Vespa 200 PX.

**C_A** · 8th January 2009, 13:42

Looking at an early 90s one of these, I'm not prepared to spend what a decent 'classic' two smoker is asking at the moment and the dual purpose bikes I would want are in the same boat.....
what's things to look out for?
are parts easy to get ahold of?
how long should an engine lasT?

**MisterD** · 8th January 2009, 19:18

The usual stuff for two wheelers when it comes to wheel and headset bearings etc but do check for rust especially where the legshields meet the body. They're otherwise reasonably bulletproof and easy to work on, parts are easy to get, but you'll need to bring them in from UK/Germany for hot-up bits.

Early 90's will still be a front drum brake won't it, I'd probs shell out a bit more for a disc, just for peace of mind.

Otherwise for Wellington Vespa expertise, you're probably best to PM scootnz.

**C_A** · 8th January 2009, 20:02

choice.
yeah seems very rust free. engine is one of the quietest I've heard. there's some rather rattly ones getting around wellington....
drum front, yup. what's involved in converting? doens't bother me too much, my current '82 yamaha scooter hack is a drum about as big as the diameter of a coffee mug, thus fades away almost instantly, just got to get used to using the brakes sparingly.....

**Dave Lobster** · 8th January 2009, 20:39

Too much of a hassle to change it, just buy a newer one to start with, if you want one.

I had one when I was a child with a drum front. They're fine. They're not exactly speedy machines to start with.
Just to show how good they are, try riding a Lambretta with a front drum. Now they're shit.

**DougB** · 8th January 2009, 23:37

I rode over 35000km on a PX200. I was a locksmith in Paihia and used it to get to jobs. Tool box on front carrier and needed gear in the back box.
When I moved to Hamilton I found the traffic moved much faster than in a seaside town and I had several frights when the drum brakes did not pull me up fast enough so I sold it, (it is now back in Paihia) and bought a 125 Suzuki.
The vespa never let me down once in all the years I had it, as another writer says "bullet proof" My Suzuki broke down in the first month I had it.
Only a battery connection breaking but!!!!!!!

I would also recomend that you get a disc brake model. A clever brake man fitted some special linings for me, they were better but they squealed when applied. I have since sold my 125 Suzukii and my road bike and got a $00cc Suzuki Burgman. Just over 6000km and it is developing clutch squeal.

Vespas are tops.

**MisterD** · 9th January 2009, 07:17

Originally Posted by Dave Lobster

Just to show how good they are, try riding a Lambretta with a front drum. Now they're shit.

I have the scars to prove it...

**C_A** · 9th January 2009, 07:19

cool thanks for the insight.
i guess a disc brke conversion would be kind of silly unless it was something that came up dirt cheap later on. I'll have to check out another couple or something and see if I can live with the drum brakes. I'll probably be fine with it though as I get around fairly frequently in an old citroen with unassisted disc brakes which need a bionic leg to stop quickly in!

**MisterD** · 9th January 2009, 08:19

Well you're not going to buy it without a test-ride are you? So that'll be the proof of the pudding won't it...

**C_A** · 9th January 2009, 09:43

yeah. i test rode a nice one that just wants an engine cover popping a dent out and spraying, and a couple of misc bits have small bubbly paint due to surface rust issues (scutch up and repaint of the affected areas would make it look sweet) the other day but couldn't really put it through it's paces as I didn't have my helmet and the seller no longer has his, so I could really only take it for a small jaunt down his driveway lol
seemed decent enough

good strong engine and all that....

**RussellH3** · 17th January 2009, 17:42

I've got a 2002 PX200, disc brakes, and have still got my old 1993 PX200 with drum brakes. There is a big difference in their braking ability, but the better disc brakes only encouraged me to ride faster and brake later.
I never crashed the old one as I make sure I looked several vehicles ahead and rode preventatively.
If you are happy to be a slower more careful rider, then the old drum brakes will be OK.
Converting will be a hassel, as you will also most likely need to change your head set for the hydraulic fluid mount and because of that mount the handbrake bracket is slightly different.

**Dave Lobster** · 17th January 2009, 21:10

Yep. I've changed one on a mk1 coop.

Swopped out the front fork, headset bottom. Be aware that the ignition on a new one is where the steering lock is on an old one, rather than on the headset top.

The biggest pain in your arse will be the electrics. Putting all the newer stuff like the switch gear etc. will cost you a fortune.

I wouldn't bother again. No matter how good the brake is, it'll still handle like a pregnant elephant. Which is why the one I built got fecked off as soon as I'd finished it and ridden it round the block. Pak 'n' Save has better handling shopping trollies.

**C_A** · 20th January 2009, 10:57

mint. Got one.... my ignition is the lower mounted one and acts as sterring lock too so would be same as later one. I've had no issues with the brakes aside from them being toward worn out and drum out of round a bit which is only noticeable when slowing down from over 80kph so have parts on the way to sort this. probably stay with the drum front as I'm happy that the performance of this is sufficient to my needs, and aesthetically is nicer than the disc front lol.
the handling absolutely cracks me up. it's by far not the quickest bike i've ever had but the smiles per mile are second to none. absolutely love it.

**Dave Lobster** · 20th January 2009, 16:30

Originally Posted by C_A

smiles per mile are second to none. absolutely love it.

You wont be saying that when you're pushing the fecker.. It's Italian... remember that..

**C_A** · 20th January 2009, 21:34

lol. yeah... well... I seem to have good luck with reliability of non-reliable automobile country's products..... french... lol.
Italian should be sweeeet. just adds to the exerience