HowStuffWorks "How Vespas Work"
[http://www.howstuffworks.com/] SUBSCRIBE Adventure Animals Auto Culture Entertainment Health Home & Garden Lifestyle Money Science Tech Video Shows Quizzes Auto Basics Tech and Transport Auto Parts & Systems Auto Racing Buying & Selling Car Models Driving & Safety Fuel Efficiency Motorcycles Trucks Under the Hood Home / Auto / Motorcycles / About Motorcycles How Vespas Work by Ed Grabianowski Page 1 Introduction to How Vespas Work 2 Inside a Vespa 3 Vespa History 4 Vespa Style Motorcycle Image Gallery A 1998 Vespa ET4 125cc. See more motorcycle pictures . Photo courtesy of Trident 13 Next Up How Motorcycles Work Motorcycle Quiz The Vespa scooter has been many things to many people. To post-war Italy, it represented an economic resurgence for a struggling industrial family. To British teens of the early 1960s, it was a vital aspect of a cultural and fashion trend. For people in developing countries, Vespas can be an important and affordable means of transportation. And for some, Vespas just represent nostalgic fun. Motorcycle Image Gallery In this article, we’ll look at what Vespas are, how they are made, the history behind the scooter and the Vespa style that has made it so popular. The front wheel, which is fastened to the end of an axle. Photo courtesy of Liftarn Why Scooters? Scooters are two-wheeled vehicles powered by a small engine. Although it’s similar in concept to motorcycles , it has some important differences. The wheels of a scooter are fastened to the end of a short axle, rather than being mounted between a “fork” in the frame. The engine is usually concealed in a cowling of some kind, making them quieter and less likely to get oil or grease on the rider’s clothes. Scooters generally have less horsepower than motorcycles. The overall effect is a more “civilized” vehicle meant for practical daily use. Today, a scooter can be defined as a two-wheeled vehicle built on a monocoque frame with a 250 cubic centimeter (cc) engine or smaller. There are scooters with larger engines, but they essentially represent a subclass of vehicles in between scooters and motorcycles. Many jurisdictions legally consider them motorcycles. People choose to drive scooters for a number of reasons, not the least of them is the exceptional gas mileage a scooter can provide. Most models can achieve better miles per gallon (mpg) ratings than all cars, but the most eco-friendly hybrid cars are in the 60-70 mpg range--equal to the Vespa. Scooters are also convenient. Navigating city traffic and tight urban streets is a lot easier on a scooter than in an SUV, and parking is no problem. For those living in rural areas, a scooter is a great way to make relatively short trips. They’re easier to ride than a motorcycle, and the body panels ensure that clothes aren’t likely to be splashed with mud and road dirt. The front panel of the Vespa. Photo courtesy of Kyle Thompson A scooter is a lot easier on the wallet than a car, as well. A brand new scooter can be as little as $800, with many scooters available for less than $2,000. Of course, a scooter with the legendary Vespa name on it often comes at a premium (prices range from $2,000 to over $6,000), and vintage scooters go for collector’s prices, sometimes fetching thousands of dollars. A Vespa store selling many varieties and colors. Photo courtesy of Coolcaesar For some scooter enthusiasts, it’s a matter of style. The shape of a Vespa evokes a fun retro feeling that many riders enjoy as they cruise around town. Anyone who considers themselves a Mod (which we’ll explain later) simply can’t do without a Vespa. Print Cite This! Close Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks article: Grabianowski, Ed. "How Vespas Work" 12 April 2007. HowStuffWorks.com.
26 August 2014. Citation & Date Feedback Page 1 Introduction to How Vespas Work 2 Inside a Vespa 3 Vespa History 4 Vespa Style 5 Lots More Information More To Explore More Great Links Top 10 Green Driving Tips 5 Scariest Stunt Car Feats The Ultimate CarStuff Fan Quiz 5 Warning Signs You Need New Tires 10 Most Expensive Classic Cars Watch American Chopper videos >> You Might Also Like Tramp: A Chopper Profile The Tramp is a custom motorcycle with a Daytec frame and unique engine. Powering the Tramp is a V-twin made from aftermarket parts but built to resemble a classic Harley-Davidson Shovelhead engine. 1975 Harley-Davidson XL-1000 and XR-750 The 1975 Harley-Davidson XL-1000 and XR-750 were often altered so few remain their original state. The engine for the XR-750 racer was based on the Sportster but it had dual carbs and high-mounted exhaust. Check out these rare powerful Harleys. Popular Articles American Chopper: Episode 66 1975 Triumph Trident Fendered Spoon: A Chopper Profile Most Popular Most Watched Most Popular Top 5 Reasons Your Car Is Vibrating How Stirling Engines Work 5 Signs That You Need Your Brakes Checked Car Smarts: Camshafts Auto Puzzles: Charging an Electric Car Most Watched Understanding Cars Auto Parts & Systems Deconstructed Wrecks to Riches: Rebuilding Classic Cars Car Accident Videos Bikes, Hacks, Trikes and Choppers Don't Miss Stuff You Should Know: Demystifying Your World Stuff Mom Never Told You: All Things Women and Gender Stuff You Missed in History Class: Fact or Fiction? CHECK OUT OUR PODCASTS HOWSTUFFWORKS NEWSLETTER THE LATEST AND GREATEST SUBSCRIBE HOWSTUFFWORKS Adventure Animals Auto Culture Entertainment Health Home & Garden Lifestyle Money Science Tech MORE STUFF Blogs HSW Tools RSS Maps Podcasts Quizzes Newsletters Video HSW Brazil HSW China STUFF WEBSITES BrainStuff CarStuff Fw:Thinking Stuff Mom Never Told You Stuff of Genius Stuff They Don't Want You to Know Stuff to Blow Your Mind Stuff You Missed in History Class Stuff You Should Know CUSTOMER SERVICE Advertising Contact Us Help CORPORATE About Us Careers @ HSW Privacy Policy Visitor Agreement TAKE US WITH YOU FOLLOW US Copyright © 1998-2014 HowStuffWorks, a division of InfoSpace LLC