Modern Vespa

Hi all, just picked up a '61 VBB and am compiling a list of the parts I'm in the market for.

While I realize that not every item a particular vendor sells may be top quality, are there some vendors that I should be particularly wary of? Am also interested in reasons beyond quality such as poor service or price.

Seeing as this site has some sponsors in this category and that this very question (and the resulting answers) can/may/will raise the hackles of same perhaps it would be best if those willing to supply an answer were to PM me privately.

For the record, I don't represent anyone but myself (and the voices) and I'm not trying to stir up trouble, just want to AVOID trouble by not wasting my money and time on crappy parts. I'm sure you understand. Thanks in advance (or in my case, retard)

I only use Scooters Originali........can't be beat!

Great service.....great tech support for those things you struggle with.....and I'm a sucker for Andrea's accent!

I use Scooter Mercato all the time. They're great, particularly with being patient with a completely clueless weekend wrencher like myself.

I also got my floorboards from [redacted], but I'm not sure what else I would recommend from them other than things which can be assessed by any dolt (ie me) who knows that metal is hard and if you're standing on it it's going to need to be sturdy. If you've got something specific in mind you want from them other than things like body pieces, you can ask around here and more knowledgeable folks will chime in with their experiences.

EDIT: Oh snap, that got redacted? I guess that's a good clue that you REALLY don't want much else from a certain company in China other than big chunks of solid metal.

If there is a local shop, I would recommend first and foremost, establishing a good relationship with them. if not...

Scotermercato.com is always my first choice.

Thanks for the answers so far. Regarding the redacted answer, I feared this might happen and understand why (so I'm not complaining). If it's permissible, please PM me with that compnay's name.

I like scooters originati or scooterworks is real good also. Fast shipping and a lot of parts. Check out their banners on the forum apges.

I order from Scooters Originali, Scooter Mercato, Motorsport, and from my local shop. I no longer order from a certain LML affiliate unless it's something menial and their price is too good to pass by.

My Spidey sense detects a trend here

I typically order from Motorsport and ScooterMercato - more recently I placed a small order from Bella Motoretta. I have had great service from all three.

Except for cables, gaskets, and rubber parts new old stock is the only way to go . And yes you can find that part you are looking for . And yes it takes more time but if you are looking for the most sound daily rider it is the only way to go . Most time you have to ask . Orange county scootershop and Garners I find to be the best when it comes to new old stock. Clauss stuidio has the only plastic and rubber parts such as lenses etc. that I have found to be as good if not better than original . The pay off in the end is beyond words . For example I have on my Allstate a never used spare tire ,speedo, seat etc.. Every time I go in my garage I smile just looking at it . Oh and my sprints motor is all Piaggio except gaskets and the thing runs as tight as a drum . P.S. I stress that you have to ask .

I totally hear you regarding high quality parts making you smile. What's that old saying about the sweet taste of a low price is long forgotten and replaced by the bad taste of poor quality. I've butchered the hell outta that, but I haven't had by 5th of JD today (if you don't count my breakfast)

[quote="spunkyantlerdance"].....Orange county scootershop and Garners I find to be the best when it comes to new old stock....


Garners Classic Scooters is no longer in business.

When did Garners go ? THAT SUCKS !!!!! Thats what living on a island does I'm way out of the loop . When did that happen that old dude is cool an knows his stuff.

he's still cool. just dont sell parts no more. i believe you still call the number and say howdy.

Scooters Originali, I went there today and they were great. So helpful.

Proscia,
how far is it off the island?

first and foremost if you've got a local shop try and give them the business. go in, make friends, and for a relationship with them.

that being said, i order parts from all over the states and england as well as canada.

i'm quite particular about certian items so i only source those from the shops i know have exactly what i need and more importantly want.

here's some of the heads i do business with and a few notes on each:
(in no particular order)

motorsport scooters- great parts, fast shipping, superb customer service. if you need something ask, they've almost always got it. can't go wrong with max, alex and crew.

scooters O- gene and andrea are freekin' awesome. they carry a full line of casa lambretta stuff and top quality vespa parts as well. a pleasure to do business with-- sharp customer service and prompt shipping. super professional.

scootershop in orange- you need some wacky NOS doo-hickey? call them and wear out mic or the spaniard. want something from SIP? give them a ring and they'll order it up for you and save a bit on shipping. they have the very best cable kits, hands down. and they're cute as hell, too!

bar italia- top quality restos and huge knowledge base. kristian and kara are die hard scooterists and know their shit when it comes down to brass tacks. need that one year only hard to find tail light for a 1947 armored doowangus? yeah, they have that. a nice treasure trove of GS/SS and rally parts-- new and used. i'm lucky to have them in my back yard!

jet200-- awesome lambretta parts and now carries BGM shocks for vespa! mark is the man, and his passion for for the bikes shows in the quality of parts he brings to the table.

hotrod scooters- Al is the man. if you need machine work, this is the one stop shop you need. Al is a experienced tuner that will take on the craziest projects (motorcycle conversion barrels!) and does the straight forward like rebuild cranks, profile heads, lighten flyweels and motor assembly.

best,
-greasy

Am astounded by the great info that's being shared here. You gurls rock!