All scooter riders will agree that a tire is round. However, there is much more to know about it. In addition to elementary knowledge, of course, there is also some information that is not absolutely necessary, but nevertheless helpful. The first part of this tire series will provide a brief overview of the different types of tires. For cars, these are roughly divided into three groups: Summer tires, winter tires and all-season tires. For Vespas, there are more distinctions, although here too the transition is sometimes fluid.
From all-rounder to specialist
The original Vespas were fitted with classic retro-style tires as standard. These tires are characterized by a classic look and are often the tires of choice for owners of manual Vespas who attach great importance to authentic design. The tread pattern of these tires is small and available in many variants depending on the manufacturer. They were originally developed to provide sufficient grip in a wide variety of weather conditions and on different surfaces. Their focus is less on optimizing lean angles and more on safe riding characteristics for the daily commute to work or the shops.
Classics among the classic tires are:
- MICHELIN S83
- CONTINENTAL Classic
- PIRELLI SC30
- and the SIP Classic developed by the Vespa experts SIP Scootershop in Landsberg am Lech, which is unique with its approval up to 150 km/h.
The profile of the whitewall tires is usually close to that of the classic tires. These give Vespas that unmistakable retro look that is particularly popular with traditional Vespisti. These tires are colored white from the sidewalls to the treads and bring the flair of the 50s and 60s to the road.
Whitewall tires are available with a classic tread pattern as well as with a sportier or all-weather tread pattern. The challenge is to ensure that the white does not yellow in the sun, which only a few manufacturers can achieve. CONTINENTAL is a leading manufacturer here, but brands such as KENDA, MITAS, SHINKO and CST are also popular for whitewall tires.
Vespa tires for year-round use
All-season tires are the ideal choice for riders who use their Vespa in all weathers. These tires are specially designed for use in all seasons (except winter) and are characterized by a modern tread pattern. Thanks to their sophisticated structures and rubber compounds, they offer good grip, even in poor weather conditions.
All-weather tires are perfect for everyday use, be it the journey to work or to the supermarket on a rainy autumn day. HEIDENAU is an experienced supplier of all-weather tires and offers popular models such as the K58, K47 and K66. The MICHELIN City Grip is just as established and no less suitable.
Fast on the road with Vespa sports tires
For all tuning enthusiasts, there are not only options for upgrading add-on parts, but there are also different types of tires to choose from.
Sport tires are particularly suitable for all Vespa riders who prefer a more dynamic riding style and want to get the most out of their Vespa. These tires offer better grip and more stability at higher speeds. In particular, excellent grip in dry conditions, improved cornering stability and better handling offer ideal conditions for fast cornering. On the other hand, the tires wear out much faster and offer considerably less comfort on uneven roads.
Tires for all grounds and weather conditions
For adventurers who also use their Vespa off-road, cross or all-terrain tires are the best choice. These tires are optimized for uneven terrain and different weather conditions. Good traction on gravel, mud and other unpaved roads make Vespas look good even on terrain that is actually less familiar.
Due to the higher rolling resistance and the associated noise on asphalt, this type of tire is only found on very few Vespas. For the sake of completeness, however, the relatively little-used off-road tires and winter tires will also be discussed.
Specially developed for use in low temperatures and on snowy or icy roads, winter tires offer a decisive safety advantage. Very special rubber compounds are responsible for ensuring that a safe Vespa ride is possible even in adverse conditions such as ice and snow.
Size and tread: spoiled for choice
Choosing the right tire size is essential for driving safety. The size is specified in the vehicle documents and should therefore always be selected. The tread should be matched to the most common driving conditions. A deeper tread offers better grip on wet roads, while a smoother tread reduces rolling resistance and is more efficient on dry roads.
In addition to the right choice of tires, regular maintenance is also crucial. However, we will discuss maintenance, inspection and the right rims in the second part of this series.
All in all, the answer that lawyers like to give with a wink is: it depends!
Whether for a summer ride to the ice cream parlor on perfectly paved roads, for wild mountain pass adventures or for use in fields and meadows: the choice is almost unlimited and gives everyone the chance to choose the right type for them. So for now, have an enjoyable Vespa summer with beautiful tours that run smoothly – and not just because of the tires.
