/r/VintageScooters

Photograph via snooOG

Fans of vintage Lambrettas, Servetas, Vespas, Allstates, Riversides, Henkels, Eibars and anything else that is typically older than it's riders.

What is a Vintage Scooter: All metal, manually shifted with a step-through design. Plastica no Grazie! Post photos, club and rally info, ask questions, share tips, etc.

For anything else, check out r/Scooters.

Welcome to r/VintageScooters. This is the place for fans of the classic Italian styled scooters that started it all.

Please use this space to ask questions, show off your scooters, post rally info and buy and sell scooters and parts. If you have a scooter or parts for sale, please put "FS" in the title. Just keep things on topic, which is 2-stroke, manually shifted, metal, kick started scooters from the 1940s up to 1982 or so. And maybe their clones. As always beware of Asian bodges (and please don't try and sell them here).

Check out the other 2-wheeled subreddits: r/scooters and r/motorcycles

helpful websites:

Scooterhelp.com

Scooterlounge.com

Scoot.net

Lambretta Club USA

Scoot Rally forum

Shops:

Scooters Originali

Pride of Cleveland Scooters

Jet200

Piston-Ported

Scooterworks

ScooterWest

American Scooter Center

Scooter Mercato

/r/VintageScooters

4,086 Subscribers

11

Engine Whine.

Bought a 'rebuilt' p200e that needed everything(carb cylinder brakes). I refreshed all the seals and gaskets and installed an lml primary due to stripped teeth. Had to use the original 11.5mm input shaft to make it fit. Bike has an audible whine in neutral (less so when clutch is pulled. Changed the gear oil today and noticed some glitter fml. Any idea where I messed up?

6 Comments
2025/01/27
22:58 UTC

3

1958 or 1959 Husqvarna (Corona) Glider

I have an original 1958 or 1959 U.S. version of the Husqvarna Glider, of which I understand only 1000 were made. I also understand that the U.S. version was formally called the Corona Glider. I believe that production ceased on this model (and its European counterpart) in 1962. This scooter sat in storage for ~50 years before I pulled it out and (half-heartedly) sought to get it running again before trying to fully restore it. I've had it in a few different scooter/motorcycle shops in Columbus, Ohio, and Minneapolis, but have not gotten it running. The tires were rotted and replaced. The drive belt was rotted off, but I've sourced a replacement. Filling the tank with fuel revealed that seals are rotted, too.

I'm posting here for a few reasons.

1.) I think what I have is really cool, and thought maybe others would think so, too.

2.) I hoped someone might know even more about this model's history.

3.) Does anyone know of a reputable shop in/around Ohio (I'm in the Columbus area) that would have a chance of successfully getting this old girl back on the road?

It has 27 miles on it.

EDIT: I'm not sure why my photos didn't post originally, but I just readded them.

https://preview.redd.it/60dtbff35tee1.jpg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dd1c95fe2c5d113118324e8cdd5f6ce5884c7764

https://preview.redd.it/ynpa8gf35tee1.jpg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=14bfaa027145bac92666261d5a0b6311f348c821

https://preview.redd.it/h9qr4ff35tee1.jpg?width=960&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e670d95f0ca65cb8be2577e929ba5e514540ef2c

https://preview.redd.it/009kcff35tee1.jpg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dc5689f2ada5c9070ffdd5431db2cfe63291256f

4 Comments
2025/01/23
18:50 UTC

2

P200e Cylinder head help

https://preview.redd.it/0jgt3bjlqhee1.jpg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=eed12368dcb94087f5e1462cb09566ef0d54aa8c

I'm rebuilding a Vespa P200e sidecar rig. Dad parked in the early 90's and hasn't run since. One of the things dad told me he did with it in the 80's was shave the head to bump the compression. He doesn't remember how much was shaved other than "a lot" and he didn't like how it ran after. So I'm just trying to figure out where I'm at the the original head.

My super precise (/s) Harbor Freight digital caliper says the sealing surface to the outer flange is ~2mm. What should it be? Is it usable? Is it toast?

5 Comments
2025/01/22
07:00 UTC

83

My Series 2 Lambretta

5 Comments
2025/01/13
18:22 UTC

26

Any advice for buying a Lambretta project?

I would love to buy a Lambretta scooter like the one my Grandfather had during the 1950s (see photo above). I'd quite like a non-runner that I could learn to fix up myself. I don't know how expensive they are but I've seen running ones go for under £3,000 sometimes, so I hope a project would be cheaper.

I own a 1960's classic car but I don't know how to work on it myself and I feel that a scooter would be easier to learn on due to its smaller size. I also need advice on transportation. Thanks!

17 Comments
2025/01/13
16:47 UTC

5

Low compression on V9A

Hello!

I’m still chasing this Vespa 90 issue not starting. It sat for decades but I did get it started ONCE. It’s been a while so here’s where it’s at:

Rebuilt clutch (plates were seized together) New spark plug New spark plug boot New seals on crankshaft New gaskets all around New kickstart gear New piston rings New carburetor Every nut and bolt is torqued to spec

Compression is barely over 25 using a screw-in gauge and it doesn’t even sputter or try to start.

I get spark just fine. Followed several guides on setting the timing with a disc and TDC.

Any ideas on where to go next?

10 Comments
2025/01/12
18:33 UTC

58

Jawa cezeta

Hi,

I recently came across the Jawa Cezeta 502 and was fascinated by its unique design. I’d love to learn more about its global production numbers and whether there are any known models or collectors in India. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

3 Comments
2025/01/09
02:42 UTC

6

Found a spare spring, any ideas where it supposed to go?

Found it in my left hand side electronics body panel off of a 1975 Vespa 150 super.

Can’t seem to find where it’s supposed to go, or if it was just a little extra treat from the barn owls who watched over the bike for the last thirty years.

The latch to the body panel has its spring, so it can’t be that. The battery is held in place with a rubber strap.

11 Comments
2025/01/06
18:01 UTC

52

I can’t believe how good the shop looks. It won’t stay this way, but I can enjoy it for the time being!

6 Comments
2025/01/06
00:27 UTC

1

Removing cylinder housing

In the middle of getting my 58 Allstate running, trying to clean the piston and check the crank etc. I ran into trouble after removing the head and realizing that it won’t just come off, I thought maybe some of the studs are locking it in (have seen it once before) I removed 2 of the studs but no luck on getting it off, it pulls up to just about where the threads and then locks up ( the piston is still half exposed) does anyone know what I should do? If I even needed to pull the studs?

12 Comments
2025/01/01
01:30 UTC

7

Why?

Why do people convert scooters to electric? I’ve seen vintage scooters, mostly Vespas being converted into fully electric machines. Why though? Isn’t making it electric taking a few key elements away from scootering?

13 Comments
2024/12/30
23:46 UTC

1

PERCHE' ELABORARE la VESPA? SFIDIAMO il nuovo CODICE della STRADA!

0 Comments
2024/12/29
17:55 UTC

2

Drop bar source

I'm building my dream Vespa right now. Quattrini 244 with all the bells and whistles. I want to source some drop bars for it. 20 years ago (I know... I'm old) you could find them everywhere. The only place I've been able to find them thus far is Worb5 for like $900. I'm not paying more for drop bars than a tuned exhaust. Anyone have their ears to the ground on any? Preferably US P200e. They can be PX and I'll just use the lowers. Appreciate any leads!

4 Comments
2024/12/26
23:34 UTC

0

SCOPRIAMO le VESPA più SPORTIVE della STORIA!

0 Comments
2024/12/23
15:45 UTC

0

Come YOUTUBE ha CAMBIATO la mia VITA e la PASSIONE per la VESPA!

0 Comments
2024/12/20
18:47 UTC

2

LE REGOLAZIONI che hanno MIGLIORATO TANTISSIMO la GUIDA!

0 Comments
2024/12/15
15:54 UTC

2

Maintenance questions

I’ve planned to get a Vespa px125 when I turn 17, I’ve limited mechanical knowledge but I’m familiar with the basic things like changing oil, spark plugs, filters etc. I’ve decided that if I’m to get a vintage scooter I’m going to do it right and look after it the best I can. What maintenance areas should I sharpen my knowledge on? Anything is appreciated, cheers.

6 Comments
2024/12/15
13:04 UTC

9

What are your thoughts?

2004 Vespa PX125 electrical problem. As a recap, I had no electrical except horn. Battery, stator, spark plug, regulator are new. I’ve checked the wires for lack of continuity, it’s all good. Now I have this: lights turn on and flicker when I’m revving but it’s all goes off in idle. Can you help me further troubleshoot and put me in the direction of fixing it?

24 Comments
2024/12/15
11:12 UTC

1

Secondary Shaft Usable? P200e

First time splitting a case. Kick Start Wouldn't catch after melting a piston and trying to start. I kicked it hundreds of times. I tried searching the internet for answers. most time people point towards the kickstart gear which mine looked nearly identical to my new one I bought in preparation.

https://preview.redd.it/r2urbz9dcj6e1.jpg?width=3060&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e6b064fc2d55d30c3d13a89c3d7357d6538c35d6

1 Comment
2024/12/13
03:28 UTC

9

La VESPA 6 Giorni del 1951! Perchè è LEGGENDARIA!

1 Comment
2024/12/11
17:29 UTC

4

Two questions

Px125 electric problem

Hi! Im still trying to figure out what’s wrong. Ive checked all the electric wires going through the headset. None is exposed, all have continuity. Im a bit clueless now. The only thing damaged is the plastic casing of the clutch cable. Making the metal flexible casing exposed. So my next question is: can this cause a short circuit? (I’d be surprised) And my other question is: what can you tell me about my battery reading? (I’m pretty new to all this but I’m eager to learn)

6 Comments
2024/12/10
11:24 UTC

18

Mentor or Virtual Tutor

I’m looking for a mentor or virtual tutor to help walk me through replacing the wiring harness on my 1979 p200e. Any takers?

9 Comments
2024/12/09
02:07 UTC

2

I MIGLIORI VESPA REGALI di Natale

0 Comments
2024/12/08
19:59 UTC

2

Looking for a p200 Engine

Anyone have a P200 engine they’re looking at sell?

2 Comments
2024/12/06
11:55 UTC

1

Lo0KiNg for Parts illustration showing a exploited view of 1975 Vespa 125cc primavera

I jus scored this scoot missing some parts n need to replace carb . Thought possibly a parts illustration showing the exploited scooter could easily help me identify missing parts n replace the ones that are not working properly like the carb. Any help would be awesome.

5 Comments
2024/12/06
05:03 UTC

2

Come sostituire le GANASCE alla Vespa!

0 Comments
2024/12/05
17:46 UTC

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