Modern Vespa

Hey everyone,

I've built/modified a number of motorbikes and worked on my own cars over the years, I'd describe myself as a competent DIY mechanic.

I've been considering a Vespa as a do it all fun bike, having recently tried a scooter on holiday with my wife and we both loved it. I'd use it for local bimbles, an occasional commute of 35 miles (30 mins 70mph dual carriageway and 15 mins city roads), and hopefully getting my wife and young daughters into joining me on 2 wheels (they are all keen). I've had much faster modern classic bikes but I've realised I had the most fun on smaller capacity bikes where I can smell the scenery!

With my bikes, working on them and making them mine is as much fun as riding them.

I'm after a 200cc+ and this project has appeared not too far from me: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/255580259080

My questions are:

- Is the oil leak likely something simple like a new gasket (and does the engine need to be removed for replacement) or could it be symptomatic of a head gasket failure (if that happens?)

- It may have some modified malossi parts on it - how do I find out what these are to insure them correctly?

- Is there any real reason to get a GTS300 over a 250 (other than the fact the 300 is newer)? I've read they are about the same in performance.

- Are there common issues that can be present in bikes that have stood for years at a time (this one is 3 years+)

- Is there anything specific (I've read corrosion underneath) that I should look out for when viewing/purchasing

- Has anyone transported a Vespa in the back of an estate car 😂

- Any other tips or feedback on the above are welcome!

Last edited by dansport on Sat Jun 18, 2022 6:06 pm; edited 1 time in total

Here are some of my old bikes

This https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/255580259080 looks just like my first Vespa, but black. Enjoy!

If working on motorbikes is your hobby and you enjoy doing it, yes, buy this Vespa. You'll even get to ride it when it's not broken. And you'll get to fix it when it breaks. I like the riding part of my Vespa ownership experience… I'm not big fan of the fixing part.

I like both the riding and the fixing - and this one is eminently fixable.

A small oil leak could be from the drain plug or filter O-rings, or the head gasket. The head gasket is pretty straightforward, but the engine has to come out.

Seeing as how you'll be replacing the oil, oil filter, coolant, brake fluid, air filter, belt, rollers and tyres anyway, removing the engine and swapping out the head gasket will hardly hold you up in the middle of all that.

Don't worry about the Malossi bits for insurance, just remove all the stickers.

The 250 is a great bike - the only real downside over the 300 is the digital display which can go dark over time.

Manuals here:
https://manuals.wotmeworry.org.uk/Vespa/GTS250/

I feel like I want to send you a box of stuff and have you put it together. That's some nice work. Nothing about this particular listing screams out, "run away." You know your way around a garage. Go for it. I'll send you new Malossi stickers once you pass the MOT.

Scooter relisted I guess the buyer had a change of mind

Looking at the old MOT's it has loads of fails including serious damage to bodywork .

Good thing you took a pass on this one. "Serious damage" to the monocoque metal frame of a modern Vespa is not something you want to take on.