Vespa scooters
Vespa motor scooters: The "Wasp" is Back in the U.S.
Piaggio USA Inc. is the manufacturer of one of the worlds' most famous motor scooters--the Vespa. Just recently, a new Vespa--the Granturismo--was introduced into the U.S. market. It is marked by its Vespa classic look and the newest technology. The suggested retail value of the new Vespa is just under $5,000.
Piaggio was founded in 1848, by a twenty-year-old Rinaldo Piaggio. Toward the end of the 19th century, Piaggio was producing rail carriages, luxury coaches, truck bodies, engines, and trains. With the start of WWI, the company started producing airplanes. After that, the company started spreading, first buying a new plant in Pisa and then taking over a plant in Pontedera. This site became the new center for production of aeronautics, including propellers, engines, and aircraft. As a result of its military importance, however, the Pontedera plant was destroyed.
Despite the setback, Piaggio focused its attention on the "mobility" needs of the Italian people. Corradino D'Ascanio, Piaggio's aeronautical engineer, designed a scooter that was inspired by aircraft design. He wanted a "unibody" steel chassis and for the front fork to be designed in such a way (like that of a plane's landing gear) to facilitate the changing of wheels. The steel frame prevented dirt and other debris from hitting the rider and made for a less noisy, more comfortable ride.
By late 1949, about 35,000 Vespas had been produced. By the mid-50's, Vespas were being produced in Italy, Germany, Great Britain, France, Belgium, and Spain. Today, Vespa has produced over 16 million vehicles. For over 50 years, Vespa has given millions of people an economical vehicle with a unique Italian style.
Piaggio USA is a member of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and encourages its scooter riders to wear helmets, appropriate eyewear and clothing. It also recommends riders take a rider training course to maximize skill and safety while riding their Vespa. Vespa recommends the "MSF RiderCourse" for novice riders. For more information on this course, you can contact 1-800-446-9227.
To locate your nearest Vespa dealer, log on to vespausa.com. For international dealers, simply log on to vespa.com and select your country. Additional information is presented on the main site according to the language of the country you select.
Also available to Vespa enthusiasts are parts and accessories for your vintage vehicles. A link is available through vespausa.com or you can just log on to vespavintageparts.com. On this site you will find parts for an array of Vespas including: the Vespa 50, 98 150, 125, 180, and 200 among others. Here you can find clothing, helmets, wheels, suspension, brakes, electrical and footboard components, books, saddles, and odometers. If you are interested in clothing and or other products that may not be unique to only one model, be sure to select the "all models" option so you can obtain results; if you select your particular model, it may not show any products simply because they are not designed exclusively for that vehicle but for the Vespa in general.
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 Vespa scooters |