AGE- OLD QUESTION

On our epic road trip, which was the most reliable, Vespa or Lambretta? Not counting things such as plug changes and punctures, the four Vespas averaged 1.5 interventions by Chua and one top end rebuild. In contrast, the five Lambrettas averaged 2.2 interventions and one engine transplant. However, each of the PXs required some attention, whilst the Belstaff Lambretta accounted for the majority of Chua’s efforts during the trip.

At the start of our journey few would have placed the Targa Twin as favourite for the most reliable scooter award, yet not once did it require attention. Close behind were my PX and the standard SX, both of which required one intervention by Chua. Bringing up the rear was the RB, though in its defence the problems were electrical, not mechanical. If I were to do the journey again there’s no doubt in my mind which scooter I’d choose... the humble PX. It may not be the sexiest scooter on the planet, but it was the most comfortable. It was frugal and the standard suspension absorbed all but the very worst potholes. Its storage capacity meant I was never fumbling for my camera, and I’ve no hesitation in crowning it the best all-rounder of the group.

Thanks to some reliability issues, my P2’s been consigned to the naughty corner of the garage for over a year. The trip between Saigon and Hanoi has rekindled my love of the P Range, so it’s time to dust off the tools and get in some smiles.