Vespa Motor Scooter – what do I need to know?
Kim Y asked:
I am entertaining the prospect into purchasing an imported Vespa (Italian) motor scooter, rebuilt, to drive to/from work. Do I need to check with DMV regarding legality, licensing? Do I need to check city ordinances about driving them on the public roads? Import taxes? How often inspected? Anything you can share with me is more than anything I know... Please help me with info as best you can - Thanks!!
051707 2:25
Tags: City Ordinances, Dmv, Import Taxes, Italian Motor Scooter, Public Roads, Purchasing, Vespa Motor Scooter, Vespa Scooter
August 16th, 2008 at 6:05 am
You’ll need to register it just like a car. In most states you’ll need a motorcycle license.
As for import taxes, unless you’re importing it yourself, that will be rolled into the price you pay from the dealer/seller.
In some states “motorbikes” are not allowed on freeways, and Vespas might fall into that class. The issue is that very low powered bikes cannot keep up with the flow of traffic, creating a hazard for the rider and others.
August 19th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Motorcycle license
Registration
Insurance
Inspection every year.
August 20th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
Go for it! Vespa rules!
by an Italian guy, Vespa fanatic!
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:54 pm
I bought a GT200 about 3 years ago and have never regretted it. It’s not vintage, but it’s a great touring scooter. Check your state laws as some do not require a motorcycle license if under 60ccs…it’s a good idea to take a motorcycle driving course. I don’t ride it on interstates, but I ride on most state roads with no problem. The issue besides power is the weight of the scooter vs. the weight of big trucks. Get some crash bars on the cowl at least, it’ll protect in case you lay it down…Scooterworks has some that are reasonably priced. Have fun!
August 25th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Vespa Scooters are great. I have worked on them, and I was pleased with the fact that they are well built. However, as long as you can get it serviced and/or get parts, you shouldn’t have a problem. Vespa Scooters rarely encounter problems. As with any Motor bike, if you take care of it, it will certainly take care of you. Take in account, your height, and weight when purchasing your bike.
August 28th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Are you looking to buy a New model or Vintage? I have a vintage vespa 125cc thats registered, insured and inspected. Pickup from your DMV, a Motorcycle manual. There should be a section in there regarding the requirement needed to make it street legal(mirrors, reflectors, etc)and what cc you can ride without a motorcycle license. And whether or not you can ride it on the highway or not. If you’re getting one without turnsignals(TS). Make sure its was manufactured before 1972(Fed. Law require TS on newer after 1973). Inspection? Usually once a year in some places.
Most are manually operated, not twist-n-go. Learn and practice. Good idea to check with a near by scooter club.