|
Post by enigmas on May 13, 2017 11:43:13 GMT
I've developed an interest in classic motor scooters of late...so when Roberto, the Vespa Wizard called me one day to show me an interesting project that he found locked in a country garage and unused since the mid 1980s I was somewhat intrigued. Follow the link if you're interested. Stop Press. Believe it or not the scooter is already sold. If you've gone to the link below you may notice that the image pasted to this page is of the scooter's current condition...as of this day! There must be something very special about this Vespa or someone's very keen. PS. I don't usually weld things or repair scooters on our rear patio, but hey my normal workspace at home is full of big toys! Lucky my wife is very understanding...there's even a Harley Davison engine on a stand in the dining room. Rare Vespa Australia Post scooter
|
|
|
Post by GlennR on May 13, 2017 20:02:50 GMT
I had two scooters but was too young to ride them on the road. Both Lambrettas. Li 150 and a TV 200. They had the Ancellotti racing seat....they could move very quickly but I could only ride them off road.
|
|
|
Post by enigmas on May 14, 2017 6:35:21 GMT
Sounds like fun Glenn...especially when you were a kid.
|
|
|
Post by GlennR on May 14, 2017 8:13:32 GMT
Still am bud . I used to bang my leg with my foot slipping of the kick start. I never thought of getting a rubber pedal cover.
|
|
|
Post by David on May 14, 2017 9:28:18 GMT
Vespa 90 here. Bought it ready to ride on my birthday, then the government moved the minimum age up a year. So had to wait! On the subject of scooters was this the inspiration for Vespa? Made in 1922 (twenty years before Vespa) Only three made. One still at the Jet Age Museum in Gloucester, the remaining two were bought in the 1920's by an Italian.
|
|
|
Post by enigmas on May 14, 2017 15:04:53 GMT
Glenn...it doesn't take much muscle or finesse to kick start a 150cc 2 stroke engine...you must have been unlucky to hurt your foot. I've heard of guys breaking their ankles and being thrown into the air kick starting old Harley Davidson shovel heads and the like but these are big engines. David I have no idea about Vespa's mechanical and design heritage or if there is a family connection with the Unibus, but I'll enquire. I do know that the front wheel suspension was derived from air craft design.
|
|
|
Post by ray on May 14, 2017 21:54:29 GMT
Yes, but those who know scooter's know the kick start is too far out and back to make it difficult without that rubber. I know what you mean Glenn.o
|
|
|
Post by Warwick on May 15, 2017 2:52:46 GMT
I wonder where they were used Vince? Our posties used push-bikes until they changed to Honda step-through motorbikes.
|
|
|
Post by enigmas on May 15, 2017 6:53:19 GMT
There's a guy in the Melbourne Vespa club doing some research on the Postie scooter Warwick, so I wait and see what transpires, then hopefully post an answer here. Ray, if you try and kickstart a Vespa in typical motorbike style, yes you may hurt your foot if it slips of...as your ankle is perfectly aligned for this. But if you place the scooter on it's centre stand, then stand to the right of it, placing your left hand on the seat and your right hand on the handlebar throttle then push the kickstart with your right foot it's easy and your foot is clear of any injury. This is the method the Italian trained Vespa mechanic impressed on me. The scooters were designed for ease of use including women. Kick starting one motorbike style (if you happened to be wearng a dress... ) would be not only ungainly, but perhaps lacking in decorum.
|
|
|
Post by enigmas on May 15, 2017 9:10:26 GMT
|
|
|
Post by GlennR on May 16, 2017 7:22:00 GMT
It was my foot slipping of the pedal that was the problem not the kick back. Still great fun though.
|
|
|
Post by enigmas on May 16, 2017 10:42:50 GMT
Here are some pix guys...although in black and white. Postman Hann of Burnside, South Australia, on motor scooter mail delivery. 1963. Apparently these scooters had smaller wheels, 8" rather than 10".
|
|
|
Post by David on May 16, 2017 10:55:47 GMT
Some info on the 'Unibus', taken from the display board at the museum.
|
|
|
Post by enigmas on Jul 9, 2017 22:19:55 GMT
|
|