DriveTech

2006 Vespa GTV is the cure for the fuel crisis

I think I found the answer to our fuel problem - the Vespa! It's that cute little scooter that will not quit. Vespa has been around for a long time and today's Vespa is ready to take on the fuel crunch with a smile. And once you climb aboard a Vespa, you can't help but smile too.

Vespa of Oceanside is a new dealership in town called that's located 1725 S. Coast Highway (just across the street from the "North County Times"). Walking into the dealership, you get the feeling you've just stepped into Italy. The building is painted and decorated like a Vespa dealership in its homeland.

The Vespa is a serious form of transportation for one or two. The Vespa comes in many models and colors. The LXV is the base model, sporting a 50cc motor that get gobs of fuel mileage or you can upgrade to the 125cc. Next in line is the PX, which comes with a four-speed manual, a place for a spare tire and only one engine choice, the 125cc motor. Next is the GTV, which comes in either 125cc or 250cc. Next is the GTS, which comes in 125cc or 250cc. This scooter looks like the Vespa you remember scooting around town. Next is the Granturismo, which only comes with the 125cc engine and one-speed automatic.

That's the Vespa lineup. There should be something there for everyone starting at less than $7,000 and with fuel mileage that is out of sight. Plus, there are plenty of accessories to personalize your Vespa. I was given a beautiful Vespa jacket to wear home and since it was a pretty chilly night, this jacket kept me toasty warm. In the event I would have gone down, there was enough Kevlar protection inside the jacket that I would have gotten up with minimal damage.

I had my choice of Vespas to test and I chose the vintage GTV 250cc model, which I rode from the Oceanside dealership to Alpine. I cruised at 65 to 70 miles per hour all the way. Yes, the Vespa I rode is freeway legal. The only problem I had was the wind buffeting me a little bit, but once I got used to the Vespa I had no problem maneuvering around trucks, slow moving cars and an occasional motorcycle.

My Vespa came with a retro-looking two-piece leather seat that was very comfortable. The backseat looks as if it would accommodate a small passenger and the controls are very simple. The rear brake operates from the left brake handle and right handle controlled the front brake. Turn the right handle grip and you're off like a shot.

The speedometer pod also had a retro look, complete with turn signals, horn, low fuel and oil gauge and a check engine light. The check engine light is not for smog purposes but to indicate a problem that requires taking it back to the dealership for service.

The Vespa takes a few minutes to get used to, then after that the fun kicks in and historic Highway 101 is a perfect place to ride. My bike had a retro luggage rack that could hold some packages and a large storage area under the seat for helmet or other items (it locks so your gear is safe).

You may think a Vespa would be pretty easy to steal. However, if a thief gets your Vespa, it's worthless without the key, thanks to a sophisticated electronics system.

I really enjoyed the ride to Alpine on the freeways but to get back to Oceanside I'm taking the back roads and up the 101. If fuel prices keep rising I think the Vespa is a perfect alternative. Stop by the Oceanside dealership to check out the other lines of motorcycles and scooters it carries, brands like Piaggio, Aprilla and the mighty Moto Guzzi. This dealership has sales, service and parts all under one roof and it looks as if they were adding used motorcycles and scooters as well.

So stop by or at least check out the dealership's website at www.vespaofoceanside.com. Take one out for a spin and you might be surprised.

Next week, I'll review a vehicle from North County Hyundai.