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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Guzzi Gal on March 20, 2018, 12:54:29 PM

Title: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Guzzi Gal on March 20, 2018, 12:54:29 PM
We have a new Italian in our stable!  My husband saw a '17 Titanium (matte grey) Vespa GTS 300 Super when we were visiting Santa Barbara recently and fell in love.  A few days surfing CL came up with a 2012 that was "spoken for" but he was allowed a test ride last Saturday.  The seller called him yesterday and said the deal fell through and was he still interested?  Of course he was, but he played it cool and requested a price break to bring it in line with others being offered on CL.  He got what he wanted and several extras to boot! :thumb:


(http://thumb.ibb.co/i0EwSx/fullsizeoutput_1b59.jpg) (http://ibb.co/i0EwSx)


He's been eyeing every Griso we've come across so I might get him riding a Guzzi too. :wink:
Title: Re: The Hubs Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Lannis on March 20, 2018, 12:59:02 PM
Isn't he coming off of a Honda Metropolitan?

He'd best be careful - the blazing, asphalt-rippling horsepower and torque of the Vespa compared to the Honda will have him doing unintended wheelies and burnouts unless he's careful with that right hand ... !!

Lannis
Title: Re: The Hubs Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: guzzisteve on March 20, 2018, 01:02:56 PM
He can keep up w/your V7 now.
Title: Re: The Hubs Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Groover on March 20, 2018, 01:04:26 PM
Great choice, and great move. There is nothing like riding a good Vespa, and that is a good one.
Title: Re: The Hubs Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Guzzi Gal on March 20, 2018, 01:36:13 PM
He can keep up w/your V7 now.

HA!  He rides a Honda CTX 700 when I'm on Anni, we ride the Metros to breakfast, and the Vespa will be for longer scooter meet-up rides.  I have my eye on a '13 Bronze GTS 300 Super with a top case so we won't have to two-up it.  I just finished another garage rearrange to allow for the additional rides. 
Title: Re: The Hubs Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Mean Mr. Mustard on March 20, 2018, 01:51:53 PM
Nice looking scoot.
Congrats to the Hubs!
Title: Re: The Hubs Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Socalrob on March 20, 2018, 02:01:21 PM
And I thought this thread had to do with wheel hubs. :thumb:

Looks like a great new ride.
Title: Re: The Hubs Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Huzo on March 20, 2018, 02:28:10 PM
Get rid of those damn kids, and you can fit the bedrooms out as bike storage... :thumb:
Also you won't gave to take them to school  :boxing: before you go riding...
What would Roper say..?
"Simples...!".. :bike-037:
Title: Re: The Hubs Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Guzzi Gal on March 20, 2018, 02:34:03 PM
Get rid of those damn kids, and you can fit the bedrooms out as bike storage... :thumb:
Also you won't gave to take them to school  :boxing: before you go riding...
What would Roper say..?
"Simples...!".. :bike-037:

 :1: :1: :1: 
I was thinking a scooter would look nice in Sofia's room... :rolleyes:
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Unkept on March 20, 2018, 02:40:39 PM
What great timing. I've been recently thinking about getting a Vespa myself, this model in fact.

Since I work and am planning a move into the city I think a scooter makes more sense than a motorcycle at this point. More stop and go which isn't so nice to a bigger bike, potentially free parking options for a scooter (looking into this), less fuel costs, etc.

I still think a Breva 750 would be nice, but the Vespa 300 GTS has a style all it's own, and would probably be a great no fuss proposition.

Congrats on the addition!
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: stmike on March 20, 2018, 03:16:56 PM
One of my riding buddies, who is very quick, has a 300 Vespa alongside his Tuono Factory, and he sometimes takes it on our canyon rides.  When we're on our way down(hill) he often stuns sport bike riders as he's passing them.  Another case of "it's not the bike, it's the rider".
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Mr Pootle on March 20, 2018, 03:29:53 PM
There’ll be war in the family before long. You’re a rocker. He’s gone mod. Your riding gear will clash, with you in leather and him in a parka, you’ll listen to different music, and when you go the the coast you’ll start brawling.
Title: Re: The Hubs Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Huzo on March 20, 2018, 03:32:45 PM
:1: :1: :1: 
I was thinking a scooter would look nice in Sofia's room... :rolleyes:
Get one in pink with 1660's style flowers graphics, and it's a slam dunk !!
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Groover on March 20, 2018, 03:34:13 PM
In Ohio, you can park on sidewalks pretty much anywhere (not government sites, and also as long as not obstructing passageways) as long as it is no larger than 150cc

Ohio Revised Code 4511.68 Parking - prohibited acts.  Passed as part of  Ohio Senate Bill 194 in 2014.

http://archives.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=130_SB_194

Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Huzo on March 20, 2018, 03:34:33 PM
There�ll be war in the family before long. You�re a rocker. He�s gone mod. Your riding gear will clash, with you in leather and him in a parka, you�ll listen to different music, and when you go the the coast you�ll start brawling.
PERFECT !!!
A bit of cabaret..
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Tom H on March 20, 2018, 03:37:07 PM
There�ll be war in the family before long. You�re a rocker. He�s gone mod. Your riding gear will clash, with you in leather and him in a parka, you�ll listen to different music, and when you go the the coast you�ll start brawling.

 :1:  :boxing:  :evil:

Tom
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: wheaties on March 20, 2018, 03:55:38 PM
Quote
He's been eyeing every Griso we've come across so I might get him riding a Guzzi too. :wink:

I can see the license plate frames now: 

 On the Vespa:  "My other ride is a Griso"

 On the Griso:   "My other ride is a Vespa"
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: twowings on March 20, 2018, 04:36:54 PM
It's Italian...it's all good!  :thumb:
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on March 20, 2018, 06:46:14 PM
There�ll be war in the family before long. You�re a rocker. He�s gone mod. Your riding gear will clash, with you in leather and him in a parka, you�ll listen to different music, and when you go the the coast you�ll start brawling.

Uhh, you may be right. I've seen the clashes in the LA area between the mods and rockers.  :smiley:
Guzzi Gal.. maybe a compromise? You could wear a poodle skirt while riding? <shrug> I dunno..
 :grin:
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: jas67 on March 20, 2018, 06:55:40 PM
Guzzi Gal, you're well on your way to a good case of "Multiple Motorcycle (and motor scooter) Syndrome).

Congrats.   I've got a GTS250ie (direct predecessor to the GTS300ie).   It's a whole lot of fun, and a great errand runner.
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: mjptexas on March 20, 2018, 06:59:48 PM
My daily errand runner is a GTS300 Super.  Occasionally I let it play in the country:


(http://thumb.ibb.co/cDAqnx/A63_DE6_BA_4_F23_4_E30_85_C5_DA35_C12_DC087.jpg) (http://ibb.co/cDAqnx)

free url hosting (http://imgbb.com/)
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: wrbix on March 20, 2018, 07:59:53 PM
My Aprilia Scarabeo rocks (and has 16� wheels  :thumb:) - Italian scooter power.

(http://thumb.ibb.co/mGxbcx/EE121_EC7_9_EFB_4_CCC_8_F64_C5_FCF0993_B1_E.jpg) (http://ibb.co/mGxbcx)
'
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Guzzi Gal on March 20, 2018, 08:19:08 PM
There�ll be war in the family before long. You�re a rocker. He�s gone mod. Your riding gear will clash, with you in leather and him in a parka, you�ll listen to different music, and when you go the coast you�ll start brawling.

I'm sooooo a Mod-Rocker!  I remember wanting a Vespa or Lambretta with mirrors protruding in every direction and loving the leather biker jackets.  My husband is one of those straight-faced types that doesn't say much and his favorite bands were the Scorpions, and AC/DC so I think he's the Rocker.

Get one in pink with 1960's style flowers graphics, and it's a slam dunk !!

Hippy-scooter! :1:

What great timing. I've been recently thinking about getting a Vespa myself, this model in fact.

I still think a Breva 750 would be nice, but the Vespa 300 GTS has a style all it's own, and would probably be a great no fuss proposition.

Congrats on the addition!

Life is short.  Do it! :thumb:

I can see the license plate frames now: 

 On the Vespa:  "My other ride is a Griso"

 On the Griso:   "My other ride is a Vespa"

Excellent idea!
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: twowings on March 20, 2018, 08:27:29 PM
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7b/Chelsea-Bridge-Rockers.jpg)

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/57/Old_Mods_photo.jpg/330px-Old_Mods_photo.jpg)

(https://pixel.nymag.com/imgs/daily/vulture/2018/02/09/20-Ringo-Starr.w190.h190.2x.jpg)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-XxZtyM6Qk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-XxZtyM6Qk)
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Gliderjohn on March 20, 2018, 08:31:09 PM
Nice looking scoot. :thumb:
GliderJohn
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: ITSec on March 20, 2018, 08:51:21 PM
Just put on Quadrophenia - really loud!
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Huzo on March 20, 2018, 09:10:47 PM

You could wear a poodle skirt while riding? <shrug> I dunno..
 :grin:
I bloody well do...!
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Sasquatch Jim on March 20, 2018, 09:15:57 PM
 So I guess he's now a Vesparado.
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: rodekyll on March 20, 2018, 09:37:08 PM
Uhh, you may be right. I've seen the clashes in the LA area between the mods and rockers.  :smiley:
Guzzi Gal.. maybe a compromise? You could wear a poodle skirt while riding? <shrug> I dunno..
 :grin:

He'd have to wear the poodle skirt on account of that's why a Vespa is a step-through.
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: JukeboxGothic on March 20, 2018, 10:13:34 PM
(https://s26.postimg.org/wwpv2f1ah/IMG_0005.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
On my Vespa Gl 150 in about 1985. Bought for $50.00. I wish I still had the hair (but not the girlfriend, she was trouble). Been riding scooters for 37 years and still own a Vespa PX200E. They are very addictive.
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: scura283 on March 21, 2018, 09:25:50 AM
About a year or so ago I was looking for a Vespa, and one popped up on Craigslist for about $1000 dollars below local market value.
The guy selling it had some medical problems and needed to sell it. Had about 400 miles on it and was like new.
2014 300 GTS Super in matt black, goes well with the Scura.
(http://thumb.ibb.co/fri9hx/IMG_0561.jpg) (http://ibb.co/fri9hx)
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: JJ on March 21, 2018, 10:30:52 AM
Have driven many scooters, but never owned one.  Several of my motorcycle buddies have threatened to make me an "outcast" if I ever bought one!!!  Might just have to get one someday!! :laugh: :grin: :wink:
I especially like the vingage Vespa's! :shocked: :huh: :rolleyes:


(http://thumb.ibb.co/kecBec/Screen_Shot_2018_03_21_at_8_26_13_AM.png) (http://ibb.co/kecBec)
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: rider33 on March 21, 2018, 11:49:21 AM
I have a Vespa GT (the origional large frame modern Vespa).  Typically I keep a bike for 2-3 years but that one I've had for about 10 now and have no intention of parting with it. It is the 200cc/carb'd version of what you just picked up.  You really wouldn't think it's that engaging, I mean it tops out at something like 75MPH, has itty bitty wheels and you know, it's a scooter.  But in the city it rules: park it anywhere, get away with things that would get a larger bike impounded, it even has a little hook to carry that grocery bag home.  It's not fast by motorcycle standards but 0-50 it out accelerates most cars, 50-70 something, not so much. I like having a proper roadster for carving back country roads, the duty now assigned to the V7/50, but for bopping around in the city, nothing beats a Vespa for grins-per-gallon. And, while my Bonneville and the Vespa had all sorts of language issues, the Guzzi and the Vespa seem to have become fast friends in no time.  People who don't like scooters generally have not spent any time on one or at least a good one.  A large frame Vespa (in any of its flavors) is a really good scooter, 'enjoy.
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: ramarren on March 21, 2018, 12:01:10 PM
We have a new Italian in our stable!  My husband saw a '17 Titanium (matte grey) Vespa GTS 300 Super when we were visiting Santa Barbara recently and fell in love.  A few days surfing CL came up with a 2012 that was "spoken for" but he was allowed a test ride last Saturday.  The seller called him yesterday and said the deal fell through and was he still interested?  Of course he was, but he played it cool and requested a price break to bring it in line with others being offered on CL.  He got what he wanted and several extras to boot! ...

A nice looking scoot!

I've always wanted a Vespa (and even more, a Lambretta or a Moto Guzzi Galletto!) but all the motorcycles and bicycles have always gotten in the way of acquiring one. There's simply not enough room or time to enjoy them all!

Just acquired another bicycle myself ... well, it's on the way here now. A brand new 2017 Specialized Fatboy Carbon Comp just like this one:


(http://thumb.ibb.co/hPkWvH/40047556215_c6f83f3751_o.png) (http://ibb.co/hPkWvH)


About 26-29 lbs ... Can't wait for it to arrive!
Life is always better on two wheels... : :laugh:
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: JeffOlson on March 21, 2018, 12:09:14 PM
My wife and I love our Vespas! She has a red one (a Sprint 150 with ABS and TC), and I have a blue one (a GTS Super 300 with ABS and TC). We love riding them together on country roads. Riding a Vespa always puts a smile on my face!

I also have a Norge. I ride the Norge when commuting 300 miles at 80 MPH in heavy traffic, with cyclonic wind blasts, or when my wife and I are riding two-up somewhere fun. I ride the Vespa when my wife and I are out for a happy jaunt and she is riding her scooter. (She much prefers her Vespa to the Triumph Bonneville motorcycle she had previously.)

When we lived in farm country a year or two ago, and my 20-mile commute could take 90 minutes each way because of the stand-still and stop-and-go Los Angeles, er, Portland, traffic, I often rode my Vespa. It is much easier to ride in that kind of traffic than my Norge.
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Toecutter on March 21, 2018, 02:45:55 PM
One of my fondest memories is blasting around Greece on Vespas... roughly 20 years ago. There's something seriously fun about those things. The sheer ease of riding them, the get-on-and-go, the lack of "seriousness" in them. They're honest to goodness fun machines, and so well built. If I lived in a bigger urban centre, with an accommodating climate... I'd own one in a heartbeat.
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: ohiorider on March 21, 2018, 06:27:08 PM
All this conversation about Vespa scooters has me recalling riding to high school on the back of my good friend's Allstate.  I believe it was built by Piaggio, and was simply a re-badged Vespa.  It was a present from his brother-in-law, who was a Master Sergeant who ran a motor pool, and used the scooter to get around base.  Same brother in law who replaced a Pontiac straight-eight with a then-new Pontiac V8 in the family car, a 1954 Catalina two door hardtop.

All I remember is:

- foot brake for rear wheel located inside the fairing/floorboard.
- the very practical clutch/gearshift combination ... pull in clutch, twist handgrip for next gear.

We pulled the stock muffler and had Midas Muffler weld up a pipe that probably took away performance, but it gave us noise creds, at 15 and 16 years old.

My good buddy who owned the Allstate previously owned a Motobecane and later a Mustang scooter with wire wheels and a sprung swingarm, and wire wheels.

Sorry for the rant ....... just the thought of the Vespa got me to thinking about my times on two wheels almost 60 years ago, before the BSA Spitfire Scrambler showed up in my garage.

Bob
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: JJ on March 22, 2018, 07:38:21 AM
Real men ride VESPA's...or maybe not... :laugh: :grin: :laugh: :grin: :wink:


(http://thumb.ibb.co/ifkisx/Screen_Shot_2018_03_22_at_5_35_50_AM.png) (http://ibb.co/ifkisx)
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Groover on March 22, 2018, 07:38:58 AM
Yes, the Allstate scooters were rebadged Vespas, sold by Sears. Story has it that it needed to be the way for sales to happen in the US. Most Allstates were Red large frame 125cc with white rims, then there were that white smallframe models in 1966 nicknamed "bluebadge" 125cc that are now pretty highly sough after.
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: JJ on March 22, 2018, 07:43:45 AM
Yes, the Allstate scooters were rebadged Vespas, sold by Sears. Story has it that it needed to be the way for sales to happen in the US. Most Allstates were Red large frame 125cc with white rims, then there were that white smallframe models in 1966 nicknamed "bluebadge" 125cc that are now pretty highly sough after.

Remember these?!?  :thumb: :1: :cool:


(http://thumb.ibb.co/etjwec/Screen_Shot_2018_03_22_at_5_42_51_AM.png) (http://ibb.co/etjwec)
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Guzzi Gal on March 22, 2018, 08:13:06 AM
I've always wanted a Vespa (and even more, a Lambretta or a Moto Guzzi Galletto!) but all the motorcycles and bicycles have always gotten in the way of acquiring one. There's simply not enough room or time to enjoy them all!

Life is always better on two wheels... : :laugh:


On Friday we're off to look at another pour moi.


(http://thumb.ibb.co/idqTcx/00_Y0_Y_4_Rc_V4a_Inf_MJ_1200x900.jpg) (http://ibb.co/idqTcx)


This little '68 Spint tiddler might come home too if she stays for sale much longer.


(http://thumb.ibb.co/npCwVH/00101_3_B1r8q69_VOz_1200x900.jpg) (http://ibb.co/npCwVH)
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Lannis on March 22, 2018, 08:49:11 AM
Remember these?!?  :thumb: :1: :cool:


(http://thumb.ibb.co/etjwec/Screen_Shot_2018_03_22_at_5_42_51_AM.png) (http://ibb.co/etjwec)


Yep, much young lust associated with those, them were Puchs with an Allstate or Sears badge.

Nice riding gear too!

Lannis
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Stelvio Scott on March 22, 2018, 10:19:07 AM
Bought my first scooter, a 2007 Piaggio X9 Evoluzione, last year.  Absolutely adore her.  She is a blast to run around on and at 500cc, she flies down the interstate too.

There is something to be said about the intoxicating influence of an Italian Motor Scooter.  They are delightful indeed!


(http://thumb.ibb.co/hrprfH/IMG_1180.jpg) (http://ibb.co/hrprfH)
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Mr Pootle on March 22, 2018, 12:03:11 PM
Real men ride VESPA's...or maybe not... :laugh: :grin: :laugh: :grin: :wink:


(http://thumb.ibb.co/ifkisx/Screen_Shot_2018_03_22_at_5_35_50_AM.png) (http://ibb.co/ifkisx)

Where did you find that picture? It’s the very model I had, and I’ve been looking for a photo for ages.
And no, I’m not getting into the accompanying narrative.
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Groover on March 22, 2018, 12:13:29 PM

This little '68 Spint tiddler might come home too if she stays for sale much longer.


(http://thumb.ibb.co/npCwVH/00101_3_B1r8q69_VOz_1200x900.jpg) (http://ibb.co/npCwVH)


Do a little homework on that one to be sure you know its history. It has "Vietnam" written all over it. Some/most of those are a messy patchwork under that pretty paint, and the engine internals are also a mess. You may need to head over to Modernvespa.com in the Not-So-Modern section to get a little info on those/that one. There are a lot of them around. You'll have a really hard time reselling it if that is the case.
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Guzzi Gal on March 22, 2018, 02:23:06 PM
Do a little homework on that one to be sure you know its history.

This is the accompanying text from the add:

1968 Vespa Sprint, 150 cc, manual on the grip, 2 stroke. Rebuilt approximately 5 years ago with new paint, hoses, cables, and rubber.781 km on speedo. Speedo went inop approximately 1 year ago, so perhaps 1000 km since rebuild. My daughter and I use it to go to Grammy's house 8 blocks away or to the Ice Cream store about a 1/2 mile away.
Only one other blemish on scooter is bubble in paint near gas filler.
New Continental wide whitewall tires mounted on 1 piece tubeless red rims. Buddy seat, storage on left and glove box in front. All brightwork in excellent condition. Lights all operational.
Extra parts - original 2 piece color matched rims with tubes and tires, Vespa spare tire cover, foot brake rubber and kickstand rubber ends, cable, custom footwell cover. Scooter cover included.
Scooter will cold start on 5th or 6th kick every time, and restart on first kick when warm.


If they have the rebuild service records it might be okay, but that last line makes me think twice.
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: JukeboxGothic on March 22, 2018, 10:02:51 PM
The twin seats is usually a pretty good sign its a nammer. Most export Sprints had a bench seat. When they started sending these over from Nam a mechanic friend got his hands on one and stripped the paint off it. Turned out it was two scooter halves welded together BADLY. It had to be trashed. There is also a very good chance its not a Vespa but an Indian Bajaj made under licence. This website has lists of engine and frame numbers you can check( https://www.scooterhelp.com/serial/ves.serial.numbers.html ) but really old Vespas are a minefield. Lambrettas not much better.  I wouldn't touch it.  Sorry

Have a look at this too  https://youtu.be/aMqhycFZ0xc       https://youtu.be/7Mq454bI8Ng
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: jdgretz on March 23, 2018, 12:34:21 AM
I too, enjoy scooters.  We have a Honda Helix (250cc) and the wife has a Piaggion BV350 for freeway and when we want to ride, but she wants to be on her own bike.  The Helix is a blast around town but those 10/12" tires are not confidence inspiring on the freeway.  The BV is freeway capable and with 14/16" tires feels much more stable.

One of the ladies I ride with when she is in California has been living on her Vespa 250 (Serenity) while traveling the country. (Find her at http://250superhero.blogspot.com (http://250superhero.blogspot.com)/)

Congrats on the Vespa in the family.

jdg
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Aaron D. on March 23, 2018, 06:13:49 AM
Guzzi Gal, join Modern Vespa (modernvespa.com) and go to the Not So Modern section. They will assist in the provenance.
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Zoom Zoom on March 23, 2018, 06:44:34 AM
Been following this thread. GG, congrats to your hubby on the acquisition of the Vespa. I had an opportunity to ride a 300SS at the Guzzi National a couple years ago. It was an absolute BLAST! Been thinking about finding a scooter ever since. It was much fun on some twisties we were taken on for the demo ride.

John Henry
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: JJ on March 23, 2018, 07:45:58 AM
This shop...AF1 Racing in Austin, TX sure has some "colorful" VESPA inventory!!


(http://thumb.ibb.co/drOxN7/Screen_Shot_2018_03_23_at_5_43_48_AM.png) (http://ibb.co/drOxN7)

(http://thumb.ibb.co/fwOxN7/Screen_Shot_2018_03_23_at_5_44_02_AM.png) (http://ibb.co/fwOxN7)


Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Sasquatch Jim on March 23, 2018, 07:52:45 AM
  Yes I remember the Allstate Puke.  It had a 250cc twingle engine.  2 pistons of different diameters that fired in one combustion chamber.
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Guzzi Gal on March 23, 2018, 08:11:57 AM
Been following this thread. GG, congrats to your hubby on the acquisition of the Vespa. I had an opportunity to ride a 300SS at the Guzzi National a couple years ago. It was an absolute BLAST! Been thinking about finding a scooter ever since. It was much fun on some twisties we were taken on for the demo ride.

John Henry

No time like the present!

Guzzi Gal, join Modern Vespa (modernvespa.com) and go to the Not So Modern section. They will assist in the provenance.

Thank you Aaron.  That sprint is just pretty but she won't be joining our stable.  If I do add an older scoot it would probably be a Vespa Rally 200 that belongs to the owner of Scooterwest in San Diego.  It would need some cosmetic work but mechanically it is very sound.
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: wrbix on March 23, 2018, 08:37:46 AM
Teresa has a Tenni green Vespa like this:

(http://thumb.ibb.co/gUvSN7/76_C7_EFEB_D974_48_DF_B9_EB_42_A6_DC455_F6_B.jpg) (http://ibb.co/gUvSN7)

private image upload (http://imgbb.com/)

.....and then saw a Tenni Griso and wants one of those....don’t we all!
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Groover on March 23, 2018, 09:30:25 AM
If I do add an older scoot it would probably be a Vespa Rally 200 that belongs to the owner of Scooterwest in San Diego.  It would need some cosmetic work but mechanically it is very sound.

Yes, excellent decision. That one would a great investment, and you can make it perfect with time. All parts are available for those, and if you ever wanted to sell it, there would be a line of people wanting it. The Vespa Rally 200 is a very nice model to have.


The starting on the other... typical, but to me that sounds like a bad rotary intake valve seal, which means may need a new engine case and probably crankshaft and likely other stuff, though those older ones are a little tricky starting them up in general. They take some tweaking to get them right, and you'll also have to learn their personality  :laugh:  - either way, best to stay away from that one.
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: MarkPell on March 26, 2018, 07:56:10 AM

(http://thumb.ibb.co/bAN2aS/Mojito.jpg) (http://ibb.co/bAN2aS)


How about another sexy Italian scooter?  My "Mosquito". It's a guilty pleasure to ride it. I love it!!
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Lannis on March 26, 2018, 09:06:28 AM

(http://thumb.ibb.co/bAN2aS/Mojito.jpg) (http://ibb.co/bAN2aS)


How about another sexy Italian scooter?  My "Mosquito". It's a guilty pleasure to ride it. I love it!!

I can tell it's a "guilty" pleasure - poor little thing isn't listed in your signature!   :wink:

Looks like a nice scooter.  The downside of being a Big Active Guy, however, is that I can't whip a <50cc scooter hard enough to get out of the bicycle lane - 90 to 125cc, however, does very well.

Thinking about replacing my old BSA M21, which has been my backroad bimbler for 10 years, with a neat little scooter ....

Lannis
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: JJ on March 26, 2018, 11:03:16 AM
I can tell it's a "guilty" pleasure - poor little thing isn't listed in your signature!   :wink:

Looks like a nice scooter.  The downside of being a Big Active Guy, however, is that I can't whip a <50cc scooter hard enough to get out of the bicycle lane - 90 to 125cc, however, does very well.

Thinking about replacing my old BSA M21, which has been my backroad bimbler for 10 years, with a neat little scooter ....

Lannis

This may be a good consideration...the Vespa Sprint 150.  Overall, it ticks all the right boxes for me...in RED or YELLOW! :thumb: :1: :cool:


(http://thumb.ibb.co/hECYjn/Screen_Shot_2018_03_26_at_8_59_24_AM.png) (http://ibb.co/hECYjn)
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Lannis on March 26, 2018, 11:37:45 AM
This may be a good consideration...the Vespa Sprint 150.  Overall, it ticks all the right boxes for me...in RED or YELLOW! :thumb: :1: :cool:


(http://thumb.ibb.co/hECYjn/Screen_Shot_2018_03_26_at_8_59_24_AM.png) (http://ibb.co/hECYjn)


I had a new Vespa P200E (1979).   A 200cc motor with plenty of power to run 70 MPH, bolted into a pressed sheet-steel frame on 10" wheels designed for a 90cc bike riding in Milan or Turin at jogging speed.    Spine-tingling on a highway with trucks.

A new 150 with a stouter frame than the old ones would probably be about right, since I now have the good sense not to go on a highway with one.   But in 1979-1980, it was my only bike .... !

Lannis
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Beerman on March 26, 2018, 12:08:19 PM
When I'm on my (bright yellow) Vespa, I sometimes get the standard acknowledgement from other bikers  - the tip of the head here in the UK - and sometimes...I don't. I think it may be because I'm not riding what they consider to be, well, a bike. I can see them wrestling with it: 'what's that? Blimey - it's a scoot - is that a bike? Not sure - leave it'. What really confuses them is if I acknowledge first: 'that guy on that thing just nodded at me...if I acknowledge him, someone might see me and then my credibility's shot!'

These are just some of the perils of going over to the Vespa side. On the other hand - free parking, 90mpg, cheap as chips road tax, light, manouvrable, fast, somehere to put your shopping...what's not to like?

Beerman
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: desmo33 on March 26, 2018, 01:04:20 PM
This may be a good consideration...the Vespa Sprint 150.  Overall, it ticks all the right boxes for me...in RED or YELLOW! :thumb: :1: :cool:


(http://thumb.ibb.co/hECYjn/Screen_Shot_2018_03_26_at_8_59_24_AM.png) (http://ibb.co/hECYjn)


I just pulled the trigger on a leftover 2016 Sprint at EuroCycle Las Vegas.  I'm stoked!  Also, what a great shop--tons of Guzzis on the floor  :thumb:
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Guzzi Gal on March 26, 2018, 04:46:43 PM
Congrats Desmo33!!!

Lannis, you need another!   :thumb:

Beerman,  I wave at all riders, including cyclists, most will return it (Harley riders are iffy) even if we’re on the Mets, and many initiate it.

I ride whatever tickles my fancy regardless of make.
 :bike-037:

Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Beerman on March 26, 2018, 05:48:24 PM

Beerman,  I wave at all riders, including cyclists, most will return it (Harley riders are iffy) even if we�re on the Mets, and many initiate it.

 :bike-037:
Yes, but if I may observe, you're not a bloke. Just saying. :boozing:

Beerman
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Guzzi Gal on March 26, 2018, 07:21:56 PM
Yes, but if I may observe, you're not a bloke. Just saying. :boozing:

Beerman

Do you think they can tell?   :wink: 
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: AH Fan on March 26, 2018, 10:46:31 PM
We have a new Italian in our stable!  My husband saw a '17 Titanium (matte grey) Vespa GTS 300 Super when we were visiting Santa Barbara recently and fell in love.  A few days surfing CL came up with a 2012 that was "spoken for" but he was allowed a test ride last Saturday.  The seller called him yesterday and said the deal fell through and was he still interested?  Of course he was, but he played it cool and requested a price break to bring it in line with others being offered on CL.  He got what he wanted and several extras to boot! :thumb:


(http://thumb.ibb.co/i0EwSx/fullsizeoutput_1b59.jpg) (http://ibb.co/i0EwSx)


He's been eyeing every Griso we've come across so I might get him riding a Guzzi too. :wink:


Yup ......... those big displacement Vespa's really fly. We had one just like it years ago and was deceptively quick...... Its just those little wheels that I found hard to get used to.

Ciao
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: JukeboxGothic on March 27, 2018, 03:24:09 AM
If you have the money you can make old Vespa's very quick.     https://youtu.be/LXpNFL9QhE4
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: MarkPell on March 27, 2018, 07:04:58 AM
I can tell it's a "guilty" pleasure - poor little thing isn't listed in your signature!   :wink:

Looks like a nice scooter.  The downside of being a Big Active Guy, however, is that I can't whip a <50cc scooter hard enough to get out of the bicycle lane - 90 to 125cc, however, does very well.

Thinking about replacing my old BSA M21, which has been my backroad bimbler for 10 years, with a neat little scooter ....

Lannis


Thanks for the reminder Lannis on my signature!!  It's actually a 150 (same vespa motor) so she goes pretty good.  Maybe enough for the "big active guy"!! :wink:
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Lannis on March 27, 2018, 09:05:37 AM

Thanks for the reminder Lannis on my signature!!  It's actually a 150 (same vespa motor) so she goes pretty good.  Maybe enough for the "big active guy"!! :wink:

Whoops, I misunderstood what bike you had, I don't know much about scooters these days, so I googled "Mosquito" scooter and they make them down to 23cc!

My information is a little out of date, but I DID learn about 150 Vespas at a young age; me and my siblings in 1962 in front of my dad's Vespa ....

(https://photos.smugmug.com/General/i-JrxknDG/0/c2208115/O/img333_2.jpg) (https://lannisselz.smugmug.com/General/i-JrxknDG/A) 

I rode an old 175 Yamaha many a mile, and a 150 MZ for a week in the UK, so I know they'll do me right if I think ahead a bit ....

Lannis
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: MarkPell on March 27, 2018, 09:19:19 AM
Sorry for the "mosquito" nickname for the Mojito-understand why you would be confused.

Great pic!!  I see the iron on knee patches on your (?) jeans-brings back memories for sure!!

Do they even make them anymore??
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Lannis on March 27, 2018, 09:33:19 AM
Sorry for the "mosquito" nickname for the Mojito-understand why you would be confused.

Great pic!!  I see the iron on knee patches on your (?) jeans-brings back memories for sure!!

Do they even make them anymore??

Well, the knee patches were courtesy of Mom.   My dad was a sailor (CPO/YNC, USS "Randolph" CV-15), and Mom was at home with us, so new jeans weren't all that common an occurrence!    The Vespa and a Renault Dauphine were our vehicles, and "togetherness" went without saying ....

Lannis
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: JeffOlson on March 27, 2018, 10:36:39 AM
Here's my wife on her then new Vespa Sprint 150:

(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p206x206/10443440_10202351360487327_5892002340977826721_n.jpg?oh=cb5d2e35e713472c1fb7e14c2958db30&oe=5B40ECF5)
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Lannis on March 27, 2018, 11:37:59 AM
Here's my wife on her then new Vespa Sprint 150:

(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p206x206/10443440_10202351360487327_5892002340977826721_n.jpg?oh=cb5d2e35e713472c1fb7e14c2958db30&oe=5B40ECF5)

Red's the right color for a Vespa.   Mine was!

Lannis
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: jas67 on March 27, 2018, 01:57:18 PM
Red's the right color for a Vespa.   Mine was!

Lannis

Absolutely!
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5798/23359390883_1776f54d46_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/BAbZ5F)IMG_8367 (https://flic.kr/p/BAbZ5F) by jay_snyder67 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/97354518@N02/), on Flickr
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Guzzi Gal on March 27, 2018, 03:02:59 PM
My information is a little out of date, but I DID learn about 150 Vespas at a young age; me and my siblings in 1962 in front of my dad's Vespa ....

(https://photos.smugmug.com/General/i-JrxknDG/0/c2208115/O/img333_2.jpg) (https://lannisselz.smugmug.com/General/i-JrxknDG/A) 

Lannis

That is the cutest pic!  Yes, they still make iron-on knee patches. :tongue:

Here's my wife on her then new Vespa Sprint 150:

(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p206x206/10443440_10202351360487327_5892002340977826721_n.jpg?oh=cb5d2e35e713472c1fb7e14c2958db30&oe=5B40ECF5)

Nice!  Does she still ride it? 

Purchasing on CL didn't give us much choice in color but my husband lucked out and got the just what he wanted.  Gigi is "Bronzo" but since Anni is all chrome, I figure a golden Vespa completed the "bling theme" I seem to have going on. :cool:

Absolutely!
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5798/23359390883_1776f54d46_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/BAbZ5F) (https://flic.kr/p/BAbZ5F) (https://www.flickr.com/photos/97354518@N02/)


:1: That is a fabulous photo of a beautiful bike!

This is a picture of my girls this morning.  I couldn't be happier. :thumb:


(http://thumb.ibb.co/c22QFS/fullsizeoutput_1b6b.jpg) (http://ibb.co/c22QFS)


BTW, how did you two post your images?  I can only post a thumbnail and I would prefer to display them larger as you have.
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: JeffOlson on March 27, 2018, 04:01:28 PM
Nice!  Does she still ride it?

Yes, she does. We go for rides together around the countryside, she on her Vespa, and me on my Vespa. It is great fun!
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Lannis on March 27, 2018, 04:42:31 PM
BTW, how did you two post your images?  I can only post a thumbnail and I would prefer to display them larger as you have.

Two ways to post pictures here, that I know of.

1) One is to use the "Add image to post" function right below the text screen.   You just drag and drop your picture from your computer file, desktop, etc and add it to the post.   The system will display the thumbnail - click on that and you get a bigger picture.   Click on it AGAIN and you get the full size picture, 4 megabytes or whatever.

2) The other is to "host" your photo somewhere like Smugmug.   You go to Smugmug, copy the photo's Smugmug address, paste that address into your post, and it comes up full-size at the first go, not as a thumbnail.

So I can just click on your pictures twice and get them full size (you're doing it the first way).  Either way works!

Lannis
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Guzzi Gal on March 27, 2018, 06:08:37 PM
Two ways to post pictures here, that I know of.

1) One is to use the "Add image to post" function right below the text screen.   You just drag and drop your picture from your computer file, desktop, etc and add it to the post.   The system will display the thumbnail - click on that and you get a bigger picture.   Click on it AGAIN and you get the full size picture, 4 megabytes or whatever.

2) The other is to "host" your photo somewhere like Smugmug.   You go to Smugmug, copy the photo's Smugmug address, paste that address into your post, and it comes up full-size at the first go, not as a thumbnail.

So I can just click on your pictures twice and get them full size (you're doing it the first way).  Either way works!

Lannis

I understand how the first way works but I’d been looking at the page source code to try and figure out what was going on with the second.  We use Smugmug to share pics as we haven’t any family in AZ but not for general goofing around.  Obviously, my HTML skill are lacking!   :tongue:
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: jas67 on March 27, 2018, 06:35:29 PM
I understand how the first way works but I�d been looking at the page source code to try and figure out what was going on with the second.  We use Smugmug to share pics as we haven�t any family in AZ but not for general goofing around.  Obviously, my HTML skill are lacking!   :tongue:

If you upload your pics to imgbb.com, after the upload, it gives you several options for bb-code to put into your forum posting.
If you use flickr, click on that little share arrow, select "bb-code", select your desired image size, then copy the bb-code into your forum posting.
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Lannis on March 27, 2018, 07:29:24 PM
If you use flickr, click on that little share arrow, select "bb-code", select your desired image size, then copy the bb-code into your forum posting.

Same process for SmugMug.   Select your picture, click on the "Share" icon, select the "BB" code, select the image size you want, copy the string SmugMug gives you as a result, and paste that in your post.

Lannis
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Beerman on March 28, 2018, 05:35:15 PM
Do you think they can tell?   :wink:
Well, I'd hope so Guzzi Gal - the truth is we never know, but you write like a Gal so I'll assume they can tell that you ride like a Gal. That's intended as a compliiment, should you be in doubt. :wink:

Beerman
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: ramarren on March 29, 2018, 04:25:11 PM
OT: Experiment to test the ability to embed an image using IMG tags from Flickr.

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/820/40207417085_49725276ed_o.jpg)
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: JJ on March 30, 2018, 10:37:45 AM
Speaking of "other-than-vintage / modern-Vespas" - - how about the German mid-1950's Maico Mobil?

Cool beans all around! :thumb: :cool:


(http://thumb.ibb.co/byenZn/Screen_Shot_2018_03_30_at_8_34_05_AM.png) (http://ibb.co/byenZn)

(http://thumb.ibb.co/kXiEEn/Screen_Shot_2018_03_30_at_8_34_15_AM.png) (http://ibb.co/kXiEEn)

(http://thumb.ibb.co/haqGS7/Screen_Shot_2018_03_30_at_8_34_34_AM.png) (http://ibb.co/haqGS7)
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: mjptexas on March 30, 2018, 11:02:14 AM
Just picked up this clean 150cc white Vespa for the Mrs:


(http://thumb.ibb.co/gr89x7/Scooters.jpg) (http://ibb.co/gr89x7)

upload link direct (http://imgbb.com/)
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Tom on March 30, 2018, 04:11:29 PM
Vespa scooters are fun.  They've refined them and are smooth to ride.  A rider that knows how to use the throttle and brakes can out ride others easily on mountain roads.  :thumb:  South Mountain would be fun on a Vespa or Metropolitan.  :grin:
Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: Guzzi Gal on March 30, 2018, 05:42:22 PM
Vespa scooters are fun.  They've refined them and are smooth to ride.  A rider that knows how to use the throttle and brakes can out ride others easily on mountain roads.  :thumb:  South Mountain would be fun on a Vespa or Metropolitan.  :grin:

:thumb: We did So-Mo yesterday! 

(http://thumb.ibb.co/hCkTPn/fullsizeoutput_1b6c.jpg) (http://ibb.co/hCkTPn)


Mori & Miri are indeed excellent curve crawlers.

(http://thumb.ibb.co/nMHEx7/fullsizeoutput_1b6f.jpg) (http://ibb.co/nMHEx7)

upload images to web (http://imgbb.com/)

Title: Re: My Husband Has Gone To The Vespa Side!
Post by: twowings on March 30, 2018, 06:29:40 PM
Molto Bello!