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Subject: "Viet Scoots and SoCal Scoot shops."
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Archived thread - Read only
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That Guy
unregistered user
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Feb-08-05, 11:09 PM (EDT) |
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"Viet Scoots and SoCal Scoot shops."
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I heard that SoCal or maybe any american Scoot shop won't touch Viet Scooters. If one wanted to get an engine rebuild or tune up. Can't you just say it's NOT from Nam? Or is it obvious when a scoot engine has been "restored" in Vietnam. (I'm only saying engine, because what if you just take the shop the engine itself and not the complete scoot.) |
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- RE: Viet Scoots and SoCal Scoot shops.,
g, Feb-08-05, 11:45 PM, (1)
- RE: Viet Scoots and SoCal Scoot shops.,
SE , Feb-09-05, 00:55 AM, (5)
- RE: Viet Scoots and SoCal Scoot shops.,
TV200, Feb-09-05, 09:29 AM, (7)
- Piles of Poop,
poop , Feb-09-05, 02:46 PM, (8)
- Hey TV200, where are you?,
Robert Volz, Feb-09-05, 05:31 PM, (21)
- Scoot RS bikes,
detroit, Feb-10-05, 11:30 AM, (24)
- RE: Viet Scoots and SoCal Scoot shops.,
Richard , Feb-09-05, 02:57 PM, (9)
- RE: Viet Scoots and SoCal Scoot shops.,
wolfbait , Feb-09-05, 03:53 PM, (11)
- RE: Viet Scoots and SoCal Scoot shops.,
rhodrie, Feb-09-05, 04:08 PM, (12)
- yay pink scooters!,
db, Feb-09-05, 04:20 PM, (15)
- RE: Viet Scoots and SoCal Scoot shops.,
morrisseyscoot, Feb-09-05, 04:29 PM, (17)
- Oh my... they have an $8000 vespa on their site,
Robert Volz, Feb-09-05, 05:36 PM, (22)
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g
Member since Apr-25-03
2802 posts |
Feb-08-05, 11:45 PM (EDT) |
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1. "RE: Viet Scoots and SoCal Scoot shops."
In response to message #0
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Most American scooter shops can spot a Vietnamese scooter from a mile away. What they usually would recommend is to jack up the speedo and slide a new scooter under it. I don't like working on them because people who purchase these scooters don't realize how bad they are and when you split the cases and tell them the engine is shot they go into this mind set that you are the one who is trying to rip them off. Just my 2Cents. g. |
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ccoker5
unregistered user
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Feb-08-05, 11:53 PM (EDT) |
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2. "RE: Viet Scoots and SoCal Scoot shops."
In response to message #1
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Some shops will work on them, it just ends up bad usually. My friend bought one and Ive convinced her to just throw a stella motor in it[frames ok}. At leats that way shes starting with a servicable motor. |
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artduhfart
Member since Jan-31-05
103 posts |
Feb-09-05, 00:46 AM (EDT) |
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3. "RE: Viet Scoots and SoCal Scoot shops."
In response to message #2
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I'm under suspision that my scoot might be on the NAM. It runs but needs some work. I'd just like to get it serviced. would they not touch it? What's the best move (moneywise )? Rebuild the engine that came with it or buy a new one? I just want it to run. No need to get it suped-up. |
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g
Member since Apr-25-03
2802 posts |
Feb-09-05, 00:49 AM (EDT) |
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4. "RE: Viet Scoots and SoCal Scoot shops."
In response to message #3
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If the frame is not full of bondo then maybe you could stick a five port lml engine in it will probably be ok. g. |
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SE
unregistered user
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Feb-09-05, 00:55 AM (EDT) |
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5. "RE: Viet Scoots and SoCal Scoot shops."
In response to message #0
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You typically wont have to say. I can spot them in 5 seconds.
Some are good, others off the charts bad. The reason that good shops turn down these bikes is that there is an implied relationship when you do service on a bike. Bikes beyond a certain level of repair quality are not readily made reliable and could break again at any time after a repair is done. Then a clinet may try to hold you responsible for its failure even though it had nothing to do with what you did. Therefore it is just better not to get anywhere near these type projects so that your good name is not endangered and you dont disappoint the client either. |
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InfectedBootSector
Member since Dec-11-02
717 posts |
Feb-09-05, 09:19 AM (EDT) |
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6. "RE: Viet Scoots and SoCal Scoot shops."
In response to message #5
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A good mechanic knows how to say no... Like SE said, it is very easy to spot the Asian "restos". A tell tale sign is a front wheel that sits too high because the center stand is too high for the bike. Other signs are chrome accessories that don't belong. Seats that don't match the model, etc. American shops generally approach a bike with a classic restoration. Proper paint codes, proper accessories, etc. Generally, they build the bike the way it would have looked off the factory line.
Anyway, mechanics know their limit and generally know what they are getting into. It is better to turn down a machine right away than to open a whole nest of trouble. It's not that they don't want to give you good service... They just can't take the chance.
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wnewber
Member since Mar-29-04
595 posts |
Feb-09-05, 03:28 PM (EDT) |
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10. "RE: Viet Scoots and SoCal Scoot shops."
In response to message #6
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>Like SE said, it is very easy to spot the Asian "restos". ...
>...Seats that don't match the model, etc. A couple of quick questions: I'll eventually put a second saddle style seat instead of the buddy pad on my Sprint v; I've had at least one knowledgeable person comment on ths idea as "a common Indian modification." Now I know I've seen a pic taken in Germany in the late 50s-early 60's of a Vespa with dual saddle seats, and I seem to recall something in the text stating it was stock that way. So, question 1: was the dual saddle seat set up ever stock on Vespas? Question 2: In referring to these Asian POS bikes, I often see comments like "He says it's a VBB, but those aren't VBB <insert Vespa part here>". Is there a book that details the differences between the various models (and model years)? Robin Newberry
Old Farts SC
Clemson, South Carolina
1976 Sprint Veloce aka "Betty" |
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joeb
Member since Jan-18-05
469 posts |
Feb-09-05, 04:19 PM (EDT) |
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14. "RE: Viet Scoots and SoCal Scoot shops."
In response to message #10
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two saddle seats shouldn't be an indicator of a vietcong scoot. My owner's manual for my Italian made '59 VBA shows you can add a second saddle. Yes, they are common changes on Italian scoots. Vietcong scoots are not just being imported to Canada and the US. There are several importers in Germany and the UK bringing Vietcong scoots into Europe and reselling them. So buyer beware. The proliferation of vietcong scoots is happening everywhere. My question is, can scooter shops actually afford to turn away customers? I think exposing the rats and educating buyers is a better way to go. One thing is certain, vintage scoots are in danger in Europe, especially Italy. Because of EU regulations and Italian export regulations, vintage vespas are marked for destruction by the Italian government. It doesn't help that Piaggio is working to collusion with the Italian government by offering trade-in incentives to get people to move up to new scooters. joe
www.topdeadcentersc.com
VCOA
'59 VBA
'64 GS
'66 Super |
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travis
Member since Jul-20-02
1238 posts |
Feb-09-05, 04:54 PM (EDT) |
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19. "Vietcong?"
In response to message #14
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>two saddle seats shouldn't be an indicator of a vietcong
>scoot. My owner's manual for my Italian made '59 VBA shows
>you can add a second saddle. Yes, they are common changes
>on Italian scoots.
>
>Vietcong scoots are not just being imported to Canada and
>the US. There are several importers in Germany and the UK
>bringing Vietcong scoots into Europe and reselling them. So
>buyer beware. The proliferation of vietcong scoots is
>happening everywhere. Listen, I understand everyone's concern over Vietnamese imports, but why are using the term "vietcong?" Do you think Ho Chi Minh is behind it? The war's over. travis 
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scooterbobby
unregistered user
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Feb-09-05, 04:10 PM (EDT) |
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13. "RE: Viet Scoots and SoCal Scoot shops."
In response to message #5
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well said SE.............. |
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TV200
Member since Jun-3-02
837 posts |
Feb-09-05, 09:29 AM (EDT) |
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7. "RE: Viet Scoots and SoCal Scoot shops."
In response to message #0
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I will work on ScootRS bikes. however I will not work on other asian bikes. I have done so once. I was not aware it was an asian job until it showed up. As soon as I saw it on the trailer I realized it was gonna be a mess.And the customer showed very selective hearing. I took pictures of the places that I felt the frame was gonna break. Around the shock mount and what not. I told him that I would not test ride the bike because of the safety issues. and had him sign an invoice that stated that the scooter was unsafe and should not be ridden at all. He called a few days later and asked it I guaranteed my work. and I had to tell him that I could not guarantee anything on his bike because it was such a pile of poop. Cheers
Greg Vice President for life, Scott Baxter Scooter Club, minute taker of the Chris Herman Scooter Club
Oh and apparently
http://scoot.net/faq/TV200 |
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poop
unregistered user
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Feb-09-05, 02:46 PM (EDT) |
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8. "Piles of Poop"
In response to message #7
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Well, if that's the case, and anyone is reading this post from Canada, be prepared for about 50-60 more piles of poop to be heading your way in 2005. The importer is some guy named Eric, and he will be reselling them through motorcycle shops. Who knows, maybe he'll get some lucky scooter shops to sign up as well. Eric is buying up scooters by the shitload from any and every sidewalk shop in Vietnam. (Hey, they're such a great deal!) Vespa Super 150's mostly, and some Lambrettas as well. The Lambrettas will be really fucking scary. Seems that he's getting sky-high prices north of the border. what, are Canadians just more gullible? His first container-full of scooters were $800 sidewalk jobs which he sold for $4500 each, and of course they all broke down. Let's see what happens now. I feel sorry for any Canadian who falls prey to this crook. Beware of shiny, two-tone, over-chromed scooters being sold by Motorcyle dealerships in Canada. Eric's best quote: "I don't understand why scooter shops won't work on scooters from Vietnam? That's ridiculous!" and another: "Oh, my scooters aren't made to be ridden every day. They are just for rich older folks to take out occasionally". what a jackass. > and I had to tell him that I
>could not guarantee anything on his bike because it was such
>a pile of poop. |
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Robert Volz
Member since Jul-24-02
634 posts |
Feb-09-05, 05:31 PM (EDT) |
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21. "Hey TV200, where are you?"
In response to message #7
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We have a local poster with TV200 @ OAL. is this you? What shop do/did you work at?
Robert Hey buddy, you gonna eat that? |
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detroit
Member since Apr-25-03
493 posts |
Feb-10-05, 11:30 AM (EDT) |
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24. "Scoot RS bikes"
In response to message #7
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A friend in Windsor ON bought a ScootRS bike and I went to help him with it when it arrived as he'd never ridden before. While there were very minor personal taste issues (ie. different color greyrubber in different locations and a well done pearl paint I just didn't like the color of) I found the bike to be solid and overall well done. After a brief embarrassed terror when I couldn't get it started (vapor lock, heh), the new engine ran well and later when I found it had been tested for a few k's in Vancouver prior to shipping, I was impressed. Again, to me it certainly did not look like an original. And, that's because, well it isn't and wasn't meant to be. But if you have the money and don't care about niggling authenticity, it's a nice product. My, uhh, a little more than two cents. chris 
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Richard
unregistered user
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Feb-09-05, 02:57 PM (EDT) |
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9. "RE: Viet Scoots and SoCal Scoot shops."
In response to message #0
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I won't touch a scooter from asia unless it has the engine replaced, the owner has a good sense of humor and understands what they're in for. If I ran a shop, I'd probably turn them all down, scootrs or not. I'm Canadian and yeah the amount of asian bikes is starting to bug me.. I get about 5 emails a week asking me if johnny beware's bikes are worth buying  -Richard >I heard that SoCal or maybe any american Scoot shop won't
>touch Viet Scooters. If one wanted to get an engine rebuild
>or tune up. Can't you just say it's NOT from Nam? Or is it
>obvious when a scoot engine has been "restored" in Vietnam.
>(I'm only saying engine, because what if you just take the
>shop the engine itself and not the complete scoot.)
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wolfbait
unregistered user
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Feb-09-05, 03:53 PM (EDT) |
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11. "RE: Viet Scoots and SoCal Scoot shops."
In response to message #9
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remember that old t-shirt "japanese motorcycle repair kit" and it had a pic of a grenade? im making asian scooter repair kit shirts and stickers. people trying to pass viet restored scoots are ruining the market for legitimate restorers. why buy a "used" scooter from italy or the us, when i can buy a "fully restored" scooter from asia for 1/3 the price? and its got all the upgrades. whats wrong with 8" wheels anyway? |
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rhodrie
Member since Apr-7-04
243 posts |
Feb-09-05, 04:08 PM (EDT) |
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12. "RE: Viet Scoots and SoCal Scoot shops."
In response to message #11
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db
Member since Jun-7-02
566 posts |
Feb-09-05, 04:20 PM (EDT) |
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15. "yay pink scooters!"
In response to message #12
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this is my favorite: 
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rhodrie
Member since Apr-7-04
243 posts |
Feb-09-05, 04:25 PM (EDT) |
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16. "RE: yay pink scooters!"
In response to message #15
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Those Darn McCabes
unregistered user
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Feb-09-05, 05:21 PM (EDT) |
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20. "RE: yay pink scooters!"
In response to message #15
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ooh, pretty. it'd be so cool if we could send our scooter frames/cowel/fenders over their to be bondoed (hey, we all need a little!) and painted funky like that. Of course, no guarantee you'd get your own frame back I guess. Becky |
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morrisseyscoot
Member since Oct-26-03
786 posts |
Feb-09-05, 04:29 PM (EDT) |
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17. "RE: Viet Scoots and SoCal Scoot shops."
In response to message #12
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wow that is really scary...
8k for a scooter and sidecar? ugh. i'm happy and relieved to ride my beat up american model P series.-----
"...mopeds, mo' problems." |
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modzillaATL
Member since Oct-18-04
108 posts |
Feb-09-05, 04:45 PM (EDT) |
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18. "RE: Viet Scoots and SoCal Scoot shops."
In response to message #17
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What always makes VietScoots look like their getting ready for take off? Is that the result of having two bodies welded together or something? What gives? T |
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Big Al
Member since Jun-7-02
2578 posts |
Feb-10-05, 00:51 AM (EDT) |
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23. "RE: Viet Scoots and SoCal Scoot shops."
In response to message #18
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No, it's from using 10" P-series centerstands on 8" bikes. Jeebus. Who'da thought the biggest American secret would be a friggin' sawzall? |
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Robert Volz
Member since Jul-24-02
634 posts |
Feb-09-05, 05:36 PM (EDT) |
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22. "Oh my... they have an $8000 vespa on their site"
In response to message #12
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pure craziness Hey buddy, you gonna eat that? |
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