Modern Vespa

I've been considering getting a Vespa for a couple of years now, and might just be ready to go for it...

I had a PX125 in 2003+. It was the disc model and probably where I thought I'd be looking now... But the p200 seems like it might be a good choice for me. The 125 did feel a bit underpowered on bigger roads and on one ride out I struggled to keep up...

The p200 is supposed to be a workhorse. So what should I look out for?
Do they have electric start or kick, do they even have wing mirrors? How easy is it to fit a disc brake, andi is it worth it? Do I have to mix my own fuel?

BTW, I'm in Ireland... The weather isn't severe, it gets coldish, it gets wet and sloppy, it gets glorious sunshine... But we don't get extreme cold or extreme heat... That does have a bearing on the type of bike needed.

Any thoughts or recommendations appreciated.

If you're outside the US, later model PX200s had disc brakes and electric start.

You can fit them on a P200, but requires the whole system, headset, fork, etc.

In California, 1981 was the last year for legal imports of two strokes over 50ccs, but there were lots of Ps imported before then.

They're great bikes. The PX200 is basically identical. They added an electric start and different gearbox, but same crank and cylinder, and mostly the same bike from 1977-2003 or whenever they made the last one. And same PX body all the way up to 2016 or so.

I'm seeing a few bikes advertised with crash bars etc... Are these usually fixed thought the frame/body of the bike?

I'm after a clean look, so would want to remove any accessories.

I imagine similar to the UK it is much easier to get hold of a PX125 as they were made up to 2016. One option would be to get one of those and kit it.

Yeh, I had the px125 before and I'd like it again. But not seeing many for sale, with the disk and the more modern details...

I have found a couple of P200's and they seem to be in a more reasonable price category. Plus that's the engine that seems to be the most straightforward.

One of my lasting memories from the last time I had a Vespa, was people with Malossi kits usually kneeling beside theirs bikes adjusting something or trying to get them going.

You can still buy a whole PX200 engine new, too. Though I'd imagine it's very expensive to buy all the parts new. It would be $2000 or more.

Ah lads... My budget will be.about 2k for a bike in good running order. I'm not doubling that to get a bike that does the same thing but slightly less reliably.

If I found a good PX disc, it would definitely get my attention. The p200 however seems more accessible right now, cheaper to buy, and more power under a tall rider.

Tbh, I would like the disc up front.

Any feedback on the crash bars? Are they easy to remove/don't leave holes in the bike?

I think it's going to depend on the bar maker etc. Usually manufacturers try and use existing holes, but there is always going to be an exception. Just going to have to look at the mounting spot and holes. I know in the past on other motorcycles with accessories I didn't want and had unused holes. I've put stainless bolts with a button head back in. I've also put plastic plugs back in to fill the hole. With a little creativity you could cover up an extra hole.

P200 aren't that easy to come by now and all prices of p ranges in the UK are going up. Don't go thinking the standard p2 will be a lot quicker top end than a derestricted 125. Top speed of p2 is about 62mph as opposed to 55mph on 125. However a p2 will sit at 60 happily all day long and is torguay and pulls great up hills and into wind, pillion passenger is possible too. The gearing is longer so you won't be screaming at the revs like a 125 will be. However, there are some very good kits for the 125. My dr180 kit with carb exhaust upgrade is pretty similar performance to standard p2 for about 400 quid parts. Crash bars are generally put on by drilling holes into the fairing.and are gimics. If you crash you might protect your side panel but then bend the fairing. In the 80's crash bars were favoured during the mod phase for attaching mirrors and lights but serve little purpose other than being magnets for rust. Saying that you can grommet the holes if bars removed. Always hated accessories where you damaged the scooter. If you can source a p2 then favorable over 125, but if a decent p125 or 150 comes along at good price , consider cost of kitting it up , upgrading etc as it might be more cost effective option.

Am going to look at a PX200 disc tomorrow... Seems to be in reasonable nick. It's a 2002, and could probably do with a respray... Only seen photos so far.

So... I did a deal. Went a bit over my budget. I'll get the bike at the weekend.

PxX200 Disc, 2002 year. Reasonable condition. One of the side panels is a bit rough, but not too bad, sticky brake pedal. Seems to start up on the electric and seems to run well. Needs new mirrors, grips and a saddle... Just because I'm too tall for the Yankee that's on it.

I think my mechanical skills will stretch as far as loosening up the brake pedal. I'm a bit confused about the mirrors... It has undermount brackets, but also has plugs in the top of the headset...

Looking on SIP, do I need to but the mirrors and fittings separate. I think I'd prefer to mount them into the headset, but remember my old PX they weren't entirely stable.

Recommendations really welcome...

Congratulations on your purchase! If you looking at your sorting your rear brake i would be tempted at same time as loosening it off to fit some new rear brake shoes from SIP. IMO SIP performance shoes are far better than the standard piaggio ones and actually feels like you are stopping your back wheel. https://www.pedparts.co.uk/product/7256/sip-performance-brake-shoes-vespa-10-inch Dead easy to fit too, loosen off brake cable, remove Centre hub bolt cover, cotter pin then bolt. Pry the old shoes off with a large lever, clean it all up inside, checking for any oil leak from the rear hub seal and slide new brake shoes on, adjust accordingly and reassemble. You will need a small jack under your engine to raise scooter up to remove wheel. Loosen the centre bolt first before jacking up, its a really tight bolt and for good reason.

As to the mirrors. I have a 2003 PX that did have the mirrors fitted top of headset and quite frankly they just vibrate loose all the time and are rather ugly and are circular. Most people remove them then grommet the hole, then buy something more practical and stylish. So, some have a couple of folding mirrors that you can fit lower down on the front fairing. Fold in when you put scooter away. I have a flyscreen on mine so i have the more classic short stem, trapezoid style 60's mirrors bolted to flyscreen.