The Classic Vespas of Rome

Took a trip to Rome to seek inspiration on paint and accessories for my PX restoration. I was a bit disappointed to find that there are not that many classic Vespas on the road in Rome. Seems like at least 50% of the scooter population is made up of Piaggio Liberty 125s.

 

 

Of course there was good food

And I was in the right place in the right time for the supermoon

Got a new helmet from a shop on Via Portuense

The Vespa has arrived

Here it is:

At Vespa Cafe

Hi. I'm an American living in Krakow, Poland. For a while now I've wanted to get a Vespa PX 125 and restore it. Thanks to Piotr at www.vespa-cafe.pl for finding this gem in Bibice just outside of Krakow. I bought this from http://dycha.otomoto.pl/. The guy who runs it buys salvaged motorcycles and scooters at auction from insurance companies in France and imports them into Poland. If you are looking for a project bike in Krakow, this is the guy to see.

Yes, it's beaten up on every side. The frame is straight though, so it is a restoration candidate. It's a 2007, and the engine is running just fine, so the project is going to be delayed a bit. Since it's drivable, I'm just going to drive it during the season and start the restoration this winter.

So here is the breakdown (with the current exchange rate):

2007 Vespa PX 125 E purchase price	4,000.00 zł	$1,218.03
Translation of French registration	40.00 zł	$12.18
Annual technical inspection	100.00 zł	$30.45
Title, registration, licence plates	197.00 zł	$59.99
Mandatory liability insurance	95.00 zł	$28.93

Ready to ride.

Thanks to Piotr from www.vespa-cafe.pl who borrowed me a mirror until the ones I ordered come in. The bike had no mirrors when I bought it. There is something funny about the front brake, so I'll have to take a look at rebuilding the master cylinder and replacing the caliper seals. Need to have a look at the battery as well. I charged it, but it's still not really holding the charge. Anyway, doesn't really matter that much, since it's a kick start

The more pressing issue at this point is my 1997 Aprilia Pegaso 650. I've got a feeling there is either an electrical issue, or more likely a carburetor cleaning in my future. Nothing I can do this weekend, heading out of town!