ArabSpringReverb
Joined: Jul 13, 2012
Posts: 490
San Diego CA
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Posted on May 07 2016 12:13 AM
WoodyJ wrote:
Badger wrote:
Then again, I need something sturdy enough that I can strap my old ruck on the back. Classic scooters do evoke a certain carefree thing though. Cursed practicality.
Ah, I have exactly what you need - '78 Triumph Bonneville, 5 speed gearbox, front & rear disc brakes, recently serviced. Ive had it 25 years but my aged right knee doesn't enjoy kicking it over. I wish you were local as I would make you a heck of a deal. LOTS less $$ than a new Vespa.
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Lovely bike Woody ...I have a 77 bonnie
Last edited: May 07, 2016 00:20:04
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da-ron
Joined: Jan 02, 2009
Posts: 1307
The original Plymouth, UK.
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Posted on May 11 2016 04:57 AM
So, after riding it for a good few days, a few wrinkles emerged. One was the jetting, which is a real exercise in trial and error. Getting there, I think!
As I wheeled it to the garage I noticed a horrible clonking from the rear/transmission. After a few days research into knackered gearboxes, worn sliding dogs and broken endplates I got in the right frame of mind to have a look last night. Turned out to be a loose rear wheel
— http://thewaterboarders.bandcamp.com/
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Badger
Joined: Nov 16, 2013
Posts: 4536
Wisconsin
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Posted on May 11 2016 09:36 AM
At least it wasn't something gargantuan internally & you can focus on the jetting issue (which I don't envy, we used to take our bikes up into the Sierra Nevada range & had to stop & re-jet about half way up - PITA).
— Wes
SoCal ex-pat with a snow shovel
DISCLAIMER: The above is opinion/suggestion only & should not be used for mission planning/navigation, tweaking of instruments, beverage selection, or wardrobe choices.
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pemkt
Joined: Aug 10, 2016
Posts: 22
Eau Claire, WI
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Posted on Aug 16 2016 05:08 PM
Yup, for about 15 years now. My Series 2 Lambretta
190 GT top end
24mm Mikuni carb
BGM shocks
ScootRS front disk
Lots o' other mods.
Right now it's down post engine rebuild (3rd time) but for years was my summertime daily vehicle (and maybe again next year)
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Matt22
Joined: Feb 15, 2007
Posts: 2846
Fredericksburg, Virginia
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Posted on Aug 17 2016 12:19 AM
My 1969 Vespa 150 Sprint Veloce in British Army Green:
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— Matt "tha Kat" Lentz
Skippy and the Skipjacks: 2018-2020
Skippyandtheskipjacks.net
https://www.facebook.com/skippyandtheskipjacks
Otto and the Ottomans: 2014-2015
The Coconauts surf band: 2009-2014
www.theamazingcoconauts.com
Group Captain and the Mandrakes 2013
http://www.gcmband.com/
The Surfside IV: 2002-2005, 2008-2009
the Del-Vamps: 1992-1999, 2006-2007
http://www.dblcrown.com/delvamps.html
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Badger
Joined: Nov 16, 2013
Posts: 4536
Wisconsin
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Posted on Aug 17 2016 06:52 AM
Beautiful machinery; nice to see this thread still going.
Tom, welcome to SG101.
— Wes
SoCal ex-pat with a snow shovel
DISCLAIMER: The above is opinion/suggestion only & should not be used for mission planning/navigation, tweaking of instruments, beverage selection, or wardrobe choices.
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Chippertheripper
Joined: Mar 11, 2011
Posts: 819
Semass
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Posted on Aug 17 2016 06:56 AM
No vintage scoot here, BUT I did but Mrs Ripper a vino 125 which looks the part.
It's probably the most fun moto toy I've, ummm she's, ever owned.
I love the thing.
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da-ron
Joined: Jan 02, 2009
Posts: 1307
The original Plymouth, UK.
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Posted on Aug 17 2016 09:55 AM
Nice to see a few others old and new! Jetting sorted on mine, goes pretty well. Had a flat tyre after it's first 100 mile run. When I checked it over I found the rime cracked in two places Probably caused by it being loose once. New rims, new inner tube, no probs.
Meanwhile, we've been camping on it, to a scooter rally and a few trips out.
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Meanwhile, work on the Lambretta chopper continues. Changed the dropped handlebars for the original headset. Footpegs are on. Next job is sorting out the rear brake...
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— http://thewaterboarders.bandcamp.com/
Last edited: Aug 17, 2016 09:56:02
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Chippertheripper
Joined: Mar 11, 2011
Posts: 819
Semass
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Posted on Aug 17 2016 12:32 PM
That chop job looks like a hoot.
Yeah, mama's isn't old by anybody's imagination, but it is fun as hell. After years of big bikes, enduros, hare scrambles, road racing, and track days, the scooter is a breath of fresh air. WFO or on the brakes at all times, and with a top speed of 53 in a full tuck, it's pretty reasonable.
It's so goddam fun.
And motocamping...it's almost as good for the soul as bicycle camping. Enjoy.
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Matt22
Joined: Feb 15, 2007
Posts: 2846
Fredericksburg, Virginia
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Posted on Aug 17 2016 01:03 PM
da-ron wrote:
Nice to see a few others old and new! Jetting sorted on mine, goes pretty well. Had a flat tyre after it's first 100 mile run. When I checked it over I found the rime cracked in two places Probably caused by it being loose once. New rims, new inner tube, no probs.
Great pics! Used to go on rallies all the time, overnighters too, but wouldn't do it now. People have brought guns into the mix over the last 15 years or so, unfortunately, and campouts with alcohol and guns aren't up my alley. I also avoid rallies unless they're organized well because otherwise people act like asshats and think it's a race.
My first scooter was a '68 Lambretta Li back in the 80s. I always had parts falling off it, including the entire back hub! I think Lambrettas are much smarter looking but haven't owned another since about 1988. Love yours! The mod P-series at the campsite is cool, too. I thought of putting stadium mirrors and lights back on my '69 Sprint, but I like it the way it is.
— Matt "tha Kat" Lentz
Skippy and the Skipjacks: 2018-2020
Skippyandtheskipjacks.net
https://www.facebook.com/skippyandtheskipjacks
Otto and the Ottomans: 2014-2015
The Coconauts surf band: 2009-2014
www.theamazingcoconauts.com
Group Captain and the Mandrakes 2013
http://www.gcmband.com/
The Surfside IV: 2002-2005, 2008-2009
the Del-Vamps: 1992-1999, 2006-2007
http://www.dblcrown.com/delvamps.html
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da-ron
Joined: Jan 02, 2009
Posts: 1307
The original Plymouth, UK.
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Posted on Aug 17 2016 01:22 PM
Guns at a rally?!!
I was once overtaken by my mate on his SX, then his fan cowling overtook me a few seconds later
Not a fan of mirrors or lights, mainly 'cos I'm not a mod. Keep 'em clean and smart Italian style! Or chopped...
Indeed, Chippertheripper, bikers go on about speed and power and miss the point of a scooter - they are a whole bunch of fun. A few mates, a few miles, a few smiles, and it's a great day.
— http://thewaterboarders.bandcamp.com/
Last edited: Aug 17, 2016 13:23:09
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Matt22
Joined: Feb 15, 2007
Posts: 2846
Fredericksburg, Virginia
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Posted on Aug 17 2016 01:41 PM
da-ron wrote:
Guns at a rally?!!
I was once overtaken by my mate on his SX, then his fan cowling overtook me a few seconds later
Not a fan of mirrors or lights, mainly 'cos I'm not a mod. Keep 'em clean and smart Italian style! Or chopped...
Indeed, Chippertheripper, bikers go on about speed and power and miss the point of a scooter - they are a whole bunch of fun. A few mates, a few miles, a few smiles, and it's a great day.
It's only been the last 15 years or so. But then again, I live in Arizona where guns can be bought by virtually anyone. Alcohol was never the problem, but the guns and alcohol mix is a recipe for disaster. Last camping rally I was on people decided to target practice after imbibing, so I packed up and left and haven't done it again.
I used to have mod bikes, but it's just a ton of stuff that people want to mess with and it also causes parking issues...lol. I still have some stuff, but keep it off. I prefer the classic look these days.
I've not done the big rallies like the ones in Las Vegas, but may end up making it one of these days. It used to be a great laugh to go on rallies.
— Matt "tha Kat" Lentz
Skippy and the Skipjacks: 2018-2020
Skippyandtheskipjacks.net
https://www.facebook.com/skippyandtheskipjacks
Otto and the Ottomans: 2014-2015
The Coconauts surf band: 2009-2014
www.theamazingcoconauts.com
Group Captain and the Mandrakes 2013
http://www.gcmband.com/
The Surfside IV: 2002-2005, 2008-2009
the Del-Vamps: 1992-1999, 2006-2007
http://www.dblcrown.com/delvamps.html
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Badger
Joined: Nov 16, 2013
Posts: 4536
Wisconsin
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Posted on Aug 17 2016 06:19 PM
Matt22 wrote:
It's only been the last 15 years or so. But then again, I live in Arizona where guns can be bought by virtually anyone. Alcohol was never the problem, but the guns and alcohol mix is a recipe for disaster. Last camping rally I was on people decided to target practice after imbibing, so I packed up and left and haven't done it again.
Yeah, the old "here, hold my beer & watch THIS" crowd. I have plenty of guns (I don't drink) but when those 2 things are mixed I try to put at least 2 major terrain features between me & them.
The vintage scooters are appealing to me because, with the growing population of current ones 'scooting' about, it's not a big deal and you can still be the "grey man" in a motorized fashion. And scooters look more benign anyway. Also, the lines on a vintage scooter are just more elegant, like someone from Pininfarina was doodling instead of someone from a stamp factory.
My full ruck wouldn't do on a bicycle (unless hiking) but a scooter, now that is something worthy. Well, 7-8 months out of the year anyway.
— Wes
SoCal ex-pat with a snow shovel
DISCLAIMER: The above is opinion/suggestion only & should not be used for mission planning/navigation, tweaking of instruments, beverage selection, or wardrobe choices.
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Chippertheripper
Joined: Mar 11, 2011
Posts: 819
Semass
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Posted on Aug 18 2016 07:05 AM
da-ron wrote:
Indeed, Chippertheripper, bikers go on about speed and power and miss the point of a scooter - they are a whole bunch of fun. A few mates, a few miles, a few smiles, and it's a great day.
This is how all things in life should be approached.
I've sold my woods bike, my big adventure bike is also on the block.
I'm gonna pick myself up a little ktm350 for dual sporting with my homies, the occasional turkey run, Enduro or short course scramble, and probably a grom to have around. Although the Vespa 300 is a strong contender too, because I definitely have the skill set to drop squids out in the twisties. And to do it on a scooter would be a RIOT.
And because my newfound love of scooters is not dying anytime soon.
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pemkt
Joined: Aug 10, 2016
Posts: 22
Eau Claire, WI
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Posted on Aug 18 2016 08:09 AM
I've long found that people always think you're going slow on a scooter. You could be ten miles over the limit but since you're on a scooter you must be going too slow.
People are funny that way.
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thediamondheads
Joined: May 06, 2013
Posts: 16
Baltimore
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Posted on Aug 18 2016 03:43 PM
The Diamondheads talked about getting matching Vespas, but we talked about doing lots of things......
We did use recordings of an actual Vespa in one of our favorites - "Dented Fender"
here's a link....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-X8u2rLF_E
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pemkt
Joined: Aug 10, 2016
Posts: 22
Eau Claire, WI
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Posted on Aug 18 2016 07:04 PM
Ha! Caught it right at the end there! Great tune BTW -- I especially like the almost ska rhythm to the drumming. It really makes for a fresh sound.
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Matt22
Joined: Feb 15, 2007
Posts: 2846
Fredericksburg, Virginia
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Posted on Aug 18 2016 07:18 PM
That's a good song!!!!!! Love the two-stroke sounds!
Here's a video for you Diamondheads
— Matt "tha Kat" Lentz
Skippy and the Skipjacks: 2018-2020
Skippyandtheskipjacks.net
https://www.facebook.com/skippyandtheskipjacks
Otto and the Ottomans: 2014-2015
The Coconauts surf band: 2009-2014
www.theamazingcoconauts.com
Group Captain and the Mandrakes 2013
http://www.gcmband.com/
The Surfside IV: 2002-2005, 2008-2009
the Del-Vamps: 1992-1999, 2006-2007
http://www.dblcrown.com/delvamps.html
Last edited: Aug 18, 2016 19:18:51
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da-ron
Joined: Jan 02, 2009
Posts: 1307
The original Plymouth, UK.
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Posted on Aug 19 2016 02:51 AM
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da-ron
Joined: Jan 02, 2009
Posts: 1307
The original Plymouth, UK.
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Posted on Sep 21 2016 06:44 AM
So, in August I went to the Isle of Wight scooter rally for the first time. One of the world's biggest scooter rallies, it was complicated by a couple of things:
1) breaking down,
2) I'd won a competition to report on the rally (I'd won a helmet cam) so I had to go, regardless.
It wasn't uneventful, and it was a whole lot of fun. My report is here:
http://www.scooterlab.uk/bsra-isle-wight-international-scooter-rally-rallery/
— http://thewaterboarders.bandcamp.com/
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