Modern Vespa

Hi folks, I'm almost ready to purchase a used Vespa Primavera 125 (or Sprint 125).

My budget will be around £2500 for something on the UK classified market. One I'm looking at is in great cosmetic condition, 2019, low mileage and £1700.

I don't want to end up with issues, anything I should be looking out for? Common issues?

Any insight is appreciated, as I'm hoping to get something pretty soon.

I'm wanting the smallest most compact body shape I can (coming from a Piaggio Zip which is tiny!).

Thankyou

Hi,

I have one 2022 model. I do not had any issues with it. But for highway ride it has no power to over take. Usually quite happy at 80kmh to reach 100 you need a lot of time. The rest of the bike is same as gts 300 and fuel economy is quite good 2 liters per 100kms

I love mine but i try to avoid highways.

Do the normal checks, service history test before you buy and you should be ok.

When I was looking for a 125 for my son the biggest issue I found was surface condition. Often these scoots are bought by first time riders. What do first time riders do? They fall off, I know I did.

So look for dents scratches on the rear cowls, sides of the leg shields and front mudguard. These scoots are steel chassis so a big dent may have been filled. So just take a small magnet and check the main panels.

The Vespa's we considered sat in two camps, owners who bought them and did very few miles eg used occasionally then cosseted. Then bikes that had done work, eg used every day for work or college, they were usually the battle scarred ones. Also these are more likely to have been run through a salty winter with the attendant corrosion issues.

Lastly simple things like racks screen and crash bars show an owner has invested in the scoot. Each of the extras will be extra £ for you to find if you want them.

These 125cc air cooled engines are pretty bullet proof. The same engine design has been run for about 10 years now and is still in production.

Parts and accessories are cheap (SIP scootershop is a good resource).

Mine has also averaged 147 UK mpg since I've had it, with a high of 230mpg. I've even taken it to Italy and back - so they're extremely capable machines!

The engine valves should be adjusted on some of the services, and these are sometimes missed. If buying secondhand and unsure of history, consider popping to your local main dealer and having everything done up to date. Main dealers can also read the VIN and see bike servicing history that you might not be aware of.

Also look on Vespa Club of Britain and find a local club. Joining is about £20 per year, but you get a bi monthly magazine through the post, and stickers / patches sometimes.

The newer Sprint Sport has a nice digital dash, and connects to an app on your phone which shows ride info etc. You can also use it to control music, phone calls etc. But they might be a little bit over your budget.

EDIT: You need a brown key and a blue key!! This is very important. The brown key is a master key that you keep at home in a safe place. The blue key you use day to day. The brown key allows you to code new blues to the bike.

Newscooterguyuk,

I think the 125 is ideal for off Expressway riding. Over here, across the Pond in he USA, we have massive expanses. To get anywhere, you have to get on the Freeway. That is why I have been hooked on the GTS 300.

Despite this, I have always enjoyed riding the smaller Vespas. They are simply more fun to ride.

If I purchased a used scoot, I would have my local Vespa Dealer go over it top to bottom. May cost a bit, but worth it in the long run. Stuff like, original owner, no body damage, low miles would be a sound purchase.

Welcome to a great experience on these classic Vespas. Be sure to post a picture of your new scoot.

Bob Copeland

Looking at were you are posting from, if you are purchasing it from near the coast make sure you look carefully underneath the footboards, engine compartment, mountings and front fork/suspension due to being ridden in salt air/wet conditions these areas will corrode alot faster than the same scooter purchased inland away from the coast and on the flip side if you are buying one and the underside has not been treated, treat it with waxoyl or clear seal to protect it 😉👍

I own a 2014 Primavera 125. Below applies to any modern Vespa

In the UK due to the short front mudguard; look out for corrosion on the underside of the body, inside battery compartment and area where the engine is mounted.

Engine mounts need replacing over time, check the steering to make sure there are no clunks or notchy operation.

Clumsy maintenance may mean there could be stripped out or missing fastenings / screws / bolts.

Make sure it does not stall when coming to a stand still once the engine has warmed up