Modern Vespa

Hello,

I'm new to the forum and interested in picking up a first-timer project. There's a project scooter near me and I'm wondering about its value vs. asking price and how available parts are.

Its a 67 Piaggio Vespa and owner says all parts are there (never true). Attached a few pics for reference.

Looking for thoughts, opinions or any other references you could point me to get additional knowledge.

Thanks in advance!

Welcome to MV! Looks like a daunting adventure.

As you're new here, you should know that the Not So Modern section here is a separate universe in a way, where the people that can help you the most hang out. There is crossover, but you may not get the help/attention you want on this side. You're certainly welcome, and you may get a wider audience, but less help.

Welcome to MV Powdrkeg.

Have you owned any other scooters? If not, my advice would be to get something that runs, ride it, and learn by fixing things one at a time. If you've never worked on a Vespa before, that would not be the project for you.

Just my two cents of course

Welcome.

It could be a good project. The frame doesn't look in to be in horrible shape. A lot depends (like qa says) on your budget, commitment, and skill level.

Do you want to take it down to the nuts and bolts and make it run and look brand spanking new, or just get it running and make it rideable?

Parts are available. Check this thread. Safis did an amazing job on this smallie.

One more smallie getting the treatment...

FYI, it's not an especially rare or valuable model. But if you love it, that's what really matters. What's the seller's asking price?

Thanks for the quick input...I've worked mostly on cars and motorcycles and small engines. I've had cars I've completely rebuilt and harley's I've somewhat rebuilt.

No allot of experience with body work and I understand the steel on these is pretty thin. In any case, it would be a good learning experience.

I think the seller is asking too much ($900) but that's why I'm here . I'm not worried about this as an investment and am looking for a fun project that I can scoot around the neighborhood on.

Thanks again for any help!

not beginner friendly from what is see there.

The headset is damaged beyond repair.
Looks like it ran into a telephone pole. Bent fork too? Idk

In all cases you have to ask yourself, "why did this bike end up being stored?" It's always something.

^^!

I'm pretty much in agreement with all of the comments above, and I've rescued a few bikes that ruff or even ruffer. As far as the price, it is on the low end these days and is reasonable depending on location and:
1 Does it have a clean title

2 How does the bottom of the floor look, any serious rust

3 Does the engine turn over smoothly, are the rest of the missing engine parts included

4 Are other parts included - engine door, gas tank, speedo, headlite trim etc

And 5 Has it had a front end collision???

#5 I think maybe not. The front wheel is well centered in the mudguard, and it seems the only problem w/ headset might be just a busted front brake lever perch(I had similar fixed w/ easy weld repair) but it's hard to tell without seeing more. How about a straight on 90° shot of front wheel from the right side so we can see the bottom of the fork, please?

I'm missing the damaged bit Ray, can you point it out?

What are you looking to get out of this project?

Because unless it's a three-speed bike that looks like it's been through the wars and can't get over about 32 MPH, you're going to be disappointed.

With that out of the way...

That doesn't look much worse than my smallie when I first got it. So with that in mind, I can say from experience that it's a whole lot of project for what's going to be a painfully slow bike when you finish with it, unless you're planning on building up an entire new motor (and that won't be cheap, either).

Now if you want to get crazy with the go-fast parts, you can easily build a kill-yourself-fast bike with a smallie, but I'd recommend against starting out that route.

As to that specific bike, there's nothing there that can't be either lived with if you go the patina route.

The vast majority of vintage scooterists start with a largeframe Vespa, then branch out from there to smallframes or Lambretta's. Largeframe bikes in general and their motors are easier to work on and lend themselves to easy upgrades if you decide you a little more power or speed to keep up with traffic.

Every smallie is worth saving!

Not far off from my first project 20 years ago.

If the frame is hard, the fork is straight and it comes with papers, go for it! clean it up and hammer out most of the dents and you're ready to tackle the mechanics.

If you want more oompf just bolt on a 75cc a 16/16 carb and a new exhaust and you're good to go.

That's a very early 50... 63-66, so all the "put a kit on it" comments aren't valid.
I would recommend not starting with that. Where in Ohio are you l may be able to give you some direction.

In the USA that bike is, in fact, extremely rare. Not particularly valuable, but the sellers price could be higher.
I would not want that as a first vespa project. I've been down that path. Many MANY years later I see all the things that will kill that project for a first time vespa owner.

PM me if you want it inspected and or to discuss options.

9" tires, short door, rubber rails, small spigot, mint green...
If those terms don't make sense it's not going to be an easy or cheap first time scooter.

....and that 32 mph is if you weigh 150#.

I stand corrected, you correctly noticed this being a small door version, making the engine quite unique and far less plug and play than the later models.

Also small doors are much rarer but strangely enough not far more valuable.

This.

That is a cool resto for an vespa anorak. 100% not a good choice for your first project.