Modern Vespa

Hello,

With inputs from this forum, I got my new 74 Rally. I am the third owner and the Rally has approx 7000 miles on it. The Rally came with original purchase receipt and DMV registration in CA.

After riding it around for 3 weeks, I have a few questions and impressions.

1) How much vibration is consider normal for a Rally? It became uncomfortable for me after a about 10 mins ride. For reference, I commute on a GTS 250.
2) How much patina is too much patina? What do you think about the original paint? I have the urge to repaint it but the patina is kind of cool.

I am asking these questions because I'm thinking about getting a reputable shop to sort out the electrical, vibration issue, and maybe some restoration.

Thanks in advance for all your inputs and suggestions.

Nice scoot, production number 14 after mine, and more original. If it were mine I wouldn't be in a rush to repaint, but might consider the left cowl and mudguard vs. the whole thing. Mine also vibrates more than my 250, but no to the point of discomfort.

Congrats on the new scoot!

Some vibration is normal, but if you can't ride it for more than 10 minutes, it's obviously too much for you. Take it to a shop and have them take a look ... the headset may just need some tightening up, maybe a new front shock, maybe new motor mounts.

As for patina, I personally think it looks pretty damn good the way it is. A scoot that's ridden is going to get dings and scrapes. But it's your scoot, do what makes you happy. If you want to repaint the panel and mud guard, a shop will be able to match the color easy enough. I'd leave it though.

Dude, that bike is gorgeous! I think it would be a shame to destroy that original paint, and would lower its market value.

Having owned modern scoots in the past, they do vibrate much much less than my P200. It couldn't hurt to have someone give it a look, but I'm guessing you might just have some getting used to to do. Couldn't hurt to explore the condition of the mounts etc as SoCalGuy suggested

That scooter shouldn't vibrate so much it bothers you. Either something is wrong with scooter or you are a wuss.

LOL...yes, i have soften up a bit. The loud pipes, hard seat, and the vibration of Ducati v-twin didn't bother me in the mid '90.

In my opinion you paid a higher price for that rally vs others for sale in the area because it is original paint. Would be odd to get rid of what the selling point of that bike was.

And I'm not much of a fan of its only original once , or patina , or rust is cool cuz all the tv shows are doing it.

I'd leave the paint as it is. Original painted rallys in this condition are getting harder to find. I'm maybe saying this as it reminds me of my old bike from '83 but I'm be very loathe to repaint. That being said, it's your bike to do with as you please.

The vibration shouldn't be so bad that it is uncomfortable. Nothing wrong with taking it in to a shop that knows these bikes and get them to give it the once over just in case something is amiss. Looks like a great buy from the pics though. 8)

Can't help with point 1 I'm afraid, but I definitely like patina on a scooter. I saw this 1962 150 parked in the West End earlier and loved it! Personally I'd keep yours as it is.

Just keep it as it is. It looks perfect!!!

2 stroke geared Vespas do vibrate a fair bit, especially noticeable when youre used to a modern twist n go. I shouldn't be so bad as you can't ride it after 10 mins. Get it checked out by a shop.

It's your scoot and you should paint it hot pink if you want.

But I wouldn't if it was mine, that's an awesome looking scoot! Enjoy.

Nice rally. Vibration might mean original motor mounts are done.
Clean up, Polish and wax and it will look nice. Rude like that until you are ready to tackle a respray. patina is a lame hipster wet dream.

How very dare you...I nearly choked on my organic, free-range, locally sourced, vegan, flat white coffee

How much vibration? You'll need to describe it. I know on my P200 my hands get a bit numb after a while, sometimes 15 minutes, sometimes 30. I shake it around (my hands, not the scooter) and it goes away for a while. I guess I'm a wuss

Yes, it's only original once. You'd be amazed at what a professional detailer/restorer can do with original paint. But to tear it apart to paint it original and all super perfect... that sounds nice, but you're still bound to scratch it at some point, unless you don't ride it.

You might also want to consider a professional to fix the one or two most offensive areas of paint, like the mudguard and the cowl..... if you get someone who works on classics and whatnot, they can match the paint perfectly, and you'd never know it was only partially painted. Either way, it ain't gonna be cheap.

It's perfect that way it is. I would change the tail light to the correct one. Either the Euro or tractor one.

Yours is 43 higher than mine.

Congrats, your bike looks very nice. Unfortunately if you're not experienced with an older 2 stroke Vespa, they aren't as smooth as a Modern Vespa. They leak oil, rattle and vibrate, especially with age. As for the paint, considering it's your bike, painting the front fender, headset cover and cowls would probably snazz it up, and if done by someone good, wouldn't be detectable by most looking at the bike down the road. The frame, especially the floor boards look amazing. I bought a P200 several years ago that had exactly the same paint issues. I had a guy who paints high $$ race bikes paint my fender and cowls and have had numerous scooter folk tell me it's the nicest survivor/rider with 12K miles they've ever seen. As mentioned previously, new motor mounts, shock bushings and replacing the front head bearings and nut and bolting it might make it better, but it is what it is. The door on my glove box buzzes like a mad man, otherwise it's pretty solid. Good luck and thanks for sharing.

If you are serious about repainting that bike, please trade me the engine side cowl for the one I have. I like the patina look and your cowl is nice than mine. Please consider this before repainting, thanks. I can drive up and meet you and could pitch in for any bodywork that would need to be done on the cowl.

Painting is fun, but terrible for your ROI. Don't know about you, but every filthy American dollar counts here.

It appears he has exited the thread he started. He's likely already lost interest and moved on to posting on another forum after the euphoria of posting here wore off.

Take a baseball bat and knock those fugly indicators off.

Whatever you do, don't throw away those signals or attachments if you take them off.

I'm still here ...just been busy with work.
Called Bellomoto in SF and left them a message. No call back. Will need to find another shop after the new yr.
Btw, I'm heading to Vietnam for vacation in a couple of weeks. Anyone want me to bring back a shiny "vintage" Vespa?

I won't be touching the paint or the ugly signals. Just need to go through and make sure all the mechanicals are solid.
Been riding it here and there on weekends trying to build up my tolerance for vibration

Does it vibrate badly when you are neutral and you rev it? Or is it more when you are going down the road at speed?

It should NOT be vibrating so much that it's a major noticeable problem riding around. Sounds like an out of balance problem somewhere. Grab your flywheel and see if you can wiggle it any. If that seems solid, try the same thing with your rear wheel. I'm sure there's more to consider, but that might help eliminate the obvious.

It shouldnt vibrate at all!!
Sell it to me, and problem solved!

Jokes aside, it's a magnificent Vespa in remarkably good shape.
I am normally a huge fan of full restorations, but in this case I wouldn't go beyond a redoing the mudguard and the cowl. A bit of wax and elbow oil would do the rest. Congratulations bro!