Vespa magic – the perfect North Coast companion

Nothing shouts Italian nostalgia like images of driving your Vespa through the Italian Riviera with the golden sun setting over the “Med”, the wind in your hair, all your senses engaged.

But, like a rare migratory bird, this iconic Italian has made a home for itself in many of the most beautiful parts of the world – including our own picturesque North Coast.

It is said the Vespa came to light after WWII when Enrico Piaggio began its development by manufacturing the first scooter from spare aircraft parts recovered from Mussolini’s air force fleet.

It was designed by Corradino D’Ascanio. It was an immediate success and in 1956, 11 years after they had built the first one, Piaggio sold the millionth unit.

“For many owners, even if they own other bikes, their Vespa becomes their favourite mode of transport,” said Tony Pereira of Moover’s Speed Shop.

There is even a Vespa with a sidecar.

Pereira is a mechanical engineer who, soon after joining and working in the corporate environment, decided it was just a tad too demanding and non-appreciative of his open-minded creative skills and meticulous attention to detail.

He is a tinkerer by nature. He has been racing and restoring cars ever since he was a young boy, thanks to an equally active and competent racing dad who was also an electrical engineer.

“We were forever camping and travelling in vans and required a smaller, lighter, nippy mode of transport which could also be transported in the van.

“The Vespa proved ideal. But of course, we racers required extra “vooma”, and this got me tinkering, designing and fine-tuning the engines to the point they could run 0-100 km/h in almost six seconds,” Perreira said.

What makes the Vespa such a fun and nippy transport offering?

“Well, firstly it is easy to reach 30km to a litre of fuel. The scooter is nippy and easy to handle in traffic, it is easy to work on and extremely robust.

“The suspension set-up and centre of gravity render the most comfortable and spectacular riding experience of all bikes. I have even converted a 150 Vespa to an off-road version of itself, and it has impressed many a diehard off-roader – including myself.

“With the gear lever on the handlebar and a tad of skittish behaviour (because of the smaller wheels), riding a Vespa requires some ‘training’ though.

“But once you have familiarised yourself with its uniqueness, its naughtiness and the rest, you will fall in love in a way you never thought possible.

“Although you can go fast, not rushing is more enjoyable. The Vespa will capture your soul!” said Pereira.

The modern 300cc Vespas are outstanding and not as finicky to maintain and ride as the two-stroke 150s, but they are beyond what most budgets can afford.

“We advise you to start off on a refurbished 150. If you are an avid motorcyclist not inclined to keep up with the Joneses, ride a Vespa. It will provide you with tons of delight – all the time and wherever you ride because it has an authentic soul and more character than most.”

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