Modern Vespa

Painted the extremely desirable Peptobismolto Scuro, too!

Also, it's untitled in California. "I have know[sp] idea of what it takes to get a new Title and get it registered."
Translation: "I couldn't count high enough to work out the necessary fees at the DMV."

Barn find !!


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/234699003201?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=OsvpAyvSTZe&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

And you have to o buy 2 scooters with non running engines that have only got less than 300 miles.

Hey now the cables were adjusted at least…. And still couldn't get the neutral to line up

Previous owner "That was stolen years ago, I would like my scooter back"

Maybe so, but I seriously doubt *anyone* wants that scooter back.

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/mcy/d/azusa-1965-vespa-150/7534320905.html

Looks like they used a saltwater based primer.

All of these bodges seem to have one thing in common: They just don't work, always something needing to be fixed on the engine

I kind've love where he started to sand down the scratches after he laid it down that time he got it running. Lookit that bondo!

That kickstart lever doesn't inspire a lot of confidence.

Put a splint on it, then stay off it for six weeks, it'll be fine.

So, he laid it over. Scuffed the cowl. Broke the kick starter. And likely a bunch of stuff inside, which is why it won't shift. But it is in "excellent condition".

Someone from this forum should start a paid consulting service for noob Vespa buyers.

$50 and you get a visual review and written value analysis of pictures of the intended purchase. You could market it on both eBay and Facebook, using really great looking but really fucked bodges. With a headline: "Thinking about buying this scooter?"

I think this thread is a free version of that. Unfortunately most only find this thread after the fact.

I love how there's a picture of him showing you that there actually is not a tire inside the tire cover.

I have a huge rant about this (that I currently don't have time to write) but it boils down to a few key factors: people still think scooters are toys. nobody likes to admit they done got smoked. everybody thinks they know better. why do I need an expert (they're toys after all). most are purchased on a whim and the thought is what's the worst that can happen-- they're valuable so I can always sell it for what I bought it for.

in the end, nobody wants to do their due diligence, which cracks me the fuck up--- you're dropping 2K plus for something and you're not even gonna do the most precursory research? and nobody wants to pay OR be patient. it's all about that cheap instant gratification.

but I do inspections ALL the time, and I'm not very expensive. helped some people dodge some real bullets, others negotiate a better buy, facilitated a better selling price or get somebody into the bike that they should have not the bike that they "want".

I wasn't trying to be an asshole. I just think so many people see a nice shiny scooter and are in way over their head before they realize it. I think it would be a service to get out in front of the buying process. Frankly, if you lose some money who cares? That being said, a lot of these bodges are just plain old dangerous. Hopefully I didn't come across the wrong way.

That would require seeking out the service offered to begin with. What greasy is saying is most couldn't be bothered to do the most basic Google search to compare images and find solid info on the scooters they are looking at. If they can't be bothered to do basic research prior to dropping cash, they most certainly can't be bothered to drop cash on advice prior to dropping cash on the thing itself!

The info is available, and the people willing to advise are here and elsewhere readily available. I'm sure there are a decent amount who do find this info and save themselves headaches. But we only hear of the negative results of not doing the research here after the fact, cause if you saved yourself by reading this thread and doing the research, then you aren't here posting about it.

Both this forum and greasy have been invaluable for many including myself in this area.

I didn't think you were being an asshole at all! no offense taken whatsoever in any kind, sort or form.

this 1000% this.

Yep, like that last Mecum auction local to me, two shiny bodges sold for $2000+ and $4000+. The good ones I wanted with no body rust or rot, old paint sold for less than $900.00.

Vespa Tecnica should be required reading for anyone considering purchasing a vintage Vespa, prior to purchase. Or any of the other similar books. I have the tecnica's and a few other "all Vespa models" books to pick apart images of projects in considering prior to even going to see it or talk to the seller. Go with an encyclopedia of information on the one you are looking at. Then you won't get caught off guard and will end up getting decent deals with many sellers when they realize you know more than them. Unless of course you are buying from scootnet2.net. Then you probably don't know more than the seller! Always the case! If it's shiny I won't even bother cause it's most definitely not priced correctly and seller never willing to negotiate down to reasonable values. Not the case for the unrestored ones.

I had a guy offer me 5k for B62 today, for his daughter, who was standing right there ..

I had a nice talk with them and told them that this scooter is not for the mechanically inclined, and you need a motorcycle endorsement, and there a ton of shiny scooters that are crap from SEA. And please do your homework because 9 out of 10 older scooters are from SEA... No idea if that's true, but I wanted to get the point across.

I let her sit on it and she lit up like a beacon. Then I shared that I've held every but and bolt in my hands to ensure this thing is safe, or as safe as I can get it. She was genuinely interested and has been looking around...

Hopefully I helped stoke the scooter fire, while being realistic on ownership...

We'd have to somehow just get this thread to be the number one result when one googles "Vintage Vespa for sale".

The buyers are at the least typing that.

Yeah, these old scoots aren't what you purchase for just anyone and say here you go and your done. Those people should really be directed towards a twist and go. Maybe a Primavera 50cc, 150cc, Royal Alloy GT150 or 300 would be in that price range.

I got lucky in that I did a bit of research, found this place and bought a newer Stella, knowing I could get parts for it.

Wow, brand new and from 1969 all at once. Only $12,000

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/491155615949892/

"Wow" is right. Nice P brake and center mat for a Sprint, and that's just to get the ball rolling.

Is that a key switch next to the fuel tap? I guess it didn't make it to it's 300 mile limit....

factory color.

Yup. But based on his parking job, he works for Verizon, so that sort of quality is to be expected.

And super RARE with that PX foot brake!!!

Aftermarket mirror brackets.

least of the atrocities/worries here and probably the only decent thing on this gargantuan steaming turd pile.

This type of add cracks me up and pisses me off at the same time. I HATE that some unsuspecting person is gonna believe this crap and be all over it...

https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/mcy/d/lyons-vespa-scooter-sprint-collectible/7547389606.html

Vespa . The name means wasp in Italian. The Vespa Plaggio is AUTHENTIC made in Italy Sprint.
This 1969 Italian Classic is rare , hard to find. The identifiers on the scooter will tell that it is original.
hard to find.
150 cc 2 stroke fuel efficient .
Body is not altered , Black . 2 seater Orange/red leather seats.
Only driven 258 km (165 )miles.
No Dents or Scratches. 2 owners.
Misplaced Key, deducted from price.
This Sprint Scooter is a collectable that I'm selling for half it's value.$6500.
Delivery is available within 200 miles.

Looks like it has front end damage. The angle of the fork looks too vertical.

That's just shoddy welding when they put the front and back halves together.

$1000 deducted cause the key is missing. Doesn't mention the starting price is imaginary to begin with.

As is the engine starting.

Seems like an honest seller to me. $6500 is half its value...at Bring a Trailer

I'm kinda shocked it doesn't have a P rear brake pedal

that fork is so bad