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I don't care for big motorcycles. It's just a matter of where I ride. If I needed to freeway commute 300 miles a day and those miles were clear of traffic a comfy GW might make sense. Or a cushy cruiser. But I don't enjoy straight line riding at distance. So I might just get a cage if no traffic. If traffic? An Adventure - Tourer, most likely.

But I rather a bike be as small and lightweight as possible, and practical. Smaller, lightweight bikes get the job done well in the city. Be it scooter or motorcycle. But a strong argument can be made for the small 125/150cc scooter as preferred choice if rode spiritedly, and you have the right scooter or tuning. Long grades and steep hills are not kind, and wind can hold it back a bit. But all other things being equal a capable scooter is tough to beat in many instances for it's lightweight, small size, and nimble handling imo. And yup, after you know how to ride those traits make riding one pretty simple. Auto trans helps a lot in that regard, too.

OK are we saying here with Vespa you don't get what you pay for, or just know what you're paying for? Is there more to it then country of origin, mystique, a bit of refinement, and an all metal body....or is that about it?

Let's look at the 250 / 300. A scoot that can be somewhat high maintenance at times, and costly to own for a scooter, at least. OTD pricing where I live would be around $7400, give or take. Used or "leftover" you're looking at $5500, MAYBE.

This is "How It's Made"

i feel Vespa is pricey, but those who buy one know why they are. are they worth the price? sure, if you want one. they are good scooters and the 300's are unique in scooting with their smaller wheels and big (for a scooter) engine. but again cost

compared to what? well, other scooters. you can get two or three scooters for the cost of one Vespa. or a motorcycle and a scooter. a quality scooter, too. even if a little used.

the 150cc Vespa? well, that is a bit of money for a 150 imo. too precious

i like the "retro" look fine. if it has some nice details up close, all the better. i favor it over some of the Jetsons look scooters coming out of china and other places. but mostly china. they tend to plastic fantastic the scoots up in a way that makes me scream for an OG style scoot

some makers do better then others. i am not a fan of the SYM Fiddle II, for instance. but the Honda 'Met, Kymco Like, and Yamaha Vino are cool. as are others. Lance does well with its two retro scooter offerings imo. though the handlebars on the Cali Classic are clownish imo

these days i prefer some modern styling cues with the retro look. think Genuine Buddy or something like it. that is "retro" but has some modern styling touches that are more then cosmetic. the way the rear faring rises UP rather then hanging down, for instance. which i believe gives it roomy under seat storage. it looks better then the faring hanging down like on a Vespa, etc

i also prefer the look of more minimalist scooters that have a stripped down, or sporty look. such as the Piaggio Typhoon, Agility 125, and Yamaha Zuma

The Typhoon is pretty awesome imo. pretty sure i now prefer this style in a small wheeled scooter