Modern Vespa

A fellow I worked with, took the buyout (retired) and he wants to get a vintage scooter. He's in his 50's and had a Cushman Eagle back in the day, and he remembers the early Vespas and Lambrettas (he didn't grow up in Michigan). Anyway, he asked me if I knew of a place that sells vintage scoots that are turn key, ready to go...someplace reputable (I explained what I know of Viet-bodges).

Any suggestions?

Scooterworks sells refurbished bikes, I'm sure there are others too. How about Scoters Originali, Andrea?

I would talk to the guy that runs Scoot Around Town in Ann Arbor, MI. They have a vintage shop and what-not, but I don't know when and how often they might be selling anything vintage.

Another option is to ask on the Michigan Rovers board. They're helpful people who seem to know the vintage scene quite well in Michigan. Ask there and see where they lead you. I will certainly let you know of anything that I find around here. My buddy's Rally is not sold yet, which is surprising to him, but he is trying to sell it to alleviate some financial difficulties he is having. I'll keep you posted.

- Jason

What has not been mentioned is that a real turn key vintage scooter is probably unobtainable. Sure it'll be turn key for a month or two but then what happens when your kick start gear strips, you lose compression, get weak spark from the flywheel, or get a fuel leak inside the carb due to a bad needle seat? Not so turn key anymore.

you certainly speak the truth. there's always something that needs tweaking or fixing - but that's the beauty of the whole thing, isn't it?

Jason

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

wow! now his useless threads are invading actual ones - let's not allow adam's silliness to pollute any other threads.

Of course anyone who has owned vintage cars or bikes already knows that. The fellow who asked about the vintage scooters owns a consistent low 11 second (quarter mile) '72 Nova that he built, so I doubt maintaining a 2 stroke scooter is beyond his skills. What he is after is a scoot he can have fun with, without having to totally restore from the get-go. That's his personal preference. I figured this would be a good place to ask.

Myself, I'm after a scoot that DOES need restoration, since I don't want to have to redo someone elses's mistakes....I've been there with the '69 Superbee I had, and that takes alot of the fun out of it, IMHO.

Okay then, we're just being clear. There was a recent situation where someone without the time, skills, or money bought one of the rarest vintage Vespas, then came here complaining that it was spending too much time in the shop and the parts cost too much to source. It sounds like your friend knows what he's doing, though, so yeah definitely get in touch with the Rovers (Rover Eric is a moderator here) to find out what the used vintage scene is like in your area.

I've been keeping my eyes peeled for you.

if you dont mind paying an extra few hundred bucks, there's a nice ochre jet200 in san francisco on scoot.net that i'm a big fan of right now ...for 3300.

I want that scooter really bad, but I just quit my job and can't afford it.

Thanks Eric,

Wow, that Jet 200 looks familiar! I'll pass that one on to my buddy....I'm trying to find one for myself a little closer to home, but the Tampa/St. Pete area would work too since my brother lives down there.

NO! Tell me it's not true!! Why, Todd?!?

Is that Todd's? I was just thinking you guys could be scooter twins!

email bar italia classics-

i'm not sure what they currently have to buy, but when they restore something, its down to the correct screw, and everything...

they have a swap meet first week of December i'm going to...

from there website http://baritaliaclassics.com

Bar Italia Classics - Vintage Scooter Swapmeet:

Sunday, Dec. 7. We welcome all scooter enthusiasts and vendors to our first annual, vintage scooter swapmeet. Come find that project scooter you have been longing for, pick up some parts to finninsh (sic) off this winter's restoration project, or sell stuff you don't need just in time to build up some funds for the hollidays. (sic)[/url]

wait, WTF?????

No worries everyone! I'm just freeing up some money for a two wheel project I plan in the near future. I'll keep everyone update and be back soon!

damn you.

just saying.

you suck.

I get bored. I got the Jet running nice and reliable so it's no fun anymore

Lol... I think "Fucking Todd" is still available. Ready to take her back?

Don't suppose you would be interested in a not so reliabile Rally 200 in part trade?

Thanks but I need the $$.

Fucking Todd can stay with Lucky for now

Oh right, I forgot about that one. Heh.

What's this about Lucky fucking Todd?

you mean... "for a lambretta."

I notice that conspicuously missing from that sentence.

super tempting, but... uh... I'm pretty sure I'm on restriction