Scooter down west coast then to Sicily

Vespa comes basically with 3 displacements models: 50cc, 125cc, 150cc. None have the power adequate for a trip that long. Even the GTS model, which develops higher Hp is only 150cc. Naples to Sicily is a long 450km. Most rental places rent only the 125cc model.

I would fly to Sicily, then rent locally. The island is huge, but if you take a trip of several days you can probably do it. I wouldn’t consider covering more than 50-100km a day.

But what about luggage? That is a big limitation as well. I hope you know how to pack light.

Roberto I crossed the Alps twice with a 125 Vespa! And, believe me, I'm part of the 99%

The 200 hp PX from the 70s went to Moscow, hit on soviet bikes, came back without a problem and then told me: "So what?"

Personally, I think it sounds a great trip (luggage logistics aside). I don't think I'd want to do any more than 4 hours riding in a day - but would have thought a 250cc Vespa should be able to easily cover 200 miles in that time.

As an aside, there is a book called Vroom with a View by Australian Peter Moore where he buys a scooter on Ebay from Milan, and rides it down to Rome. Very funny and highly recommended.
The sequel, some years later, called Vroom by the sea, wasn't quite as enjoyable, but more relevant to the original question as he travels down from the Amalfi coast to Sicily, and then on to Sardinia.

Vespas nowadays come mostly in 125cc and 150cc.
The larger model (Vespa GTS 300) has an engine displacement of 278cc and a decent max speed of about 120km/h (75mph). That’s the only model I would consider for longer trips. Unfortunately they are not commonly available for rent.

Vespa PX 200 will sit on 75 or 80 km per hour, but that is about top speed. If you can hire a 200 cc four stroke, it would be comfortable riding.

Thanks to everyone for the replies!

I’m not put off by 450km/280 miles on a 125cc scooter over a couple-few days. I think it could be fun to take some time to make my way down the boot and slow could be just the right pace.

Other than Paestum I don’t really know where to stop and see if I were to take the land route down to the ferry at villa San Giovanni.

A Vespa ET or LX 125 or better a 150 cc would do pretty well. My wife rides an ET 150, much faster off the mark than my PX 200.

PX200 is an old model that is probably not available for rent anymore.

The trip could be fun. However I would limit myself to a shorter distance, unless you have a long vacation at your disposal. Covering Naples to Villa SG in two days means being riding all day.

The most beautiful ride would be along the coast, through the Cilento. There are a lot of spots to stop and visit along that route. But It’s easily 600km. Since you can’t keep an average speed above 50km/h on regular highways regardless of power. We are talking about at least 12 hours of net driving time, not counting pit stops. You can cover the distance a bit faster if you take the Autostrada A2 which runs on the interior but it’s not as scenic and certainly is more dangerous on two wheels.

I think it would be a memorable trip if you took the appropriate length of time to cover it. A couple of days to reach the Strait is not enough.

"Other than Paestum I don’t really know where to stop and see if I were to take the land route down to the ferry at villa San Giovanni."

Paestum is great, both the temples and the excellent museum. Riding down the coast through the Cilento region would be pleasant, although one of the roads through the hills is would also be very scenic. There is a large statue of Christ on the hill above Maratea which is worth visiting.

Past there, I really have no experience until you get to Sicily.

A Vespa ET or LX 125 or better a 150 cc would do pretty well. My wife rides an ET 150, much faster off the mark than my PX 200.

She may be faster, brother, but you are undoubtedly cooler.

Other than Paestum I don’t really know where to stop and see if I were to take the land route down to the ferry at villa San Giovanni.

turkeyfria, in Calabria (the tip of the booth) there are some great itineraries through mountains and forests quite loved by local bikers. Try to Google translate This 2 pages:

https://www.trueriders.it/itinerari-moto-italia/campania-in-moto/

https://www.trueriders.it/itinerari-moto-italia/calabria-in-moto/

The Pollino National Park is amazing, but it's far from the coast and time consuming.

The coastal route could be a better option: https://www.trueriders.it/itinerari-moto/la-calabria-in-moto-itinerario-sulla-costa-tirrenica/ There is a Google Map below the Italian description. Just remember you are riding a Vespa while the site is mostly meant for Bikes. As you'll see, they suggest To use the SS504 and the SS18 roads, not the A2.

Scalea is a nice seaside town and I'd spend a night there even with the summer crowds.

Towns to consider on your way down to the ferry:

Sorrento (not really far from Naples, but a lovely diversion)
Amantea (Seaside town. Former convent turned high end hotel in the upper town. Town square has great pizza and other restaurants; gelato is in the upper town)
Pizzo (capital of the gelato tartufo...LOTS of different varieties and a lovely artist community)
Scilla (might be a little close but swordfish capital with lots of good history and a favorite for italians and europeans vacationing.)

We travel in Sept/Oct almost exclusively. We always drive from Rome. The SS18 is a perfect seaside drive and lots of local vespas will be joining you.

What great responses, thank you!

I’d like to do one way scooter rentals so I can just go up the boot by road but haven’t seen how to do that. Advice in that regard would be appreciated.

With just over three weeks, I’m considering making train hops coming back up the heel side after Sicily. That way, I’ll look to rent locally and do regional rides then hop along on a train.

Cheers