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- RE: Advice on what to look for...,
Greenscooter, Feb-25-05, 06:15 PM, (1)
- RE: Advice on what to look for...,
AaronC
, Feb-25-05, 06:26 PM, (2)
- RE: Advice on what to look for...,
joeb, Feb-25-05, 07:16 PM, (4)
- RE: Advice on what to look for...,
Ken, Feb-26-05, 02:49 PM, (14)
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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
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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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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
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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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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
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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
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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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SmellYaLater

unregistered user
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Feb-26-05, 02:21 PM (EDT) |
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13. "Yo kiwichris"
In response to message #12
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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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