Modern Vespa

Gotta love the plastic 'edging' UNDER the legshield trim and around the glovebox.

One of the tricks used by the sneakier bodgers to compensate for bad fit and finish when slapping these bikes together.

-Luigi

Even if they are bodge this is still an awesome photo.

its the Palm trees. those damn Palm trees!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

serious tho, look back at the photos, you will see palm trees in lots of them.

I'm a complete newbie, so looking for some expertise.... dodgey or not?? If I went and looked at it what should I look for...take a magnet..

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250695254430&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Thanks

I wouldn't go look at that even if it was in the garage next door. From the pic and description alone it's crap.

Go back and read through this thread when you have some time. It should get you sorted on the basics...

Also, read this and familiarize yourself with the various models.... read the "Asian Restoration" page first.

http://www.scooterlounge.com/Vespa/Gen/Gen.shtml

Good luck.

thanks for that - I'm reading now...

I just bought it.
















NOT

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/mcy/1956516074.html
Here's another POS designed to kill more than 2 people at a time. Mod Scooters has been pretending to sell restored scooter for years now.

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/mcy/1956007903.html

Classic 1965 Silver Vespa. Restore to like showroom condition. 949-903-3919. By appointment only. Feel free to call or TEXT me.

This could have been legit minus the glove box which should not be there. There are actually period original yellow boot accessories that are in fact very rare. However from what I understand they are more sought out in Europe though due to the US bodge thingy. What additionally gives this one away is the Asian Vespa-font spare tire cover... Always a dead give away. If you look at it it actually looks like it says Vesper... and not Vespa as it should. The font is too chunky and not correct. I can assure you your local shop is not selling these. Its a touch of Asia...

Attaching pic since post above does not include it from CL post.

Here is the correct vespa logo. Note that the characters are closed and not left open as in this Asian knock off... Also the "p" extends beyond the underline + note no space between underline in the correct version... etc.

That bogus logo looks more like a stencil than a silk screen.

Totes. I've seen a couple of these on bodge bikes around here, these covers were definitely mass produced in Asian sweat shops.

Thought someone on here might find this amusing (that is, if one of us didn't write the post!)... "borrowed" from SF CraigsList:

"I want to buy a vietnam restored vespa.
A real nam-job with all the gaudy stainless chromework and homemade badges.
Two tone paint a plus!
off color rubber bits a plus!
60's bike bodged to look like a handlebar bike a plus!
Steel plate for spare tire holder? You bet.
It does not matter if it is registered.
I need to get it cheap. Realfucking cheap, cheap. I can pick it up for free cheap.
Not going to ride it. That would be dangerous. It is for a project.
I am not going to help you recoup the costs of your mistake for buying it in the first place, I just want a cheap ass dirt cheap Nam Vespa."

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/wan/1957794621.html

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/mcy/1959142634.html

tell me this aint so haha

I can't save an ebay photo so hopefully the link stays valid for a bit. That's a whole lot of chrome.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vespa-150-Super-lots-Chrome-/320589611000?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item4aa4a13ff8#ht_809wt_1127

Hmmmm...note where he says "The flag can be changed to the flag of your choice.. or any advertising s... " Makes me think his source is churning these things out like turds from a goose.

Note the watermarks on the photo. The little camera icon in the right corner usually means it had been posted on ePay (and the picture subsequently copied from there), but of particular significance (in light of the above statement) "we_buid4u" This supports my theory that he is importing these or at least has a shed full of magical elves cobbling these together out of moon beams, belly button lint and old beer cans in the wee hours.

What gets even crazier is that the file name of that photo is vespa_1966.jpg but the ad lists it as a 1974. From what little I know it appears that the headset is newer than '66 but am interested in hearing the resident experts chime in on this.

Note the oil/grease marks on the rear whitewall, a seal has gone bad and the oil is whipping out all over the place. Not a good sign for a 6 month old restoration! I don't see a horn embellisher, just the typical chrome horn cover...does anyone see what he's yammering about?

My favorite bit was "Should go without saying, Italian made Vespas that were imported" To which I agree...it SHOULD'VE gone without saying, so why did he bother? Sheesh

Me smelly a bodger, roger dodger!

That's crap out your buttocks sideways funni. I wonder if the poster did that as a warning to both the sellers of these mobile turds and the poor newbies who might've unwittingly bought one.

Too bad he neglected to specifically mention the yellow booties!

Chrome is my favorite colour.

Nice. Thanks for posting the picture. The description mentioned the colour as champagne...funny, I never even picked up on the color as all I could focus on was the flashy chrome. I was in a trance-state.

Is that a Vietbodge or simply authentic English Mod bad taste?

Personally, I think it is Mod bad taste, but I'll let those who have more knowledge let us know for certain.

mod or bodge......

I think it's a combination of the two.

it's a super (not a sprint, check the hubs).... with a trap headset. Point 1 for bodge. All of those accessories are legit. They basically ordered everything from http://www.allstyles-lambretta-vespa.com/ that would fit on their bike. Point 1 for Mod.

My question is..... what the shit is a "VS". Check the flyscreen. Vespa Super? Point 2 for bodge.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Restored-1973-Vespa-150-VBC-bargain-price-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem4aa4cab654QQitemZ320592328276QQptZScootersQ5fMopeds#ht_522wt_1167

It's a bird, it's a plane...it's SUPERBODGE!

Modge? See above If this bike was restored why does it look like it's been sitting under a tree for a decade?

"I filled the tank with gas/smokeless oil and ran the engine at idle for 5 minutes then set the engine to 2000 RPM for the next 5 hours."

Doesn't sound proper to me... at least for 4T engines you want to vary the engine speed during break in, if for no other reason than to break in the rings (varying pressures on top and bottom etc)...and if he didn't have a strong fan blowing on the engine during those 5 hours I'd be amazed if the engine didn't turn into a molten blob.

In this case the VS stands for Vietnam Special...

Am I learning for a newbe? This is a Bodge right? Black gasket around gas tank.

Atlanta craigslist
Fully Restored Original 1962 Italian Piaggio Vespa

Has a powerful brand New Factory 150cc 5 port Engine, New powder coated ICI Paint coat, 4 gears, all new parts from the ground up - I don't have time to ride it, it's just sitting in my house. it's like a brand new scooter, just needs someone to use it.

Are any of these scooters that were restored over seas any good? Seems like some of them should be Good scooters or are they all bad? Kind of tempting

Nice eye. This is one of the more rare bodges. This is an Indian bodge. Note the LML motor, lack of crazy chrome, and color of the seat doesn't match the paint but compliments it. The Indians try a little harder but they always end up with some sort of problem from a lack of experience of the assembler.

whatever, it looks like a Scooter Works bike. its probably fine. if the price was right i would be ok with buying it.

you would just have to work out the kinks in that LML motor.

The scooterworks bikes were indian too, but scooterworks went through them so they only had some small issues.

DON'T assume i don't know what I'm talking about. I have actually ridden that bike. The motor is fine except it jumps out of gear because the cruciform is shot (from low mileage I think not). The cables won't tighten because the bracket in the headset moves around because the holes are stripped and the electrical works sometimes. The front fork is also loose but if you try and tighten it, it won't turn at all.

Newb question: what color should it be? Gray? Thanks

should not be able to see the gaskette

[quote="Mattgyver"]http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/mcy/1956516074.html
Here's another POS designed to kill more than 2 people at a time. Mod Scooters has been pretending to sell restored scooter for years now.

Do you happen to have the phone number for this guy?

The reason I ask is I saw a picture of him and really need it as my avatar.

Here is the worst kind of ad. Some dealership is spreading around bullshit story about the scooter and are trying to sell a bodge like it was some classic gem for $5k. And who the hell pays that kind of money for a VBB, anyway?

Here is the copy from the ad-

VIN: 94700587
Miles: 189
Engine: 5-Cylinder
Stock #: 27-700587
Trim: MOTORCYLE
Color: BLUE

Pearl Blue, Chrome Wheels, Exhaust & Trim Package. Completely restored in Boston Mass. by an expert restorer.

http://ocala.craigslist.org/ctd/1972380077.html

I totally want a 5 cylinder motor.....

I don't know any "expert restorers" here in Boston who would make anything like that I'm afraid

Gotta wonder how many strokes that has

on uk ebay now

Hi All.

I am currently living in Saigon, and my wife is interested in a Vespa. I have read a lot about local restorations. I am wondering if anyone as information, or can give me their expert opinion on this company

http://www.classiccars.vn/classiccar/classic_scooter/scooter.asp

The rep part owns the local expat cafe in Dist 2, and shows people around the workshop, so sounds quite reputable, though I am naturally cynical having read so much recently.

I should add that we are returning to Melbourne Aus in december.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Emails are most welcome also.

Regards,

Andy