Modern Vespa

http://scoot.net/classifieds/forsale.html?id=38715
I like this ad... the seller is actually being honest. Imagine that

New to Vespa. Came across this one for sale. It is listed as a 1966 150. Trying to get a better handle on how to spot a bodge. Based on the chrome grab rail behind the seat, the oversized wings on the front logo, etc.., I am skeptical to say the least. Can I hear some input? Please be kind.

Don't buy it.


Rob

legsheild box
smallest crashbars ever
wings on the front badge
3 in 1 rear rack
faux leather seat covers
nice looking paint

passssssss

PX style floor rubber.

is that a gray tank gasket I see?

Plastic center mat.

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/eat/mcy/3292268255.html

"This scooter is my daily driver but I know work alot further from my house so its time to sell. I purchased the vespa from a doctor who paid to have it fully restored. It rides great and has no issues, it has less than a 1000 miles on it and I have a Georgia title. This vespa turns every head it drives buy. Leather seats, back rack carrier, beautiful. It starts on the 1st or 2nd kick. Recently had it fully tuned up and checked out. Email me any questions! I'm looking for Best offer or most interesting trade."

What really bugs me is that the guys is trying to push it off as legit. "..a doctor who paid to have it fully restored"?? Pulleeze.

Junk AND dishonest.

Even brand new to Vespa, I was able to take 10 minutes and get a quick education which just saved me a couple thousand dollars. Much thanks for the education, and the confirmation. I appreciate it much. For now, I shall stay with my Italian rides of the Ducati badge, but perhaps I will find a jewel of a Vespa one day...

So glad you came and did some research. Good call.
There are plenty of good American bikes around. Put scoot.net in your bookmarks, and if you see something there or on Craiglist for example bring the info back here before you pull the trigger... there are a lot of knowledgable folks here who won't steer you wrong...
You saved a couple grand and probably a boatload of frustration down the road.
Cheers.. you'll find one.. a good, solid one!

Lets try this one

http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/mcd/3301506200.html

Probably not a bodge, but not to everyone's taste, either.

the 80's called.
they want to apologize.

You should post pictures instead of just the link to the ads...those disappear pretty quickly.

What's up with the wings on the badges anyways?

P series are not really Asian bodges since they did not get them imported.

Very early piaggio logos had wings incorporated... they were in the aviaton manufacturing business.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/mcy/3303840907.html

Just like in the picture!

Hahaha...

For someone new to te Vespa community, this forum makes me scared to even think about purchasing a vintage vespa to compliment my 07 LX 150.

The phrase "lipstick on a pig" comes to mind!

I was looking at this bike... Your input would be appreciated.

http://nanaimo.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-motorcycles-scooters-pocket-bikes-1969-Vespa-150cc-Restored-excellent-condition-W0QQAdIdZ388086212

Does it help protect you if you buy a bodge from a dealer?

I would not say that is a bodge per se. but it sure has some crappy parts on it. I would check for bondo by using a strong magnet. be very wary...I would pass for sure.

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/mcy/3309831577.html

ugh...those spare covers with the improper typesetting really bug the crap out of me.

It always looks like a rattle can stencil job.

This bike is almost definitely Indian. Um, no?

Only if they display a sign, stating "Certified Bodge Dealer."

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Classic-1973-Vespa-150-Supra-/170904265766?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27cab02426

Yep....red switches

Lemon Laws differ from state to state, usually having a prereq for due diligence that you research what exactly you are buying, now if the dealer makes claims that the bike is "fully restored" or "mint condition" that's fraud, but only if the dealer knows otherwise. A Vespa dealer or a shop that deals with scooter's a lot won't work on or risk the liability of selling you a bodge.

You can avoid bodges by 1) looking at sites like this that offer instructions on how to identify 2) asking the dealer more poignant questions (who did the restoration, what'st the vehicle history, ask for import documents) 3) If you have a suspicion, don't buy, be patient the bike of your dreams is always out there.

sometimes i see stuff on Craigslist that just make me throw up a little in my mouth..
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/mcy/3321386461.html

W O W !

Did you say a "little" bit? Whoa nelly! Someone's about to bite the bag and step put the door with that one!

did they weld two halves together? the distance between the seat and leg shield is a long way. can you even reach the headset from the seat?

(quote)'But its a beautiful looking Vintage Vespa and once it is all restored'.(end quote)

I rest my case on the use of the word "vintage".

somehow I doubt it Jimmy. let it go.

Was I talking to you?

Maybe you're the one that needs to 'let it go'.

How vintage of you.

'Let it go' is another played out term that's lost its meaning.

holy mother of jaysis would you look at this thing

www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/scooters/4002318

good to know this is not from Vietnam...

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/mcy/3328142976.html

Yea...exactly. I guess if the seller says so right?

No signs of Vietnam there....

I'm not from Vietnam either but have lived here a while.

That bike is from Italy. Vendor isn't lying.

all Vespas started at Pontadera. but that one sure looks like it spent time in Vietnam.