Should you buy a 20 year old Vespa PX125? Review and test ride.

[@RadioBass]

Well funilly enough, after watching your reviews for a few weeks, I have just bought a 20 year old 125 myself lol Regarding the gear change, it's all I've ever known unless I've ridden an auto. If I was to go out on any motorbike I would be struggling with the idea of my foot changing gear and not being able to see what gear I'm in. I love scooters and was close to buying auto when My friends Vespa (LML) came up at the right money and I couldn't say no. The 2 stroke smell, especially in Strawberry flavour should be an old mods aftershave. All those quirks you mention will disappear after an hours riding, and just watch the faces of car drivers when you blow dust at the traffic lights. It's all part of the fun of been a scooterist.

[@rickyfoofighter4926]

Great video. I've owned two lambrettas and about 9 Vespa's and I have to say you handled the gears really really well for your first ever go. Well done bud 👍

[@GillyBikes]

Cheers. I thought I was going to get some grief for it. 👍

[@rickyfoofighter4926]

@@GillyBikes no mate. You done extremely well. A very enjoyable video bud. 👌

[@GillyBikes]

@rickyfoofighter4926 thank you I really appreciate that. 😁

[@andybarry3435]

Beautiful, takes me back to the 80s when I had my PX5 I've got a series 1 Lambretta now. 1959 framebreather.

[@GillyBikes]

Wow. Now that really is a classic. Do you get out on that much?

[@andybarry3435]

​@@GillyBikesYou could ride on your car licence yesteryear I'm having to do my CBT and theory before taking it out legally.

[@GillyBikes]

The bike rules in the uk are messed up. CBT for a 125 like this but a 400 piaggio mp3 scooter can be ridden on a full car licence without a CBT if you passed your test before January 2013. 🤯

[@billymoffat4744]

mate you did great for your first time on a geared Scooter, having owned many Lambrettas over the years, its like us getting on a Motorcycle for the first time a whole new experience, try having a go on the Lammy weight distribution much better we'll make a Scooterist out you before long lol

[@GillyBikes]

I’m already hooked on them. If I had the money and room I would definitely have one. 👍

[@bigyin.7710]

Hi, thanks to your video, I went and bought the scooter. Regards, Paul. 😊

[@GillyBikes]

You are very welcome. Congrats on the new bike.

[@markhinde6187]

Very interesting post mate, great to see a good variation in your posts, appreciated

[@harley7880]

Enjoyed watching the video,good to see something different😁the wife still has the sym symba you tested years ago,been a great bike 👍

[@GillyBikes]

I loved that Symba, much easier to ride than this. 😂.

[@harley7880]

I bet it was 😂😂

[@bruceduff1]

Mate, felt your pain on that ride. Geared scooters look awesome but you are so right the autos allow you to ride and concentrate what is going on in front of you and plan your next move. With the geared ones its very much what gear am I in, how long is it before I need to brake etc. Great video and looking forward to more.

[@GillyBikes]

Thanks. Loads more coming. 😁

[@Martin-bu8sh]

Thank for reply love your videos 😊 waiting for another hip now have sym sympathy 125 step through great scooters 😊

[@GillyBikes]

Your welcome. 😁

[@Martin-bu8sh]

I've had countless bikes I'm 68 now of all bikes and scooters 2 strokes were absolutely the best with sound and smell, as regards old or new definitely old martin

[@GillyBikes]

You just can’t beat that smell. 😎

[@TheFatherpaul1]

I once owned a Vespa px200. With the gear changer on the left it put a strain onto the cable. On a long journey the clutch cable snapped. Fortunately I only had to negotiate one set of traffic lights praying that they would be green when I went through! I enjoyed the two stroke experience. You get used to The engine weight on the right side of the scooter and there was a separate tank for the two stroke oil. There is little challenge to riding a modern Vespa.

[@GillyBikes]

Very true. I enjoyed the challenge of riding this one.

[@pomscott2898]

Not new, not old, but traditional proper Vespa. Digital readout is aftermarket. Sit slightly to the left to offset the balance. Forget about the front brake and treat it like a push bike. I've had modern auto 4 stroke Vespas, manual 2 stroke and traditional motorbikes. Just about to purchase another PX as it's the only one that keeps me grinning. That said, one in the vid isn't a standard PX and may be a T5. Has all the extra bits seen on the T5 classic.

[@GillyBikes]

@pomscott2898 thanks for sharing that. I don’t have lots of experience with the older bikes. But always willing to learn. 😁👍

[@clangerbasher]

I would have to deal with the cosmetics on that one.

[@PeterHolland-mu7yn]

Get it mate I bought mine in 2011 brand new last one in the shop in the crate, £2590 best money I’ve ever spent on two wheels, been riding since I was 16 and had Vespas and lambrettas in the days when you could be given them or buy them of your mates dad for a fiver so for me it was going back to my youth, still have it only prob I had with mine was 3 speedo cables until the worm gear was swopped out de restricted and sip road 2 can upjetted hotter plug front and rear carrier screen and small and large sip classic semirigid bags I ended up riding it more than my Ducatis and Buell, it’s the only vehicle we took with us when we retired to France sat in my garage right now after doing the shopping on it this morning have been offered more than £3500 for it, as all original except for the said speedo cables and consumables, buy it bud you will never want to let it go. 🤣 you know they are dipped in cool before leaving the factory don’t you 🤣🤣🤣🤣 ….. Pete 🇫🇷

[@GillyBikes]

I love that Pete. You are living my dream there. I go to France a couple of times every year. I’ve always planned to retire over there 😍

[@PeterHolland-mu7yn]

@@GillyBikes you mentioned that once before on one of my comments, you were on a tour here I think with a couple of mates, nothings perfect mate but living here is a dam sight better than the poor old uk at the moment, and I’ve got the whole of Europe on my doorstep, bizarrely though we have spent most of the last 4 years exploring and enjoying everything in out immediate vicinity 😳😳😳😳 although did 3 weeks on the Côte d’Azur in may and 3 weeks on Quiberon in the Bretagne coast in our camper van not unfortunately on our bike, if you go for it and you love France you will love it …. Pete 🇫🇷

[@nickmonkey284]

Nice video Really good to see you riding a proper old Vespa They were making the PX in the 1970s so that is definitely a proper old Vespa! Very few changes to it since then, electric start and front disc brake mainly Disregard the dodgy clock as that’s an aftermarket part Surprised the front disc brake was worse than the rear drum, possibly needs adjustment? Lots of aftermarket parts on it. Really good price But where was the top speed test?!

[@GillyBikes]

I did a few quick starts and butchered the gear changes every time. I was ok going through the gears at a normal pace. Just not quickly. I need more practice 😂

[@williamlee9102]

The back brake is the best brake,all the weight is on the back end, nice scooter good price 👍,

[@GillyBikes]

It was so much better than the front.

[@GPSKULING]

I own a px 125 , the passenger footpegs are for attaching the crash bars :)

[@PaulPX]

Vespas are addictive. I've had Vespas for 25 years. I've seen so many guys around who get them cause they look cool and always wanted one and then they come to me and are like "The gears don't work "or "why won't it start ". If you buy a classic Vespa you need to learn how to fix it. Cables snap,electrics give up ,spark plugs foul etc . People forget its 60s /70s technology. Great video and nice scoot.

[@SAM-zt2uy]

Just but a 2001 PX a few weeks back and it’s already in bits 😁

[@GillyBikes]

That’s the joys of owning one of these.

[@Almond001]

Engine on the right wont be ballanced by a spare. You simply alter your riding stance slightly, Over the last 30 odd years ive had a few veps, best one for the learner was the T 5.

[@user-uy3bj9ue5c]

When they're moving they run dead straight and are perfectly balanced usually, better than the autos with the engine centrally mounted. When you stop you feel the scoot fall to the left. No idea why or how.

[@gjohnint]

A proper scoot where you could change a wheel should you get a puncture. This allows very long distance rides. Modern scoots are almost impossible to resolve a puncture while travelling. Older Lmabrettas and Vespas were far more practical and from experience just as reliable in their day

[@GillyBikes]

I’m just addicted to the two stroke smell and sound. 😂. I wish I had the room for one. It would be a great bike to have.

[@taffy2wheels577]

Wow 20year old. No rust. Outstanding.. Sun's out ... Not Standard shag .

[@GillyBikes]

😂😂 more rust on your Harley shag 😎

[@taffy2wheels577]

@@GillyBikes no lad .

[@GillyBikes]

🤔

[@richardsercombe8070]

Most of the 2 stroke, geared scooters are regarded as classic.

[@GillyBikes]

Probably all of them now sadly. I think there is only Langen now making two strokes. They are amazing, but out of the price range for most people

[@paulrobinson7881]

love mine, classic scooter digital speedo is a aftermarket item

[@GillyBikes]

I did wonder. I suppose that’s the good thing about these older bikes. So many aftermarket parts. 👍

[@paulrobinson7881]

@@GillyBikes yes loads of parts which is a great thing to keep them on our roads merry xmas pal

[@GillyBikes]

@paulrobinson7881 all the best to you and the family. 🎅

[@fatange]

I love an old Vespa me. Definitely a mod in my youth. 🫶

[@GillyBikes]

I’m surprised you can remember that far back 😂😂. Just joking of course. I think these are great. I had loads of fun learning to ride this one.

[@andrewforrester4579]

I've got a 2014 Px 125 had it from New I struggled with changing gear with my foot on the cbt I thought you handled the gear change well for your first go

[@GillyBikes]

Thanks. I felt ok when riding normally. I couldn’t ride it quickly though. Struggled with the quick shifting. Still loads of fun.

[@alancolmer3223]

Lethal in the SNOW !

[@GillyBikes]

I think most bikes are. I would avoid 2 wheels in the snow.

[@jeremytabb1837]

Had a go on one many years ago , was very different to ride as you say , but i still couldn't wait to get my xl125 back , the vespa owner said the same thing about my bike , he was also glad to get back onto something he classed as normal 🤣 On another note , if it's still registered as a 125 but its 175cc wouldn't that cause issues with insurance validity / "The Bizzies" ?

[@GillyBikes]

I don’t know what it’s registered as. I was just told it had a 175 kit.

[@maskedavenger2578]

The first time I had a go of a two stroke geared Vespa , it was around 1970 . It was a right crock of sh💩t & handled like a pig on roller skates . I ended up in hospital after crashing into a park wall topped with iron railings. They haven’t changed all that much bar for the disk brake ,indicators & 2 stroke auto lube .over the years. That one is what I call a new old school Vespa geared scoot any built after the late 1970’s . There is loads of genuine & other aftermarket parts , An Indian company made a similar copy called the LML . I believe you can even get new metal bodies for them ,if they have rotted out . These are really for the mods & scooter boys who are into the mod & classic scooter & Northern Soul , Motown , Two tone & SkA beat music scene & scooter rally’s . They need plenty of regular fettling to keep them running sweet & reliable . Them old 2 stroke Vespa paraffin pisser’s tend to hold their value & in demand by old mods out to relive their youth & get their two stroke fix .

[@GillyBikes]

I enjoyed the experience of riding it especially the 2stroke smell, but your right. There is a certain person that would buy one. They certainly aren’t for everyone.

[@maskedavenger2578]

@@GillyBikes My Brother a life long sworn biker , has even got a an old clastic 200 cc geared two stroke Vespa it must be over 40 years old in nice nick . He likes the hand gears as his left leg & foot was injured by a hit & run driver about 50 years ago , & finds it difficult to use a foot gear shift . He also likes to tinker with old school stuff . If I changed my bikes for a classic styled scooter like. Vespa or Lambretta type , I would prefer the modern twist & rip CVT 4 stroke versions

[@KevinRodgersGB]

You can fit a 177 kit for around £200. Gives you a bit more poke. That seat is terrible as are the California bars. They'd both go right away... oh and the sissy bar!

[@markhinde6187]

No speed test then..... LOL, you did ok mate it does become second nature, just relax and don't overthink

[@GillyBikes]

The more time I had the better I felt on it. Still, over 20 years riding one way so it was weird.

[@nickmorgan9345]

I noticed the digital speedo isn't working so true mileage could be way off?

[@GillyBikes]

🤔 that’s a good point. Hopefully that’s a recent fault. I suppose previous MOT’s should be able to help?

[@RadioBass]

The speedo is an aftermarket SIP one. You should enter the correct milage when you take the old one out. A lot of scooters now how aftermarket GPS speedos that can be bought for less than £20, maybe the last owners cable snapped (as they usually do) and he just bought the aftermarket one to save hassle? Nothing sinister

[@nickmorgan9345]

@RadioBass Buying a scooter with incorrect mileage can matter less to some people more than others obviously?

[@AlexRye-sv6no]

Id take one of these over any Chinese junk

[@KevinMorris-m4s]

Aftermarket S.I.P speedometer not original

[@GillyBikes]

Thanks for the info. 👍

[@richardsercombe8070]

SIP speedo. Very posh

[@GillyBikes]

😂