Apocalypse Vespa?

[eskimo]

Greetings, scooter peeps! This is obviously the place to get thoughtful and intelligent opinions on tiny wheeled motos, so:

What's the deal with the rehabbed classic Vespas from Vietnam and nearby locales? I see a bunch on fleabay and it looks like either a pretty slick business or a widespread scam.

Anyone have knowledge of whether the bikes ever get delivered or whether the overhauls are any good? And, if so, any surprises in US Customs?

(My daughter is bugging me, so any help appreciated) Thanks.

[Spikehead]

widespread scam

[eskimo]

Originally Posted by Spikehead

widespread scam

Thanks.

[jimh]

DONT BUY THESE SCOOTERS! They are a bunch of shit. I have been riding scooters (Vespa & Lambretta) For over 20 years and worked at a scooter shop in SF I've seen these bikes coming in over the past 4 years Complaint after complaint, until we no longer would work on them. Stay away, There unsafe.
jim.
P.S. This is not a scam the bikes are just shit. Whats your kids life worth?
Piaggio sold more scooters in asia than any other countries so there are a shite load coming over mostly to Oakland ca, Its sad that there are a few long standing scooter shops around the country selling them. Go check scoot.net and try and get feed back from scooterist in your area. If i can help in any way, just post. Goodluck.

[eskimo]

Originally Posted by jimh

DONT BUY THESE SCOOTERS! They are a bunch of shit. I have been riding scooters (Vespa & Lambretta) For over 20 years and worked at a scooter shop in SF I've seen these bikes coming in over the past 4 years Complaint after complaint, until we no longer would work on them. Stay away, There unsafe.
jim.
P.S. This is not a scam the bikes are just shit. Whats your kids life worth?
Piaggio sold more scooters in asia than any other countries so there are a shite load coming over mostly to Oakland ca, Its sad that there are a few long standing scooter shops around the country selling them. Go check scoot.net and try and get feed back from scooterist in your area. If i can help in any way, just post. Goodluck.

This is what I'm talking about for info. Thanks, jimh. I snagged an 84 Honda Aero 50 today from the original owner who put almost 600 miles total on it. Two strokes rock! I burned some serious rubber (because I forgot it has no neutral and rocked it off the stand revving about 4K rpm, but that still counts, huh? )

[jimh]

Congrats, should get 100 smiles per gallon
jim

[Photog]

Originally Posted by eskimo

Greetings, scooter peeps! This is obviously the place to get thoughtful and intelligent opinions on tiny wheeled motos, so:

What's the deal with the rehabbed classic Vespas from Vietnam and nearby locales? I see a bunch on fleabay and it looks like either a pretty slick business or a widespread scam.

Anyone have knowledge of whether the bikes ever get delivered or whether the overhauls are any good? And, if so, any surprises in US Customs?

(My daughter is bugging me, so any help appreciated) Thanks.

Check out the Stella if you're looking for an alternative to a new PX series Vespa.