Modern Vespa

You are right Slashy, it's not easy sometimes to distinguish an Asian bodge from a poor backyard restoration just from a single photo. Seeing the scoot in person should yield more clues.

The red and white scooter take a slash is arguing about for the sake of it is an Indian build .


Why don't you buy one from India too while you're at it slashy.


Might learn something

Okay. How do you know that? That answer would be a lot more helpful than anything you've provided up to this point.

Best,
-Slashy

Why explain. I don't owe you anything..and you certainly didn't ask very politely.

*edit* Nevermind. Not going there.

As for "why explain", I refer you to page one: I trust that you, with your vast expertise, can answer a simple question. How do you identify the bike in question as an Indian build?
I'm honestly interested in an answer because I don't know and would like to... but if not for me, then at least explain for whoever comes along wondering if they are about to buy an Indian bodge. From the responses, I'm not the only one who's wondering...


Best,
-Slashy

OK here's a few things.

Indian shock and spring..see the hologram sticker on the shocky for some reason they love putting those stickers on really shitty repro parts.

Cast iron miniature px style kick-start lever on local market motor.

Black rubber on everything. They almost never use grey.

Indian market tyres.

Pretty ordinary paint with bog visible. If it was Viet the paint would be shinier.

I'll leave it at that for now. Xx. Oh black grab rail on seat. Indian spare tyre holder.

joshzingzing,

It may not mean much coming from me, but thank you. That was very informative!

Best,
-Slashy

As a GTS250 owner looking for an older Vespa, this thread has been great to get an idea of what to look out for.
I'm in Sydney, and Gumtree here has recently had a few older scoots turn up, but most of them tick all the warning boxes.
But this one caught my eye. Think I read here that P series weren't so big in Vietnam, but maybe more Indonesia, is this correct?
Few alarm bells, price keeps changing up and down, guy said he prefers email so I emailed him and he replied he'd answer my questions if i called him, but it might just be a language thing.
I'm a vintage Vespa noob, so any clues to look for in this particular model when inspecting would be very welcome.

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/ultimo/scooters/amazing-1983-vespa-piaggio/1112776655





Hi boys

I'm selling my Vespa piaggio. If someone is interesting please contact me. The Vespa is perfect and also I done the service 5 days ago. The price is 2500$ For the first one that will buy this week I can make a good discount...

My name is Luca contact number ******1299 + click to reveal email luc******@******.it + click to reveal Ps I prefer if u guys contact me by email. I will replay in 2 hours time. Thanks

It's an Indonesian P150S, they were built only by DAN motors in Indonesia.

Anybody wanna hear about a piece of shit Vietbodge I'm buying for thousands of dollars? I know it's a piece of shit, everyone has told me not to buy it, but I'm going to buy it anyway!

I've never ridden a Vespa before so I really will have nothing of quality to compare it to, but I plan on immediately tearing it apart anyway so who gives a shit about actually riding scooters. And that money was just burning a hole in my pocket.

I plan to fully document this pointless exercise with plenty of photos for your enjoyment!


PS...only say kind, supportive, positive comments please.

^I'm not saying your wrong, you're just not gonna win here...might as well chalk it up dawg.....he's gonna buy the bodge and there will be a thread about it.

Yeah, I know...I'm just needling the uptight moderator who banned me from the thread, because I said exactly what everybody else said.

...but I made you a new thread!...also MV will never be the Old Scooter BBS (where basically anything went and was not moderated) so enjoy the moderation! Anyhow, you make a good point, someone with no experience is seeking to divulge the shortcomings of a bodge....I too was new and naive once....don't know how he'll know what to look for but anyhow....just save your breath Mr. Scooter....you'll need it later I'm sure.

Thanks for the info N-H-S.
Guess not so bad, and I like the look of it... Will check it out.

Despite it being over priced all I'll say is buyer beware.

Indonesian P150S is one of my fav Vespas!
a confused PX/Super... best of all models
I have one, but will be looking at importing another one day.

Understood!
He did have it at $2k the other day, now it's at $3k on the header and $2.5k in the ad with the promise of extra discount. But I'm thinking best to stay away.

Imagine modern China of 100 years in the future and eager young gearhead Chinese are unhappy at how many of the Aeolus St.Marlos they find are imported bodges only kept running w/ Treatland parts grafted on them by those crafty Americans way back in the day. They'd love an unmolested barn find like this beauty. http://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/mcy/5597211900.html (tnx, Mr niz)

^^^^ Voodoo, that thing looks like a BRAND NEW bitza scoot. A little borrowed from here, some from there. I wonder how long it will be before it is trashed/abandoned?

In a german forum, this wannabe Vespa was called "Vespa Stronzo". For me this is "nuff said".

Volker

slash, I see what your saying. not every SEA restored scooter is going to explode but why bother when 99% of them are frankensteined together and potentially dangerous. there are plenty out there that are not.

but when looking for a scooter, (esp. when you cant look at it in person or will be shipping it sight unseen) better to assume the mechanicals are bad when the body says bodge than to hope the mechanicals are the only thing they made sure were in good shape when they glued the rest of it together. you may just get lucky and get that one in a thousand that will run for a while but odds are against you.

this forum is here so the "buyer be aware" and experience shows that if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck... you may want to look for a different one and save the heartache of the realization that you didnt hit the bodge lotto (or BOTTO, i like to say).

i have a friend that fell for one of these pieces of shit. he didnt spend alot (1000) but the jackass that sold it to him sure did and didnt tell him anything but that it was rebuilt "overseas". my friend thought Italy was overseas...
were in the middle of "deconstructing" it, just as your just about to do.
we are seeing what is bodgy, parting the usable and making art out of the rest.

i assume your making this point bout all these bodges for 3 reasons:
1). your really bored and have a void in your life and need to fill it with sticking up for or inanimate objects that are being picked on.
B). your getting ready to invest in a brand new import/export scooter business with the prince of nigeria...
4) you are the ghost of Mrs. Muir.

jsunstar,

This thread is probably a bit off- topic for discussing my motivations for my little 'experiment', but they have been addressed elsewhere.
If you're curious, hit me up on PM and I'll be happy to bore you with the details.

As for the things I've posted in *this* thread, I'm just trying to make it a little more educational and useful for folks who stumble across it.
Instead of looking at a pic and declaring it "bodge" or "legit" (or more likely pointing and laughing), you folks should really be explaining *why* you think a particular bike is a bodge.
I poked at Josh because his earlier responses weren't useful. I thanked him for his last post because it was *very* useful.

I'd just like to see more useful posts in this thread.

Best,
-Slashy

went through eBay for some parts. and stumbled on some of the bodged Vespa from Vietnam. They all are look like a vintage vespa but clearly not even close in term of original parts & Body. You can see all parts are repo in cheap quality. These aren't even worth $10 for me to buy.

Nothing original including the frame and bunch of cheap aftermarket parts
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Completely-restored-vintage-VESPA-SPRINT-VLB-1967-Original-frame-and-engine-/121997246566

crappy VBB with 10" wheels, VLB engine
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1964-Vespa-150-/201589011034

fake ACMA Paris. It is actually half VBB half junk
http://www.ebay.com/itm/331864605641

strange one
http://www.ebay.com/itm/262451469295

Another Scooter has been ejected from this topic

Hi, I live in Singapore...It is in south east asia and I just came to this country for work. I am interested in buying a vespa and read about bodges and am unsure if it is common in Singapore due to its proximity to vietnam. It is also common here for people to paint their vespa in every colour imaginable. Maybe you guys can tell me if some of these vespas is a bodge or not> Thanks

1) https://sg.carousell.com/p/56926909/?rank=187

2)https://sg.carousell.com/p/58245608/?rank=2

3) https://sg.carousell.com/p/57699576/?rank=107

There seems to be a pretty healthy scene in Singapore. It would be worthwhile finding a club who can help you find a decent scooter.

Well, at least is not ridiculously priced!
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/5669033534.html

I kinda like it.

for £1200 pre brexit I would take a closer look.
for £1500 post brexit mmm probably still take a peek.

http://madison.craigslist.org/mcy/5697032426.html

Fresh from his summer auto body class at Madison Area Technical College, Josh decided to build the "Lame-bretta" of his dreams out of that Chinese twist 'n go he "found" abandoned, rusting, and locked to a bike rack near the Wisconsin Union. Looks bitchin', but it don't work that good, so he's listing it.

That LD is horrid. The forks. My eyes hurt. I can't even look at the engine because the forks are killing me.

Bodge with Indo title..

https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/mpo/5701705999.html

http://newhaven.craigslist.org/mcy/5709633221.html

"This scooter was assembled after the original Lambretta Plant closed and operations were moved to India. "

Not a bodge really. It's an Indian Resto of an API s2. It's most likely decently put together. The only issues are its about $1k overpriced and the Innocenti story is wrong

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/mcy/5726486444.html

1968 VLB sprint 150cc

VIN: vlbit081841
condition: excellent
engine displacement (CC): 50
fuel: gas
odometer: 175
paint color: white
title status: clean
transmission: manual

I am selling my 1968 vespa for 2,500$ OBO. It is in fantastic condition and has around 175miles on it last time i checked( a while ago). It has been stored in my garage for the last two years collecting dust. I was curious to see if it would start up and sure enough it did! It would need an oil change(easy) and a tune up. other than that it is ready to go. It is a Vietnamese re build, not all original parts, but from what i understand NOS(new old stock). I bought it in 2008 and used it only in the warmer months for short commutes to work. She definitely is a looker. You do need a normal Motorcycle license to drive this in Washington. Please Text or respond to this listing via email. NO BOZOS- Matt

I love that---"No Bozos" . . .

Ever read 'half asleep in frog pyjamas? +_+

"We're All Bozos On This Bus" : Firesign Theater.

at least the seller was being honest about where it came from...

http://charleston.craigslist.org/mcd/5730423291.html

If they say it's not a bodge, then it's okay, right?

Restoration was done overseas by a shop with an impeccable reputation.
Bike has been test driven 150 miles by an American mechanic with nearly 30 years experience.
No problems whatsoever. All cables have been adjusted after the 150 mile test ride, this is something that has to be done on all restored vespas. This bike is ready to show or go.

Total bare frame restoration completed early 2016. Must see to truly appreciate, pictures do not do this bike justice.
No bodges. No bondo. no BS. This is a beauty. Everything works perfectly.
Frame and engine numbers match the 1961 model year
Rebuilt: engine and transmission
New: everything else
12 volt conversion: the lights are BRIGHT, the horn is LOUD
Lots of chrome & real stainless steel accessories
Excellent investment, will appreciate in value
Runs and drives great, lots of fun. Gets lots of stares and smiles.

Cash or certified bank checks only.
$5500
Serious parties only please.

About the restoration:
- New 2-tone paint job using etching primer & Genuine Piaggio colors: Verde Pastello & Creme Luce
- New cylinder head
- New piston
- New rings
- New bearings
- New Dell 'Orto carburetor
- New transmission (4 speed manual hand shift)
- New points, condenser, stator & ignition coil
- New installation of all wiring looms with 12v electrical upgrade
- New steering head bushes and bearings
- New control cables
- New front and rear suspension
- New brakes
- New stainless steel exhaust system
- New rubber hoses, seals and trimmings
- New head and rear light assemblies
- New Speedometer
- New Horn
- New Floor runners
- New chrome stand
- New seating upholstery mounted on twin saddle
- 2X new white wall tires with new inner tubes (Spare is blackwall)
- 3x New 10" Chrome rims
- New kick starter pedal
- New clutch and front brake levers
- New spare tire cover
- 4X New Indicator lamps
- New Stainless Steel folding rear luggage rack & spare carrier with padded back rest
- New Stainless Steel front folding rack
- New chrome trimming and stainless steel body railing
- New chrome plated gas cap
- Every nut and bolt replaced with rust proof stainless steel