Modern Vespa

I'll be taking delivery of my first Vespa next week
which I'm really looking forward to.

Since it's a starter (2nd kick) I don't expect MOT to be a problem.
Other than changing the gear oil and inspecting the brake and clutch wires/cables, what else should I be shopping for?

In my basket for now:
- SIP 2 stroke oil
- SIP gear box oil
- Replacement cables
- Replacement brake shoes
- New spark plug (B6HS)
- New seat (seat cover isn't ripped but the seat has collapsed)

Dont get a 6 spark plug. Get a 7 or 8HS plug.

Dont forget to buy a replacement fiber washer for the gear oil drain bolt. They are O shaped.

Does your PX have disc brakes? If so, buy fluid and flush unless you have records of it being done in the last two years.

If you have the money, buy some spare bulbs. You may never need them, but when you do, you'll be glad you did.

Same with a carb rebuild kit. Dellorto makes gasket/ rubber washer packs for 20/24mil carburetors.

To the OP,

Since you are in the UK you have a great selection of 2t oils: Castrol, Motul or even AGIP which was the preferred oil for Vespa. A decent spark plug, good 2T full synthetic oil and good fuel and you should be running good.

I'll echo scooterist and MJ on the oil and spares. but do get the SIP gearbox oil, it comes in a small bottle so you won't have a a full quart floating around that'll take you years to use.

spare plugs, spare inner cables, spare tubes.

I'd pick up all the consumables for a fuel system rebuild just to have on the shelf. and the same with the clutch, that stuff is cheap as chips.

throw a CDI in there too for when your friend Justin Case comes by. you'll be glad you had one on the shelf.

always buy one more quart of 2T than you think you need.

if you don't have tools, get yourself a little starter set. and get a little kit to have on the bike so that you can do a road repair if necessary- cable, tube, bulb, just enough to get you home.

Check tire condition, wear and pressure. Check for play in the front wheel bearing and fork/steering head bearings.

This sounds good!

- For plug, the 6 is really hot. 8 is the standard one, and 7-9 is fine.
- I've been using Motul 2 stroke oil for years, and really liked it. It's pretty easy to find

On most bikes I've bought, even if sitting long time the standard issues:
- Plug, oil change, carb reubuild
- Tires if they're 10 years old or more
- The rubber seal inside the fuel switch. (Cheap part)
- Clutch cable inner. Those love to break like a week after reviving a bike.
- Cleaning out the fuel system. Tiny bits of debris can block the fuel at the tap, or get stuck in the idle jet. Something the size of a grain of sand will make the bike not work.

Wouldn't that require that I also swap the stator and flywheel (and all sorts of wiring goods)? I think the p150x comes w contact point system stock. Open for upgrading that part later on - not sure what the benefits are?

my bad, when I hear P-series 150 I automatically assume electronic ignition.

so if it's points, order up a set and a condenser.

So received the Vespa. It's pig dirty and needs a good wash and clean all around.
Couldn't for the life of me get it to start. Think I spent a good 30 mins.
The plug was sparking and engine was turning.
.. suddenly I realized there's a kill switch. But the lever was broken off, so I didn't notice it was there. And it started on the second kick!
May be that I'll leave the lever broken off. Theft insurance through obfuscation

If it's one of the early models with a 16mm axle, then you'll need one of these nuts when you replace the front brakes: https://www.sip-scootershop.com/en/product/nut-hexagonal-16mm-brake-drum-front_78110000

Does it have autolube or do you pre-mix? If the latter then you'll need some sort of measuring cup for your 2T oil.

Tool kit if the bike didn't come with one.

The gear cable feels very stiff. Just the cable or the actual rotating assembly? Dunno.
So going to order a replacement set together with a new battery strap.

Oh also new lock barrels and probably new metal drill set (I've broken most of the cheap Makita's). No key for the seat nor steering lock.

Will post a picture of the engine soon as I can't tell if it's CDI or pins and what I should be planning for it. Because I don't want to extract the flywheel if I don't need to.

2T premix. I have also received all the consumables (expect brake shoes) today. The brakes seem to be in decent order but will inspect when I take the wheels off.

So glad I did the first inspection. But I'm also completely new on this so here's a bunch of questions/conclusions:

I'm trying to keep the cost down to a minimum since I have to spend a few more bucks on my grown up Triumph bike.

Save the money for the grown up triumph bike. These things are for kids that never grew up.

Spark plug looks ok?

What do you mean? Leave it as is until something breaks?

I mean if you don't consider the vespa a grown up bike don't waste the money.
That bike has some rust issues in spots but it starts. That's just the beginning of a never ending journey if you don't do it right. You will need to invest in the kiddie scooter as much or more as the grown up triumph.
Any pics of the entire kiddie scooter. Let's see the whole thing from different views. This group will get you right but don't think this can be done on the cheap. Even after fixing it, there's a shake down period of riding where other issues may pop up and need attention and investment. Clean tank and carb and try to ride it and see what you really need before buying what you don't. You'll need spares but get what's needed now and go from there. Don't assume and get ahead of yourself, especially on a tight budget.

Also, why remove the motor? If it starts you good for now. Maybe down the line the old seals will need replacing. If you got two bikes a small lift is a good investment. Those cuts on the frame are not from shears it's from rust. Same as the trailing fork link but someone painted over the rust damage.

Similar to what your old homeboy Thomas Ravenscroft said...."in for a penny....in for a pound".

Good luck!

Dealing with the same scenario. Friend of a friend found me. Spent way too much on an impulse buy and wanted me to clean up a P200. Similar issues from sitting (tank, cables, cosmetics). Had money to spend on a scooter, or on his motorcycles. Repaired and replaced and the guy has never said thank you.

Just bitches about how it doesnt brake as well as his twin disc Honda, doesnt cruise at 70 mph, suspension doesnt have more travel etc. etc. I told him flat out to lower his expectations as he's on a 1970's shopping scooter, not an interstate cruiser. Homie stops talking as I see the gears are grinding in his head and smoke pours out of his ears. Starts bitching about how a modern 200 will do 70mph etc etc. Just doesnt get it

So, siphon the shit gas out of the tank, put some air in the tires and leave it covered inside a dry garage until youre ready to commit to this. Until then, spend money on the big bike.

Just to clear out any potential misunderstandings.

I said that Triumph is my grown up in amicable tone only because the Vespa is 10x smaller in cc and also 10x cheaper in parts. But I really don't have the skills to do any work on the Triumph. Where as the Vespa much more manageable but I also don't want burn up a lot of cash just in this very beginning of the year.

My plans for the Vespa is purely docile city riding. So can't see myself exceeding 40mph. For higher speeds and longer distances I have the other bike