Funky Moped (Piaggio Vespa ET4)

Member Name: Jonjo

Product:	Piaggio Vespa ET4
Date:	21/05/02 (11784 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Handling, Style, 125 go

Disadvantages: People keep stopping me to ask questions about it

(With apologies to Jasper Carrott for the title)
Having owned a Peugeot Speedfight 50 for some considerable time, I thought I was ready for a change. I ride about 30 miles to work as a consequence of a recent change, and that distance was far too much for my poor little 50, even derestricted as it was.

Although capable of 50 mph in derestricted form, the problem with running these little bikes for longer distances is that one spends most of the journey flat out, which causes the small rollers in the variable transmission assembly to be constantly flung against their stops. This causes them to rapidly develop flat spots on them, and the flat spots impede the smooth movement of the rollers in their tracks. The result is that on hills or other slow riding areas, the transmission becomes reluctant to change down to the lower ratios.

So, what should I do?

The journey length is such that a 125cc machine was really the only choice, as regards auto scooters.

Although I quite liked the style of the Vespa ET4, it does have little wheels compared to the Pug, and I wondered about the handling. Anyway, after a great deal of errming and harrumphing, I finally decided to rush out and buy an ET4, based on style, and the ease with which I can pursuade my legs to climb on and off the machine. The other bike I thought to be in the frame was the Gilera Runner, but I found that a little bit too m/cycle like in the matter of getting on and off.

What's it like to ride?

Brilliant! It's a little heavier than the Pug, but the pressed steel frame is stiffer than the previous machine, giving handling at least as good and a much better ride. Of course the four stroke engine also helps being quieter and much more gentlemanly than a yowling two sroke.

As for top speed, I'm not sure yet as I'm still running the bike in, but it romps up the hills with consumate ease. I haven't given it any more than 50 mph yet, a
nd no full throttle running either, and in these circumstances I am seeing 85 mpg, and no two stroke oil to buy either.

The only embarrassment is having to run around with L plates on at 47 years of age!
Still, I'm on the way to taking the A2 bike test, so hopefully I shall be able to dispense with the plates quite soon

Summary: