Question from a newbie re 6 volt and MOT

[mrsm]

HI folks,

Can you tell me, do MOT stations make allowances for a 40 year old Vespa having 6v electrics? I looked at buying a Vespa today - it rode lovely (I guess, not having ridden a 40 year old Vespa before) but it has no MOT and the lights are so dim!

Plus... the front brake was like cheese and barely did anything... is that normal? Please tell me it isn't but is a common problem that can be fixed easily!

And the speedo doesn't work, the cable just fell out down by the wheel. Can anyone have any clues or do you need more clues from me?

And also, it's a 125 Super imported last year from Italy (had an "F" logo on it) - anything I should be watching out for?

Thanks,

Mrs M

[bryno]

MOT should be fine as long as the lights all work, worth considering conversion to 12v if you intend night riding thou

Front brake is a bit crappy on all Vespas, but if it's been standing I'm sure it could be improved, take the hub off and clean the linings, replace the shoes if you need to, grease all the pivot points, be sure the inner cable is in good shape etc..

Speedo cable could be broken, easy enough to replace, if not it may be damaged worm gear in the hub housing, should not be too traumatic to fix/replace, think you can get a look at that with the hub off.

Let us know how you get on....

[64gl]

mine passed its mot a couple of months ago and me nose has given off more light after a few pints than my lights .

in the short term a 6v halogen is a good option if you dont want to spend a load of wonga .

i've just got a kit , but waiting to put it on .

[mrsm]

Thank you both very much. Well, I've only gone and bought it! Pick it up at the weekend, so excited! ;D

Mrs M