Modern Vespa

What if any issues should one look when buying an ET4 150 of say 2000-2002 vintage?

Besides the general conditon of the bike are there any specific things to check or ask about on a bike with Leader engine and 15-17000 km on the clock?

Any advice much appreciated.

Thanks

Michelle

Ask to see the service records.
They will tell you the world about the scooter & the owner.
No, few or poor records probably mean the scooter had no, few or poor servicing. That equals problems.

Regards
Harvey

I'd say service records for sure too and mine were pretty detailed. But my speedo only had 330 miles on it with an actual 4000 listed and I often wonder why it needed replacing. That is not on the service records.

Have now been to see the ET4 - condition is reasonable/good and all the service records seem complete. Starts and runs well.

The exhaust is a little rusty but no holes. Pearl white paintwork has a few scratches but looks good. Headlamp is a little dim.

I havent much experience of scooters to compare, but main concern is that in corners at 30-35mph the bike felt a bit wobbly.. Is that because of the 10" wheels? Is it normal? Will I adapt to it?

Main question now is: - Have also tried a Piaggio Fly 125 which I can get 'as new' for similar $$. It feels a bit more solid on the road, has better lights.. looks good .. but .. its not a 'real Vespa'.
Are the Chinese made Leader engines same quality/spec as the Vespa ones?

SO any advise as to which would make the better buy????
(Use - occasional commuting, shopping, urban fun - not a heavy duty commuter..)

Thanks!

Can't really help with your decision, they both seem to be great bikes. The Fly was manufactured in Italy prior to the 2007 model.
Here are a few threads that may help:
Where is the Piaggio Fly 150 manufactured?
Piaggio Fly 150
Fly 150 vs. LX150
Vespa vs. Piaggio - which to buy?

Regards
Harvey

they are dim at idle. if the headlamp doesn't brighten up when you give it some throttle there may be a loose connection somewhere. you can also replace the existing bulb with a halogen. not sure what you mean by wobbly? did the steering feel squirrely? did it feel like the back end was going to step out? check the condition of the tyres - if they're old or knackered this may be the problem. tyre pressure is also a big factor - an underinflated front tyre in particular will make the scooter feel really squirrely. give the wheels a bit of a wiggle as well - it's normal to have a very small amount of play in the rear wheel, but you shouldn't have any noticeable play in the front wheel - if you do it means you could need new bearings. also check to see if the handlebars are aligned - if it's been dropped they may have been knocked out of alignment, that's a simple enough fix. finally, check the shocks. if the rear shock is knackered or set too high for your weight that can make it feel a bit fluffy in turns. the front shock isn't adjustable but similarly if it is shot it will affect the handling.

there are fly owners on this forum who will heartily recommend them - but i know what you mean about the 'real vespa' thing (sorry fly owners!). either will be a fine choice for the uses you've listed.

Does the ETs clock work. If it does, there's some problems with the bike.

Ref ET4 Steering -'squirrely' ? - by wobbly I meant it sort of fell into the corner or oversteered and needed a quick correction.. The tyres both matched and looked ok for tread - but I too wondered about their pressures (gave them a buyer's kick and felt fine, but..).

Checked for wheel play and felt fine.

ET4 Has done 16500km - recently had the belt changed at the last service..
The engine seemed smooth enough .. not overpowered but probably normal. I did notice the Fly 125 revved much more to get going - is that a variator wieghts thing? The Fly may have felt a bit zippier because of this.

- Appreciate all your interest BTW..

'squirrely' = jittery, shuddery, wobbly.

if the bearings and tyre pressures checked out okay, then we'll have to wait for the proper mechanics/experts to chime in with an explanation ... tho these are 10" wheels and if you're used to riding on larger ones they may take a bit of getting used to. i have felt the 'falling into corners' thing but generally only in lower speed fairly tight turns.

Thanks to all for your help and advice, I ended up buying the ET4 last week and am very happy with it.
Cheers
Michelle

I'm buying an ET4 this week as well. It looks like a great bike. I can't wait to actually get it!

unless you're like me and do all your service work yourself. in which case it would have few or poor records and and would have had frequent and great servicing. that would equal a great bike.