Interview: Sias du Plessis, 5fm and SuperSport presenter,

Vespa SA recently caught up with 5fm and SuperSport presenter, Sias du Plessis. Affectionately known as ‘The Ginger’, Sias recently became an owner of his very own Vespa. He is also currently one of the esteemed judges on the panel for the Vespa-ing competition on Facebook. Here’s what he had to say:

When did you know you wanted a Vespa?

Since I can remember. I was in primary school when I saw an old Vespa parked in a garage at the bottom of the school grounds, it was red, but covered in dust and spiderwebs. I was in love. Unfortunately, I never got to convince my folks that I needed it and could not survive without it.

There are loads of two-wheelers out there. Why Vespa?

It goes back to my love affair with that old red in the garage, I have followed the brand and its iconic status as the 'Ferrari of Scooters’ for sometime. In my opinion no other brand compares, the workmanship, after sales support and legend make it untouchable in the scooter market.

Where is your favourite place to ride?

I find any excuse to ride these days. To head to gym, to shop or to meet up with mates for a meal, I will be on the Vespa.

Is there any gear that you simply can't ride without?

My Oakley sunglasses are a must under my Vespa helmet. It depends where I am riding, but I love my Axo jacket and Alpinestars gloves when I head out on longer rides. The beauty of nipping around on a Vespa is that I can head out in shorts, slops, shades and helmet and not worry about leathers when I want to join my mates at a braai or catch a movie.

What does the spirit of Vespa-ing mean to you?

I think it is quality. It shows how much people love the legendary brand and want to be a part of the iconic family. I saw some brilliant Vespa-ing, one guy was at a petrol station "putting in" fuel. Superb.

Are you a full-helmet or googles type of guy?

I ride with a Vespa helmet at the moment that has a visor and I am enjoying it, the guys at Vespa in Wynberg have tempted me to try goggles and I will be adding that to my riding ensemble in the next few days. I think the goggles are super comfy and probably prevent that wind vortex effect when you put the visor down. The goggles also look bad-ass.

How would you describe your riding style?

I am pretty new to the urban riding and have had to find my feet a little on the tar and in traffic. I am pretty cautious when I need to be and quite defensive, but when an opportunity presents itself to open up and test the speed of my Vespa, I grab it. So far I have been blown away by the power of my 150, I think I will look at a 300 next.

How long did it take you to learn to ride?

I used to ride a 125 scrambler on my folks’ farm so I have been riding for a while. But riding on the roads with traffic and potholes took some getting used to. Oh and parking, I had to get used to parking and where to park, glad I did because I never have a problem and never need to queue for a spot.

If you could customise your Vespa in any way, what would you do?

I am busy planning that right now - thinking of a pin-up girl. I have about 40 - 45 to sift through to decide, but I’m thinking a WWI pin-up and a pimp red leather seat with some other styling things. I don’t want to give it away, you might just take my idea ;) I also want to get a legendary Vespa jacket, pimp helmet and the goggles, going to be kitting myself out shortly.

What would you say to any sceptics out there?

Don't knock it until you try it. The roads are dangerous regardless of what mode of transport you take, so be aware of your surroundings and try to anticipate what another car, bike or pedestrian is going to do. That said, there is a really amazing feeling when you get on your Vespa and hit the open road or zip through traffic. Another positive is the amount of money you can save on fuel avoiding the stupid e-tolls. Give it a try, you will be pleasantly surprised.