Modern Vespa

I'm looking at buying a 2006 LX 150.

Price is $2200 and the odometer reads 3258

I've had a Stella since 08' and am no stranger to wrenching, however, I'm unfamiliar with modern Vespas.

Is there anything that I should be aware of, or watching out for?

I can't answer that, but the guys here who CAN answer that are gonna have questions first. You're about to be asked if it runs, brown/blue key situation, status of hoses/belts/tires, carburetor condition, and clean title transfer. Nice plum color BTW.

I just bought a 2006 LX 150. Sky blue with no top case. 1480 miles. Got it for $1400. It had been sitting in a snowbird's garage. I've owned a dozen Harleys over the years and this is my first Vespa.

It's been a week and I've already spent over $400 on it as nothing had been done to it recently. New tires, gear oil, engine oil, brake fluid, air cleaner, etc. I just pick one task for the day and do it. Today is spark plug.

To me, the cost depends on the condition. Has it been serviced recently? How about the age of the tires? My tires' mfg date was 05/06. I figured in that into the tab and replaced them immediately.

I'll say I like mine and so far working on it hasn't been difficult. I owned two motorcycle shops back in the day so I've got no issue with tools.

Folks here can tell you more about what to watch out for but if someone asked me if I'd do it again I'd say certainly. This machine weighs less than a 1/3 of what my last motorcycle did and it's way more fun.

Just FYI, the wiki stuff on here is invaluable in my opinion. There's great info and it's very accessible. If you get it, it's the first place I'd go.

Good luck!

That's a great looking Vespa with low miles. Be prepared For: engine oil & filter, gear oil, flush/bleed front brakes, spark plug & air filter clean. If it was mine I'd check the valves. I wouldn't worry about the belt until 6,000 miles. I check the tires closely for cracks and ensure they hold safe pressure. If not, you might want to replace them. I would plan yanking and replacing all the fuel/vacuum lines. I'd go as far to remove the EVAP and block off the SAS. If you can do all this youself, go to town. If you have to pay to have the work done on top of the purchase price, that makes for a fairly expensive 150.

I agree with A_B except that I would definitely worry about the belt. My '09 had similar mileage when I bought it in '18, and after a few hours of running, the belt started slipping and the top speed was reduced meaningfully.

And while you're in there you might as well check the rollers and scuff up the variator and clutch bell.

Biggest difference between this and a Stella, from an ownership perspective is that you won't have to work on your scooter all the time.

That's a decent bike, decent miles and a good price. Before you go through the laundry list of things you absolutely need to do, make sure it runs as it should, or do what it takes to make that happen.

Those tyres are original. Do not ride on them! Knock off $400 just for tyre replacement.

I think that's a great buy. I don't know if you've noticed, but things cost a lot more than they did a couple years ago.
Yes you'll have a lot of work to do but it's pretty easy. The first thing I'd do is a carb clean and new jet and new fuel lines.
The only thing that would nix it for me would be lack of brown key.
You can modify the top box key so that the ignition key works in it. It's easy to do and makes it much more convenient.

Belts, oil change, tires ect. Sounds like normal wear items. Sounds like the general consensis is that that the cost and milage are fair. From what I've seen it looks to be in good condition.

Its out of state but only just. Waiting to hear back about any mechanical issues and dents and dings

DiBiasio, the plum color is what got me. Its kinda my unicorn, however, color it always last on my list of used vehicle purchases... Its more of a nice bonus

I'll update on what they say

What is the significance of the brown and blue keys?

The brown key is the master key that can be used to program new blank blue keys.

Are brown keys hard to replace or they just can't be replaced?

The brown key can be replaced. But you would have to take the ECU out and send it off to be re-virgined. Then have the new keys cut to match the one you had, or but a whole new lock set with both the red and blue keys. $100 for the service about the same again for the lockset, plus shipping , insurance, etc.....

Okay,

The good,
Overall it looks good. saw a video of it running, has a strong idel and revs, good sound no poping anything beyond that I will asses when I look at it.
All lights and guages work
Has both keys

The bad,
From the pictures sent of the scuffs and scrapes. Looks like it was dropped, it could just be an 18 year old bike that has wear but given the geometry...
(See pics below)
Appriciate imput

Floor boards

front fender

If the cowls aren't dinged as well that scrape is probably not indicative of having been dropped. Just maybe a side-swipe. Not too bad for an '06...

I know guys who have dropped p series, and stellas and the front fender and bottom floor boards usually get banged up like that, possibly even the fairing.

At this point I am going to go look at it... I guess my hesitation is I know that the vintage stuff is pretty robust in terms of getting banged up, same with modern?

Kinda what I was thinking.... It is an 18 year old bike after all

Same same.
It's just that the modern guys are bigger cry babies when it comes to scratches.

You would be suprised what some 5100 rubbing compound will do for general nicks and scrapes

Looks good to me. As far as I can tell a bit of a clean up would improve the cosmetics. Not seeing anything worrisome about the body other than that. I'd definitely use the need for new tires and belt as a bargaining position.

If desperate, that hanging rear reflector (and missing contralateral one) will get you another $20 off.

I'd be more concerned about maintenance history...oil, brake fluid, but it that's reasonably good, you've got a good machine there. My 2007 has served me well for the last decade!

I bought my BV250 last year from the original owner with only one blue key. I paid Sportique $35 to clone me another blue key, and never gave it a second thought. Do I wish it had a Brown key, sure.. Why not? Am I going to spend any time or money getting a brown key? Nope!

I think you can do better. Mine is an 06 150LX, new tires and fully serviced, 6000 km and $2650 Loonies. It came with a selection of crash bars but no rear rack nor rear bag.
No scratches (yet).