Tips on buying second hand PX200

[redfin60]

Hi all. I am new to scootering but have worked out I want a PX200 over all the asian plastic fantastics. I am focusing on the later model with front disk brakes.

I have started to check the local papers for a clean PX200, but am unsure what to be wary of. There is one for sale that is a 91 model with 40,000km on the clock. Is that a lot of km's for a PX200 Vespa? Anyone have any ideas when an engine rebuild or a major overhall is required, eg: gearbox, clutch, etc.

Also any tips on checking for a sound engine, general wear, and common problems?

Redfin (Australia).

[Spence]

First things first, I don't know what the law in Australia is, but in the UK you have to have a full bike license before you can ride a 200cc.

As with any vehicle, the mileage depends on what the scooter's been used for but might not necessarily reflect on the overall condition. Someone who uses theirs to commute every day may clock up loads of miles, but might also get it well looked after. Someone else might use theirs a couple of weekends a year, but leave it out in the back garden to rust for the rest of the year. However, this probably won't be an issue for you, you jammy get. Unless you're buying one off someone in Melbourne that is.

My PX200's six and a half years old and it's done 14,500km. I don't commute on it, but do travel a fair distance to rallies throughout the year, so let's say that's about average. Which makes 40000km for a 16 year old scooter maybe ever so slightly higher than average, but nothing to get your knickers in a twist over. Especially when, as my Australian mate delights in telling me, you have to drive for four hours to get to the corner shop.

As for checking the physical fitness of the scooter, the best thing I can recommend is getting someone with experience to go with you. I only know scooterists in the Sydney area, what part of Australia do you live in?

[Ilan]

hi,

my tips and things to check would be these:

1 - check alignment of the wheels. put the vespa on the center stand and look at it from the front. try to see if the wheels are aligned with the body and with each other.

2 - start the engine and engage the clutch and release it. do it a few times and try to hear if the sound of the engine changes. lots of clunkiness and excess noise when the clutch lever is engaged, means you have to renew the clutch. it may be the outer drum or the inner part (forgot how its called.).

3- now this is a test to check the main crank bearing: start the engine and engage and disengage the clutch lever .as you do this look at the flywheel . it should not move in and out. if it does, it means your left bearing is not in a good shape. replacing it, means you have to dismantle the engine.

4 - this is how you check clutch slippage: ride the vespa in 4th gear at about 50kph , and then fully open the throttle. if the clutch is ok, there shouldn't be any fast rise in engine rpm. try doing it at 3rd gear too at less speed.

5 - check the front wheel bearing. hold the front wheel with two hands - one on bottom and one on top of the tyre and try to move it. i assume you will feel some free move. but this should be very little to none. any free movement means you have to change the bearing. this is not expensive and pretty easy to do.
do the same with the rear wheel. look at the engine while you do that and see if it moves a lot. there should be very little movment (cause the engine is bolted to the frame but seats in rubber bushings)

6- check for rust and cracks.

7 - vespa vibrates a bit so asking you to check it is a little tricky. if you didnt see any other vespas you won't know if this vibration is natural or excessive which means something is wrong.

thats what i can think of ..... if i remember some other tips ill add them later...

any way, try to check the scoot with someone that knows vespa's. or take it to a shop for a check..