Modern Vespa

I've seen a few Stella's for sale here in Southern California and I have emailed the sellers asking them how they got the Stella registered here in CA. Here was thier response:

"We ran the odometer forward to 8000 miles. If a 2-Stroke comes in from out of state with more than 7500 miles, the CA DMV will allow it in."

Is this true or not? I've never heard of this before.

True, but only if the bike was previously registered in another state.

That is cool. What year is your PX and how much should you expect to pay for one?

Mine's a 1979, and they go for around 1500-2500 around here.

Ian

Merely registered in another state, or registered in your name in another state?

Al

AFAIK, any name. But that shouldn't matter, since you can transfer the title in the old state, get a out-of-state title in your name, then take it to CA DMV.

I recently had two p's registered here in Sacramento that were from out of state and although it does say that a vehicle must have more than 7000 they don't inforce this with scooters because they can't really verify the mileage. When I took the second one in to have it transfered the Inspector just put a line through the odometer line.

Yeah, it wouldn't matter for a 79 or an 80 since 2-strokes weren't banned until later.

Off the subject, did you ever sell your P125 engine (trying to put in a plug for ya)?

I was just wondering because I'm looking for a newer PX150 or Stella to offset my vintage scoot. I need something a little bit more bullet proof to get around consistently but still have the vintage to ride around every now and then.

i'll sell you mine, give a shout

That was very nice of him. They could have also red-flagged it as a vehicle with less than 7500 miles which would have never allowed it to be registered in California again. It depends on who you get.

I guess I could just buy a PX out of state and have it registered in that state but ride it in CA for 6 months and rack up the miles to 7500 then register it here in CA.

Would this work?

Yeah, or find a speedo with at least 7500 miles on it already.

Cool. Thanks Max!

Off topic, but when are you guys going for a ride up the coast (PCH)??

Not until I have a reason to, unfortunately. I've been pretty boring and local lately.

If it's registered in your name in another state, you can bring it to California with any mileage. If you're buying it from another party out of state is when you need to worry about the 75oo miles.

Got it. Thanks Max!