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- iHaveNet.com: Autos
By Tim Jarvis
Vespa GTV 300
A true Italian masterpiece, this top-of-the-line Vespa has to be one of the nicest-looking rides on the road. Sadly, this gorgeous retro-rocket doesn’t come with Sophia Loren as standard equipment. What it does have is a powerful 278cc engine that delivers a thrillingly economical 65 to 70 mpg and a top speed of 76 mph.
MSRP $6,899
Genuine Scooter Co. Stella 4-Stroke
The Chicago-based Genuine Scooter Co. is less than 10 years old, but already has a reputation as the source for some of the best machines on the market. (In the meantime, we’re hoping the reputation we’ve built up in the last decade will be expunged by the courts!)
The Stella 4-Stroke is an environmentalist’s dream-ride with a clean-running 150cc engine that will rip to 60-plus mph while sipping gas at a financially friendly rate of only 140 mpg.
MSRP $3,599
Honda Silver Wing ABS
Honda humbly calls this two-wheeled stallion the “King of the Scooters,” and it has a genuine claim to the crown. This built-for-comfort touring scooter sports a 582cc fuel-injected, four-stroke, parallel twin-cylinder engine, an anti-lock breaking system and a Honda V-Matic automatic transmission.
You’ll hold your own on the freeway by accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds, but you’ll pay for the privilege by getting a comparatively low 46 mpg.
MSRP $8,999
Piaggio BV Tourer 500
If you want to save gas money by permanently parking the SUV in dry dock, then the BV Tourer 500 is a worthy substitute for your commute. It has large, comfy seats, and you’ll get almost 100 mph out its 492cc engine, while getting around 60 mpg. That’s amore!
MSRP $6,399
Kymco Xciting 500 RI
Blurring the lines between motorcycle and scooter, the Xciting lives up to its ballsy name. A high-quality machine with a powerful 498cc water-cooled engine, it has no trouble hitting a top speed of 95 mph. And with nicely designed, comfortable seats, it can comfortably slip a speed-shy date on the expansive seat for leisurely weekend rides through the country. Or? Just have some fun angering your gas-station attendant with its stingy 65 mpg fuel consumption.
MSRP $6,299
Suzuki Burgman 650 Exec
Aimed at the high rollers on the scooter scene, this luxury touring machine boasts a sleek, smooth, comfortable ride with copious cargo space. Armed with a 638cc engine and an Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (SECVT), you can chew up the highway with a top speed of 115 mph. The drawback? This two-wheel troop carrier guzzles gas at the rate of 45 mpg, so expect to pony up at the pump.
MSRP $9,899
California Scooter Company Greaser
If you’re looking for a Marlin Brando-lookin’, hot-roddin’ retro ride, then look no further. The Greaser’s Wild One-style will turn heads into any town you want to ride into and terrorize. The bike’s 149cc engine repays your investment with a lively 65 mph top speed and 90 mpg.
MSRP $4,295
Diamo USA Torino
It’s a great little scooter for running around town -- although we prefer actually riding it. The words economical, stylish and practical best describe the Diamo Torino. But even though it’s not the big-bad bike on campus, its 150cc engine will still zip you to your appointments at 60 mph and keep you smiling when you discover you’re getting up to 100 mpg.
MSRP
Genuine Scooter Co. Roughhouse
For sheer fun, you can’t beat this neat 50cc scooter that is at home both on and off the pavement. With a top speed of only 30 mph, it’s not the fastest ride you can buy, but it has plenty of storage space. You’ll also get 100-plus mpg and a two-year unlimited-mile warranty with free roadside assistance.
MSRP $1,999
Vespa LX 150 i.e.
Retro tech meets cutting-edge cool in this eye-catching nod to the classic Vespa looks of yesteryear. Another big win for the Italian masters of scooter design, this almost too-good-to-ride bike houses a 150cc engine with a top speed of 59 mph and a 75-mpg consumption rate.
MSRP $5,299
Piaggio FLY 150
This is another excellent choice for folks looking for a safe, practical ride with a little fun thrown in. It’s powered by a 150cc single cylinder, four-stroke engine that delivers 75 mpg and a top speed of 61 mph. The FLY 150 is by no means a muscle machine, but it will help you weave you and your date through traffic in time to keep those romantic dinner reservations for two.
MSRP $2,899
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11 Coolest Scooters to Help You Spring Into 2011