Modern Vespa

Hello All:

Quite randomly, I found myself at a Halloween party last weekend where I knew virtually no one. After stumbling upon some Vespa enthusiasts, I talked to a guy whose parents were looking to sell a 76 Primavera that had been in their garage for 20 some years. It looks exactly like a bike that hadn't been touched in twenty years, but is otherwise okay (pics will be forthcoming). There's no rust and the engine looks good. It obviously no longer has fluids of any sort and after opening the gear box, even the grease is long gone. It wouldn't kick over, but the owner stated that it wasn't seized or anything (who knows, however...). I have limited experience with Vespas and am not particularly looking to buy, but he only wants $1,000. I can prob. get him down to $800. As stated, the frame is straight and looks solid. I have much more experience with body work and frames than engines, and I must say, it looked good.

The problem is that I know nothing about Primaveras. I might buy it for a long, drawn out project bike. My wife and I are moving out of Toledo shortly, but I could store the scoot until we move. What are the parts like for a Primavera? Are they available? Easy to find? Cheap? I will base my decision largely on whether I can find parts easily. I like my Rally because I can get virtually anything I need for it (esp. since I'm not concerned with everything being original). Sorry for the long post - but would you pay $800 for it?

The economy may suck right now, but the good thing is that people are looking to sell whatever they can. I feel like I could get a good deal here...

Best,
Jason

If the body's good, I'd pay $800 for it ,considering it's worth $2,000-$2,500 running. You might also want to investigate the paperwork on it, such as titile and current registration. Those can make seemingly good deals become a hassle.

I'm just over the line in Erie...Where are you finding all these vintage scooters in Toledo? If you run across something with 200 cc's, shoot me a PM.

I can store it for you in San Francisco.

thanks for the replies - I can safely assume that it'll be a nice buy. the paperwork is a hurdle, but not a major one; I can get it titled quite easily. I'm just concerned about the engine. worst case scenario - it doesn't run, but it still seems to be a deal regardless.

Squonk 76 - I'll keep an eye out. there's not much here in Toledo, but get an hour north and a couple of hours south and you're bound to find something (esp. a P200). in fact, I don't know of a single other person in Toledo who regularly rides a vintage Vespa, but these bikes are certainly out there. if you want a P200, you should easily be able to find one this winter.

Jason

Thanks..a P200 would be fine with me...a Rally would be even better. I'll keep watching craigslist I suppose.

Yeah - a Rally is a bit more difficult to find, but worth it if you can find one. A buddy of mine is thinking of selling his and he's already got a couple of people wanting it - they're hard to find.

We have pretty much every part in that Primavera motor, so I wouldn't worry too much about it. Likely, most of the parts are fine in there, and it just needs new seals and a carb cleanout.

thanks - I always order from you guys first. i'm looking forward to a nice little project bike (as if the Rally isn't)

Jason