A brief history of Vespa motorcycles
Like many great men behind the well-known motorcycle brands, Enrico Piaggio was a man on a mission after the end of WWII. The Italian had the mind to realise low cost transport for the masses was necessary to get labour to areas of work in order to kick-start the Italian economy. At his manufacturing plant in Biella, he had already produced a prototype motorised scooter tagged Moto Piaggio 5 (MP5) and eventually called Paperino. Even though successful under testing, Piaggio wasn’t enamoured by the finished product.
Luckily for Piaggio, a creative aeronautical designer called Corradino D’Ascanio got in contact with ideas for a new scooter. D’Ascanio and Piaggio immediately clicked and D’Ascanio was left to devise a modern, technically superior machine to the Paperino – something not to difficult to complete because D’Ascanio had just split from a working partnership with Fredinando Innocenti, the man behind Innocenti Lambretta.
The finished project, complete with leg shields to prevent riders getting dirty, and a front wheel resembling that of an aircraft’s nose wheel, was wheeled before Piaggio, who is rumoured to have uttered: “It is like a wasp!”. The Italian translation for wasp is vespa, and this is where the product name Vespa is alleged to have stemmed from.
In 1946, the first Vespa went on sale to the public. Initial reaction to the Vespa 98 wasn’t as strong as expected, but soon made way to adoration with the Vespa 98 Series 2 in 1947, a machine which had all the problem areas of the first bike completely revamped. From this moment on, the Vespa scooter soon became a necessity, fashion icon and much sought after machine. Despite the reduction in sales in the 80s and 90s, today’s Vespa range is very much at the forefront of technology, comfort, reliability and, once more, desirability.
Vespa’s range of motorcycles
Vespa’s range of scooters is an eclectic mix of modern and futuristic looking models, toned down with retro chic styles, proudly showing the same lines that made Vespa a household name worldwide.
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50cc
The LX50 2T represents the original Vespa design right down to its nippy two-stroke engine.
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125cc
The LXV125, GTS Super 125, PX125 and LX125 Vespa scooters are perfect as a city commuter. The three scooters come with different styling tweaks with something to please every taste.
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300cc
The GTS Super 300 range is designed for commuting and out of city rides. Powered by a four-stroke engine that is clean and economical with the use of fuel injection, it is powerful enough for two-up use everywhere.
How Bennetts provides insurance for your Vespa
You won’t be disappointed with our service because we have many years experience with insuring Vespa scooters. This is underlined by the fact that Bennetts, as a motorcycle insurance specialist, have access to a wide board of insurance underwriters and their array of services. This means that we can ensure that we source our best deal for the Vespa of your choice.
How to get a quote for your Vespa
Getting an insurance quote from Bennetts is even easier than learning to ride your Vespa scooter or moped. We search our panel of insurers to find you our best price for the cover you need.
Simply click here to generate an on line quote.
Sources of interest for Vespa owners and fans
Vespausa.com – a pictorial guide to the rich history of Vespa scooters.
Vespaclubofbritain.co.uk – the Vespa Club of Britain is the door to a rich stream of Vespa information, tips, guides and parts location.
Vespas Official Website – the Vespa factory’s official homepage awaits you to take you into a world of history and enjoyment.
