Basic advice needed

[Eggmanfoo]

Reet. I have purchased a 1988 Vespa px125. I have a few questions as to know what to expect, and to figure out if my new scooter is in decent condition.

A. What mileage can I expect to a tank of fuel?

B. what speed should I expect as a max. I only manage 55mph. Is this to be expected

C. The choke doesn't stay out/on. I pull it out on a cold start and it slides part way back in. Is this usual or do I need to looking at replacing it?

I am not naive. I appreciate that older scooters may be slower ans less economical.

Your replies are really appreciated. I am knew to this and just want to neon the right track with my anew machine

Egg

[coaster]

I'd say that 55mph is about right, the speedo might tell a different tale but a GPS (or smart phone app) will tell the truth. The speed will vary according to head wind and your weight. MPG probably around 60mpg at a guess. More speed can be had by fitting an aftermarket barrel kit but expect fuel consumption to be affected.

Re the choke, you should need full choke to start but depending on the ambient temperature you would normally push it back at least half way within a few seconds of starting.

[wack 63]

The choke has an odd shaped clip on the frame tube that puts pressure on the knobs shaft. You need to remove the petrol tank to get to it, although you may be able to check its still there thru the air intake hole under the seat.

[GLscoot]

Speed is about right if your speedo is telling the truth, easiest & cheapest way is to get the misses to travel at the speed limit and check your speedo that way. Plenty of ways to get more speed out of your engine, if you like and have the tools you can do most of it yourself but generally the cheapest way is to buy a P2 engine.
Gary

[Juan]

generally the cheapest way is to buy a P2 engine.

Would you care to share with us where these sub £400 good motors are coming from. I'll take 3.

[Eggmanfoo]

Cheers for the info. The choke only concerned me as I didn't want it constantly on. It starts well with the choke outish. Hopefully I can learn more about my Vespa and all it involves

[GLscoot]

generally the cheapest way is to buy a P2 engine.

Would you care to share with us where these sub £400 good motors are coming from. I'll take 3.

Who mentioned £400.

By the time you buy a kit, match the casings, bigger carb, better exhaust, crank, bearings, seals, primary repair kit and clutch parts, thats over £400. Buy a P2 and sell your 125.
Gary

[Juan]

Working on the basis that Piaggio cranks don't really go wrong too often, although being 26 years old you'd want it looked over at the least, and fair enough the clutch also, you could make it near as good as a 200 for around the £400 mark. Can you buy a known good 200 motor for anywhere remotely close to that? If you can then you're a better man than me.

[paul d]

If your px125 can do 55mph, will start with the choke and doesn't need a bump start then its in decent condition! I'd say you've made a good purchase. They're maybe the most reliable manual geared scooter and the 80's ones are better built than anything from the 90's or 00's in my opinion. Any 2 stroke oil will do but try not to use the cheapest. If you have to mix 2 stroke with the petrol in the tank buy a measuring jug or syringe and do it accurately. Maybe change the gear oil just to start off on the right foot. 11mm bolt under the engine, flathead screw at the back of the engine to fill and judge the level, sae30 oil, don't overtighten! Greasing where the cable head twists in the clutch and brake levers on the handlebar is a good idea too if you want those cables to last as long as possible. The best money you could spend on the bike is a front disc brake which, even on a 125 makes things much safer. Hope your enjoying it.