Modern Vespa

When I moved to Italy in 1983 for my senior year in high school I was shocked to learn that you have to be 18 to drive and I was just barely 17 at the time. At that time a 50cc scooter does not require a drivers license so my parents bought me a P125 that had 50cc badges on it and off I went. Fast forward 35 years and I just bought a 1980 P125 LX in pretty good shape. The seller says the shift cable is sloppy, it smokes some, and the rear blinkers don't work. For the price I paid I am happy to do some work. We'll see how it goes. I am sure I'll be spending time here asking for advice. Cheers!

It's a two stroke isn't it supposed to smoke?

Seems like a fair statement.

Especially if it’s been sitting for years and the seals go bad.

Well congratulations on finally finding your ride! I know that you've been laying in the weeds, waiting to pounce. Looks to be in pretty good shape and easy for both parts and fixing. I'm, local and we have a mutual friend I believe. Regardless, let me know if I can help in any way, even come by some nice day and I will lend a hand. Some useable parts too if you are lucky!

Funny thing is, it really resembles the latest Vespa that I happily acquired. This is in Greece where I got stuck in lockdown for six months and a good deal popped up before I left, so I too pounced! I did get to ride it a bit and fix stuff that bugged me a little, but it's in remarkably good nick. I am SO looking forward to my return where it's patiently waiting for me.


that's a friend's PK50 behind my P200X

Are you still stuck in Greece? When do you think you can make it home?

Here is the link to the ride I’m buying: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1449360615268589/

It’s in Whatcom County and I’m in Chelan. The passes are a mess and I have some commitments over the next several days so I PayPal’d a $200 deposit to him to hold the bike for me and I’ll try to get over there ext week to look it over and give him the balance. I figure if it’s not what I really want then I’ll walk and eat the $200 but I’m fairly certain it will come home with me. I was very comfortable after talking to him on the phone.

Congrats!
Good Stuff.

yuppers, your route through stevens pass reminds me of my brother coming across to visit us at lake wenatchee in a snowstorm. when he got there he said he had been thinking they would find him in spring frozen to the handlebars.
that's all just memories for me since i now live in israel in an area that has seen freezing once in the last 120 years or so. i'm suffering through 70 degree daytime temps and a teeth chattering 55 or so at night.
be careful out there
ken

Not a bad find. Looks like someone had fun with a can of grey spray paint and did a few other cosmetic changes while painting.

Other than the usual adjustments and cleaning, I’d check out the condition of the green kill wire and stator wires. The insulation on those crumble faster than the rest of the harness for some reason.