To mark the launch of this initiative, we interviewed Carlo Bozzetti, 66 years-old, longtime face of the club nearly for 50 years.
The agreement makes Roloil products available to Vespa Club members throughout Italy at reduced rates: find out more to get more information.
Carlo, how did you discover the Vespa world?
Like many children I started covertly riding my uncle’s Vespa 50 when i was thirteen… Then, at 21, the fatal encounter with the Vespa that changed my life. In front of my house in Milan, where there was a farmhouse, I saw a gentleman, who looked old to me at the time [laughs, Ed.] as he was parking it. At the time I had a Morini that I enjoyed pulling and a Fantic trial bike as well, and that Vespa really seemed like a little toy! Then, 45 years later, I own six of them and have changed so many.
What struck you in particular?
The color. It was peacock blue, and I had been intrigued to see such a distinguished gentleman riding a uniquely designed scooter with a narrow body and reduced handlebars.
So was it love at first sight?
Of course, the eye wants its share. And Vespa has always made cheerful coloring its trademark, combined with inimitable and very distinctive Italian design. Plus it has been a symbol of the postwar economic revival. There are too many reasons to fall in love with it.
What are you referring to?
Vespa was born in 1946 in Turin, where Enrico Piaggio had introduced it after converting his production of warplanes. I mean, war was ending and most people were walking around on foot. I think it found out an ingenious way to provide everyone with an inexpensive vehicle and to bring some cheer after such a dark period in history. I think Vespa carries with it a beautiful Italian story. Roloil from this point of view also has an important history, which was born even before [in 1933, Ed.]
What then convinced you not to change your choice?
I discovered a family, made up of many enthusiasts like me. People coming from different ages and social backgrounds who share the desire of adventure, just like me. In the beginning we were “wild” guys who all rode Vespa to go fast! Compared to today’s speeds, we are talking about something else entirely, but back then we also had races on the grass or dirt and every chance was good to get on the road with those who had become friends. For example, my wife I met at the Vespa Club, in ’73, and now we are still together.
Tell us about the Vespa Clubs of Italy: are there many of them?
We have grown over the years. I’m enrolled in the club of Milan and we are almost 650 members. Nationwide there are more than 600 other clubs, for a total amount of 76,000 members, this at least as of December 31 last year. In my opinion it is hard to find an association of people who share the same passion and desire to be in touch. In addition, perhaps not everyone knows that the Vespa Club of Italy represents the oldest motor club dedicated to a single type of motorcycle and has existed for 73 years.
What positions have you held in the Vespa Club?
I joined Vespa Club Milano in the mid-1970s; in the early 1980s I became a board member and president since 2004, position which I left a few months ago to make way for young people. For 9 years I held positions on the board of the World Vespa Club and I am currently a board member of the Vespa Club of Italy for Development&Projects.
And among so many brands, why did you choose Roloil specifically?
Vespisti [people who ride a Vespa, Ed.] take great care of our models, being careful to use original parts and quality spare parts. Roloil has always been part of the Vespa world, and in the 1980s it represented the oil par excellence used for blending. Enthusiasts back then did not consider any alternative. The partnership we forge today closes a circle.
And actually how many Vespa do you own?
I have six, three historic and three modern. A VN2 of 1957, a 90SS of 1965 and a 90SS of 1972. These three are my greatest passion, which my wife and I ride on special occasions, at motor rallies or on events with other members. In addition we have three GTSs (150, 250 and 300 as displacement) that between my wife, son and I use daily.
Quite a collection!
At times in my life I have even come to own up to ten models at the same time. I don’t consider myself a collector, however; I have one friend in particular who owns 140 of them! If you are good maybe I will introduce him to you… [laughs, Ed.]. Marco Romiti’s story is known: from football player to founder of a Vespa museum in Pollenza (near Macerata, Italy).
