Its got the look for sure...I just can't think for the life of me what purpose I could use it for...to slow for my commute...
*Woot*, my ass. NoAmer. version said to be a 150, & waaaay pricey. Very possibly to be made in "limited" numbers - a machine of all style & no function; strictly for styled-out, tacked-down, accessorized, latte-sucking too-much-money Eloi. Not to judge, of course... But, as in all classic Italian design, pretty.
Well that's a bit harsh - Of course with 150cc, small wheels and no storage it is not ideal for cross-continent tours, but that's not what it is designed to do. It is a small machine meant for crowded, low speed environments and in that it is no different to any other 150cc scooter. It is no more and no less functional than any other small Vespa (I believe the PX/Stella don't have any storage space under the seat either).
Mais non, Mon Vieux! Le 946, Stella and P-series are light transport. The 946 is clearly for stylin' & profilin'...I guess nobody knows for sure quite yet, but that's gonna be some pricey style, ok. Storage, ummm...messenger bag, backpack? Don't get me wrong; that's some beautiful style, alright. But I'm not young, pretty, or rich enough to justify the geetas for a statement alone. Would that I could.
The Stella/P seres only has a glovebox. Some of them had the spare tire mounted to the inside of the leg shield, and there was storage behind the left cowl. Or if you wanted to go without a spare, you could have both. BUT. You can get both front and rear racks for the Stella and P series Vespas, and if I were actually going to go somewhere, I would. I don't consider the Stella to be reliable enough for a long unsupported trip. Kind of like a Royal Enfield. Good for running around locally at slow speeds, just for the experience, and tinkering with. Which can be a lot of fun, just like the Stella. But traveling machines they aren't.
I seem to remember one of the 946s on display at EICMA showed a rear rack. But even if I just imagined that, they will surely make one in time. Though I think it would be a great pity to spoil the lines of this scoot! Edit: yep...
More questions than wØØt here. Aluminum chassis sounds great, how much does the 946 weigh? What is the top speed of the 946? When will it be available in the USA? Will there be a Vespa Dealer open within 500 miles of here when it does go on sale? How much does it cost? Does it have linked brakes? How is the traction control and anti-skid technology implemented? What does a DOT compliant model look like? Is the fuel gauge and the speedometer accurate?
Its a 125 according to the website. C'mon ppl ! Dont overthink it :eek1 In the USA we are soooo limited in scoot stuff, anything different should be welcomed There is nothing else like this here, right now. I think it will appeal to Stella, old school riders where there is almost nothing available. There is a lot of stuff that is cheaper and reliable, but lets face it, what America gets is so boring. I'll be glad for anything a little different.
Im not sure if the hornrimmed, coke bottle glasses'd-- govt. approved safety pocket protector model will be imported with the regular spec one.
Not practical for me but that said, I'd love to have one sitting in the garage. I bet it's a blast to ride. I'm also wondering what the top speed will be.
A few pics from the Milan bike show More pics on our Facebook page here http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.353527164743247.81626.100002579008436&type=1
http://modernvespa.com/forum/topic103620 A wise buyer gets educated before any money changes hands. There are some semi-official looking design drawings of the components on the 946 if you click the link and scroll down. The "aluminum" chassis is in fact made of steel. The aluminum parts consist of the seat pan and glued sheet aluminum on the plastic headset. Design details show ABS and linked brakes, hello Klaviator! WOOT for the underwear shot of the Lady on the yellow 946!
I thought there already was a thread about the 946... http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=839979