Modern Vespa

I found this 1975 Vespa Rally 200 project on facebook marketplace. The seller is asking $1,000 and he said lowest he would go is $900. Call me crazy but I don't think it's worth more than $500 in the state it's in. He says all the parts are there to rebuild it but based on the pictures, the motor is in parts in a crate so that's questionable. Plus there's a lot of rust. See pictures for reference.

Let me know what you think!

Something I've learnt the hard way, "all parts present", unfortunately doesn't mean it can be rebuilt and be up and running.

Bearings, wiring loom and usually ignition are right offs and need new.

Lights, gearbox (some parts, either primary needs rebuilding or new driveshaft etc) and wheels usually you'll need to replace something.

Might get lucky with the carb.

Add all the bits needed and you end up with a hefty budget.

Unless you're after something really ratty in how it runs.

if that's a genuine rally 200 motor, he's probably going to get his price sooner or later

that said, chrome cowls and fender = repop stuff

you're gonna be in a load of cash on that sucker. what's the title status? CA plate in the box. could be a load of back fees or if you're lucky it's out of the system. if back fees are on, price could go lower.

it's really what you want - if you just want a rally to ride, go buy one that's done, it will be cheaper. if you want to rebirth the phoenix from the ashes, this looks like a decent starting point.

No paperwork so no title. He's had it up for over a month on marketplace so I think $900 may be ambitious. Getting a title on an old motorcycle or scooter in Massachusetts is tricky especially with the VT out of state registration ended.

OK so at least you aren't in CA, so any back fees wouldn't likely be relevant.

You can always have Saints Title get you a clean TN title so long as it's not stolen, but it will set you back some more.

$500 and $900 aren't far apart. I can't imagine there isn't a deal to be had at $750 or something.

Get it.

For 900 or try for lower?

I'd do $900 if it is in fact all there.

Deduct as reasonable for anything not there.

I'd want to say plus or minus ~$250 depending on if the original stainless 044 leggy trim is there, but I don't see it in any of the pics .

if you're okay with paying 1K for a pile of parts, because that's what this is, then sure that's an okay deal.

it looks like most of the motor is there, and you have a fork. but it appears to be missing the glovebox frame. and it's pretty rough. and the title is gonna be another 3~5 hundo

I don't know what your mechanical skill level is or level of familiarity with vespa is, but this bike is more expert level than beginner. it's a long, long way off from being a running, riding bike.

even if you were well versed in restoration, it'd be a hard push to have this riding by next spring if you picked it up now.

if you just want a rally 200, the better play would be to drop 3~4K on something that's complete and rolling.

but it is a rally 200, and the parts are worth about that.

I appreciate the advice. I offered $500, which I think is pretty reasonable considering the amount of money and time it would require to get it running and registered.

The seller wasn't willing to negotiate so we'll see what happens the longer it sits on the marketplace.

Thanks everyone~!

I would run the VIN to see if it's salvage or hot (stolen) before any offer. No need to put a lot of time and money into and then find out you can't get a title. Saints title fee is at $400 now, so figure that in unless you have a way to get one thru your own state.

If the VIN checks out and the owner is willing to give you a bill of sale, check out the requirements for acquiring a title in your own state before going out of state. Might save you a few bucks. This may a good project, at least that's what it started out as for last one who put his hands on it - and did not finish. I also don't think I would be to out of line saying that you better set aside $3,000+ to do this up right. Others on here know more than me. That is, unless you plan on doing all the mechanical, body and painting work.