Modern Vespa

Hi, I'm looking at getting a scooter for myself, I'm 16 now, but once I've got everything sorted I will be 17, and I want a scoot to last me through university at the least.

I like the idea of a older vespa (I like the design a lot more than the newer LX's), and maintenance is not a problem (to a reasonable level). I'm hoping to do my own paintwork as well, so I will be stripping it down anyway.

I'm not especially interested in any particular model as I've only started researching into the types, but in theory I'm looking for a vespa that is a traditionally reliable and rugged model.

As far as the size of the bike go, a 125cc is what I'm aiming for at the moment, and that can be large or small frame right? What would be the better out of the two for a bike that size?

Any background info would be appreciated.

Matt

Hello

From new my last px200 did 55,000 miles in 5 years with not too many problems, then the rear suspension unit support grumbled.

Grumpy

why 125 cc's? is it a licensing issue? if so, you should try and snag a P125X, then kit it to 177cc. Most 125's (other than small frames and T5's) are a little slow.

Yes, it will be.
Before passing the driver's test you are limited to 125cc in the UK.
I know some people will swap the engine or bold on a bigger kit, but that's illegal and while the chances of getting caught are slim it would be a bad idea!

Kk, thanks for the replies.

Is a PX125 the same as a P125X? If not then what is the difference?

Were any changes made over the time that the PX range was in production?

Kk, I think I've found just what I'm looking for:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VESPA-P125X-RESTORATION-/140436234299?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item20b2a6e03b

It says that there are a few parts missing though, are spare parts available easily?

Hello

I do not want to be a wet blanket but there is a lot to do to this machine and the dameged parts are not going to be cheap.

Grumpy

Thats what I thought

How expensive is expensive? If it stays at £200 (unlikely) then I might not mind buying new engine parts...

Googling it seems the reason the seller stripped it down is a result of either a problem with the transmission or worn gears. The seller doesn't mention it though and he's stripped the engine.

Stock P200. Not kitted. Leave it alone. Perform basic preventative maintenance.

It will run forever.

So in general the P series is reliable and will last me? Or is there something special about the 200?

This page was very useful: http://www.scooterlounge.com/Vespa/P/P.shtml

It also described some of the changes over the years which is info hard to come by on google.[/url]

The 200 has proven itself to be very reliable (when in stock configuration). Additionally it has the torque and gearing to allow you to cruise at highway speeds (65+ in the US).

There are people here who have had P200s they have never done anything to other than add oil and gas and have put tens of thousands of miles on them. Rocket has ridden his through two or three Cannonballs across the US and never changed as much as a cable.

Probably the most reliable all around scooter Piaggio ever produced, even if it is angular and doesn't have the beauty of the older ones.

He won't be able to use it mate... It has to be under 125cc when they have their L plates on...

Ah...stupid law, that.

Get a T5..it's 125cc's or a PK125.

Both of these scoots are easy to maintain and parts should be easy to find over on your side of the pond.

Cheers.

+1 a T5 should do the trick, even though it were 125cc but its equal with 200cc

+1 on the T5 the standard 125 is not fast enough to take the test on unless they have changed the list.

Grumpy

dominic-

Bless you son. Continue your habit of paying attention to what has been written before posting a response to it. It raises one's faith in the human race and results in more intelligent and productive discourse.

Hope all is well there. Save some pennies and come for next year's Greek Island Rally. Would love to meet you.

Al

Never goes amiss!

im 17 as well mate, got a GT125 coz i like the easy life and just enjoy riding auto's lol, but my first geared scooter is gonna be a T5! and the good thing about a T5 is you can do your Full Bike License on it, whereas you cant on a PX and the mk1 with the square headlight is the best looking as well (IMO )

Haha hey Al... Well truth Is I was raised in England for 4-5 months out of the year. I still go back 2 times a year to visit my nan... That's the only reason I'm so familiar with rules and regulations regarding the L plates.. All is well on my emd though... When is the Greek rally!!!? I haven't been to Greece. I have dine about 30-40 percent off europe.. Wish I would went when visiting family in Italy oh well... Let me know though it would be a great time!

Tentatively, the Greek Rally is scheduled for 29 May through 10 Jun 2011. Could be a week earlier, but won't know until next month. Similar itinerary to this year, but the competition will be reduced from 6 to 4 course runs to allow more time for play.

Awesome!!! I would love to go to Greece... I'm sure it's one hell of a place to not only visit but live as well

Sorry for not replying earlier, I'm on holiday at the moment so all my Internet stuffs done in restaurants using free wifi 8)

Do all versions of the T5 have the square headlight? I don't think that looks nearly as nice as the big round one. The T5 looks good though.

Thanks again for all the replies.

Matt

Nope, the T5 classic will give you PX looks with T5 action