Tims p200e
Written: Feb 05 '02
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Pros: Reliable, sturdy, cheap to run & maintain, a classic.
Cons: some scooterists don't regard it as a classic (yet!)
The Bottom Line: Economical, sturdy, beautiful, practical, a great tribute to all at Piaggio, Mr Agnelli & Corradino d'Ascanio himself!
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| timexit17sc's Full Review: 1977 to 1981 Vespa P200E |
I restored my 1980 registered model p200e, completing it last autumn (2001).
It cost far more than it is probably worth, and took me 5 years as I was so insistent on making it look completely new.
The UK spec one I have is exactly the way it would have left Pontedera (the Piaggio factory near Pisa ,Italy) in 1979, except for the paint which is a little thicker due to a mistake at the painters!
The main differences between UK and US versions are as follows:
UK version has a different rear light, no reflectors on the front mudguard, and no battery, and a 24mm carburettor!
Mine is one of the first Uk spec versions that came equipped with indicators, although it doesn't have the (no-working as standard) neutral light on the speedo.
The parts that are hard to get now (if you, like me, insist on everything being OE only):
16mm forks (replaced by 20mm nowadays), seat, speedo,rear light, brake/clutch levers, centre stand, almost all the small plastic trim parts, front legshield beading, side panels, front mudguard, rear mudguard, fuel tank. Most of these have been replaced by redesigned items as there have been about 7 different versions of the p-range over the years! The nice thing is if you are not that fussy, the P200e (the whole range really) is easily fitted with later model parts, and most wouldn't even notice the differences!
The only downside (at present) is the national/international 'classic' clubs regards everything later than the Rally 200 as 'non-classic' and therefore these machines are in a sort of limbo -much loved and revered by any scooterist daring to go touring or on scooter rallies, but unfortunately not recognised as the classic they really are!
Many scooterists in the UK lust after more classic scooters ,but always return to the P-range, it's the only scooter that is 100% trustworthy if you look after it!
Oh and by the way -like ALL Vespas they run with no modification whatsoever on unleaded gas!
There can't be many other vehicles that have so much built-in longevity and are able to stir such emotions amongst their owners!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 2000+
Condition: Used
Model Year: 1980
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Epinions.com ID:
timexit17sc
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Reviews written: 1
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