1981 Vespa P200E Vintage Italian Sooter

Description

I purchased this Vespa from another older gentleman when I lived in the Kansas City metro area in the summer of 2007 and rode it often until the fall of 2010, when the clutch side crank seal started to leak.
The motor would still start with a kick or two but any rpms higher than a fast idle would pull air into the crankcase, making it run too lean to maintain a high rpm.
I put the bike away and added it to my project list.
That was 14 years ago…
I’ve retired now-with all the physical “joys” that come with old age and I’ve finally come to terms with the fact that my riding days are behind me.
I sold my 1967 BMW R60/2 project last year but kept the Vespa thinking I could still ride it comfortably as I wouldn't have to throw my leg over a saddle (I have the articulation of a Ken doll now) but my better half has brought me to my senses as she often does…I have neither the time to replace the engine seals and refurbish it for the road nor the uncalcified bones that are such an advantage if you find yourself detached from your ride at speed..
I’ve owned many Vespas over the years, from VBBs to the P series like this one and I believe that the P200E is the absolute best of the classic Vespas both in terms of road manners and engine power (there are 12 thundering ponies under those cowls-you’ve been warned).
I have had this up to 64 on a flat stretch of highway although with the tiny wheels and the wind gusts that come with it as semi-trucks pass you I wouldn’t do it again.
You shouldn't either...
don’t be dumb like the seller.
I have the seal kit and gasket set you’ll need to replace the leaking seal and they are of course included with the bike.
The cowl badges and other assorted spares are also included-basically, you get everything related to Vespas that I have.  I think I have a book or two on vintage Vespas that I will dig up for you as well.
The bike is currently in a storage shed in Hill City South Dakota smack dab in the middle of the beautiful Black Hills.
We’re about 6 miles from Mount Rushmore and 40 miles from Deadwood.
There is no real rush on pick up (within reason) so I’m happy to hold onto it up to a month or two if needed.
Best idea would be to combine a family vacay with your trip out to pick it up.
It’s a beautiful area and your better half will be more likely to forgive your frivolous purchase when they realize you’ve decided to treat them to a summer getaway.
Just emphasize that one has nothing to do with the other and it’s only coincidence that your Ebay win is in the same area you’ve decided to take the family.  I'll play along of course...
Now comes the part where I list all the imperfections and problems I’m aware of so you don’t show up and feel like you’ve been sucker punched.
I’m an honest old duffer and I will do my best but please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions I’ve left unanswered.
Yes, the scooter is sold “as is, where is" because lawyers have made that a necessity in today's world (although if you are an attorney, please accept my apologies and understand that YOU are the exception and I’m speaking only of your peers) but I can assure the buyer that it is all there and has nothing significant beyond what I am detailing for you in this ad.  Potential buyers are welcome to come out and see the bike in person before bidding if they like...contact me and we'll work out a time.
The GOOD:
The scooter has never been wrecked (as in slamming into anything) so the sheet metal is solid and straight excepting a very minor split in the front fender sheet metal.
It has been owned only by older dudes who fret over what the best 2 stroke oil is (it’s MOTUL 710 by the way) and rode it like a scooter not a GP bike.
Original tool set is included.
This has oil injection so you don’t have to pre-mix the fuel (and the Vespa injection design is utterly reliable unlike some of it’s contemporaries). It’s all original except for an aftermarket exhaust, an aftermarket center stand (WAY more sturdy than the original), a heavy-duty clutch pack and an aftermarket H4 headlamp (WAY brighter than the original).
Wheels are straight with no bead damage and are in their original paint including the spare.
It has a clear MO title in my name.
They don’t make them anymore so the chances are in your favor that this will appreciate over time unlike the fantastic plastic imitations they’re selling now.
You’ll feel like Gregory Peck in Roman Holiday on this baby-I did anyway.
Never managed to pick up a runaway princess on it though
…
The NOT AS GOOD:
She has fallen over more than once (thanks again my Darling and yes, I still love you) and has various scratches, small dents and other surface imperfections you’d expect from a 43 year old scooter.
Minor corrosion in a few spots on the floorboards but this is surface only and not deep either.
NO RUST HOLES ANYWHERE. Paint is original but faded and oxidized from exposure (I did take a little polish to a section and it buffed out nicely so you may be able to revive it to its original luster).
I removed the battery long ago so it wouldn’t corrode the area around the battery tray-so you’ll have to buy a replacement. Fuel and oil have been sitting in the tank all these years so expect to have to clean the gas tank out (no leaks though).
Seat cover is bad and needs replacement though the seat frame underneath is in great shape (these original seats are built exceptionally well so I would consider a recover over replacing the entire assembly).
Tires aren’t bad but considering the age I’d replace them to be safe.
Carb air duct is ratty (they always are after a few years it seems) so it should be replaced.
This is an inexpensive part and the bike will run fine without it but the duct allows the carb to draw a cleaner air source from under the seat so the air filter isn’t clogged quickly-well worth a few bucks imho.
The (sorta) BAD:
It needs a seal kit (included) installed to return the motor to function.
No holes in the piston or crankcase/bad cylinder compression/broken gears/bent connecting rod or frozen crankshaft stuff…just needs a seal set as 2 strokes are known to on occasion.
The horncast was broken in a hail storm when I pushed it outside for a few days to make room for something else in the garage (no hail damage to the sheet metal body due to how heavy the gauge is.
God did this because I exist solely for the Almighty’s
amusement I think.
The horncast is plastic and available right here on Ebay at a fair price.
All the parts inside the horncast were saved so you just need the molded plastic trim piece and paint it to match.
I’ve lost the mirrors so the buyer will have to source those as well.
All in all, it’s original and complete enough to approach as a full restoration and mechanically and cosmetically sound enough to replace the seals, clean out the tank, mount new tires, a few here and theres and ride it as is.
Either way, it’s a little Italian gem that is sure to increase in value as the years roll by.
PLEASE NOTE:  I have a large collection of Vespa service tools and an engine stand that fits both large and small frame vintage Vespa drive units.  I will be listing those in a separate auction sometime in the next few days.  Buy the bike and the tools and you're on your way to a vintage Vespa service career!
Thanks for looking! (Grazie per aver guardato!)
Doug