Modern Vespa

So, my friend gave me a Vespa VBB. He's ridden this thing a bunch so I don't believe that it is as big of a deathtrap as most of everyone else's encounters.

THIS IS NOT A DISCUSSION TO TALK ABOUT PROs VS CONs of the scooter.

I was wondering if there is anyone local to Santa Cruz that knows how to work on these guys, or at least is familiar enough with them to help me figure out some issues I may or may not have with the scooter. I have never been part of a forum so please be kind.

Thanks!

-Sean

First of all, welcome to Modern Vespa. I hope you find this forum as useful and as friendly as I do.

Secondly, you are going to have to do some calling around. There are many shops that absolutely will not work on Vietnamese scooters. I don't know the situation in your area, so it might be possible that you will find someone who will work on your ride.

It might be possible for you to do a lot of work on your scooter yourself, but that depends on how handy you are with a wrench. Oil changes and belt changes aren't that difficult.

I wish you success in finding a shop.

Unfortunately, the only vespa dealer in SC closed a few months ago. The recommended "We All Ride" in Research Park". I've been in there to buy a few things but never for service so have no opinion wrt to repair. Spme people are having service done at San Jose Vespa/BMW.

Otherwise, i don't know what to suggest other than just calling around. I know there are other people out there doing service, I just don't know who they are. You might try reaching out to the SC Vespa Club on Yahoo.

Personally, I've made the decision to just do my own work.

Best
Miguel

I had a new VBB of that vintage. It is a 2-cycle so no oil changes. It is also a shifty, so I don't think it has a belt.

(Posted from work. Still getting No Post Mode Specified at home.)

Aloha and welcome to the forum from Hawaii. I think you'll get more responses if you post the question in the not-so-modern section. That's the section for shifty's. While some people read both most don't.Good luck

There is no factory service in Santa Cruz- we all ride does not do vespa service other than an oil change- since yours is vintage you will probrbly have better luck finding someone to work on it

You should post on the Not -So - Modern side as there are more vintage people over there. Warning: Viet bikes are not well thought of. So approach the subject delicately lest the flaming begins.

Oh no! Sorry to hear that the SC Vespa dealer has closed. SC is such a great place for scooter riding too!

I live in SC and would be willing to take a peak at it for you. I reserve the right to tell you its a deathtrap and it should be yard art though. PM me and we can make a time.

Wrong. But everyone here knew that already. Right?

News to me!

No engine oil changes. Gear box oil still needs regular attention.

You'll probably need to do a belt change after you crap your pants from the near death experiences you'll have on it.....ok, sorry, couldn't resist.

Ha.

Lucky for us 2ts that the oil gets changed when we fill up.

The gearbox is changed thru catheter fed from reserve in pet carrier.

Welcome aboard!!!

If you give us some Idea of the issues maybe we can talk you thru some of them....... Pictures help.

Rob

I don't think the OP is going to respond, but we don't call them Bodges
for nothing. Shops don't turn them away because they have too little
time on their hands. They know that a Bodge is like an onion(or an Ogre) every
layer you peal off you find something else that needs to be repaired.
Shops know this, and are dealing with customers who think their Bodge is different....not an easy task. Or, even having to tell someone that the scooter
they just purchased for thousands of dollars is going to need a thousand
dollars to get running, and it still will be a Bodge.
Last, there's no protection for the shop. If the Bodge owner refuses to
pay, the shop doesn't have anything of value to barter with.
They don't want to keep, or sell someone's Bodge. They don't even want the parts off of it.


I know all this talk makes us sound snooty, but it's the same for any
thing people collect, or use on a regular basis.





Rob

Sean I'll stand by my offer...I really don't care what you have, just ask for help I'll give what I can, if it helps fine, if it doesn't at the least I tried. PM if you would rather not hear the ration.

Like I said I'm willing to take a look but if I think its unsafe to ride I will tell you. I live in town and have a lift and tools.