Classic Scoot without the hassels
Written: Jul 16 '00 (Updated Mar 11 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Style, Reliability, Electronic Ignition, Handling
Cons: Front Breaks, Newer Styling, Stuff Breaks
The Bottom Line: Awesome ride
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| dspeirs's Full Review: 1977 to 1981 Vespa P200E |
After going to school for a year in Italy I came to appreciate, and sometimes hate, the Vespa (Italian for Wasp. You would understand the name if you have heard a pack of these bikes whizzing down the Via). The noise from these small machines echos through the ancient cities of Italy but are the ultimate transportation for the narrow and sometimes congested streets.
For some time I have been reading scooter magazines (Scoot Quarterly is a must) and gawking at the various models. Last summer (1999) I finally decided it was time that I acquired one. I looked into various models and decided a P200E was the best fit for what I wanted – a classic scooter without the high maintenance.
Here is what I like about the P200E:
+ Low Maintenance - Generally, a scooter with an electronic ignition requires less maintenance and with a seperate oil system it does not require you to manually mix the oil. I work a lot and don’t have lots of time to fool around with the bike.
+ Engine Size – The P200E is actually pretty fast --- even stock. There are plenty of modification kits out there to speed it up if you don’t mind wearing your engine out faster. Older models, except for the Rallys, are slower and aren’t as good as everyday riders.
+ Styling – Even though this is a known as a “modern” scooter by scooter enthusiasts it has some beautiful curves and style that only the Italians can offer. (Take a look at the GS models for an example of Vespa at its peak.)
+ Handling – I live in an area with lots of hills and winding roads and enjoy the handling of the scoot. It won’t pass any Ducatis but you will get more attention.
+ Stares and Inquires – Every once in a blue moon I take the scoot to Alice’s Restaurant (in Woodside, CA) on Sunday where the place is packed with Harley’s and CBRs. The image of me cruising up in a 200cc scoot among all the hogs is classic. The first time I was there I gave the crowd a moment of amusement by tactfully killing the engine while coming to a stop. At that point I knew I would never be in the Harley club.
+ Replacement parts for the P200E are plentiful and relatively inexpensive. There are several shops that sell new parts or new old stock parts. In addition, many of the parts used on the P200E are interchangeable with modern parts for other bikes/scoots like brake cables andheadlights (thanks for that bit of info Full Moon SC).
+ Reliable – I know what you are thinking. It is Italian so it can’t be reliable. The Vespa engine is actually quite simple and reliable. Of course, if you run it hard, neglect it (by not riding it mostly) or modify the engine with a kit it will be less reliable.
Despite these pros, there are also some things that I don’t like:
- Front Brake– Ugh. The stock front break (drum) is bad. Luckily, they sell a disc brake for $299 that makes stopping a much more pleasant (and reliable) experience.
- Stuff Brakes– Because my scoot is now 23 years old stuff breaks on it. I was contemplating whether to put this in the pros or cons section. The cool thing is each break gives you the opportunity to work on the bike (warped, I know); but the bummer is, if it happens on a ride you can get stranded. As my friend Don Carnage says when stuff falls off his '67 bug, "It's old".
- Styling – I know, I have this on the Pros part too. I like the styling but I actually like the styling of the older scoots better. My next scoot (some day) will be a Rally model as it offers the older styling with the larger engine.
I purchased my scoot from South Bay Scooter Works in Santa Clara California and have always found them to be extremely nice. They also are solid mechanics. Overall, I love the P200E. I would recommend it for people who want a classic scooter with the reliability.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
dspeirs
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Reviews written: 8
Trusted by: 52 members
About Me:
Expinions employee. Caught in the bloodbath of 2001.
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