How Fast Can a Vespa Go?

an opinion by Carl Kruger

Declaring the “best” Vespa scooter is like comparing Engelbert Humperdinck the composer with Engelbert Humperdinck the pop singer. The various machines released wearing the Vespa badge are just too diverse to evaluate on the same criteria.

For this reason, I offer my favorites in four categories, which are often the ones used in purchase decisions: Best performance, best looks, best practicality and best all-around.

Best Performance 

For best performance, I choose the Vespa 90SS (Super Sprint) produced from 1965-1971. (You’ll also find this scooter in the list of most expensive models.) Because of this, you may want it to be covered with insurance premiums from prominent companies such as norwich union. This is the factory racer that Piaggio produced with the sporting scooterist in mind. Starting with the naturally nimble smallframe, they added narrowed handlebars and a toolbox shaped like a fuel tank. The position of the “dummy tank” and the narrow bars encourages spirited riding, as you can rest your knee against the tank during turns like a motorcycle. The legshields and front fender were also slimmed. In addition, the 90cc motor got a four speed gearbox and increased compression ratio, larger ports and a larger carburetor. Acceleration is similar to 200cc motors, and top speed is about 58mph.

Best Looks

Best looks is next and this one is a no-brainer, the Vespa GS150, made from 1955-1961, is possibly the best proportioned scooter ever to leave the drawing board. With more curves than Jayne Mansfield, every component appears to have been designed with the whole in mind. The seat contours blend in with the frame, the 10″ wheels appear the perfect size for the scooter, and even the minor pieces like the taillight and the fender crest are a work of art. As a bonus, the GS150 was blessed with a turbine like engine and very good road manners.

Practicality  

Practicality seems a bit out of place in a discussion of 25-plus-year-old machines but nevertheless, the Vespa P200 takes this category. Especially in the USA, where this was the last machine officially imported, it enjoys a reputation as the Vespa which will run and run and run. Parts are easily available by virtue of the numbers on the road here, and the fact that the P-range is still in production in Italy (made from 1978-present). Electronic ignition eliminates most of the starting woes, and the 12 volt lighting system is easily the most effective among the “vintage Vespas”. The 65mph top speed keeps riders out of trouble, and nice features like a spare tire and large legshield toolbox make this the most practical scooter.

Best All-Around 

As the best all-around I consider the previous three categories and pronounce the Rally 200 as the winner. Coincidentally, this model from 1972-1978 also tops the “most popular” list. The Rally 200 offers all the benefits of a large-displacement engine (the fastest Piaggio ever made at a claimed 68 mph) in a body which still retains the vintage look. The USA-spec Rally 200’s have oil injection, which saves you from the hassle of pre-mixing, as well as the electronic ignition which was also used on the P200. Parts are relatively easy to get (some body parts are rare), and there are still plenty of them around. The USA model had DOT-mandated turn signals, but these can be removed with little hassle (and often are since Piaggio hadn’t upgraded the electrical system to handle the load). The bench seat is comfortable and the legshield toolbox and spare tire under the panel make this my choice for best all around Vespa.