by Jeremy Wilker

VESPA 2001 ET4   Price - $3950.00 Warranty - 1 year Motor - 150 cc 4-stroke, 1 cylinder Cooling - forced air 0-40 mph - 9 seconds Top speed - 70 mph Acceleration - smooth/even, good Transmission - fully automatic, very smooth Starter - electric + kick Signals - yes Horn - yes Lights - yes Battery - yes Tires - 10" Tank - 2.2 gallons Gas Usage - 60 mpg, approx Oil Usage - n/a Ergonomics: Seat Height - 31.7" Weight - 230 lbs Wheel base - 50.4" Balance - much better than vintage Vibration - nothing worth mentioning Noise - very quiet Riders - great for single or double Construction: Frame - pressed steel monocoque Body - steel (minimal plastic) Front Shocks - single coil hydraulic, sidearm Rear Shocks - single coil hydraulic Front Brakes - disc Rear Brakes - drum Gauges - nice, big, clear, accurate Switches - simple Seat - tapered bench, comfy Storage - glovebox, underseat helmet storage, rack   Results: Accelerates, brakes and corners like a dream compared to vintage scooters. Cost is a bit steep. Electric starter may not be foolproof as some have reported engagement problems. Great update in overall style/design. A very modern classic. The key is computer chipped for extra security. The rear storage pod is a costly $300 extra.   Derrick: Great bike with nice style. Handles and performs quite nicely. The only thing I don't like is that it's now too complicated. It has lost the simplicity and innocence of the vintage scooters. But this is a very nice scooter. Jeremy: Vespa nailed it with the ET4. Unmistakably a Vespa, but very modern features. Rides very nicely, stops great, very quiet, comfy. For some reason it is not as quick off the blocks as Aprilia (which surprised me) but good top speed. A winner.   M.M.M.