Getting a Used Vespa

#vespa #scooters #motorcycle
Are you thinking of buying a used modern Vespa scooter? Here are a few things to consider before the scooter of your dreams becomes a nightmare. In this video, I share my thoughts on what to look at and have some foundation to make an informed decision about a used Vespa scooter.

[@talltree3534]

Going to chime in here again like your other videos and say thanks for this perspective. I'm finding myself a bit of a "jekyll and hyde" on these thoughts even though I'm new to this world of 2 wheels motorized. I've acquired scooters and high speed adventure bikes almost simultaneously in these last tumultuous 6 months. Maybe I'm trying to catch up for lost years where the permissions, monies, family raising career responsibilities , and wives (not more than 1 at a time!) , were sufficient restrictions to this activity. I'm finding my way on what passes for satisfaction, contentment and fulfillment with this passion. It DOES seem to be leaning toward the desire to find a nice place or area to stop, get off and enjoy the scenery with the coffee and the book rather than see how fast we can take then next "twisty"!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I'm definitely biased, but it seems your new found "freedom" has opened up possibilities for adventure, exploration, and reflection that a scooter or motorcycle can support. Sitting here now, I think one of the most relaxing, enjoyable, and often contemplative experiences I have is when I ride somewhere alone, stop at a cafe, sip hot tea and read. Or write in my journal. Slowness and being present in the moment.

[@TheCoopdway]

Great tips Steve, universal wisdom with a focus on belt drive scooters. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks Doug. I'm happy to share my limited experience on those little gems!

[@MsBananasmel]

I bought an LX50 a month ago, it's almost 17 years old. I haven't riden motorized two wheels since I was in my late teens (Am mid 40s now) . I rode geared small motorcycles then so it was a bit of a learning curve getting back into it. A few miles on it but some service history and new parts. It's such a great scooter to ride and I should have done it sooner.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

My departure from riding as a teenager didn’t rekindle until I was 50. I try not to have regrets, but I wish I would’ve started writing sooner. My reentry sauna Vespa LX 150 and it was a sweet ride!

[@johnjjackcutler2105]

hi Steve, enjoy your relaxed and informative presentation , particularly on the subject of vespa . wonderful countryside you have around you, very nice .all the best John here in merry old England.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Many thanks! I feel blessed to live where I do with so much fine riding almost at my front door.

[@pureblood2020]

Just bought a black 2007 Granturismo 200L with 1200 miles on it & a 2009 150 lx with 2,000 miles. Both from 70 year old ladies that purchased them new. One from Ohio, one from Pennsylvania. Have less than $4,000 in both of them & they both are immaculate! (Showroom condition) Have put over 1,000 miles on both of them in the last month. Fun little machines!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Both those machines are wonderful to look at and to ride. Given the time and inclination, they'll take you almost anywhere!

[@gblan]

I recently bought a 2003 ET2 with 325 miles on the odo. Took it to my local Vespa shop and told them to go entirely through it. A few hundred bucks later...like new Vespa. 70cc kit and vario coming next Spring!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

That's a good price to get a Vespa up to speed! Good luck with the 70cc mod.

[@hll5132]

Hi, I’m Steve Williams and I approve this message

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Hah! I never thought of it that way.

[@pmay222]

i hired one of those in 1997 on a greek island holiday... great fun...lovely little scooter cruise 50mph all day long.. really enjoyed it

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Couldn't agree more! The Vespa ET4 is a fine scooter.

[@poppawheelie2]

What a gorgeous scoot! 😲 All good tips you gave, especially the master key. I wouldn't have known. How nice that you knew the history intimately. That's a biggie. I enjoyed taking a ride with you on familiar roads, on a warm Summer day. I might just watch this video again in the middle of winter.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I went out into the fog this morning on the Vespa ET4. A long, looping ride to the Pump Station. It's fun to ride and pretty to boot! I suspect there will be some more warm days to ride.

[@flatgrindrides]

It's funny that you mention the pet carrier in this video. I've been editing a video where I talk about it too! Nice video and nice bike!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I remember the first time I heard the pet carrier reference and I was confused. Probably because my dogs are all over 60 pounds and would use the pet carrier as a food dish! I'm looking forward to your next video. Your channel is really taking off.

[@TruckingVideos]

I have a 2000 ET4 and I love it. Here in the UK it's possible to obtain a new master key if you post off the immobiliser unit, takes about 3 days to get it back. At the age these bikes are now it's worth considering replacing the brake master cylinder as these are dependant on rubber parts to work correctly.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Especially about the master cylinder. I will add it to my checklist. Hopefully any issues with it appear slowly over time and not a catastrophic failure. Brakes are important! A reminder to everyone to change their brake fluid every couple years....

[@TruckingVideos]

@@ScooterintheSticks Normally the first sign that an ET4 master cylinder is going bad is that the brake lever becomes slow to return to the "off" position as the piston rubbers start to bloat and the return spring starts to weaken. This causes the brake light to remain illuminated after the front brake lever has been released. I forgot to say that I really enjoyed your video, that's a beautiful part of the world you live in.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

@@TruckingVideos Thanks for the information regarding the performance of a failing master cylinder. Centre Pennsylvania has a lot of beautiful places in which to ride. I consider myself fortunate.

[@devonshire56]

Great insights in buying a used Vespa. I bought mine used but with less than 1000 miles on it. But, this year I will be doing a complete check on it and determining what is prudent to replace. Fortunately I don't drive it very far and that is an important distinction but not what "safety" is concerned and those tires are what is most important especially if there is rain on the road.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

You’re on the same course as I am. I’m re-assessing the GTS and deciding what work is required this winter. They’re a fine machine and will continue to make me smile.

[@billalbion]

Amazed that your countryside is so alike to here in southern Scotland. Thanks for very interesting video.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@kevinvarley9234]

I'm going to take a look at a 2015 LXV this morning. Thanks for your tips!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Have fun!

[@NoFrictionZone]

I really enjoy your content! Great presentation, beautiful scenery, and spot on. 07 GTS 250 owner, gotta a good deal on it with 11k. (Now 18k) 👍

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks for the kind words about my videos. I am still learning and enjoying the process. Your GTS is similar to mine. I hope you have as many great times with it as I have with mine.

[@jthommo101]

Hi Steve. I dont ride a Vespa, i ride a SYM (shock, horror) but i love your vids. Keep em coming

[@ScooterintheSticks]

SYM makes some great scooters. I've seen a couple in the wild. No shock or horror on my part knowing that they are a fine choice for a lot of riders. Thanks for the kind words about the videos. I enjoy making them.

[@PatHaskell]

I came across a 2010 LX50 that had been poorly cared for and sat around for 5 years unused. Replaced broken parts, cleaned the carb and it fired right up.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

You're one of the fortunate ones. Not everyone gets to tell that story in regard to an old scooter. Have fun riding it!

[@camfiorini]

Thanks, going to look at a 2006 Vespa GT tonight

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Have fun looking it over. They're a hoot.

[@silentfox1738]

i got a little pony named billy (66 mustang) and he suffers from body rot. he sat for 30 yrs in a relatively wet environment, mostlikely under a tree.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

That kind of rot on a car is scary. Restoration is an art.

[@stormthomas3447]

love your content - i just got my scooter upgraded - Expat living in Thailand (956) Vespa LX X MAMAFAKA รุ่นในตำนาน แต่งเต็มรอบคัน !!! - KZbin - 13 Inch wheels and finally brakes

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Congratulations on the upgrade! Thanks for watching and for the kind words.

[@billlyl3725]

Great video, thanks! Looking at 2019 GTS tomorrow morning with only 400 miles in a coastal region near salt water. How susceptible do you think it would have been to damage if stored indoors?

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I'm not real familiar with damage from sea salt air. I am familiar with road salt in winter though. It creates some cosmetic damage but it took a long time before I had to tend to any body repainting. I think you should look it over carefully, especially underneath. Pull the pet carrier and examine the inside parts. Suspension, exhaust. But I suspect if it was stored indoors and not put away wet it should be in good shape. Let me know how it turns out.

[@markszawlowski867]

Like the channel buddy.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Much appreciated!

[@desbravandoonordesteoficia9595]

aventurar de moto e top, obrigado por compartilhar tmj

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Aventura sempre!

[@peter236uk1]

Nice video can I ask how tall are you

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I’m 6’2”, 205 pounds with a 32” inseam. Both Vespa scooters are comfortable.

[@joeh773]

Cooked Chihuahua, must be a delicacy from the country where food chain gets sued for serving hot coffee :-D Surprised these stickers aren't on microwaves. Yet? Thanks for the vid, Steve, another great one!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

The thought of anyone ever putting their pooch in the pet carrier just makes me shudder. I suppose it's happened. Hopefully less often or not at all now. I seem to remember a rumor circulating some years ago of someone trying to dry their baby after a bath in a microwave. I sincerely hope that's an urban myth and that no one is that clueless...

[@mariuss.6607]

There is one in my area 04 with less than 900 miles on the clock and looks brand new. For a very affordable price. Should I pull the plug?

[@ScooterintheSticks]

If you want one go for it! As long as you factor some additional costs into that affordable price. Who knows what it might need.

[@jayd7618]

I just learning about how to buy a used scooter. Is there a VIN number on the scooter? How does mileage work on a scooter is it similar to a car?

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Yes, there is a VIN number on a scooter. It's required here in order to register it for the highway and to purchase insurance. Mileage on a scooter is a bit trickier. A low mileage scooter might seem good until you find it hasn't run in many years and just sat versus a higher mileage scooter that was continually operated might be a better choice.

[@jayd7618]

@@ScooterintheSticksthank you for answering my questions

[@arcadia5607]

I just bought a used, beautiful, black 2010 GTS 300 super, with 7800 miles for 3k. Not a dent and the paint looks fantastic. Has Vespa box too. Better looking than my old Vespa 2017 Sprint.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

That's a great price for a GTS of any year. Even if the tires are old and need changed and the belt and clutch service is due it's a good deal. Congratulations!

[@sonjasaidwhat6568]

Thanks for the info, I’ve been doing research on buying a 2007 GTS250ie with 1394 miles on it. It has always been garage stored. I’m hoping I can score a fantastic scooter. Thanks for the tips and giving me advice. I will be using the purchase of new tires and belt in my negotiation arsenal. 🛵

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Glad I could help! Good luck with your consideration of the GTS. I hope you get a good one.

[@pmay222]

i hired one of those in 1997 on a greek island holiday... great fun...lovely little scooter cruise 50mph all day long.. really enjoyed it

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Very cool! Touring a Greek Island on a Vespa sounds like a dream. The ET4 is a fantastic machine.