Like SE said, it is very easy to spot the Asian "restos". A tell tale sign is a front wheel that sits too high because the center stand is too high for the bike. Other signs are chrome accessories that don't belong. Seats that don't match the model, etc.

American shops generally approach a bike with a classic restoration. Proper paint codes, proper accessories, etc. Generally, they build the bike the way it would have looked off the factory line.

Anyway, mechanics know their limit and generally know what they are getting into. It is better to turn down a machine right away than to open a whole nest of trouble. It's not that they don't want to give you good service... They just can't take the chance.

A couple of quick questions:

I'll eventually put a second saddle style seat instead of the buddy pad on my Sprint v; I've had at least one knowledgeable person comment on ths idea as "a common Indian modification." Now I know I've seen a pic taken in Germany in the late 50s-early 60's of a Vespa with dual saddle seats, and I seem to recall something in the text stating it was stock that way. So, question 1: was the dual saddle seat set up ever stock on Vespas?

Question 2: In referring to these Asian POS bikes, I often see comments like "He says it's a VBB, but those aren't VBB <insert Vespa part here>". Is there a book that details the differences between the various models (and model years)?

Robin Newberry
Old Farts SC
Clemson, South Carolina
1976 Sprint Veloce aka "Betty"

Vietcong scoots are not just being imported to Canada and the US. There are several importers in Germany and the UK bringing Vietcong scoots into Europe and reselling them. So buyer beware. The proliferation of vietcong scoots is happening everywhere.

My question is, can scooter shops actually afford to turn away customers? I think exposing the rats and educating buyers is a better way to go.

One thing is certain, vintage scoots are in danger in Europe, especially Italy. Because of EU regulations and Italian export regulations, vintage vespas are marked for destruction by the Italian government. It doesn't help that Piaggio is working to collusion with the Italian government by offering trade-in incentives to get people to move up to new scooters.

Listen, I understand everyone's concern over Vietnamese imports, but why are using the term "vietcong?" Do you think Ho Chi Minh is behind it? The war's over.

travis

Seems that he's getting sky-high prices north of the border. what, are Canadians just more gullible?

His first container-full of scooters were $800 sidewalk jobs which he sold for $4500 each, and of course they all broke down. Let's see what happens now. I feel sorry for any Canadian who falls prey to this crook. Beware of shiny, two-tone, over-chromed scooters being sold by Motorcyle dealerships in Canada.

Eric's best quote: "I don't understand why scooter shops won't work on scooters from Vietnam? That's ridiculous!"

and another: "Oh, my scooters aren't made to be ridden every day. They are just for rich older folks to take out occasionally".

what a jackass.

> and I had to tell him that I
>could not guarantee anything on his bike because it was such
>a pile of poop.

While there were very minor personal taste issues (ie. different color greyrubber in different locations and a well done pearl paint I just didn't like the color of) I found the bike to be solid and overall well done. After a brief embarrassed terror when I couldn't get it started (vapor lock, heh), the new engine ran well and later when I found it had been tested for a few k's in Vancouver prior to shipping, I was impressed.

Again, to me it certainly did not look like an original. And, that's because, well it isn't and wasn't meant to be. But if you have the money and don't care about niggling authenticity, it's a nice product.

My, uhh, a little more than two cents.

chris

people trying to pass viet restored scoots are ruining the market for legitimate restorers. why buy a "used" scooter from italy or the us, when i can buy a "fully restored" scooter from asia for 1/3 the price? and its got all the upgrades. whats wrong with 8" wheels anyway?

http://www.seacoastonline.com/2004news/11062004/it/47144.htm

Becky

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"...mopeds, mo' problems."

T