As an expert in the world of motorcycles, I have seen many different types of owners when it comes to Vespas. Some prefer the shiny new models, while others are drawn to the vintage charm of older Vespas. And while it may seem surprising, these older Vespas can actually fetch high resale values at auctions or direct sales. In fact, for the right buyer, the prices can skyrocket due to their rarity and excellent condition.
One of the reasons for this high value is the fact that Vespas are made with high-quality parts and have become an iconic symbol for many people. This means that their value doesn't decrease much year after year, making them a smart investment for those looking to buy their first motorcycle. In fact, if a friend were to ask me for advice on buying their first bike, a Vespa Sprint 150 would definitely be at the top of my list. Personally, I recently purchased a 49cc Vespa Primavera a few months ago.
Unfortunately, due to a law that prohibits me from driving a 125cc or larger until my driver's license is 3 years old (a law that I find quite ridiculous), I had to settle for a smaller engine. However, my plan is to sell it after 3 years and use the money towards buying a 125cc Vespa. And with the potential for a high sales price, it's safe to say that a Vespa will never be worth nothing. Now, from a purely financial standpoint, some may argue that investing in a Vespa may not be worth it when you can buy a legal highway bike for the same price as a top-of-the-line 300 GTS.
However, what these skeptics fail to realize is that Vespas are not just for city commuting. In fact, there are many European series in which these humble-looking scooters participate, and they even take Vespas to off-road races. And if you need further proof of the value of Vespas, just take a look at the recent awards for used vehicles with the highest resale value in the US market. While the official press release may not mention motorcycles at all, it's no surprise that Vespa Scooters took the top spot by a wide margin. From the moment you sit on a Vespa and start pedaling, you can feel the stiffness and quality of its chassis.
And this is just one of the many reasons why Vespas are worth every penny. Some may argue that Vespas are not meant for highway speeds, but die-hard fans will tell you otherwise. In fact, even though it may not be legal yet, a Vespa can easily reach highway speeds with plenty of room to spare. And interestingly enough, a model released about 10 years ago looks almost identical to a modern Vespa from the dealership.
In the US market, Vespas currently represent 20% of new scooter sales. While this may not seem like a large number compared to the abundance of used Honda and Yamaha scooters on the road for the past 30 years, it's still a significant portion. And for those who already own a larger motorcycle that is legal on highways, having a Vespa in the garage makes perfect sense for those times when you don't want to deal with heavy traffic on a big bike. But don't let its elegant appearance fool you - Vespas are not just for show.
In fact, they perform quite well on the road. According to the New York Times, on average, a Vespa retains 72% of its value after three years. To put this into perspective, the low-volume Porsche 911 only retains less than 60% of its value after the same amount of time. And the best part about riding a Vespa? You don't need any special gear.
A regular denim jacket will do just fine. Plus, with more metal in its body, a Vespa is much more durable than other scooters. So even if it takes a tumble in a parking lot, you'll likely only end up with a scratch or dent instead of broken or cracked plastic.
