HELP in buying first scooter.

ted · Post by **ted** » Sun Apr 11, 2010 1:49 am

The real question is simpy this... If many around here have said "I'd spend $3000. for this" or "I'd spend $4000. for that" or "if I could buy a truly updated vespa...etc..." then why, for an advertized price of $2,100.' would I, and everyone else out there not jump on this bike instead ? You'd get a real classic, dependable 'new' guts, and cheaper than all the others? (the vespa at this sight)... http://palatine.olx.com/midnight-black- ... id-8580596
This is a sincere question and no, I don't work for that guy! I'm really gonna buy my first scooter later this year and want to know what I'm not getting about this situation I don't need to get into one of those "appropriate first-scooter" discussions, I'm 40 years old and had a couple of motorcycles when I was younger. I totally want a stella 4t, but don't understand how this seemingly perfect bike can be so cheep and everyone not want it. It makes me want to ask "what's WRONG with this scoot?? please help!!

Post by **ericalm** » Sun Apr 11, 2010 3:00 am

It certainly looks great, doesn't it?

But—and I am not an expert in this—it has many of the hallmarks of an Asian/Vietnamese restoration.

http://scoot.net/faq/Asian_Restorations
http://www.rovers-usa.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1938

In these instances, what happens is this: The scoot looks beautiful, but the innards are a mess. Incorrect parts. Bondo covered in paint and chrome. Really poor workmanship on the mechanicals. It breaks down, a mechanic looks inside and says, "Oh, no…" Then it eventually winds up as a display in a storefront because it looks great but can't be ridden.

On top of that, they often don't have the proper paperwork, mismatched VIN numbers and no titles or correct bill of sale needed for registration.

Take a look at the photos. Does that look like Illinois? To me, it looks like the exact same place where a lot of these scoots are photographed.

Someone over on the vintage forum on ModernVespa could probably look at these pics and tell you.

If this were the "real deal," the price would be a steal. This scoot should be worth $3K or more.

If you're sincere about buying this, definitely research it and have some people with more vintage expertise look at the listing. Ask the seller where the restoration was done, about the paperwork (if it's currently or ever has been registered in state) and about any previous owners.

But my advice: Stay away.

easy · Post by **easy** » Sun Apr 11, 2010 3:01 am

no warrenty other than that have the receipts and pics of the rebuild. stella speed is a good site for older vespa

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Sun Apr 11, 2010 3:49 am

When a deal looks too good to be true, it almost always is.

bigbropgo · Post by **bigbropgo** » Sun Apr 11, 2010 4:07 am

ericalm wrote:It certainly looks great, doesn't it?

But—and I am not an expert in this—it has many of the hallmarks of an Asian/Vietnamese restoration.

http://scoot.net/faq/Asian_Restorations
http://www.rovers-usa.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1938

In these instances, what happens is this: The scoot looks beautiful, but the innards are a mess. Incorrect parts. Bondo covered in paint and chrome. Really poor workmanship on the mechanicals. It breaks down, a mechanic looks inside and says, "Oh, no…" Then it eventually winds up as a display in a storefront because it looks great but can't be ridden.

On top of that, they often don't have the proper paperwork, mismatched VIN numbers and no titles or correct bill of sale needed for registration.

Take a look at the photos. Does that look like Illinois? To me, it looks like the exact same place where a lot of these scoots are photographed.

Someone over on the vintage forum on ModernVespa could probably look at these pics and tell you.

If this were the "real deal," the price would be a steal. This scoot should be worth $3K or more.

If you're sincere about buying this, definitely research it and have some people with more vintage expertise look at the listing. Ask the seller where the restoration was done, about the paperwork (if it's currently or ever has been registered in state) and about any previous owners.

But my advice: Stay away.

I have looked through the article at scoot.net. tons of great info and clues to a good or bad fit and finish. If you took a vintage to a shop and had the paint done as described in the ad, it would probably cost close to the asking price. If not throw the accessories in and you would have it.

This could totally be legit and a great find. If so, I would be very jealous. Just check it out thoroughly. Best of luck. And welcome to MB.

ted · Post by **ted** » Sun Apr 11, 2010 7:59 am

Thank you, thank you, thank you!
95% of what I know comes ONLY from 'lurking' around for the past month on these sights..pretty bad, huh? but I am committed to diving-in later this year and buying a first scoot. I very much appreciate people like you saving me when necessary. I look forward to showing all of you SOMETHING by the end of the year..
Thanks, Ted

easy · Post by **easy** » Sun Apr 11, 2010 2:29 pm

my opion is that vintage is not a good 1st scoot. If you want a metal shifty get a used Stella or Chetak. If your mechanically inclined thats different or have a friend that knows vintage and can walk you thru buying and maintianing it.

KABarash · Post by **KABarash** » Sun Apr 11, 2010 3:17 pm

I'm by far not any kind of an expert, but in aggreement with Eric, look closely at those pictures they were not taken in Illonois! There's palms and etc growing and Aisan lettering on the buildings in the background....
Your choice, though, I would aggree Stella is one heck of a GREAT scoot, (I want one too) A Buddy seems like the better bet for a 'first scoot' I'm L_O_V_I_N_G mine, it's my second scoot though.

Post by **ericalm** » Sun Apr 11, 2010 4:37 pm

Picking your first scooter really depends on what you want to get out of it, what you need it to do, and what suits you best. Some people want an older bike they can learn to work on, fix up, and ride recreationally. For them, an older vintage scoot may be a good choice.

If you want a reliable and affordable daily rider, with good performance and classic style, you can't go wrong with a Buddy.

If you need to do a lot of freeway riding, you'll need something bigger like the Genuine Blur SS220i.

If you want vintage style and something with a manual transmission, there's the Stella.

Of course, other companies make scooters, too, but these are just examples of different models to suit different needs.

dawg onit · Post by **dawg onit** » Sun Apr 11, 2010 10:41 pm

yeah i just sold my first scoot, had it for about a year. it was perfect in every way for being my first. learned alot but its time to save up for the blur.

jmkjr72 · Post by **jmkjr72** » Sun Apr 11, 2010 11:14 pm

i would pass it by
a few things dont sit right
the phone number isnt legit
the area code for the phone number is a ca number yet the scooter is in il

and a legit restorer isnt going to put a brand new speedo in unless the old one was broken then it would be more correct to track down a working speedo and set it at the proper milage