Vespa GTV Vie Della Moda 2012 Review
Vespas were invented in post-war Italy to allow women to ride the bomb-damaged streets while wearing a skirt.
Pinball Wizard echoed around the London Olympic stadium in the closing ceremony as a herd of scooters circled the sporting arena.
Surely the spectacular image should stir renewed support for the venerable mod icon. So should the limited-edition Vespa GTV Vie della Moda (Italian for streets of fashion).
VALUE
The flagship model is priced at $9490 (plus on-road costs) which is exactly the same as the standard GTV. Yet this model comes with a host of cosmetic enhancements to give it that '50s-'60s retro look and make it stand out from the pack. Resale value also should be good as the Australian importers brought a container load of only 40 into the country.
TECHNOLOGY
It might be retro in looks, but it is powered by a modern 300cc liquid-cooled four-stroke four-valve engine with electronic fuel injection. Fuel economy is rated at 3.48 litres per 100km which is excellent and it has Euro3 emissions compliance with 80.7g/km of CO2.
DESIGN
You can have it in any colour you want so long as it's Marrone Etna (brown Etna). Retro styling features abound such as the single headlight mounted on the front mudguard and the handlebars in simple exposed metal tube, just like the earliest models.
The saddle is made of "eco-leather" which refers to the way it is tanned without any environmentally harmful chemicals. With its stylish precision-crafted piping, it is elegant and comfortable, and just like the original Vespas, it is split into two sections.
The five-spoke 12-inch wheels get a shiny chrome finish to match the other chrome bits and pieces such as the clever fold-out rear carrier rack. Vespas always feel solid and well built with attention to detail such as body fit and finish.
RIDING
Vespas were invented in post-war Italy to allow women to ride the bomb-damaged streets while wearing a skirt. I can't vouch for riding them while wearing a skirt, but the small wheels don't cope well with the potholes in our city streets, let along bomb craters.
On smooth surfaces, the fully adjustable twin rear shocks and iconic cantilever-style front suspension make handling predictable. Braking is strong with a 220mm discs front and rear. The 278cc engine is a spirited unit that will have you running well ahead of the traffic around town and staying well out of trouble even on the highway.
Wind blast can be a bit of a problem over 90km/h, but weather protection for the lower half is very good. Riding position is comfortable, although tall people might feel a bit cramped. You can fit a helmet and jacket under the seat which opens electronically and there are convenient storage areas for gloves and a handy grocery bag hook on the front shroud. It comes with a centre and side stand.
VERDICT
Get the mod look plus all the mod cons with this powerful Vespa.
Vespa GTV Vie della Moda
Price: $9490
Warrenty: 2yr/unlimited km
Service: 1000/10,000km
Engine: 278cc single-cylinder, 15.5kW/22.3Nm
Transmission: auto, belt drive
Fuel: 9.2-litre tank
Thirst: 3.48L/100km; 80.7g/km (CO2)
Weight: 148kg
Seat: 79cm
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