[kaushik51094]

Originally Posted by apachelongbow

The only problem I have with the Vespa is its dimunitive size. I am 6 feet tall and 80kgs, so if I sit on the Vespa's seat, it looks quite strange almost like a circus bear on a bicycle.
I feel the Vespa looks good only for petite ladies, young teenage boys and the likes, for an average to large man, the vespa is very very tiny!!!

Oh, man. Seriously? No way, Vespa is the tallest among all the scooters. If you feel vespa is too short, then IMO no other scooter will suit you. Or, maybe your problem can be attributed to the short length of vespa's seat. If that's the case you are trying to state, then, other scooters will suit you. but seriously, vespa is definitely not for short ladies and the like. I am 5'5" and can just place my feet on the ground. People shorter than me will find it difficult.

[am1m]

Originally Posted by CARDEEP

Also, tell them to tap on your scooter's body & Activa, they will realise an important distinction - Fiber Vrs Metal body.

Just curious here, what is the advantage of having a metal body over a fiber one in the case of scooters? In a car it makes sense, as the body of a car is supposed to shield the occupants in the case of an impact. But in the case of bikes when that doesn't apply, why not fiber which is lighter, cheaper, will be cheaper to replace, and not prone to rust?

Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of the Vespa, just wondering what the practical advantages were of having a metal shell over fiber.

[CARDEEP]

Originally Posted by am1m

Just curious here, what is the advantage of having a metal body over a fiber one in the case of scooters? In a car it makes sense, as the body of a car is supposed to shield the occupants in the case of an impact. But in the case of bikes when that doesn't apply, why not fiber which is lighter, cheaper, will be cheaper to replace, and not prone to rust?

Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of the Vespa, just wondering what the practical advantages were of having a metal shell over fiber.

Metal body can be cheap & easy to be repaired by local tinkers as compared to fiber body.

Just to add on, Vespa VX125 has now got front disc brakes as well .

[kaushik51094]

Originally Posted by am1m

Just curious here, what is the advantage of having a metal body over a fiber one in the case of scooters? In a car it makes sense, as the body of a car is supposed to shield the occupants in the case of an impact. But in the case of bikes when that doesn't apply, why not fiber which is lighter, cheaper, will be cheaper to replace, and not prone to rust?

Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of the Vespa, just wondering what the practical advantages were of having a metal shell over fiber.

In case of accidents, fiber tends to break easily and chances are that they form big cracks that cannot be repaired and needs to be replaced only. But, in metal, only dents are formed in most cases as they are more strong. These dents can be easily removed. Personally, i feel that paint sticks better to metal than to fiber (solely, my opinion ) and metals are less prone to scratches.

[hillram]

1 year Servicing :
As i crossed 1 year of owning my Yellow Wasp, I was thronged by reminders to bring my Vespa for servicing..ain't that an improvement of A.S.S !!!

1 year servicing included:
- Oil change (Agip 750ml)
- Air Filter cleaning
- Oil Filter replacement
- Spark Plug cleaning
- Tuning the Carburettor
- Tuning RPM
- Checking belt drive
- Cleaning Brakes and adjustment
- Checking clutch
- Handle bar adjustment
- Battery charge check up
- Electrical wiring check up
- Water Wash
As a token of 1 year completion the service manager fitted a new rear grab rail at wholesale cost (Rs.195).

Total Cost of Servicing : Rs. 238 (for Oil change, oil filter and taxes), labour cost 0.00

After the servicing, i noticed a stratch on the rear mudguard and threw a fit as it was clearly not there when i brought in the Vespa for servicing.
No argument...a brand new mudguard was fitted with out any charge !!!

My Yellow Wasp is flying now with a new look (rear grab rail). A wholesome delightful experiance with Vespa India.

While my wasp was getting serviced, I couldnt help investigate the VX model. My inputs are mapped into the below thread:
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/motorb...whats-new.html

[gsurya]

My first scooter 27 yrs ago was an LML Vespa. I sold that about 15 yrs ago. Since then I hv only been in cars; so when the Vespa arrived it was tempting. However, I spotted the missing disk brake & decided to wait it out - now the Vespa VX is here.

Took a test drive yesterday at Asset Motors, Mulund. Both his test drive scooters were out at an event, so he allowed me to test drive a workshop VX scooter that only had 78 kms on it.

Observations:
1. Classy looks, build, finish. The full metal body is superb.
2. Perfect for tall people as it has a high stand. (I am 5'10)
3. Initial pick up was poor; but as per the workshop this is because the engine was not run in. He claims after 500+ kms it will be much smoother. My first Vespa behaved like this too, so I am inclined to believe him.
4. Balance is superb, braking is good (being a VX with disc brakes & with tubleless tyres).

I will take another test drive of the test drive LX scooter to check it out as it has a few 1000 kms on it.

Colors: New Pink is a ladies shade. Red is too bright for me. Turquoise Green is nice, but being metallic is a slight put off for me. Dark Blue takes away from Vespa's stylish looks. White is most classy. Yellow is perky & seems to be the common choice.

Vespa still hasnt updated its website with the VX model : Spice Motors in Goregaon is saying price list has not come, production has not started; but Asset Motors, Mulund is taking orders & says will deliver by month end?! But he wants full payment in advance, which I refused.

So I will wait for Vespa to officially 'release' it on their website. Does someone know the real story?

Pricing given by Asset OTR Mumbai:
LX ex-SR: 62315, INS: 2011, Regn: 6772

VX is said to be 8000 INR more; that takes total above 80K. Exact price not yet available.

Vespa Essential kit consisting of footrest, front fender etc is INR 2588 - this includes backrest which is standard in VX model.

Teflon coating package incl 3 services : Rs 998
Roadside Assistance for 2 yrs : Rs 500 (towing/breakdown support) - across Maharashtra .. seems worth it.
Extended Warranty for 2 yrs: Rs 550

I dont like the looks of Activa or Ray; & am a fan of Vespa since it was my first vehicle on my first job, so there is a nostalgia factor at play here.

Might let kid daughter choose the color but afraid she might choose pink :/ I prefer Yellow; though White looks too classy.

[infinitewheel]

hi
I purchased Vespa Vx one month back. But there is no service center in my place (Salem) and i need to travel to coimbatore for service alone which is about 150kms from my place. When contacted the showroom people I was informed that either i need to take the vehicle there or they might conduct a camp like thing where vehicles in that area could be serviced. But they don't have any idea when the camp will be. Need to know what else I could do. My dad is using the vehicle. Should i ask him to check anything in particular? Is there any harm in waiting for another month or so till they conduct a camp? Need expert opinion. Thanks in advance.

[hillram]

Originally Posted by infinitewheel

hi
I purchased Vespa Vx one month back. But there is no service center in my place (Salem) and i need to travel to coimbatore for service alone which is about 150kms from my place. When contacted the showroom people I was informed that either i need to take the vehicle there or they might conduct a camp like thing where vehicles in that area could be serviced. But they don't have any idea when the camp will be. Need to know what else I could do. My dad is using the vehicle. Should i ask him to check anything in particular? Is there any harm in waiting for another month or so till they conduct a camp? Need expert opinion. Thanks in advance.

Hi,
Its a tricky situation you are in.
If you have gone through my entire thread, I have clearly described what is done at each free servicing till 1 year from the date of purchase.
Oil changing is the most important aspect of these servicings and atleast twice, engine oil is changed during the servicing. Whether you use the Vespa or not, oil has to be changed. Hence it is very important that regualr servicings are done. Apart from this, air filter, drive belt , clutch are checked regularly during each of the servicing.
I suggest you bring to the attention to Vespa India about your situation and they might come up with a service camp.
Also post in the Vespa India Page in Facebook. It will be helpful to you.
Best Wishes.

[gsurya]

Originally Posted by infinitewheel

hi
I purchased Vespa Vx one month back. But there is no service center in my place (Salem) and i need to travel to coimbatore for service alone which is about 150kms from my place. When contacted the showroom people I was informed that either i need to take the vehicle there or they might conduct a camp like thing where vehicles in that area could be serviced. But they don't have any idea when the camp will be. Need to know what else I could do. My dad is using the vehicle. Should i ask him to check anything in particular? Is there any harm in waiting for another month or so till they conduct a camp? Need expert opinion. Thanks in advance.

U need to write to Vespa & get them to agree that they will retain your warranty if u get it locally serviced at a non-Vespa service station.. Ask the dealer how many other Vespas sold in Salem & then ask them to hv a sales cum service camp every 3 months or so. Repairs will be a more tricky issue for you..

[infinitewheel]

Thanks Hillram. I have mailed them and also sent a message through facebook. Let me see how their response is.

[infinitewheel]

Originally Posted by gsurya

U need to write to Vespa & get them to agree that they will retain your warranty if u get it locally serviced at a non-Vespa service station.. Ask the dealer how many other Vespas sold in Salem & then ask them to hv a sales cum service camp every 3 months or so. Repairs will be a more tricky issue for you..

About 10 - 15 vespas have been sold in my place. Exact figures i am not sure. They do have camps it seems. But they are not sure when the next camp will be. Anyhow mailed Vespa India regarding this issue. Will get back once the reply comes. Thanks for your reply gsurya.

[infinitewheel]

Originally Posted by hillram

I suggest you bring to the attention to Vespa India about your situation and they might come up with a service camp.
Also post in the Vespa India Page in Facebook. It will be helpful to you.
Best Wishes.

Originally Posted by gsurya

U need to write to Vespa & get them to agree that they will retain your warranty if u get it locally serviced at a non-Vespa service station..

Thanks for your valuable advice. Mailed to vespa india and also sent a message through facebook. Got the problem solved. They are in the process of establishing a showroom in my place and a sub dealer is looking after the service. The service engineer called me and fixed up an appointment with service center in my place. Got the vehicle serviced too.

[gsurya]

Originally Posted by infinitewheel

Thanks for your valuable advice. Mailed to vespa india and also sent a message through facebook. Got the problem solved. They are in the process of establishing a showroom in my place and a sub dealer is looking after the service. The service engineer called me and fixed up an appointment with service center in my place. Got the vehicle serviced too.

This is quite brilliant from Vespa! With this sort of customer oriented attitude they will go a long way in India; this deserves kudos.

[hillram]

Originally Posted by infinitewheel

Thanks for your valuable advice. Mailed to vespa india and also sent a message through facebook. Got the problem solved. They are in the process of establishing a showroom in my place and a sub dealer is looking after the service. The service engineer called me and fixed up an appointment with service center in my place. Got the vehicle serviced too.

Im happy that your Vespa has been serviced, which is the most important aspect in the ownership. Ride Safe.

[anilkumar]

Hello Hillram
i wanted to Upgrade my sister's Access to Vespa
my main concern is how will the centrally mounted engine behave in a city like Bangalore which has lot of potholes
and also when i drove the vehicle i loved the suspension is it the same even after an year ?
how about the mileage ?
can i know how many kms your yellow wasp has munched till now ?