Any company make the vintage small frame "P" serie

mhardgrove · Post by **mhardgrove** » Fri May 20, 2011 1:03 am

I know the "Stella" is based off the "PX" Vespa; does any company sell new the smaller framed "P" series in the states? I am going to say no considering I have been unable to find any info on the web, but if a company does let me know please.

Basically, I was considering getting my wife a Stella, but we both like the look of the "P" series better. Being a shorter woman I believe this would be a better fit for her.

If I go the vintage route and buy an old "P" series can any of you give advice on what to look for, avoid, best and worst model years, best and worst engines (if there is any difference), ballpark prices to pay, etc. I'm decent when it comes to mechanical issues, but don't want to get a year or particular type that was a dud as compared to other years.

Thanks all!!!

M

Post by **ericalm** » Fri May 20, 2011 8:49 pm

The earlier '70s and '80s P-series are actually not small frames. For the most part, they're the same as the later PX series and the Stellas.

This is an '84 P150:

Here's a '79:

Here are the differences between a P and PX:

The second version of the P series were the PX models, which were introduced in Europe in 1983. By this time, Piaggio had decided to pull out of the U.S. market entirely. However, a very small amount of PX150E's were imported to the U.S. in 1984 in a last half-hearted attempt to keep the Vespa brand alive here. The PX's included some nice practical upgrades. The cowl latching mechanism was operated from a handle under the seat, and thus could be locked with the seat lock. Furthermore, the speedometer and headset top were redesigned. A gas gauge was added to the speedometer, and all of the indicator lights were relocated to the speedometer as well. The legshield glovebox was enlarged, the center floor mat was changed, and the plastic horncasting's shape was altered. Some other changes were made to the front axle and internal motor parts which are discussed below. The seat shape was also slightly altered. In addition, the keyed ignition switch was moved to the side of the fork tube and was integrated with the fork lock.

Source: http://www.scooterlounge.com/Vespa/P/P.shtml

KRUSTYburger · Post by **KRUSTYburger** » Fri May 20, 2011 10:32 pm

As far as small frames go, maybe you are thinking of a PK or Primavera? I heard from a questionable source that LML is going to start making a smallframe clone, 50cc 4-stroke. Which I'm guess may or may not even come stateside. Then again, who knows? I guess we'll see.

Post by **ericalm** » Fri May 20, 2011 10:42 pm

KRUSTYburger wrote:As far as small frames go, maybe you are thinking of a PK or Primavera? I heard from a questionable source that LML is going to start making a smallframe clone, 50cc 4-stroke. Which I'm guess may or may not even come stateside. Then again, who knows? I guess we'll see.

Wouldn't be a huge seller (here), but if it performs comparably to the Stella 4t, I think a small niche group of smallie lovers would go crazy for this.

lmyers · Post by **lmyers** » Fri May 20, 2011 11:33 pm

I'd like to add that I'm quite short, 5'2", and I have a couple of Stellas and P200E. You really only need the left foot to hold the bike up. I keep my right foot on the brake when I'm not moving.

KRUSTYburger · Post by **KRUSTYburger** » Sat May 21, 2011 4:19 am

I wouldn't mind a 4T Primavera 125 or SS180... y'know, while their at it.

Post by **ericalm** » Sat May 21, 2011 7:28 am

KRUSTYburger wrote:I wouldn't mind a 4T Primavera 125 or SS180... y'know, while their at it.

Hell I wouldn't mind a 2T SS180. With a trapezoidal headlight! Yum.

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Sat May 21, 2011 12:53 pm

KRUSTYburger wrote:I wouldn't mind a 4T Primavera 125 or SS180... y'know, while their at it.

That woul open a portal to a very bad alternate dimension!

An SS180 just wouldn't be an SS180 without a piston ported 2T motor! I cringe when I see one with a P200 motor stuffed in!

I've just never ridden any other Vintage vespa that feels like an SS180 when you hit the sweet spot at 55-60 mph!

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Sat May 21, 2011 12:57 pm

ericalm wrote:
KRUSTYburger wrote:I wouldn't mind a 4T Primavera 125 or SS180... y'know, while their at it.
Hell I wouldn't mind a 2T SS180. With a trapezoidal headlight! Yum.

If you REALLY want a trap go for a GL and put a kitted 125-150 or P200 motor in. The original motor really was a dog. Body parts are rare for them but everything else is pretty much stock vintage vespa...except the fork...and lower steering bearing...and a couple of other things.

If you do get an SS180 (and I think you NEED one!) make sure it is complete. The GS SS series have many differences from "standard" vintage vespas. Just as an example (one of many) instead of the typical clutch brass bushing and ring, the SS180 uses 40 roller bearings, I had a hard time sourcing them for a rebuild...and lets not even talk about the carb!

I like the trap SS180s...but the round headlight only made in 68 is the rarest of them all!

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Sat May 21, 2011 1:03 pm

To the best of my knowledge the last small frames (Primavera) were made in 84.