Modern Vespa

Hi everyone, thank you for all your knowledge and expertise. Asking for help.
Found an option on local marketplace- 1979 p200e.
don't know how to identify bodge from a decent bike - can anyone, please, take a look and tell me what you see - cosmetic work is fine, as well as engine work - it's the body made of bondo that I don't want to get.
New wiring harness, rectifier, headlight - per ad.

Thank you!

Looks like a US model P200, not a bodge. My guess is it was a parts bike that was mixed and match to make something that rolls. The loose headset and handlebar tubes sticking out raise my spider senses.

Share more details before you break out your wallet!

Vespa P200E in decent condition.

Improvements and upgrades include:

- new stator
- new regulator / rectifier
- new fuel tube
- new wiring harness
- Euro signal lenses and headlight
- Continental tires

Also comes with a box of replacement parts and extras such as brake cables and pads, signal lenses, etc.

The bike has run well before, but I have not used it in a couple years. It will need to be hauled. The horn cover cracked, but I do have the pieces. A couple of wires for the headlight need new spade connectors.


Clean title in hand.

$2,300 obo


That's the whole ad!

I guess it depends on how handy you are and what you want to do with it. The leg shield has holes drilled above the turn signals. Those holes will need to be welded up to bring back to original. The original fuel tap is missing and the replacement tap is missing the cover. I would pass on it. There are more complete unmolested P's out there for the same money.

Hec

Thank you! I am pretty handy, but it definitely is a matter of "trying to not end up bodging it myself" with welds, and weird "fixes".
It's definitely hard to find anything sub-3k here in PNW.

Thank you guys for the replies!

"It will need to be hauled"

Buying a non-running scoot is always a risk.

My guess is this one's been in an accident. The cowls and mudguard were replaced and it was resprayed. . It could be ok but it could also be a huge headache.

IMO the asking price is way too high considering you can't hear the engine run.

All really good points! Thank you!

Not running = a project. Do you want a project? Does it have a Clean title in the current owner's name? Miles? Original engine? I don't know what the going rate is for a clean titled, running P200 in the same physical condition would be, but on this one, I would not give more than 50% of that value. If it's not titled, it goes from project down to a parts bike (if it's not hot) - then 25% of the number.

clean title in the owner's name.
Don't mind a project, as long as it's not seized engine. The body is what worries me.

Thank you!

We already know there are some parts missing. What else is missing? Missing parts makes completing the project that much more of a challenge because you didn't physically remove the missing part and therefore may not notice there is a part missing. In addition, in most cases, original Italian parts quality is better than aftermarket parts in terms of fit and finish.
I was lucky to find a 100% complete running 1980 P125X with accessories and service manuals for $1,750 back in 2021. This was the foundation for my Restomod project. It sure helps to have a complete scoot so your not wondering how things fit or which parts are missing or if replacement parts quality and availability is going to be an issue.

Hec

Its the same advise from this side of the pond.

If it's nor running then that's a BIG question mark to me. The price is high for a rolling chassis of unknown provenance.. it appears to also be priced rather high.


Im no stranger to buying a rolling chassis or basket case and putting the effort in. But I too would be looking for a much lower price than that.

Thank you guys so much for all your responses!
The search continues!
I really appreciate you taking the time to help out a noob!

Someone on here shoukd be able to point you towards a good one - keep watching the deal of the day thread.... something will come your way.

The scooter will find you # much like a stray dog or cat finds a new home 😀

Rear shock is sitting slightly low and the kickstart is still sitting too high. Engine needs internal work. Run away.

Where are you in the PNW? Voodoo used to be selling a few scoots in North Seattle. Anyone know if he still has any left?

I'm in SW WA - across the river from Portland, but, I go up to Seattle/Bellingham very often - traveling for a scoot wouldn't be an issue

Be patient. P series scooters are probably the easiest to find. It takes time to figure out how much of a project you really want or whether it's worth paying more for something that's ready to ride. I would look for:

A complete unmolested bike

Free from deep or structural rust-surface rust is ok.

Even better if it runs, just to know everything is there.

I always plan on doing an engine rebuild at some point with an unknown engine.

Thank you! Great advice! Patience is definitely something I'm lacking🤣

I'd have to see it in person to be sure, but it looks to me like it took a hit on the left side:
- left side of leg shield reflects distorted light
- damage below leg shield where it meets floorboard
- glovebox doesn't look to fit properly
- possible crowning in the left floorboard
- area behind cowl also looks to have a distorted reflection.

One thing I noticed when I bought my P2 in LA quite a while back, was that most of the scooters I checked out for purchase had gas in the gearbox oil (indicating clutchside oil seal failure and the necessity to open the engine soon). I didn't have the leisure to open the engine before I could use it reliably, so I must have passed over the 4 first P2s I checked out.

Maybe a good idea to unscrew the gearbox filler screw and give it a sniff to make sure if you find an otherwise good prospect, especially if it seems to run a little rough.

Somewhat paradoxically, in addition to the "are you just happy to see me" kickstart lever, the other thing I noticed right away was the "I was in the pool" oil tank sight glass. Perhaps the one is compensating for the other.

Back with more questions:
Going to look at this tomorrow:

The ad:
"It's all there. It's a two-stroke 200. Not seized. Has not been messed with. Have the tittle and service history. I have the front fairing, the windshield is cracked. Does not run, it's not seized, has never been worked on. So I'm very confident that it will run. No cut wires or Mickey Mouse shit. Trades considered. OBO"
$1000

I'm not at all concerned with paint chipping/seat, etc.
What would you, guys, say would be a reasonable offer for this "as-is"?

Rubber floor mats have replaced the floor rails and factory center mat. I would get underneath it and see if the frame and structural supports are rusty. It looks like it has sat outside and therefore much of the plastic parts will be needing to be replaced. There is duct tape over the fuel tap hole probably to keep the rain and critters out. Rust repair is no fun. Also, the hand levers and mirrors do not match each other, the least of your worries.

Personally, I wouldn't pay more than $300 for that scoot.

Hec

Thank you!!

For just a P200 engine with a functioning autolube that turns over and is not seized is worth around $800. Then plan on spending anywhere from $500~$1000 on a complete rebuild. This P200 engine that's for sale also happens to come with a frame. If you got both for $800, i'd say you're making out like a bandit.

Thank you! I really appreciate the detailed response!

You're welcome. But for some more FYI, that additional $500~$1000 all depends upon the condition of the clutch basket and plates, the entire transmission (especially the loose gears), shift cross, bearings, new gaskets, crankshaft, piston and cylinder. You might get lucky and only have to spend around $500 on parts. I usually make sure everything is tip top and end up spending probably closer to $1k. None of that includes labor or any other parts for the frame, tires/tubes/wheels, wire harness, or ignition bits and pieces. It adds up SUPER fast if you want an all stock super reliable vintage scooter.

Thank you! That is good to know!
Unfortunately, while I was enroute to look at it, it got sold. The search continues!
Thank you guys for sharing your knowledge!

From what I can see the turn signals (all of them) are not original. The fuel valve is not original either and the headlight is not original although way better than the stock one. It is a cheap stella style one that can accept a tri prone connector with an halogen bulb which is no matter what an upgrade already to the sealed beam from the original P200E.. What I personally don't like is the "all over" missmatch of cowl, paints, modern and old parts". I thinknthat you can do better. I let go of a P200E all original last year, matching everything, fresh paint, fresh cylinder and tons of upgrades.

As long as this P200E is road worthy who cares. These are workhorses and you can find parts and upgrades anytime, any day and everywhere so go for it, even if it is a badly missmatch P200E, it is road worthy. You can ultimately turn it into a desert rat theme, throw some pain stripper and make it full raw metal looks.

P200E are win-win even if they are ugly. My .2c

Thank you!
Hopefully another option pops up!

And I'm back with more.
This came up on local FB:
1976 Rally 200
Ran a few years ago, after that - sat in a storage unit. Comes with the front replacement and a few other parts (unspecified). Clean, good title.

This is all I got. Listed for $1500.
Flexible and willing to negotiate.
Once again, I am asking you, guys for your help. I am not afraid to work on it and put in the time and effort. What, in your opinion would be a fair offer from just these pictures? (going to look at it on Sunday).

I consider 1500 or thereabouts (based on UK pricing) and the need for a lot of new metalwork

To be a fair price

Rally suffered terribly from the dreaded tin worm. I see they are including a new floor / legshields. So that's a few hundred saved already.

If you decide to purchase tnis one, get it stripped back to bare metal and be prepared to repair a LOT of holes


Otherwise its a good find if you are prepared to pit tje effort in

That's going to need a lot of metal work and metal straightening. The floor boards and mud guard are knackered. For $1,000 more you can get this.

https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/mcy/d/lemon-grove-1962-vespa-150-piaggio/7913474197.html

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/mcd/d/san-francisco-1980-vespa-p200e/7908928692.html

Hec

Thank you!

Thank you, Hec!
I'm in Portland/Seattle area, the trip to get these would be a bit too much, unfortunately:(

That poor scoot's a Rally in badge only. Just about everything that was "Rally" about it has been stripped off or bodged. Pretty much all the metal needs to be replaced. Somebody went snip happy on the cowls, the mudguard. You will sink thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours into a project like this. I don't think it's worth more than the engine - assuming the engine is all there and hasn't suffered some major catastrophic damage. I wouldn't risk more than $500-$700 on it.

It does seem like a lot! Thank you!!!

i agree. that is sad.

i've repaired a lot of bikes. generally, what is on the outside is also indicative of what is on the inside. $500-700.

Thank you!!

This.
And that's not a '76 Rally badge

If that (key switch) Euro market headset is in good condition and the lens/bezel is original that's some +$$.
Motor might have Ducati ignition(?). Not gingerly ridden, as the look suggests.

Nightmare first restoration project right there.