The
150cc
Scooter nowadays not only looks like a wasp (vespa in
Italian) but is called just that. Modern technology has
inspired many changes in the mechanics of these machines,
but most of these cannot be seen.
Automatic
transmission, even sleeker Italian lines, much better fuel
economy and a top speed of around 60mph make this scooter
something other than the run-of-the-mill two wheeled vehicle
we often see. Its quieter, more stylish and is something
of a cult in many places in the world.
More
and more people in the U.S.A. are discovering that scooters
in general and 150cc
scooters in particular are a way to cut out the traffic
jams on the way to work. Not only are they cheap to buy
but also are very cheap to run. Not many 4 wheel vehicles
are capable of 75mpg whilst also being capable of sliding
round the traffic jams.
In
the rest of the world scooters have been around for ages.
In Europe (particularly their Italian home); in India; in
the Far East and in the other continents millions of people
have discovered this comfortable, reliable, stylish and
safe form of transport. They can be found in practically
any country on earth. They are even getting very big in
China, where people of the more modern Chinese age are now
able to afford to throw away their bicycles and take the
motorised road. Nowadays they manufacture them for both
the home market and for export, with major private industrialists
Geely prominent in the export market.
For
many scooter owners, particularly if they live in towns,
the economical smaller-engined 49cc scooter is great for
getting around, especially in cities with bad traffic congestion.
Whether you are in Bangkok or New York, London, Rome, Madrid
or Manila, these classy machines get you about town quickly
and cheaply.
However
if you live out of town and want to get to work inexpensively
and have a bit of fun at the same time you may find that
the 150cc scooter with its higher top speed is for you.
Retaining all the benefits of its smaller engine capacity
relations, the extra mph's of the 150 engine, along with
automatic transmission, means acceleration is smooth and
rapid.
The
150cc Wasp scooter of today, with its four-stroke engine,
heavy-duty front disc brakes and many other modern features
is really easy to ride. Its aggressive looks suite its name
whilst obviously being part of 21st Century technology.
The
wasp today would, most people agree, be looked upon with
great favour by its originators. The original design has
lasted 60 years, and the technological innovations of this
time have been carefully incorporated into the machines
we ride today. Enrico Piaggio and his chief aero-designer
D'Ascanio would be justly proud of the changes to their
original machine to keep up with developments, style and
safety.
Independent
writer based in Thailand- Retired Company Director
Former article writer for UK Newspaper
