Modern Vespa

I just bought a 1980 p200 and it seems to wallow(wiggle?) on the curves . This is the first time I have ridden a scooter . I have had motorcycles in the past though . Is this normal ? The scooter seems to be in very nice shape . I'm just wondering if it is a normal trait due to the light weight or maybe I have a problem . Thanks

Are you riding on old tires and original shocks? Most likely you're going to need to upgrade the shocks front and back, and you'll get a much more predictable ride.

Also... make sure your tire pressure is correct. Front is 17psi, back is 35psi.

All this being said, you do have to remember that you're riding on little tiny 10 inch wheels, and this will not track as straight and smooth as a motorcycle, either a sportbike or a cruiser.

I was thinking that also about the small size and small tires . I have never driven anything this small . I think that I have a lot of learning to do . Thanks for the reply . I haven't checked the tire pressure , but he did say the front shock is fairly new .

Post some pictures, and give some description of the scooter.... how much is original, how many things appear new(er). For a 35 year old scoot, I'm sure it spent some downtime, sitting in a garage or basement.

Mine desperately needed shocks, the originals were still on after 33 years... and it was an adventure to corner. It's still not as smooth as motorcycles I have ridden before, but it's its own kind of adventure.

I will snap some photos . It's pretty nice with michelin tires .

I found my culprit . The rear shock looks to have been at the bottom of the ocean for the last 10 years . Another lesson for me to investigate before I open my mouth .

Check the head races.

Grumpy

Here is the scoot though

Just for fun grab either side of the tire and wiggle it back and forth. Check that the hub is tight on the axle.

I will have to give the wheel bearings a better look. I gave the wheels a quick wiggle before I bought it , but maybe not thorough enough.

yeah, shock condition, mount condition, fork bearing race condition, fork bearing race retainer tightness, tire pressure, play at axles - these could all be checked.

If you're ever on my side of the mountains let me know!

How do you check the headset ? On bicycles I would squeeze the front brake and rock the bike back and forth and feel for play. Anyway , I would like to thank all for the help . Hopefully I will someday be helpful too.

Thanks for the invite xantufrog. I hope someday to get cozy enough with this scoot to adventure over the hill. Many sweet roads in your neighborhood. I think I opened a can of worms with this scoot , but I have plenty of time and love the old two strokes.

You can do that here to. Also if someone sits on the seat while it is on the stand you can grip the lower part of the fork and yank it forward and back a bit too to feel for play.

But other things related to this to check would be feel for notches when you turn the handlebar or unusual resistance. The latter could mean bad/dry bearings, but it could just mean the retaining ring nut that holds the fork on to the frame is too tight - and when it is you can get an odd handling.

Chances are that stuff is fine, but it's worth checking on a new-to-you bike

Congrats -nice clean P200e similar to my current P.

Several things can be culprit. With everything correct even with 10" wheels it should be solid.

First Tires - always run new modern tires. Makes a huge difference in ride and handling.

Second - Shocks. Looks like you discovered your rear shock is roached. Stock shocks suck even new. Grab a set of new shocks. There are some nice budget performance shocks that will transform the scooter. Then there are really expensive ones that are amazing. Im currently running a set of Carbone shocks. They are adjustable and night and day over stock. i suggest yo grab a set as the price is nice.
http://www.scootermercato.com/Scooter-Parts/Shock-Sets/PERFSHOCK-SET

Third -On a bike that is 35 plus years old - the motor mounts need replacing. Not the funnest task. You can replace with stock or upgraded like Jockeys Boxenstop or Clauss Studio. I dont like the Clauss as the urethane mounts are hard and vibrate. Although it sharpens up steering and tightens handling. The Jockeys do the same but no vibration

Forth - check rear hub to see if loose. Remove dust cap and make sure rear wheel is elevated. Rock back and forth. You will see if too much play. Tighten up and MAKE SURE TO REPLACE COTTER PIN!! There was a moron on here that rebuilt motor and though he could get away riding without replacing cotter pin and binned it.

Posting a picture like that is going to get me in all kinds of trouble ! I will check into all those things. At first I was very disappointed , but now I see it as motivation to set myself up with a sweet old scooter.

that's a gorgeous machine almogovar

No need to be disappointed. If you are going from a Moto to the Vespa it can feel odd too as the motor is not central so it has a different feel. But with suspension and tire upgrades it will be a big difference.
If your original mounts are good Hot Rod Scooters in Fresno makes these nice and siple swingarm stabilizers.
http://www.hotrodscooters.com/

Thanks!

did you give up on it already? I see it for sale
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/mcy/5322515763.html

Ha ha ha! Not me . That is the right scoot. He has just not removed the ad for some reason . Good eye though.

Both very nice scoots ! love the color.