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kiwichris217
Member since Feb-25-05
5 posts		 Feb-25-05, 05:14 PM (EDT)
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"Advice on what to look for..."
 
   I have been away from scooting for 20+ years and am starting to look for a 150 to 200 Vespa to buy. Can someone direct me to a specific forum, tell me about a certain book to read (with specific Vespa models), or give me some ideas of what I should be looking for? That way, when the time comes to buy "the one" I'll know it spent its life here in the United States and not a resto from the East. Thanks, Chris.


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Greenscooter
Member since Jan-16-04
78 posts		 Feb-25-05, 06:15 PM (EDT)
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1. "RE: Advice on what to look for..."
In response to message #0
 
   LAST EDITED ON Feb-25-05 AT 06:16 PM (EDT)
 
Hello and welcome. I think you probably found the correct forum.
This book...

How to Restore and Maintain Your Vespa Motorscooter (Authentic Restoration Guide) by Bob Darnell

has a pretty good short history and goes through most of the models. The books 'Vespa Technica'(4 volumes) have almost every model with pictures of what each one looked like off the assembly line.

As for buying, I'd recommend a reputable shop or the classifieds here or at scoot.net. Avoid ebay. There was a good thread on this board a while back about how to spot an asian bike. If you see a scoot you're thinking about post a picture and people here will be more than happy to tell you what they think of it.

Good luck.


www.greenscooter.net


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kiwichris217
Member since Feb-25-05
5 posts		 Feb-25-05, 06:28 PM (EDT)
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3. "RE: Advice on what to look for..."
In response to message #1
 
   I'll get out to the bookstore for the books. I went through and found the thread on how to spot and Aisan bike. Wow, informative! I never would have guessed. I figure if I have to spend a few extra bucks it'll be worth it in the long run. You get what you pay for seems to true.


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Big Al
Member since Jun-7-02
1124 posts		 Feb-26-05, 01:41 PM (EDT)
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9. "RE: Advice on what to look for..."
In response to message #3
 
   Oddly enough, non-Asian bikes seem to go for less. Probably because the people buying them know what they're looking at. Now, restoring a bike is where the real money will flow out...

http://www.upstartsc.us


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AaronC
unregistered user
 Feb-25-05, 06:26 PM (EDT)
 
2. "RE: Advice on what to look for..."
In response to message #0
 
   This site will cive you a good vantage point for both Vespa and Lambretta models.
http://www.scooterhelp.com/


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joeb
Member since Jan-18-05
33 posts		 Feb-25-05, 07:16 PM (EDT)
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4. "RE: Advice on what to look for..."
In response to message #0
 
   The current Scooterworks catalog has a two page spread describing nearly every Vespa model, most with a photo and layman description. I found it useful in distinguishing the different models. The catalog is free. You can order it from their web site, www.scooterworks.com

(No, this is not an endorsement of their products sold and service record. Yes, if there are inaccuracies in the descriptions, please post them here.)

I have learned to stay away from most scooters shipped from SE Asia and there are several scammers out there selling botched scooters, which look really nice to the untrained eye. They tend to prey on unknowing buyers on eBay. Several shops are refusing to service them.

The consensus seems to be to buy from your local scooter shop or scooter club.

Joe


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rsavage
Member since Sep-20-04
119 posts		 Feb-25-05, 09:30 PM (EDT)
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5. "RE: Advice on what to look for..."
In response to message #4
 
   It took me four months between deciding to buy a vespa and finding one (yes living in the north west sucks for buying scooters) in that time I ended up learning a rediculious amount about buying a vespa and the different models. Darnel's book is great (if a bit dry and broad reaching at times)

I would check out this site:
http://vintagescooters.free.fr/english/vespa.htm
It has every model... well ever as far as I know.


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rsavage
Member since Sep-20-04
119 posts		 Feb-25-05, 09:32 PM (EDT)
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6. "RE: Advice on what to look for..."
In response to message #5
 
   well... up until 78


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CindyBradysLisp
Member since Nov-1-02
443 posts		 Feb-26-05, 01:04 AM (EDT)
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7. "Don't forget"
In response to message #6
 
   http://scoot.net/classifieds/index.html?cat=scootersforsale

And the spam board on this site:
http://scooterbbs.com/cgi-bin/board/dcboard.cgi?az=list&forum=DCForumID4&conf=DCConfID1

Ebay is sketchy at best, and the scoots usually get overbid, I would have a tough time buying anything sight unseen.

Where are you located? Is there a local scooter club near you? If there is, that might be your best resource in locating what you want.

http://www.minnescoota.com/skooterdu/2004/index.html


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kiwichris217
Member since Feb-25-05
5 posts		 Feb-26-05, 01:35 PM (EDT)
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8. "RE: Don't forget"
In response to message #7
 
   I agree, with my present knowledge, ebay will be the last place I buy one. I am located in Traverse City Michigan (4 + hours Northwest of Detroit, 5 or so hours North of Chicago and 2 hours south of the Upper Peninsula.) I don't know of any clubs near me. I have done a search and have the National registry of clubs and found the ones down state but nothing near my area.

I called the motorcycle and so called scooter shops and they were like,"Wow, I haven't seen one of those things around here in quite a while."

When I get the scoot, I may be interested in starting a club or expanding on a club from downstate.....

I ordered Darnell's book and checked out Vespa in Motion from the library.

I'll start checking more into the clubs down state.


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Big Al
Member since Jun-7-02
1124 posts		 Feb-26-05, 01:50 PM (EDT)
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10. "RE: Don't forget"
In response to message #8
 
   You're a UPer, huh? That's pretty country up there.

I'd suggest you take road trip -- go to Scooterworks in Chicago or maybe Scooterville in Minneapolis (or both!). Of the two, Scooterworks has the vintage bike selection, but the guys at Scooterville might be able to line something up for you, also. Oh. There's also Scooter Therapy in Madison.

Hell. Make a vacation of it!

Alex

PS - Have you considered a Stella or Vespa PX? Not as stylin' as the older bikes, but loads more reliable with a warranty to back them up. Way cush ride, also. I was surprised how nice a new p-series bike can handle!

http://www.upstartsc.us


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magnetmaz
Member since Dec-14-03
602 posts		 Feb-26-05, 01:57 PM (EDT)
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11. "RE: Don't forget"
In response to message #8
 
   Yeah...there aren't many clubs in michigan, and none in traverse city. Look us up if you head down our way, and i'll buy you a pint or six.

-Eric in Detroit


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kiwichris217
Member since Feb-25-05
5 posts		 Feb-26-05, 02:14 PM (EDT)
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12. "RE: Don't forget"
In response to message #11
 
   Sounds like a plan, my wife is from Minnesota, so hitting the the three shops over the summer actually would work well.

I haven't looked into the PX but will, so much information, it is great to get back into it all.


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SmellYaLater
unregistered user
 Feb-26-05, 02:21 PM (EDT)
 
13. "Yo kiwichris"
In response to message #12
 
   Hey,
I have a US-market 150 Super that has gone through an extensive mechanical renovation last year. 3k miles total. Original cosmetics. Extremely nice for a 30 year old bike. Needs nothing.
Also, I have a series 2 lambretta project.
Madison, WI.
email me for details & pics. sowtheseed(at)hotmail(dot)com


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kiwichris217
Member since Feb-25-05
5 posts		 Feb-26-05, 03:16 PM (EDT)
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15. "RE: Yo kiwichris"
In response to message #13
 
   I'll send you an email for details an pics. thanks


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Ken
Member since Dec-29-02
128 posts		 Feb-26-05, 02:49 PM (EDT)
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14. "RE: Advice on what to look for..."
In response to message #0
 
   I would second the advice on the Stella. It seems to be a quality bike, has all the characteristics of the P series (it's basically an Indian clone) and has the advantage of being new and warranteed.

I'm still riding my P200, purchased new in 1981, and enjoying it immensely. Two summers ago we camped about 20 miles north of the Gilmore Auto Museum and rode the scoot down to see the cars. I think the road was the M47. Great ride, nice hills, curves and scenery. Riding around the museum grounds on the Vespa saved lots of shoe leather.

Good luck in the search,

Ken
OBSC


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