Buy a Vespa GTV 250 for R89,950, join the cult.. and get a free helmet. No, you can’t have it in any other colour!
Does not sound like a very good deal right? Ok, let me start at the beginning, maybe you’ll change your mind.
Test Drive
A few weeks ago I was browsing around the Design Indaba and found a few pretty cool looking Vespa’s. I started talking to Mike. Mike sells Vespa’s.. but he also rides Vespa’s and he is very passionate about the Vespa lifestyle. He invited me to test drive a few Vespa’s one afternoon.
So, last week before soccer, I visit their showroom at the Waterfront, next to Audi. We find me a helmet that fits, shades on.. let’s roll.
I used to own a motorbike, a long time ago (when I was 17/18yo). Took me a minute or two to settle back into it. These Vespa’s were automatic (CVT). Very easy.
The first thing you notice: it’s fun. Second: freedom.. it’s not a car, you can navigate your way through traffic and you generally accelerate a lot faster than the other traffic on the road.
We took a drive through the Waterfront, to Mouille Point, to Camps Bay and over Kloof Nek. Beautiful day for a test drive. I started off on the 150 and swapped with Mike half way to try the 250, which had a bit more power. Feels a bit weird taking corners on a scooter.. I was not sure how far you can push them, but I guess owners have it waxed.
Back at the showroom I took a Bat-mobile looking scooter for a spin. 500cc, also good fun.
Which one is the best option?
The LX150 at about R50k will do most everything, but maybe not something you want to take outside of Camps Bay regularly.
The GTS 250 at about R80k is probably the best value, all round.
The GTV 250 at about R90k is way cool, retro styling, very groovy gadgets and true to Vespa breeding. The best investment.
I know what you are thinking.. “..for a little wire wind-pump?” (-:
It’s a SCOOTER? Are you nuts? I can buy a Moto Mia scooter for R10k!
That was Andrew’s response.
Who buys these things? Most of Mike’s customers are males in their 30s and 40s.
It’s an Icon
Vespa is a design icon. It’s a cult brand. Vespa was the first globally successful scooter. They were even used in World War II. People travel across continents on these things.
They are cool, but as Mike says.. you have to be very secure in your manhood to drive a little baby blue LX150, haha.
Also, you have to understand that Vespa is not in the business of selling motorcycles, it’s in the fun lifestyle business.
How do you sell a guy a Vespa that already drives a convertible?
The good..
- They are awesome fun to ride, in nice weather.
- I like the social element.. the Vespa runs sound cool. Though I’m a bit worried they will attract Mini Cooper driving dorks.
- Do they pull chicks? I don’t know. I guess so. Ladies?
- 35km / Litre, not bad.
- You have to love how the helmet fits under the seat.
The bad..
- I spend most of my weekends with a 3yo. She can’t go on a Vespa.
- We’re moving into winter soon.
- GTV 250 is only available in beige (this year). Beige! FFS.
- Oh, you should kinda get a bike licence, though this seems like a minor issue.
I think I’ll wait a year. Still a pretty cool toy.
Go for a test drive
Michael Eastaugh
Vespa Cape Town, Caltex Centre, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront
021 425 7944
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