Modern Vespa

Okay, who's bidding on this beauty?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Vintage-Vespa-Allstate-Scooter-1950s_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ72Q3a1019Q7c39Q3a1Q7c66Q3a2Q7c65Q3a12Q7c240Q3a1318QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem130264391373QQitemZ130264391373

Wow, 1950!!? I would love to see what this looks like after its all cleaned up

OK....couple things.


1) That's not a 1950. It's correctly stated in the advert as a "1950's" ....it's a 1954, i'd guess. It actually has a headset, and there's a hole in it for a speedo. The 1953 allstate just had a little bullet headlight and no speedo hole. This is the same headset rocked from 1954-1957. I had a 1955, and it had a flip-up cowl that was normal looking - without that big cutout for the flywheel in it. That's why i would guess it's a 1954... it's headset is too late for 1953, and it's cowl is too early for 1955.

2) Unless someone practically gave you this bike, it's going to cost a fortune to get running. Parts are expensive if you can find them ... people put 4-5k into bikes like this after painting ...to find them only worth 2k. To boot, they aren't good riders at all ...slow, low, dim lights, flexing frame, terrible suspension.

Etc.

-Eric

I wonder if it's an old Shriner's scooter?

Yeah, I was told it would be expensive to restore so not worth the headache looking for parts. I'm just amazed there are 12 bids on it from a $200.00 start.

I still wanna restore my '58 Allstate as soon as I can find a frame.

did they find frame damage?

Yeah, the painter noticed the frame was bent and said it's unsafe to fix. Do they have ebay in Vietnam? Maybe a shop can fix it there and resell it here.

Too bad.

You'll find another one, though.

Yeah, Barry said there are plenty of frames out there so I'm not fretting. I actually took out my other shifty ride this morning for a short spin. A bit hard to clutch with my brace on, but manageable. I can lift my right leg and just leave it on the peg and just use my front brakes with ease.

Not aggressively advertising it yet, but I will be selling my GTS. I have a buyer who is thinking about it. I'll be happy with restoring/riding my Allstate or getting another vintage if I can't find a frame.

Here is a picture of my '52 Allstate with flip up cowl and cool headset

why selling the GTS?

The flip up cowl is very cool.

When I bought my Allstate, my GTS was going to be my out of towner, freeway bike. When I got my MC, that all changed. I realize there are still things the GTS can be better suited for than both my MC and Allstate, but I just don't know how much I'll ride it anymore.

When I need my scooter thrills, I'll get that when I rebuild the Allstate. When I need power and speed, my MC will give me that. If I don't sell the GTS, I wouldn't be sad. Perhaps a little relieved? I just to find time to spread the love between all of them and juggle real world stuff.

If you keep it, you can loan it to me!

(Nah, I'm not selfish... :p)

Whoa! This bike sold for $1122.63! I was going to bid $400 plus a set of slightly used Savas.

If you, the winner, are on MV I hope you'll show us your resto project.