Generation Vespa

[Iguanasan]

Had my camera out and ready as I was heading to the bus stop on the way home today. Lucky for me this family drove by. Also lucky for me I got off more than one shot due to traffic. You can find my entry into the motion challenge here.

[ericmark]

Nice haven't seen them in years. All the rage when I was young when we had "Mods" the Vespa was originally made by Douglas a British firm under licence from Piaggio. But they were unstable with all engine weight on one side and when production moved back to Italy the Lambretta took the market lead.

However they all had problems 2 up on steep hills and the passenger walking to top was not unknown so putting a sidecar on one was very rare. The German Henkel was used with sidecars but that was 250cc 4 stroke a much bigger bike and with their weight they needed the sidecar.

In UK our laws allowed learner drivers to drive bikes over 250cc only if fitted with a sidecar so the combination lasted. Not sure on law now, not seen any combination in years.

I have not seen Two-stroke for sale in garages for years. I expect the few people who still have old petrol/oil mix have to carry their own?

So was this unusual or are scooters still used over the pond?

All best Eric in Wales

[Matt K.]

... have not seen a Vespa with a sidecar in a looooooooong time ...

[Bambi]

oh my that kid is beyond cute!!!
nicely done Iggy!

[Iguanasan]

Thanks for the comments, everyone.

[JAS_Photo]

Cool capture! Have not seen a Vespa with a sidecar but have seen a few of them around 17th Avenue in town here. There is a little 'head shop' that gets in refurbished motor scooters from the 60's and sells them. They have a Lambretta right now but have seen Vespas in there.

[edG]

cool capture Iggy

[edbayani11]

whenever i see a vespa, it reminds me of the movie roman holiday, unlike your image, did not have a sidecar.

very nice image!

[Iguanasan]

Thanks, JAS and ed^2