Modern Vespa

Don't buy this. It's my friend Sam's bike....the frame is bent. The guy who is selling it on CL got it at an insurance auction...and all the good motor stuff is long gone before the insurance company sold it on. You're wasting your time here.

$1200 obo. Up for sale is my small frame racer. Originally a 1960's smallie. Currently set up with ss90 dummy tank, clubman bars, PK front fork with full hydraulic disk setup. SIP hugger front fender. Malossi RS24 shocks front and rear. 12v no battery conversion. Cafe racer seat modified to fit. Polini 133 with PM40 expansion chamber exhaust. Dellorto 25mm carb. Front legshild ready for radiator. I have another motor(was in this frame a couple of years ago) that was used in a race bike built around the Zirri MR2000 kit with both liquid cooled and air cooled heads. 2 expansion chambers for the Zirri, one for normal orientation, one for reverse. The cases have been welded in the past, and it will need a piston. Have radiator and water pump for the LC head. All of that for another $500.

Yes, this is a Moto Rumi... here in the U.S. These were probably the fastest and most technically advanced scooter you could buy in the 1950's. Moto Rumi were really focused on racing, and they mainly sold their street motorcycles and scooters to get cash to funnel into their race team. The Formichino used the same motor that was in the motorcycles, but with a very advanced frame using the motor as a stressed member. They were very fast for their day - when they debuted in the early 50's, there was no Vespa or Lambretta that could come close in terms of performance. They were expensive back then, and mainly sold to enthusiasts. Not many survive. Your guess is as good as mine as to how many are in the U.S. Certainly it can't be more than a handful. I always thought they were cool, and when this one came up for sale I had to get it. I had plans to restore it, but you know the old story... I just have not had time to do much with it. Reality has set in, and now it is time to move it along to someone who does have the time to do this scoot justice. If you've ever wanted one, now's the time...

A little about the Rumi that I pulled from the internet:

Moto Rumi's Formichino scooter is perhaps the one motorscooter respected by motorcyclists -- probably because it can melt the paint off many 250cc motorcycles of the era with its amazing horizontal two-cylinder two-stroke 125cc engine.' -- Dregni & Dregni, Illustrated Motorscooter Buyer's Guide.

Previously producers of miniature submarines and torpedoes in WW2, the firm headed by Donnino Rumi switched to motorcycle manufacture at the war's end, introducing is first 'Turismo' model in 1950. This little gem was powered by what would become Rumi's trademark engine, a 125cc parallel-twin two-stroke, the cylinders of which were inclined horizontally. Built in numerous different stages of tune, this wonderfully versatile motor was used to power standard, sport and competizione models, as well as a range of advanced scooters. The latter's ultimate expression and a masterpiece of scooter design, the Formichino (Little Ant) arrived in 1954 and progressed via Normale and Lusso versions to the Sport and Bol d'Or racer. Its rivals might have been designed with cheapness and simplicity in mind but Donnino Rumi started from engineering first principles with the Formichino, using the engine as a stressed member of a chassis that was made up from aluminium castings bolted together. Introduced in 1957, the Sport version featured linered aluminium-alloy cylinders and produced 9bhp, which was good enough for a top speed of around 70mph. Twin carburettors and chromium-plated cylinders were available as options. Sadly, despite its technical innovation and engineering prowess, Moto Rumi had gone by 1962.

excuse me?

there is nothing "vintage" nor "vespa" about that bike...did you actually look at that ad before posting it here?

Given the difference between his posting history and your posting history, I'd wager that you probably want to walk that back right about now.

excuse me?

there is nothing "vintage" nor "vespa" about that bike...did you actually look at that ad before posting it here?

newb.

Meanwhile, those in the know were busy getting the joke. Thanks for playing, though.

I thought it was pretty obvious what Macgerk was doing... and funny that anyone here would think he was serious.

Also, looks like Rob Hodge joined the forum after you.. guess he's a noob too huh?

Post counts, join dates don't mean shit really.

Carry on...

Yup wasn't discussing the "joke" it was very obvious as the ad was claiming it was a Vespa. Just funny to see an absolute true newbie to these bikes go from begging for help to being and ass whenever possible.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/mcy/5048348813.html

$11,000 for this restored 1957 VB1? Is this guy for real?

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/mcy/5043354200.html

http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/mcy/5048348813.html

you probably want to walk that back

glad i could provide you with a little comic relief

Dude, that's Gerry Lopez, Mr. Pipeline.