Modern Vespa

Supers are essentially Sprints with 8" wheels and closer gears. They're nimble and quick. The stock 20/15 carb was a dog, and most people ditch it for a 20/20 or 24/24. With a few upgrades they are our favorite model.

Get both of those bikes!

They are super legit, American marker. both in incredible original condition. Very reasonable. You don't see bikes in that condition very often.

That Super is 43 years old, and that's the original paint. It still has the American market turn signals everyone took off.

I'd grab that thing tomorrow.

https://providence.craigslist.org/mcy/6213878063.html

Bodge?

Seems legit to me...

So, the '74 Super is available for sale, but..... I called the local scooter shop, Scooterville, and the mechanic told me that it would need a total restoration of all mechanical stuff, tires, seals, etc. Said I'd be spending at least $3000 unless I did the work myself which isn't feasible for me. Not sure I mentioned that the ad states it hasn't been driven since 1987. Sad, because I thought this was the one.

I know that feeling. However, the reality of owning a vintage scooter is that you'll end up having to do some of the maintenance yourself, even if it's a freshly restored bike. That said, it's mostly easy stuff if you don't mind getting your hands a little dirty & are patient w/ the learning process. All of it seems very intimidating at first but after you change a cable or clean your carb once or twice, it suddenly is very easy. So yeah, the $3k figure might be accurate if 100% of it is done at a shop (sounds extremely steep though), but if you can manage disconnecting the cables & carburetor (all pretty easy), then you can easily drop the engine. Once you've got the engine removed, there are several people & shops around the US that will rebuild the engine for ~$400 or so (plus shipping if necessary). It's just a matter of what you're willing to handle yourself. Buying a vintage bike will require work from you unless you want to spend a lot more money by having it all done at a shop. There's really no way around that.

I was in your situation about a year ago when I was looking to buy my first vintage scooter. All the mechanical stuff seemed very intimidating & I was reluctant to take that on. My early posts here demonstrate that vividly, lol. I ended up with a bike that was "restored" but still required tinkering to fix some problems & make it reliable. It was challenging but now that stuff seems very easy to me, after only a few months. Oddly enough, dealing with the problems are what make most of us fall in love with our bikes even more, I think. Maybe that sounds like an abusive relationship...

Good luck! We're here to help.[/i]

Hard to tell.

That bike is so cheap, you could pick it up, and take a look, and resell without a problem.

You would definitely need to:
- replace the tires
- change the oil
- probably replace the cables (definitely lube them. They have a tendency to break when they're that old... but are cheap)
- rebuild the carb
- flush out the gas/oil tanks

A possible issue is rust in the tank. The gas will be bad. If it's evaporated, there may be some rust in there... that bike is in spectacular condition, it may be ok, may need some work. Getting rid of rust will require pulling the tank, and rebuilding the fuel tap.

These are all pretty simple projects... the parts cost is very minimal.

The seals... maybe, maybe not. I've bought bikes that have been sitting that long, and surprisingly, rarely had an issue with seals. The hard one is on the clutch side (requires pulling out the crankshaft). The flywheel and rear hub ones are easy.

$3000 sounds insanely high. The local shop in SF charges $1200 in labor to rebuild an engine. The parts you would need would be a few hundred tops.

Sorry, but that's ridiculous. Unless there's some major issue we're not seeing in the pics, that scoot doesn't need anything close to a "total restoration". There are dozens of mechanics who could do a complete engine rebuild for much less than $3000.

On the other hand, if you're planning to rely solely on mechanics to maintain your scooter, a 45 yr old bike probably isn't your best choice.

You need to look for another mechanic, that one is full of it. But I agree 100% with Socal, if you can't/don't want to work on it, you need to look at something newer.
The scoot in Providence, RI is not a 66, more like a 59 - 61. Three speed is fine, if that is what you are looking for, but the price seems good. Wish I was closer ....

My long held dream of owning a vintage vespa seems to be slipping away. It's pretty unanimous in this forum that I would need to learn how to do a fair amount of mechanical work or else have a large repair budget. The thought of learning how to "drop a motor" intrigues me, maybe just for bragging rights, but seems a bit unlikely. I'm a female with zero background in mechanics and very little free time for scooter tinkering. Also stubborn though, and hate to give up, so am thinking if learning how to repair my own scooter is what it will take, then I'll work toward that. I am immensely grateful for all the helpful responses and generous advice from this community. Can one learn to repair basic things from just a manual? Need a lot of tools? Where do you order vintage parts?

This magical book tells you everything you need to know.
https://haynes.com/en-us/vespa-rotary-valve-scooters-59-78-haynes-repair-manual?gclid=CIvt9b3nh9UCFQqRfgodU08MOw

The tools for an old Vespa are mostly very basic. A small metric socket set, some screwdrivers, allen wrenches, will take care of most things.

The parts are easy to find online.

Vespas were designed to be very simple and easy to repair.

i bought a 1979 vespa p125x this time last year with zero experience with them, zero actual fundamental knowledge of how they work, and zero riding experience. since then i have put on well over a thousand miles, and with the guidance of a very good friend, i have learned how to rebuild a carb, replace all of my cables (which i learned on from very simple tutorials on youtube on the roadside) complete engine rebuild, replace tires/tubes/rims, and simple electrical.

i work upwards of sixty hours a week during the summer driving a semi, and have a family, so time can sometimes be scarce, but if you want to do it bad enough you'll find the time.

i am by no means a mechanic, but i wanted to learn and understood that if i wanted the cool shit, i'd have to get my hands dirty. that being said, if you aren't able to make time to learn or work on a scooter, there is absolutely no shame in having a modern scooter. two wheels are better than no wheels and the goal is having your knees in the breeze, and a smile on your face, right?

but to answer your questions,

yes you can learn from a manual, or from instruction online
i buy all of my parts at www.scootermercato.com they have had every single part that i've needed with exception of my selector box cover.

you can buy simple hand tools and keep them in your glovebox so that they are easy to get to. you'll likely need a ratchet, small socket set. a 7mm, 8mm, 10mm, 14mm wrench, a standard and flat head screwdriver, and a sparkplug socket to get started. you could also get a vespa tool which has a lot of the things on it that you may need on the roadside. with exception of the vespa tool, you can find all of the other tools for cheap at places like harbor freight.

i know quite a few bad ass girls that rock vintage bikes. being a girl doesn't exclude you from the club.

i encourage everyone to have a vintage scooter. they are cool as fuck and are real attention grabbers. there is literally nothing else like them.

^^+1!

You can do it, Kimono32. I got my super last year and have learned a lot and gotten my hands pretty dirty. All with no one local to help, just the good people in this forum helping me out. You probably won't have to "drop a motor" right away if you do your homework and buy something in decent condition.

Just heed the cautionary tales in this thread so you avoid getting a frankenbike

Here's another one for you. If the ad is correct, it's in good shape and doesn't need anything. Has a spray can paint job (doesn't look bad). The scooter shop might be able to tell you what they think.

https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/mcy/6200698870.html

Lots of nice, inexpensive bikes in Minneapolis.

Another option for you might be a Stella. Essentially an old school, manually shifted Vespa with different badges. They were made new until very recently so you should be able to find a low mileage one that will need little or no repairs for quite some time. They also have the advantages of electric start and a front disc brake.

+1

I own a 2005 Stella that I've had since it was new and, despite street parking it and riding year round in Chicago for years, it was always completely reliable transportation. Some early models had issues with the crank, but that's in the distant past and not to worry about with any that are running today.

the second one is a de-bodged one. It has Vietnam license plate frame "piaggio" sticker, Chrome backseat.

at least he is honest that's being restored oversea and imported.

this is original and not a restored one. Anyone? seems like a good deal to me. Not.

Gotta love the bondo on the 2nd image.

ph0ngvu, check your inbox, you have PM.

https://images.craigslist.org/00h0h_awvRkvFUEyQ_600x450.jpg

https://sandiego.craigslist.org/ssd/mcy/d/vespa-vbc/6218728714.html

"Quick fix" hmm...
Depends on what your interpretation of quick is.

Kimono32,
I've worked on a lot of vehicles over the years, and I've never found anything easier to diagnose, repair and maintain than a vintage Vespa. While they do require more tinkering than a modern scoot to keep running in top form, they are also much *much* easier to work on.
This is not something that's beyond your abilities. If you are able to understand how all the parts work and what they do, then troubleshooting and repair is a simple business.

Yes.

Not really. A basic set of metric hand tools will see you through most of it. You can pick up specialty tools when/ if they become necessary.

A lot of stuff can be had quickly from Scooterworks. If they don't have it, then consult SIP-ScooterShop (they have everything). Consult the catalog, get the part number, and order through Hodgespeed by part number.

Best,
-Slashy

I get some of my parts from Scooter Mercato. For SIP parts, get in touch with Rob Hodge - he is a member on here and knows more about these scoots then anyone and is a really good guy. Both will treat you right.

Wow! What an outpouring of advice and encouragement you all have given me. It's opened my mind and attitude from an "I can't" mentality to a "probably I could". And my "but I'm a girl" thoughts are slowly disappearing. You guys are awesome! One of my main concerns was having no friends to help and I've realized friends don't have to live close by. Special thanks to Banzaitree, hjo, socalguy, Championstuff, vesperia, Goslash27, Chandlerman, vintageredmatthew, and tierney. From your scooter recommendations to your details on how and what to repair and your personal stories of success, I have renewed hope of my dream. It's still gonna happen for me. Wheeeee!!!! Maybe the Super is too hard to start with, but a decent running one from the '70s is in my near future. You all have a great day!!!

If you can find a p series to start with, I think you would be happy also. P125x or p200e or even a Stella which is essentially a px150 clone are all excellent entry level bikes. I have a p125x with a kitted motor to 180cc and it is a lot of fun. It's fast and fairly simple to work on. I have to gain the courage to ride it fast, but my friends tell me it hauls ass lol

Kimono32,
No excuses!

Best,
-Slashy

Another thumbs up for the P series. I know many in the vintage arena dismiss the P series because it's not as pretty or curvy as the 60's or early 70's models, and it has some plastic bits like the horncast and headset upper, but it's a rock solid reliable and plentiful scooter.

If you get your hands on a P200 or even a P125 (1977-1983? USA) or PX150 (2005 USA model), you're getting one of the most reliable scooters that Vespa ever made. If you get one that's been ridden, but not completely restored, you'll get many many years and miles out of it with very little to repair.

My scooter has had two issues in 3000 miles of riding... a blocked idle jet (happened while I was starting the scoot after getting it inspected), and a broken kill wire on the engine. The only time it didn't start for me was when it was out of gas (duh!).

Don't look for the prettiest scooter, but look for one that has been ridden. If it has a little road rash, that's not a bad thing... as a noob you're likely to drop it at least once, and if it's already pre-dented... that's a plus!

Also, look for a scooter that isn't heavily modified. The more someone has diverged from stock, the harder it can be to diagnose problems. Especially if someone has messed with the wiring to "make it more reliable".....

I love the PX mat

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/222584544615

Per the descriptions, that's a "Bespoke floor mat."

And is it just me, or does it look like there's some very worrisome welding on that closeup of the front fender?

Picking this up from last week, I just noticed on craigslist that the P125X is also listed with the exact same listing in Benton Harbor, Michigan (https://swmi.craigslist.org/mcy/d/vespa-px-with-low-miles-and/6202736239.html).

Plus, the same address in Burr Ridge now has two very sketchy looking VBB's listed as well (https://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/mcy/d/vespa-scooter-mint-green-no/6223071039.html & https://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/mcy/d/vespa-scooter-no-engine/6223059766.html). They look like the container bikes that Scooterworks imported about 10 years ago that then sat because the market for vintage bikes crashed along with the economy in 2008.

Here's one of those container bikes at Scooterworks that I took a picture of a couple years ago when I stopped by for some 2t oil and it was sitting out. They told me that many of those bikes had gotten small scratches and dings on them while in storage, kind've like that blue bike.



At this point, I think I'd stay far away from anything that guy in Burr Ridge posts for sale without some serious inspection & validation of its provenance.

Bespoke rear seat rack/elevated platform.

I have that EXACT green one down to the color, seats and speedo. It's ok, good running LML motor. Not sure how I am going to proceed, I would like to find a bona fide CA frame and headset for cheep and swap/restore the whole thing. I am not a big fan of the volcano headset and the motor is more suited to a 3 speed, as with the 8 inch rims it pulls the nose up in 1st too much.

Hey Slashy--funneeee video! Yep, if a 4 year old can do it, I can too. I've already learned that a carb flush is not a diet plan, ha ha. Looking at a P200e that has sat on Craigs here in Mpls for at least two months. It has been ridden a fair amount, guy says it's his daily commuter, and has had cables tightened or replaced and new fluids. Many of you on this forum have recommended it as a good option. Only thing, it's been repainted green from its original gray. The paint looks like it's peeling off the top of the cowl and I wonder if it's all going to peel off in the next few years. Taking the advice not to go with the prettiest scooter, but I don't want to go overboard on that concept. I might go look at it. Not quite sure what all to look for, but I found a basic checklist online that I'll probably go by. And on that Burr Ridge guy, yeah, had a feeling that was a suspicious situation.

The green p200e.

Has a battery but is kick start only. Is that usual?

The battery is for the tail/brake light and turn signals and speedo lights and horn, headlight operates when the engine is running. You would be very happy with a p200

Hey, thanks.

As I understand it, US law as of 1973 or 1974 requires that vehicles have working tail/brake lights and turn signals, even if the motor is not running. Hence, the battery.

I second the motion that you'd be very happy with a P200.

Add our vote to the P200e recommendation. My wife prefers the P200e to her Fly 150 (Malossi 187)

Kimono32,
You can't go far wrong with a P200.
You can judge 90% of potential problems by simply riding it. If it runs well, shifts cleanly and doesn't jump out of gear, rides smoothly without shimmy, and doesn't make any horrifying noises* there's likely nothing wrong with it that can't be fixed cheaply and easily.
As for the finish... you can always strip it and repaint it at a later date.
Just make sure it doesn't have cracks, excessive bondo, or rust holes.

Welcome to the family!
-Slashy

*a very light piston rattle, clacking noises as you shift, and whirring sound when the clutch is released in neutral are normal sounds for these bikes.