I love scooters and I’ve loved them ever since I was a kid. Last year when I was in Holland I spent nearly a week riding one around the city and I fell in love with them even more. So, around a month ago I passed by the Vespa dealer in Kuwait to check out what bikes they had available. Originally I wanted the new Vespa GTS 300 but then I found out about the 2015 Vespa Primavera and Vespa Sprint models which appealed to me even more. Turns out they had a new shipment arriving and they told me they’d call me once they arrived.
I finally got the call on Thursday that both the Primavera and Sprint models had arrived to Kuwait and were on display in the showroom. So, I passed by earlier today and checked out a white Primavera and a yellow Sprint and I fell in love with both. Now not only do I have to decide between the two models, but I have a more important question I need to answer, will I be able to ride and enjoy a scooter in Kuwait?
If you put the weather aside, I think it should be possible. I live in Salmiya and I just want the scooter for running random errands around my neighborhood like getting groceries or dropping by The Foundry or Gia for dinner. I definitely wouldn’t get on the highway with it not even on any of the ring roads, but I would probably ride it on the Gulf Road Friday morning to Cocoa Room for breakfast.
It’s a difficult decision, but definitely just a #firstworldproblem
63 replies on “To Vespa or not to Vespa?”
I love scooters too.
But Kuwait is not the place to ride one. You will be harassed on the roads and cars will keep honking. As you know, road rage in Kuwait is astronomical and what makes you think they wouldn’t pressure you to move aside? They will even laugh and poke fun at you and possibly even play games like slowing down in front of you. And just for riding on Friday mornings….it is not worth the money and time. I would recommend renting it first. If you are able to handle it, buy one.
This information is not true. We have been selling scooters since 2009 and most accidents are riders fault. Infact scooters are the best way commute in trafic and have less chance of being knocked. As far as what people think, you will be shocked how people admire vespa. I think Mark can share his feedback from his long term test he had few years back.
NO your information is not true, not in Kuwait at least, such marketing BS. what a strange way to repel potential buyers !
well pickles we have been in business since 2009 and most of the accidents we see are riders error, however we always recommend our customers to be safe and always stay sharp.
Hello, do u still sell Vespa scooters? If yes, can I have the dealership name & address? Thanks
Did u ever manage to find out where the vespa dealership is?
I’m trying to find parts for mine & when I passed by their showroom, it was gone.
😤
This is bullshit, stop spreading propaganda against Kuwait
Hey mate…. Scooters are for men who want to ride motorcycles, but prefer to feel the wind on their vagina. Might as well go for the white one with the pink seat. Cheers
lol
That’s not true though, I don’t want a motorbike even though I love the hypermotard, I want an urban bike which serves a completely different purpose.
Also pearl white 848 would be insanely cool. But biggest issue with sports bikes other than the fact they’re not good city bikes is the fact u need to fully gear up before riding one. Used to hate doing that with my Ducati monster. Also they cost like 3x the price of a Vespa…
LOL that’s harsh 😂
How fragile is masculinity? Apparently fragile enough to be threatened by colors and vehicle choices.
LOL!!!!!
“Scooters are for men who want to ride motorcycles” -what a crock of shit! Motorcycles are for men who don’t feel masculine enough so have this need to get this overpowered machine to prove to the world they are men!
Joking aside- Motorcycles are more about the destination whereas vespa’s are more about the journey. Both for completely different purposes. I have both and use my Vespa for country exploring whereas the motorcycle for highway use. The motorcylce can NEVER bring you into narrow pathways in forests and next to beaches. Try pulling a 180 on a narrow dirt road. Of course I am excluding dirtbikes here which would obviously be better offroad than vespas but then they are limited to ONLY dirtroads.
From my experience, only old farts make fun of vespas, the new generation of youngsters love them!
Keith, that is the most stupid comment ive ever read about scooters.
Riding scooters is practical and truly fun. We do not have the need to ride “american steel” in order to compensate for some sort of a lack of “steel” 😉
Well said Amman.
He is just trying to compensate for his little wiener. He probably can’t get women like we do.
Sorry I meant Ammar
In Kuwait, a scooter is a suicide vehicle.
Try it then judge. We have our demo fleet if you wish to test a vespa. Maybe you will change your mind
what’s their price range?
1,595 for Primavera and 1,695 for the Sprint. This is the retail price I haven’t asked for a discount or any extras yet.
That’s outrageous. Vespas cost 1/3rd of that here in India.
Not all Vespas are equal. They have at least 4 main models and then under each model there are different engine sizes. for example the primavera i saw was 125cc but in other countries you can get the 50cc which would be considerably cheaper. They also have the 125cc 946 which costs KD2,600. So it really depends what vespa you’re talking about. Price in Kuwait is similar to price in US and the UK.
That vespa that cost 1/3 of the price is made in india and they do not compare in quality and performance to the legendary italian vespa
Really?
I dont see any difference.
I think its the vanity factor which is driving the price in Kuwait.
Well Vespa India doesn’t even have the two bikes I mentioned
https://www.vespa.in/our-choice/
well for a first if you can not see it then you are not looking. but for a starter Italian vespa comes with ABS and front disk brakes and the Indian comes with drum brakes only. performance the Indian can hit 90 km max and the Italian hits 110 km. as far as looks if you still cant see it then go ahead and buy it
Ahhh, i remember buying my first moped in Lebanon. Cost me 100 usd lol. Best fun i have ever had.
For 2000 Kd, i hope the thing flies! 😛
Well safety wise I wouldn’t advise you, even though it’s just in smallish roads.
But if u do buy it… Wear a helmet
Vespa all the way, no question about that! I’ve wanted one ever since I was a teenager and it would be a great ride during the good weather months.
Kuwait is not safe for that, people here do anything to annoy or hurt someone
Take the white Primavera with that red seat! Looks nice and would be perfect for zipping around Salmiya. I’ve ridden Italian scooters like the older generation Vespa and even Lambrettas and they’re fun as long as you’re careful in traffic.
Kuwait is simply the most dangerous country on the road, even iraq with their IEDs is safer.
Motorbikes and the like are perfect for future organ donors.
Q: What’s the difference between a scooter and a fat girl?
A: They’re both a lot of fun until your friends see you on it.
@Matt LOL thanks man, that made me chuckle.
And now I feel bad.
From one biker (600 cc supersport) to another, just go for it. Ignore the hate and do what you love.
A Vespa (Vespa VX) 125cc costs Rupees 75,000 in India, which is roughly KD 355 only (check http://www.vespa.in)!! Guess this is because in India scooters are purchased more for the utility rather than the vanity.
they are produced in india and they are not the same models. the ones imported from italy is a total different model. the one you are talking about is for indian market only. infact the Italian vespa is more expensive in india than kuwait. this is why they decided to develop them their and it was designed in away to satisfy the local market.
Go for it. Only problem and if I am not mistaken, you mentioned you have an apartment in a building. Where would you park it ? Would it be safe ?
all of our bikes are key coded, even if it is stolen nobody can start it. and it has a steering locking mechanism
Does one need a motorcycle license to drive a scooter/vespa in Kuwait??
yes, however they are not as complicated as a car license, no requirement just take the test and your good to go
thanks
Where can you get cheap helmets around here?
Cheap isn’t really the word you should be using to describe the only thing that stands between your skull and the tarmac
🙂
A vespa to run errands makes it a lot more fun then just driving and getting stuck in traffic. Plus those morning rides on friday really just make your weekend a lot better.. Plus in all honesty a vespa from Bike World you really cant go wrong.
thank you Bader
Where is ur showroom located ? Pls give location or contact
Kuwait is NOT the most dangerous country on the road.
Kuwait has the lowest crime rate in the region, so the harassment allegations are unfounded or exaggerated
I think vespas are the next trend
thank you for your feedback, i have notice that from alot of the expatriate communities. we hear them talking about it but the fact that most of the accidents we hear about are due to speeding and reckless riding.
Hi, how much is the 946 and which colors do you have in stock?
We have a special on them 2600kd we have black and white call us for more details 24929303
You realize that how dangerous Kuwait is “on the road” and the crime rate here are two very different things?
I don’t think there’s an issue with the driving in regards to Vespas, they’re really practical for running errands and going to places that are in close proximity to your house. Only issue i see is that theyre definitely not a great mode of transportation for the summer but the winter season is coming so if you want to buy one, now would be the ideal time.
Mark says he’s planning to buy a vespa.. The next day someone’s selling their vespa… Coincidence?? Lol!
We posted in the classifieds a 2nd hand one
After many long years I sat on a Vespa about 3 years ago at Bike World.
For one, they are quite different than the “classic” Vespa that I was used to:
1. No manual gear or clutch.
2. No center pedestal brake.
3. No kick start.
Once you get around this, and you realize all you have to do is twist and go, its a lot of fun.
I didn’t buy one because I was still in the process of getting my license, but its definitely a fun machine to zip around town in.
If you get one with a large windscreen you can ride it on the highway but be very careful as drivers here aren’t used to bikes and a Vespa isn’t loud so they may not hear/see you (especially if they are busy with whatsapp).
Stay visible, stay safe and have fun.
looking for a used Vespa to buy , has to be in good condition
Hi,
are there any rules at Kuwait that we can ride small scooters like 50cc or less than that without license or number plate?
Good morning
Plz i want to buy a Vespa in kuwait but i don’t know the locationof the agency or from where
Plz help me
Thanks
The dealership closed since 2017. nobody currently sells new Vespas. best bet is to check websites like 4sale.
Issue is nobody really knows how to properly service them, batteries aren’t available in the market, most parts too.