Author: DAVE FALL

There are lots of scooter brands in South Africa but many folk will say only one is the real McCoy - the Vespa.

Like many good things, they don't come cheap but they last… and last. Take the PX150 that first saw the light of day almost 35 years ago at a scooter factory near Pisa in Italy.

The PX125/150 was based on the conventional good looks of a machine the company had been making since 1946 and was a sure-fire winner - perhaps the most perfect Vespa yet.

QUALITY BUILD

Fast-forward 35 years and that particular model is enjoying something of a resurgence among scooter aficionados because of its classic good looks, ability to work hard day in and day out, and the obvious quality build associated with a brand that has real heritage and pedigree.

By contrast two of my pals, Jaco and Bob, each both bought a lesser brand (OK, for a quarter the price of the Vespa) and both are already going rusty, have been back to their respective dealerships a half-dozen times in less than a year (well within the warranty) and most times had to be returned due to shoddy service.

Yes, I know you get what you pay for, but a Vespa will undoubtedly last 10 years - rain or shine.

My first two-wheeler, back in the mid-1960's, was a used Vespa 125. It cost £5 (R10 back then) and, once fettled to my satisfaction (chromed crash bars and a rear carrier - us Mods had style, I can tell you) it took me all over London and the Home counties and even on an extended trip to Cornwall and back, with a passenger, nogal.

The PX150 I've just been riding in Cape Town certainly reminded me of that dear little bike. The same starting ritual came flooding back: ignition on, pull choke knob out, depress the kick-start and the air-cooled, two-stroke motor bursts into life. Pull in the clutch, twist the left-hand gear-change to bottom gear, and you’re away.

SERIOUS TRAFFIC

It was 4.30pm and I was outside the Vespa dealer at the Waterfront (021 425-7944). Just how long would it take me to look in at my favourite second-hand bookshop over in Sea Point? I wondered. Nine minutes, that’s all. By car, at least 15. Parking the Vespa, an absolute doddle.

Sea Point back into central Cape Town in serious after-work traffic - 12 minutes. Collect jacket from dry cleaner, stow it behind the legshield and on homewards to Muizenberg.
I was home by 5.45pm, via De Waal Drive. No fuss, no bother.

After two days of scooting around Fish Hoek and surrounds and the fuel gauge (eight-litre tank) had barely moved off 'full'.

There are many good reasons to embrace two-wheel ownership - especially these days. Reasonable initial outlay, fuel economy, easy parking, manoeuvrability - when and where you decide. Perhaps the best reason, though, is being able to avoid traffic gridlock - one helluva strong reason…

Price: R54 950