The Vespa has its fair share of problems, but there's one thing you can't argue with — its classic looks. Riding it around town is a truly amazing experience, with regards to the attention you get. Having ridden a nondescript Dio for over six years, the Vespas' road presence is unimaginable. It's quite impossible to take even a short ride (3 kms?) without at least 5-10 people ogling at you!
One of the weirdest of my Vespa experiences so far has been being filmed. Two tourists, who looked distinctly north India, saw me coming through their rear-view mirror (they were riding a rented Honda Activa), and the pillion rider immediately whips out his camera and films me (or rather, the Vespa, since I'm quite an assault on the eyes). Slightly angry with them, I jokingly flashed them the middle finger. Don't think they knew what it meant; they happily waved back and continued filming. Facepalm.
Another time, a man caught up with me in traffic, and bombarded me with a load of questions about the Vespa, which I answered as civilly as I could before scooting off. The other day, I walked out of the hotel Mandovi, to see an old man staring at the scooter. The moment I started it, the questions came pouring in. Yet another time, when an aunt was unwell and admitted to hospital, I saw from a balcony a crowd somewhere near my Vespa. Thought it was an accident, went down to investigate. Turns out they were looking at the Vespa. Not bad, eh?
Strangely, my Vespa has become sort of an unofficial 'test' Vespa for many. As a journalist, I tend to move around a lot and meet a lot of people, most of whom will probably question me about the scooter. Some want a test ride, which I occasionally grant, but only if I'm sitting pillion (so that I can check the rider isn't abusing the scooter).
Sadly, though, the scooter is not as good as it looks, and almost anyone who takes a ride on it is left dissatisfied. The ride quality, the engine noise, suspension and brakes are just not up to the mark.
I'm often asked for a recommendation to Vespa. As of now, I can't honestly ask a person to invest his or her hard-earned money in such a troublesome scooter. Then I guide them to this blog. Suffice it to say, the harrowing ownership experience I've had, and continue to have, doesn't impress prospective buyers. Sorry, Vespa!
Nigel Britto,
Panjim, Goa.
No comments:
Post a Comment