Modern Vespa

You can develop a passion for anything later in life. 30 is not a magic age. Male/female doesn't matter. Men and women over 30 learn to ride (and love) motorcycles, climbing mountains, parasailing, skydiving, scuba diving, sailing, painting, sculpting, and on and on. Many of the people on this very forum discovered scooters later in life. How's she going to know unless she tries a bunch of different things?

I am not being a chauvinist here, but for me, I only need the bike under me and the road; don't care about my outfit, or even a helmet (I know, long discussion) and I ride. Don't need a riding buddy, no plans, no destination. I think that applies to most male riders and I'm yet to see a female rider riding solo for fun, tho I know, they are out there

while wearing a killer outfit that matches our helmet

Honda metropolitan - water cooled, 50cc scooter Slow, slow, slow. limited to about 35 mph.

Yeah, we are out there. Some of us even like to ride solo for fun with no particular destination in mind while wearing a killer outfit that matches our helmet

2013 Buddy 125 with about 5,000 miles. They're asking $2,000. New Shinko tires and new battery.

I think they are asking too much right?

2013 Buddy 125 with about 5,000 miles. They're asking $2,000. New Shinko tires and new battery.

I think they are asking too much right?

3 years ago I got her a Harley because she wanted a harley lol. We're recently-ish married and she didn't really know me riding motorcycles... Let's say that I had hit a quiet period in my life. So fine I bought the harley (small engine 883) and I took her for a spin and she was in heaven discovering another side of me. Her interest in motorcycles shot through the roof until I started teaching her to ride - dropping the big boy on the ground is no fun lol. I upgraded the clutch to make it smoother, removed the slack on the throttle because she did not like how it would engage "at once" but it didn't help... On the positive side she enjoyed shopping for multiple outfits, helmet, glasses leather jackets, vests padded pants lol

She decided that I wasn't a good teacher... I mean that she wanted to take a proper class. So went to the local dealership which offered a really good class on lowered, "castrated" bikes with safety bars. She felt in love with the idea ,but still wanted me to teach her some more first before taking the class. That was spring 2022.

So when I came across this 1980 Bajaj Barnfind and started riding it and signing up with the Chicago Vespa club she then decided that she wants a scooter so we can ride together. I get it, the Harley is a bit big for her. But IMO, and please correct me if I'm wrong, if you don't have the passion and you're not a seasoned rider by late 30s, chances are that you won't get into riding motorcycles, not even a scooter.

Tires plus mounting is at least $200 and add at least $50 for a decent battery. Looks very clean, like it isn't stored outdoors, so I could abide by that price.

Make sure the sticker residue comes off the nose panel though. Try Goo Gone. If not, maybe you can knock off another $100 for a replacement panel.

Probably but it still seems high. This is a 11yo scooter. For just $900 more I can get a brand new Buddy

Probably but it still seems high. This is a 11yo scooter. For just $900 more I can get a brand new Buddy

NPN, I think it's awesome that your wife wants to ride with you. I really appreciate that you're doing the diligence to find the right bike for her across the board.

It ups the chances of her getting into it and, assuming her safety gear isn't all Biker/Leatherboy Cos-Play stuff, has her set up with the otherwise easy-to-skip safety gear, too.

^^^

+$50 for the Evel Knievel seat.
Get matching helmet
(jumpsuit optional, but I'd go there all day every day.)

...
So what would you recommend for something along these lines:
- she's about 5'5
- can drive stickshift/manual but is not seasoned
- ideally I want to her to be able to keep up with me (Bajaj/Vespa Sprint) but I know it would take some time
- MY budget is about $3k
- I posted here as I don't mind getting her older/old school Vespa that I can service and repair if needed
...

Why don't you straight up ask her what she'd prefer

That price isn't bad. If the seller leaves the ram mount and disk lock that is money you won't have to spend. The rear rack is an $85 part.
When I had my Buddy 125 for 2 years it became the gateway drug into shifty vespas.

You seriously asking this, man?

Ahh when was the last time you got a straight answer from a lady friend/significant other The answer is that she doesn't know. Does she think it's cool to ride manual? Hell ya, does she wants to practice manual so she can ride my Harley? You bet ya! But does she feel comfortable, safe and is she willing to take the time and master it?

Thanks man. Are the mirrors extra? I really hate that Chicago flag or whatever seat. That really has to go and also I'm looking at getting it delivered. It's about 25-30 miles away and I can't ride in the low 30s in Chicago right now.

You seriously asking this, man?

Ahh when was the last time you got a straight answer from a lady friend/significant other The answer is that she doesn't know. Does she think it's cool to ride manual? Hell ya, does she wants to practice manual so she can ride my Harley? You bet ya! But does she feel comfortable, safe and is she willing to take the time and master it?

And is it your harley or her harley? that could be some of the problem.

I think you got a good deal.

Possible reasons it won't start include: dead battery, weak battery, gummed up carburetor, bad gas, mouse in exhaust pipe (yes, it happens).

Before you try to start it be sure there's oil in the crankcase. Check the oil. First, try to start it normally with just the battery, as is. (Put it up on the center stand and raise the side stand. Be sure the kill switch is on Run, and hold one of the brake levers when you start it. Maybe a little too much information here, but if you're coming from the "shifty" world this may not be obvious...and it's easy for anyone to forget sometimes!) If it starts and runs... you're good! On to regular inspections of the brakes, tires, hub oil, lights, etc.

If it doesn't start for you, make note of what it's doing or not doing and come back here. You may need to charge, or replace, the battery (even new ones can run down and won't recharge if they've been sitting a long time). Listen for the starter relay clicking, and see that the brake lights come on when you squeeze each brake lever. If the engine turns over but doesn't start and run, you may need to drain out the old gas and clean the carb, but I'll leave it at that for now.

Good luck!

Something that should make me walk away from this?

Thanks man. I'll surely report progress/problems here but what about anything that could be a deal breaker? Something that should make me walk away from this?

Wife doesn't like it?...

Thanks man. I'll surely report progress/problems here but what about anything that could be a deal breaker? Something that should make me walk away from this?