanting model.

TECHNOLOGY

Engine performance has been increased to maximise pick-up and acceleration – essential qualities for city commuting. The engine capacity of the 4-valve single cylinder Quasar, with electronic injection and liquid-cooling, has risen to 278 cc with increased bore (now 75 mm) and stroke (63 mm).

The new GTV “Via Montenapoleone” differs from the GTV 250 as its new engine delivers greater torque (22.3 Nm against 20.1) at lower engine speeds (5,000 rpm compared with 6,500 for the 250). On the road, these numbers translate into flexibility and pick-up from low speeds that are unequalled in this engine capacity category. Vespa GTV “Via Montenapoleone” thus gains the reputation as being an extraordinary vehicle for use in the city, where it is at its best.

Vespa is the only scooter in the world with load bearing steel body – an exclusive design feature that has set Vespa apart from other two wheelers ever since the first model was brought out in 1946.

Put simply, the Vespa does not have a welded tubular frame clad with plastic panels. Instead it is the “body”, made entirely of steel, which supports the engine and all the mechanicals.

This design philosophy gives the Vespa superior rigidity (up to 250% more than a scooter with a tubular frame), resulting in incredible vehicle control and a legendary sturdiness.

Within the body of the Vespa GTV “Via Montenapoleone”, beneath the seat, is the fuel tank. In spite of an impressive 9 litre capacity, offering outstanding range, the tank does not compromise helmet compartment space or access to the engine once the helmet carrier, which can hold two demi-jet helmets, has been lifted off (no tools required).

Complementing the rigidity of the body, the Vespa GTV “Via Montenapoleone” boasts a chassis architecture featuring 12” wheels shod with a 120/70 tyre at the front and a 130/70 tyre at the rear.

The front suspension uses the classic link arm layout, a traditional feature in Vespa history with excellent dynamic functional characteristics: this system separates load bearing and shock-absorbing functions, resulting in neutral braking and offering an anti-dive effect beyond the mid travel point of the shock absorber. At the rear, two pre-load-adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers are fixed to the transmission crankcase and exhaust support.

Click to enlarge

Herb Chambers Vespa of Boston – Vespa Sale

vespa — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 12:05:10 +0000

Herb Chambers Vespa Spring Bliss!

$500 off 2008, 2009, 2010 Vespa 150′s

$400 off 2008, 2009, 2010 Vespa LX 50

To celebrate the Riding Season Vespa is rolling out a special offer on its most popular models…the Vespa 150′s and the classic LX 50.

From May 15, 2010 through July 15, 2010 customers purchasing a new and unused 2008, 2009 or 2010 carbureted Vespa S 150, Vespa LX 150 or Vespa LXV 150 motor scooter at participating dealerships will receive a $500 discount off the stated MSRP.

Customers purchasing a 2008, 2009, 2010 two-valve engine LX 50 will receive a $400 discount off the stated MSRP.

Herb Chambers Vespa of Boston – CLICK HERE!

Vespa Giveaway – Pour House Boston, MA

vespa — Mon, 17 May 2010 15:48:26 +0000

Pour & Score Vespa Giveaway at the Pour House!

Enter to Win Every Sunday 4pm to 10pm

CLICK HERE for Herb Chambers Vespa of Boston!

Vespa Nation – New Electronic Fuel Injected Vespa

vespa — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 20:10:50 +0000

Vespa unveils new 150cc electronic fuel-injected engine family

NEW YORK, April 1, 2010

Italian manufacturer Piaggio, recognized for ground-breaking technology and legendary style, has equipped its 2011 Vespa S 150, LX 150 and LXV 150 models with new 150cc electronic fuel-injected engines that are even more miserly at the gas pump than the previous generation. Consuming 15 percent less fuel than its predecessor, the new powerplant wrings up to 85 miles out of each gallon of gas, all the while delivering an endless supply of fun and riding thrills. In addition, the new engine design also provides stronger, smoother acceleration in stop-and-go traffic, an especially important performance trait for metro commuters.

Green Isn’t a Trend – It’s a Commitment

While fuel price peaks and valleys have introduced thousands of consumers to the benefits of scooter ownership, choosing to swap some driving miles for riding miles isn’t just a trend when gas costs spike. For environmentally conscious consumers, it’s a lifelong commitment. The addition of the new 150cc injected engine family within the popular mid-range category adds even more reasons for consumers devoted to reducing fuel consumption, carbon emissions and congestion to make the switch to two wheels.

The electronic fuel injection system on the new 150cc injected engine ensures the air and fuel mixture in the combustion chamber is optimized at all times and allows the single cylinder unit to pick up more smoothly and progressively from lower engine speeds. As a result, riders enjoy strong and smooth power delivery, especially in the relentless stop-start conditions of urban riding. The benefits of the new engines can also be appreciated on longer journeys where extended stretches of roadway come into play. And, owners who want a fast getaway will notice improved cold-starts, thanks to fuel injection.

Strong, clean and well-mannered at any speed, the 150cc i.e. equipped Vespa models are capable of zooming up to 60 mph. The unique, steel unibody Vespa frame provides greater rigidity and a more stable ride, while the superior trailing link suspension is designed to better handle potholes and other hazardous conditions. The front-disc braking system allows riders to safely make sudden stops on a dime, which is great for cities where traffic rules the road.

“Vespas are one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to contribute toward a cleaner, greener transportation landscape, and our new fuel-injected 150cc engine range makes it even simpler,” said Paolo Timoni, CEO of Piaggio USA. “Mid-scooters like the Vespa S 150 i.e., LX 150 i.e. and LXV 150 i.e. are tailor-made for confident urban commuting, and a 15 percent increase in fuel-efficiency is yet another great reason to add a scooter to your garage this Spring.”

Vespa has been and continues to be synonymous with fuel-efficiency and performance in North America and Europe. The new 150cc i.e. family upgrades the most popular models into a powerful league of their own, without compromising the long list of premium features. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for Vespa 150 i.e. models starts at $4,399 for the 2011 Vespa S 150 i.e.

For more information, visit www.vespausa.com.

Vespa Nation – The Iconic Vespa

vespa — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 16:07:19 +0000

Vespa: More than just a two-wheel ride

By Tina Arceo-Dumlao
Philippine Daily Inquirer

THE ICONIC VESPA easily stands out—like the queen among the masses—from the crowd of cacophonic motorcycles that rule the congested streets of Metro Manila, and it makes no apologies for it.

The Vespa of the Piaggio group of Italy, after all, is the only company that can claim to have invented the scooter.

And as a testament to its timeless elegance, the core, revolutionary Vespa design has remained unchanged since the two-wheeler designed by aeronautical engineer Corradino D’ Ascanio first zipped through the streets of Pontedera, Italy, in April 1946.

It is this chance and, yes, privilege of owning and riding a Vespa that MotoItalia Philippines Inc. is offering discriminating Filipinos who are yearning for more than just two wheels and a four-stroke engine.

“There are Japanese brands… and then there is Vespa,” explains Richard K. Teh, director of MotoItalia, which started distributing in October last year the Piaggio motorcycles that include the Gilera, Piaggio and Vespa lines.

The steep price of the Vespa, admittedly, is the biggest barrier to skyrocketing sales.

Unlike the ubiquitous Japanese motorcycles, which cost less than P100,000 each, the most affordable Vespa—the LX 150—costs P245,000.

But Teh says there are many reasons why the Vespa comes with such an intimidating price tag.

First, the Vespa that figured prominently in the movie Roman Holiday featuring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck has an all-steel frame, making it more sturdy than the fiberglass bodies of its cheaper brethren. It is thus quite possible to leave the Vespa for the next generation to ride and enjoy.

Second, the four-stroke, 151-cc engine is the best in class, allowing it to easily accelerate to a maximum speed of 140 kilometers per hour, with the maneuverability to match. And because the Vespa LX 150 is Euro 2 compliant, its emissions are not as harmful to the environment as those that have not yet complied with strict pollution controls set by the European Union.

Then finally, there are the classic details that make Vespa the most recognizable scooter in the world: the big, round headlight, wide all-steel leg shields and the touch of chrome on the rear view mirrors and mudguard. There are also the little add-ons that riders appreciate, like the wider, more contoured saddle for a more comfortable ride, the compartments under the saddle and near the front to store a helmet and documents, and even a hook to secure a handbag or a bottle of water.

For 2010, Teh says MotoItalia, which is backed by the Autohub Group that also distributes Mini Cooper in the Philippines, is set to forge marketing agreements with a number of fashion houses for joint advertising programs in a bid to inform more Filipinos about the real and emotional reasons to buy a Vespa.

Autohub Group president Willy Tee-Ten says that the Vespa being a desired lifestyle brand, it sits atop the two-wheeled industry and a premier choice in motorcycles.

“Those who know quality can never be compromised for cost and while Vespa may be above average in price, the motorcycles they own stand above the rest,” Tee-Ten says.

Both Tee-Ten and Teh believe that despite the price, there is a big market for Vespa in the Philippines.

Teh believes that if Vietnam is able to sell thousands of Vespa in a year, then the Philippines should be able to sell even just a fraction of that number.

“We have set a conservative target this year of about 300 units and Piaggio understands that because we are coming out of a really challenging year,” Teh says.

Even then, MotoItalia believes that the time is right to push Vespa this year, given the growing number of young Filipinos who have traveled extensively and appreciate the value of top-quality goods like a Vespa.

“We always say that Vespa is more than just a scooter, it is about heritage, a piece of history,” says Teh.

Inquirer Money / Features
http://business.inquirer.net/money/features/view/20100330-261661/Vespa-More-than-just-a-two-wheel-ride

Condé Nast – Self Magazine Editor Lucy Danzinger Rides a Vespa to Work

vespa — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 18:09:52 +0000

Editors Riding Their Bikes in Droves to Condé Nast

Lucy Danziger.Photo: Patrick McMullan

Self editor-in-chief Lucy Danziger has been leaving her bike at home these days, but only to avoid frozen toes.

“Like even today, I was thinking I should have biked,” she said last night at a celebration for her new book, The Nine Rooms of Happiness, which she co-authored with psychiatrist Catherine Birndorf. But what about helmet hair?

“Actually, helmets help your hair look good. They keep it in place,” she said. And yes, she still wears Tory Burch when she rides to work. “Obviously a lot of people who bike to work worry that they’re going to get helmet hair, or they’re going to have to wear geeky trousers with the little cuff thing to keep from getting grease on your pants,” she said. “And I just thought, no, you just wear these beautiful pencil-thin pants. I wear Vince pants, a Tory Burch jacket, a Tory Burch sweater, some pretty necklaces, and you feel really dressy and really cool.”

Apparently the biking-to-work trend has caught on at Condé. Sometimes the bike room at 4 Times Square even gets overcrowded. “There’s a lot of bikes. Every day, it’s hard to lock up because there’s so many bikes,” Danziger said. Do higher-ups get preferred bike spots? “No, no.” She shook her head at this absurd notion. “You just throw yours on whatever rack is available.”

However, when the thermometer dips below 40 degrees, Danziger can be seen on her red scooter. “I’ve bought a little used Vespa, and when you scooter, you can get around fast,” she said.

She’s also more enthusiastic about the subway than anyone we’ve ever seen: “We ran across the Brooklyn Bridge to Brooklyn two days ago, and we took the subway home. I love the subway! It just rocks! It’s so fast.” Self entertainment editor Laura Brounstein noted, “I see tons of people getting off the subway with me and coming to 4 Times Square — people from Vogue, and lots of other people. It’s always fun to look around in the train and guess who’s going to be walking into your office building with you from the subway.”

http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2010/02/editors_riding_their_bikes_in.html#ixzz0gStnR87t

How to Ride a Vespa Motor Scooter

vespa — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 15:49:48 +0000

How to Ride a Vespa Motor Scooter

By Chris Gilliland, eHow Contributing Writer

Nothing exudes 60s European retro more than a Vespa scooter.

Riding a scooter can be more than just a personal declaration of style, it can be extremely practical as well.
With an average of 65 miles to the gallon, easier parking capabilities and lower investment, a scooter may just be the right choice for urban transportation.
If this is your first foray into the two-wheeled world, you may benefit from the information within.
We will go over the basics of riding one of the world’s most cherished scooters.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

* Vespa Scooter
* Driver’s license
* Gloves and long sleeved shirt or jacket
* Long denim jeans
* DOT approved helmet (check your local state laws if this is mandatory, if not, wear it anyway!)

Getting acquainted.

Step 1

Be sure to know what and where all of your controls are before starting off. Sit down and hold onto the bars.

Your arms should be stretched comfortably, without having to lean forward, and your hands should be resting firmly on the handlebar grips.

Your grip should be relaxed but firm, not tense.

A lever is positioned each side of the handlebars, these are your brake levers and operate just like a mountain bike.

The right lever controls the front brake and the left lever operates the rear brake.

It is recommended to only use two fingers (index and middle) to operate your brakes, but you will find your own “style” as you ride.

Step 2

Turn on the ignition and start the engine by pressing the red button on the right side handlebar control while pulling in either of the brake levers.

Your scooter should start immediately, and you may release the brake lever.

Step 3

Your right hand controls the throttle, so a relaxed grip is your key to safety.

Without twisting the throttle, your wrist should be in a natural and relaxed position.

Slowly twist (or roll on) the throttle grip and your scooter should start moving forward.

The more you twist the throttle, the faster you will go. As you begin to accelerate, lift your feet up and onto the footboard.

Be careful to be smooth with the throttle because sudden or jerky throttling can get you into trouble quickly!

Step 4

To stop, it’s best to use both front and rear brakes evenly. Gently, pull in both levers while rolling off the throttle.

Once at a complete stop, be sure to put at least one foot on the ground. Again, smooth application of the brakes is the key to success.

Do your best not to pull in the brakes too hard or too sudden to prevent your wheels from locking.

Practice starting and stopping BEFORE attempting to move onto more difficult maneuvers because learning to stop and slow down is a critical skill.

Step 5

Once you’ve mastered the art of starting and stopping, it’s time to see what’s around the corner.

While turning at speeds below 15mph is just like turning on a bicycle, scooters and motorcycles change directions differently than a bicycle when moving at speed.

A phenomenon known as “counter-steering” takes place. To counter-steer, you must push a handlebar in one direction to go to that side, in other words, press right to go right.

As awkward as this may sound, it works once you try it.

Start by accelerating to 20mph then lightly push a handlebar. You will feel your scooter lean toward that side.

If you push a bit more, the scooter will begin to turn in that direction.

Next, find a predetermined point to begin a U-turn at and accelerate towards it at 20mph.

As you near that point, brake enough to slow your momentum and turn towards that point, focusing your eyes past that point and through the turn.

As you complete the turn, slowly roll on the throttle and accelerate back to 20mph.

Practice your turning until you can ride in circles and figure eights.

Tips & Warnings

When riding, where you are looking is important! Always scan the road ahead of you and look through turns.

The further into a turn you look the better. When learning how to ride a scooter, try to find a large open area, such as an empty parking lot.

You will have a much easier time learning new skills if you don’t have to worry about obstacles and other vehicles.

Be sure to be smooth with the controls, sudden inputs on the throttle or brakes can easily make you lose control.

Take your time. It is easy to get frustrated, but patience will reward you.

If you want more information on learning how to ride a scooter, or want to take your skills to the next level, contact the Motorcycle Safety Foundation for details on their Scooter School.

Keep your eyes on the road.

Your scooter will go where you are looking, so don’t fixate on obstacles. Wear your helmet. (Regardless of laws, a helmet will save your head!)

Know your scooter. Read your owner’s manual and know how to operate the equipment.

Do not attempt to ride your scooter on public roads until you have mastered starting, stopping and turning.

There are many more fundamental techniques to learn before you hit the street.

Vespa Nation News – Amerivespa 2010 Rally

vespa — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:20:15 +0000

Scooter lovers test driving skills

By Jennifer R. Lloyd - Express-News

John Davenport/Express-News

Passionate scooter riders of the Amerivespa 2010 rally descended upon San Antonio’s East Side on Sunday, where riders pitted engine against engine in an obstacle course and raced to determine the most adept scooter driver in the nation.A rainbow of scooters, from vintage rides to the latest models, has been in San Antonio since Thursday. About 700 riders from across the country and abroad came for the national rally of the Vespa Club of America, said coordinator Dawn Brooks of San Antonio.

Brooks said scooter aficionados in the Pacific Northwest had told her they didn’t believe there were scooters in Texas so she decided to prove the naysayers wrong by coordinating the rally in San Antonio. The motor scooter rally has been an annual event for the Vespa Club of America since 1993, according to the club’s website.

“This is what it’s about: fun, fun, fun, and, of course, fun that is local,” Brooks said. “We’re celebrating the Alamo. … We’re celebrating Memorial Day weekend. We’re celebrating the scootering community.”

On Sunday, a couple dozen riders competed in gymkhana — a timed contest testing drivers’ skills in a funky obstacle course — in the parking lot of the Backstage Live on East Houston Street.

The drivers had to overcome a series of obstacles, such as riding on a curb, weaving among three retro chairs and dodging a golden deer statue at the finish line. Extra points were awarded for donning bizarre clothing.

“We tried to keep this (gymkhana) pretty simple because we wanted people to do it and we don’t want people to damage their scooters or get hurt,” said course designer Thovas Brown, of the Riff Raff Scooter Club in Austin.

“It’s based on completing the course and on time. If you put your foot down, you get disqualified. If you hit one of the cones, you lose a point. If you miss one of the objects, you lose a point. At the end, whoever has the fastest time with the most points wins,” Brown said.

Another test of deft vehicle handling was the slow race, for which riders progressed as slowly as possible in a straight line without touching their feet to the pavement for stability.

For the second year in a row, the overall winner was “Pistol” Pete Cervantes of Santa Cruz, Calif. “No gymkhana is ever easy,” Cervantes said. “If it’s not the obstacles, it’s the pressure from the other competitors.”

Mirroring the thoughts of other riders, Cervantes said the key to his victories has been maintaining his passion for scooters over more than 20 years.

“It’s a lifestyle,” Brooks said. “It defines, I think, a gentle approach to independence.”

Visiting scooter riders will wave goodbye to San Antonio and head out of town on an organized ride to Austin today, Brooks said.

Find this article at:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/scooter_lovers_test_driving_skills_95237599.html?showFullArticle=y

Vespa L.A. – Italian Cool

vespa — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 22:14:53 +0000

Scooting Around L.A. on a Vespa

Courtesy of: Downtown News

"Italian Cool" Vespa of L.A.

Downtown resident Caroline Le Duc bought a scooter from Vespa of L.A. Roger Miyakawa opened the shop in November. Photo by Gary Leonard.

Downtown Gets an Unlikely Business in a Little Tokyo Vespa Dealership

by Richard Guzmán

Published: Friday, February 26, 2010 4:22 PM PST

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES – When Caroline Le Duc’s car broke down, she decided she needed some new wheels. But the 27-year-old Historic Core resident had other considerations too: She wanted to zip through traffic and save on gas.

So when Le Duc went out to dinner in Little Tokyo, she stumbled onto the perfect solution.

“I walked past here and saw all the Vespas behind the locked gates and that was it for me,” she said.

Last month, Le Duc became one of about 20 owners of a scooter purchased at Vespa of L.A., a 4,000-square-foot showroom and service center that owner and general manager Roger Miyakawa hopes will tap into the young urban market. He noted that his business is aiming at those frustrated by traffic and parking in Downtown Los Angeles, as well as tourists who are familiar with the scooter as a mode of transportation.

“My goal is also to try to move people into alterative forms of transportation,” said Miyakawa. “Scooters, as a mode of transportation, are going to lead the way in the future.”

Miyakawa signed a three-year lease on the space at Third Street and Central Avenue. The store opened in November with 40 Vespas on the floor. It also stocks accessories such as brightly colored half helmets and riding jackets, as well as a service station where customers can bring in their vehicles for maintenance.

The dealership is a fashionable space with big windows displaying the brightly colored scooters, dark cement floors and exposed wood ceilings. Large posters with chic models standing next to Vespas hang on the walls, as do helmets, T-shirts and motor oil.

Prices start at $3,199 for a 50cc Vespa, which can reach up to 39 miles per hour. The most expensive model, which sells for $6,900, is a 250cc version that can hit 78 miles per hour.

Miyakawa said about 90% of his buyers so far have been Downtown residents. He said he hopes to sell 200 Vespas during his first year in business, with a goal of 300 per year after that. Vespa officials said that is the norm for their dealerships.

Italian Cool

Originally manufactured in 1946 by the Italian firm Piaggio & Co., Vespas are hailed as the original scooter. They are popular not only for their performance but also for their stylish design. They were renowned as the vehicles of choice in the 1960s British mod movement.

These days, Vespas can be as much a fashion accessory as a mode of transportation, said Paolo Timoni, president and CEO of Piaggio Group Americas, the New York-based domestic maker of Vespa. That makes them a good fit for the Central City.

“Downtown is a neighborhood with the right demographics,” he said, citing the area’s youth, growing residential population and stylish urban lifestyle.

The Downtown dealership is part of a recent expansion by the company. In 2005 there were 70 dealerships nationwide, Timoni said. Today there are 300. Other Southern California locations are in Sherman Oaks, Long Beach, Torrance and Marina Del Rey.

For Miyakawa, starting a dealership in Downtown was about taking advantage of all the change occurring in the area.

“With everything going on in Downtown the last few years, the revitalization of the area and all the people that are moving and visiting here, I felt like this was a great market,” he said. “Vespa is top of the line, it’s synonymous with scooters and you have to have a sustainable business, so you don’t want to mess around with lesser brands.”

But Miyakawa knows that in a down economy, reaching his sales goals will not be easy.

Although it has been a slow start, the key, he said, will be to get the word out about the gas savings provided by a scooter, which can get up to 75 miles per gallon.

Miyakawa is hoping to expand his clientele by encouraging locals and tourists to drop the four wheels and get on a Vespa. He intends to begin scooter rentals in the summer, making them available at his shop and at Downtown locations such as hotels.

“A lot of the European tourists are already familiar with scooters and will feel right at home hopping on a Vespa,” he said.

He also hopes to obtain special parking rates in the area for scooter owners, although that effort is in the early stage and could be a far reach considering the state of the economy.

“If you don’t take up as much room then you shouldn’t have to pay as much,” Miyakawa reasoned.

But it may take more than a year to reach optimum sales. Timoni said a typical Vespa dealership needs about 18 months to build up a solid clientele.

An avid rider himself, Miyakawa has owned sport bikes like Ducatis, but now he commutes daily on one of his two Vespas from his home in West Hollywood.

“You have that feeling of freedom and at the same time scooters are so easy to maneuver that you get through traffic real easily,” he said. “It takes me 15 minutes to get here.”

Likewise, Le Duc’s only mode of transportation now is her cream colored Vespa LXV 150.

“It’s just so appealing and riding Downtown is easy,” she said. “It’s even relaxing.”

Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.

Lady Gaga LOVES Her Vespas!

vespa — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 18:13:32 +0000

Vespa Style and Lady GaGa – Vespa Fashion

“Cherry Cherry Boom Boom”

Delivering Lobster Rolls on a Vespa

vespa — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 17:19:14 +0000

Chronicle of a Changing City

By COREY KILGANNON

Lobster Roll Delivery on a Vespa

THE UNDERGROUND LOBSTER POUND began a few months ago, when Ben Sargent, 32, a Bostonian who is writing a book on chowder, started inviting friends over to his basement apartment on Lorimer Street to taste and discuss his cooking.

“It got so I was laying out so much money that I started asking for donations,” Mr. Sargent recalled. The suggested donation for a lobster roll was $14. Word spread, and Mr. Sargent’s operation became the darling of local foodie bloggers.

Soon, he was handling several seatings a night on the foldout couch in his apartment, which resembles a New England fishing shack. Everything was great until the Fire Department showed up on Monday, the day after a profile appeared in The Daily News. Mr. Sargent was told he could not use a propane stove. Then his landlord told him to stop having all those dinner guests.

Lobster Roll Delivery on a Vespa

THE UNDERGROUND LOBSTER POUND, TO GO was his solution. Mr. Sargent began delivering lobster rolls in Greenpoint and Williamsburg on his vintage Vespa scooter, which has a huge lobster shell as a hood ornament. But by the time he arrived at the destination, the buns would be soggy. So Mr. Sargent decided to assemble the rolls at the customer’s doorstep: He packs the lobster meat and some kitchen utensils in the scooter’s saddlebags, and has fastened a hot plate on the back to toast the buns.

He buys live Maine lobsters from the Lobster Pound in Red Hook and eschews fancy fixins, steaming the specimens in a stock of sea salt, peppercorns and bay leaves.

He throws the tail and claw meat on store-bought hot dog rolls, and uses the body for bisque. “I feel guilty killing lobsters, so I try to use the whole lobster,” he said.

Vespa Nation | Vespa Motor Scooters » Featured

Scooters re-emerging in Memphis as fun, economical transportation

Vespa and Piaggio in Memphis

Vespa GTV 300i.e.

GTV 300i.e. “Via Montenapoleone”

Herb Chambers Vespa of Boston – Vespa Sale

Herb Chambers Vespa Spring Bliss!

$500 off 2008, 2009, 2010 Vespa 150′s

$400 off 2008, 2009, 2010 Vespa LX 50

Herb Chambers Vespa of Boston – CLICK HERE!

Vespa Giveaway – Pour House Boston, MA

Pour & Score Vespa Giveaway at the Pour House!

Enter to Win Every Sunday 4pm to 10pm

CLICK HERE for Herb Chambers Vespa of Boston!

Vespa Nation – New Electronic Fuel Injected Vespa

Vespa unveils new 150cc electronic fuel-injected engine family

Vespa Nation – The Iconic Vespa

Vespa: More than just a two-wheel ride

Condé Nast – Self Magazine Editor Lucy Danzinger Rides a Vespa to Work

Editors Riding Their Bikes in Droves to Condé Nast // <![CDATA[ get_comment_count({ container_id: "entry-78455", article_url: "http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2010/02/editors_riding_their_bikes_in.html" }); // ]]>

How to Ride a Vespa Motor Scooter

How to Ride a Vespa Motor Scooter

Nothing exudes 60s European retro more than a Vespa scooter.

Getting acquainted.

Vespa Nation News – Amerivespa 2010 Rally

Scooter lovers test driving skills

Vespa L.A. – Italian Cool

Scooting Around L.A. on a Vespa

Downtown Gets an Unlikely Business in a Little Tokyo Vespa Dealership

by Richard Guzmán

Lady Gaga LOVES Her Vespas!

Vespa Style and Lady GaGa – Vespa Fashion

“Cherry Cherry Boom Boom”

Delivering Lobster Rolls on a Vespa

Chronicle of a Changing City

By COREY KILGANNON

Editors Riding Their Bikes in Droves to Condé Nast