Modern Vespa

Oh yeah, someone took a 'Vintage Brown' all over that thing.

For me it's a first time.

Stillll..looks like a BODGE!

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/mcy/4678988908.html

Strangely, no added glovebox and still with 8" wheels

Here's an interesting one: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/mcy/4679258569.html



It looks like they bought a Nam bike, tried to fix it up, then gave up. You can see all the tellale parts in the various pictures.

The fresh candy cane seat on the raunchy frame is the very definition of "lipstick on a pig".

The price alone is enough to scare me away - $5500. That's what you come up with when you smoking the cheap stuff - rots your brain.

It looks quite good in silver rather than bungundy and white or similar. Maybe they're starting to drop the two-tone to throw people off the scent.

The seats are horrible and the lights (front and back) are wrong for a '75 VBC. Could just be a bit of poetic licence I suppose, rather than a full on Asian bodge.

The description and mildly incorrect use of the English language are the main give aways for me.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ITALIAN-VESPA-PIAGGIO-VBC-SERIES-SCOOTER-150CC-MODEL-1975-METALLIC-SILVER-/181525327859?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item2a43c0aff3

^ "Part of Restoration Work Done In UK" ^

http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/mcy/4655932472.html


I'm not in the know about this but... the metal bits on the front and the HUGE floormat don't exactly look proper...

Or the fact that it's allegedly a 1966 handlebar bike, which didn't exist.

Doesn't ring any alarm bells for me really, just looks like a restoration that isn't perfectly true to the original.

Also anytime someone just says it's a "vintage Vespa scooter" with no model info. The very first bodge I ever came across was presented that way. I asked, "What model is this," and the guy said, "It's a Vespa!" Right...

What the heck is that shiny stuff all over the fender?

Ah, "vintage Italian." http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/mcy/4691036973.html

Seen something new to post here
Look, a genuine 1956 Vespa 150 Special! here, on eBayUK, watch out over there lads!




must try this added slats trick on the fan cover for my next motor build to achieve that distinctive 'antiquey' look.

That thing is criminal.

That thing is criminal.[/quote]

And so is the bastard that is trying to sell it.

Plus, the B-Line flex-conduit on the shift cables is not terminated into a UL-rated junction box as required by City of Chicago Fire Code.

that probably explains why the shifter box cover fits so horribly x

The more I look at the huge pics on the listing, the more I can see it once took a took an Asian sidetrip on its journey from Italy to Denmark to England.

Holy cat in a handbag, they should push that into the pool and hold it under 'til it stops breathing.

The Bodge-By-Number Paint Scheme

I bought this few years ago, a little bit of an impulse buy. Seen this thread and thought Id run it by you guys.

I'd say it's not, looks more like a rat rod/restomod type to me.

Hard to say, but definitely lacks the usual bodge tip-offs ... probably a "backyard custom" ... not sure what to make of those those pimpin' red naugahyde seats... interesting choice for sure. Overall I think it's pretty damn cool. 8)

That doesn't LOOK like a bodge apart form the 10" wheels.. that's not to say it didn't used to look like a bodge, and someone cleaned it up.. they could have replaced all the crap and made a respectable bike out of it..

Seats look comfy but a tad on the ffnrrrt side.

Good points Mr V. Makes me wonder if that red buttoned light switch was installed here or overseas. Pretty nice cosmetic recovery if it was an Asian import, I do like the look. Great job on the floor & leggy trim too.

Seems like if you've been able to ride it regularly for a few years, it's not a bodge

Thanks guys, pleased to know there is good chance its a good scoot. The seller i bought it from said it owed him a lot of money and told me the business that did the work. I check them out and seemed okay.

I've had it a few years but not done many miles, pesky work been getting in the way.


Cheers

This one is subtle, I almost gave it a thumbs up at first.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/mcy/4707655692.html

I guess the 10 inch wheels, glove box, speedo and floor mat gave it away.

Aha, I only caught the floor mat, spare tire cover, and license plate frame. I wonder if it's really electric start.

I'm immediately suspicious of listings that don't have a photo of the motor. That's maybe unfair, but it indicates at the least an unsophisticated seller.

This one was pretty bodge-tastic, even if it lacked the obvious two-tone paint and extra chrome, though. That second photo with the 10" front wheel jumped out at me big time.

ohhh I am so sorry for this guy who says...

"I hate to part with this piece of awesomeness and history, but will for the right price if it goes to a good home and someone who appreciates its' worth. Unfortunately this was driven minimally and has a few scrapes from the first ride."


http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/mcy/4713438437.html

Well, lame description, but not a Vietbodge (unless they've changed their "classic" design)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-Tin-pedal-Vespa-Restoration-Project-interior-design-very-Rare-/221575157142?pt=UK_Toys_Creative_Educational_RL&hash=item3396e89596#ht_101wt_1190

No VIN number though....could always make a nammer from it.

LOL!

Not a bodge, but this image is titled "Vintage Vespa" by Gisele Morgan. A print of it is for sale here :

Vintage Vespa Print



(that's the same model ZNEN I ride)

Also available on a lovely tote bag, or coffee mug! It's the perfect gift (after cab fare) for the cheap Chinese scooter rider in your life! . . .

The trademark rusted headlight bezel is a nice touch. I always cringe when I see those bikes on the road. They rust so fast.

Fixed that for you.

I think that might just be lighting. I have no complaints abut my ZNEN. I doubt it will live to see the 35 years my P200 has, but it's been a great bike.

I commented on the site that it's a good scoot, but definitely not vintage and definitely not Italian.

Anyone in the UK can immediately tell from the "58" on the number plate that it was first registered new between September 2008 and February 2009.