written by Gubbe on 09/05/2012
Bought my new Zip 50cc 2t five weeks ago. In that time, visiting my Dad in hospital, I have done over 690 MILES (over 1100km's.)
I lived all my youth in Rome, riding numerous 50cc Guzzi's, Morini's, Bennelli's etc. I then moved onto 250, 350 and 750's.
Having had a heart problem in January this year and not commuting anymore, I sold my Yamaha XV535 and saw the Zip. At £1370 onr and with the same new type engine as the larger Piaggio ranges, amazing value at £1000 less than them!
At my age,56,the dealer derestriced it on delivery. I can cruise all day at 30mph, doing 40-45 when needed. Whilst it may reach 50 I feel that would be forcing the engine. 70+ mpg. Not bad.
Unlike the above mentioned 50's, the Italians seem to have sorted the electrics...but that was in the early 70's! Starts first time wet or dry. Thing I noticed is some rain water into the rear left indicator cluster solved by putting some liquid rubber around it.
Only negative are the 10inch wheels. This is my first small wheel vehicle.
(I never had a Vespa). It is VERY twitchy in the wet....especially cornering where you have to really slow down. Be careful of man-hole covers, do not use the front brake and increase your distances. Cars are impatient but my advice is IGNORE them! When you fall off they will just drive off thinking how stupid YOU are.
From a 42year rider of large machines, yes it is a step down, but alot of fun too, economical and cheap.