Stranger in the Guzzi Garage

[JukeboxGothic]

In all the years I have been riding I have owned a scooter as well as a motorcycle. I use the Vespa for short trips where the bike would not get warmed up. Saves wear, less condensation. I don't own a car. Also I am less worried leaving the scooter where some idiot may back over it. At this time of the year police just wave me through if they are random testing. Don't know why but I have never been stopped on a scooter. Vespa PXs also have a spare wheel which is very handy. I can rebuild an engine in a day, Tyres are cheap as is filling up.

 I bought this one off an 83 year old guy that was selling it so he would have to ride his bicycle more.

[rider33]

.....At this time of the year police just wave me through if they are random testing. Don't know why but I have never been stopped on a scooter...

that may be the greatest risk in driving a scooter.  I can get away with things on a scooter that would get the bike impounded if I were on a larger bike.  I think the police tend to see them as mopeds, cars not at all.  That has it benefits, you can park anywhere, generally go faster than you could get away with on a larger bike too. Then again that encourages you to do more stupid stuff too.   

[chuck peterson]

I've got 22k on a Piaggo BV250. 16" wheels, disc brakes, steady at 75-80, seat sucks, 4 valve single, step thru...one new belt, tires and oil, that's it. Found scarred and dejected in the corner of a garage with 800 miles after a newbies accident...for 22 horses it sure acts like 36

[Huzo]

Borrowed something similar in Sweden 2015 to do a 100 km round trip. Needed to get a part for a stricken GS BMW.
I could not believe how effortless it all was and the weather protection was superb. I still maintain it's as ugly as a hatful or arseholes, but there's a crass comparison phrase used here in Australia.
Pretty ugly, but great if your mates don't find out...

[jas67]

I've got 22k on a Piaggo BV250. 16" wheels, disc brakes, steady at 75-80, seat sucks, 4 valve single, step thru...one new belt, tires and oil, that's it. Found scarred and dejected in the corner of a garage with 800 miles after a newbies accident...for 22 horses it sure acts like 36

In the fall of 2015, I bought a 2008 Piaggio BV250 with 156 miles on it for $1,000.   It had been sitting for 5 or 6 years.   The owner only rode it a few times, then her husband got hit by a car while riding his Harley, which scared both of them off riding.  She finally sold it after that much time went by.    I brought it home, changed the oil, drained the fuel, put fresh full in, and a new battery.   It started right up.   Gotta love fuel injection.

I sold it the following spring for $2,200!  Didn't need another scooter, already had the Vespa GTS250ie.

Yes, the 22HP definitely feels like more.   Our Vespa has the same motor. 
Despite the smaller wheels, the Vespa rides better.   The BV250 definitely needed a better rear shock.

[twowings]

I know you're an ATGATT fellow Nick, but this thing just cries out for a beret and loaves of French bread! Enjoy...