Motorcycles Revisited

So earlier (ages ago, as I barely ever write) I was talking about how much I wanted a motorcycle.
Nothings changed, they're still pretty damn cool.

But lately, I've been listening to alot of the Jam, the Specials and other old British music, and its starting to have an effect.Namely, the sport bike I was thinking about looks really impractical now, and a Harley (even though they are really awesome) seems too brash and bold. What I've really decided I need is a scooter.
Not just any Chinese made 50cc job that will get you slowly up to 30 for a few weeks until it falls apart, no I want one of these:

This is the 2005 limited edition re-introduction of the classic Vespa PX150 into the United States. Its called the edicion americizione or something equally Italian, and boasts 150cc's of class that will propel the rider up to a reported top speed of 62mph. It would be perfect for zipping in and out of Georgetown in fashion.Of course, there is always the GTV300, an equally limited edition of the Vespa GTS 300 (GT of course meaning Grand Tourismo).
Also quite stunning, the GTV has the split-seat as a nod to early Vespa models, and the headlight on the front fender is another retro touch. It is a larger bike though, and its girth would make it less ideal for lane splitting, and harder to park on a curb.
This one is thoroughly modern though, with a 278cc engine and a maximum speed of 76, is it most certainly more scooter than anyone expects. But, it's MSRP is $6,899 which is certainly more cash than one expects to pay for a scooter.

Both of these scooters have engines with displacement over the 50cc limit which requires the driver to have a motorcycle license. That can be accomplished in a weekend and is a "why not?" sort of proposition.

It is worth it to interject here that the GTV has the "twist&go" CVT type transmission, while the PX150 uses a 4 speed manual transmission (shifting is accomplished by depressing the clutch lever and twisting the handgrip). The GTV brakes are left and right hand levers, while the PX150 has a trick brake pedal on the floor for one of the wheels.

"If there was only a way to get some of the extra power & modern suspension of the GTV in the PX150" you say. Well, through adding a bored and built engine, upgraded biposto shock absorbers, and disk brakes I am relatively certain I can make the coolest Vespa DC has ever seen. And when I get back down to Rehoboth, a mint green PX150 sitting in front of the house would be the envy of the neighborhood.
So, instead of buying a new one for many thousands, I've been considering starting a restoration project. PX150's from the 80's pop up on Craigslist now and then for fairly cheap. But between student loans and gasoline bills, I think I'm going to have to look in another section on Craigslist first: for a second job.