Modern Vespa

As i stated in another thread i'm thinking of getting this vespa, any thoughts? i dont have the vin number as i was a bit rushed today, imposing on a sunday...
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Others can speculate about its provenance and condition, both of which could be issues. But I'd suggest that if this to be your first Vespa, you'd probably be better off with something a bit newer, in better condition and more complete. If this is your fourth or fifth Vespa and the price is right, then maybe it'd be a nice project.

It is an older style from the 50s called a 'wide body' and the motor and nearly everything else is different from the newer ones and is not interchangeable. Parts can be had but they are a LOT harder to find and more money.

I'm with Voodoo on his comments. If the price is good, maybe worth grabbing and storing as a later project. My first thought when I saw the pics was "Someone is going to have a shitload of work to do over a long time!". Don't get me wrong, they're nice bikes, but.......I can see a lot of frustrations etc as a first project. Voodoo is spot on with his comments, as usual

its very solid and no ive done many resto jobs over the past 27 years. what makes you doubt its provenance?

I don't doubt it is what it is. I think there are so many dodgy bikes that people are initially skeptical. If you know what you're doing it looks like a great project.

Hmm, I guess I'm with the other guys on first pass, but if you know what you're doing, then you know what you're taking on. Nice lines and features. Wonder if some of that rust will go through on blasting? Not sure how easy/hard it is to get MotoVespa parts when they're rarer - tricky I assume.

Are you looking at it for its rarity?

it looks 99% worse on pics than it actually is, its all surface. It has no holes or rot. the engine isnt seized and both side panels are solid and rot free too. Its dusty and dirty but in great general condition. i was just wondering if anyone could tell me that it was or wasnt what i think it is.

My (rather loose) guess is an early MotoVespa 125. If that right cowl has the cut in at the front, that's pre the 150 (which I think was basically a GL and they had the trap headset) or the 160 (GS style). Later 125s were smallframes.

So looks like maybe this? -> My new 1954 Motovespa 125

BTW Scooterhelp has the parts manuals -> http://www.scooterhelp.com/serial/mvespa.125_150_160.parts.html

I don't know what Brown b is on about.


someone has put a vb1 headset on it or it is a late model bitsa by motovespa

Well, it has a Spanish fender plate (matricula) from Castellon,Spain

i would pay 500, maybe 700 dollars not pounds, and expect another 3500-6000 $ to restore it properly and lots of time

Pretty sure it's 1955. They ended the faro bajo from Madrid in 1954. The motoVespa parts are a bit confusing as it seems they probably used some old tooling from Italy to get the Madrid plant going in 1953. I've had to reorder parts that did not fit from the same Italian year model. The femso electronics is a bit odd too but are still available.

It looks like you will need some bits and pieces, but should be doable.

whats throwing me out is it has the earlier style squared wideframe tank and welded seams that are more pronounced than later wideframes but i cant see holes in the spine for cables to run externally like a handle bar model and it has a vb1 headset. all wideframes where handle bar models up until 1957

so why would you use an early 50s frame after the mid 50s


either way id buy it and if you get sick of working on it just park it in the lounge room and look at it

I think I agree with you on that Josh the headset looks like out of a vnb

By the way you have a PM Josh

The Spanish ones can be confusing. You think you know what it is but are thrown by a different headset, tail light, etc.

What all have you restored? Got any pics?
Not doubting provenance, just saying it's unknown. As mentioned the headset is odd for that bike and probably isn't correct or original(the color?).
So, what else?


OK, but I'm still guessing you'd be better off with a slightly newer large frame rather than an older wide body if it would be your first Vespa.
The proper parts can be a problem and that's generally not true for large frames which have most parts available fairly quick & easy and they are interchangeable mostly.
Maybe a bit like the difference between restoring an MG TF (less than 10.000 made) and an MGA (over 100,000 made).

But If you like the unique widebody lines (as I do!) and can do the work, wait a while for parts and open your wallet wide - then go for it, but with your eyes wide open.
BTW, I'd much prefer a reasonably decent MG TF to any perfectly restored MGA! So I really do get it if you go forward on this MotoVespa.

Good luck with your first Vespa, whether this one or another. I think you'll come to love them once you get started.


Only the TF has the head lights faired into the fenders. It also has the grill sloped back more and has a bit more power than its predecessors.

Sorry for going OT a little...

http://www.scooterhelp.com/manuals/motovespa.125.manual/03.jpg

Ive had mainly lambrettas over the years but have had a few vespas too, currently restoring a 68 small frame. Im almost certain that the handlebars for this scooter are with the bike but its the lack of exposed cable routes behind the legshield that made me think that it must have a later type headset, but couldn't find info for a scooter with that type of frame that had the later headset. Its badged as motovespa and has some paperwork only handwritten stating its 125cc and between 55 and 58. Obviously the vin number will solve it maybe and now I know where its located I can get it next time im there. Seems it may be a bit of a mystery as yet. Again ill say its got no rot and apart from the seat and headset its complete, unseized and dry. Ill let you guys know when I get the vin info. Cheers for your replies.

while browsing i came upon this, stated as a 1958 motovespa 125n, its identical with a later headset, any comments?
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there you go. makes sense as that headset was 57/58

Hi Josh,
You have a PM

Would you sell it ?