by Jeremy Wilker

VESPA 1981 P200E Price - $700-$3000 Warranty - none, vintage Motor - 198 cc 2-stroke, 1 cylinder Cooling - forced air 0-40 mph - 8.5 seconds Top speed - 65-70 mph Acceleration - very good Transmission - 4 speed Starter - kick Signals - yes Horn - yes Lights - yes Battery - yes Tires - 10" Tank - 2.1 gallons Gas Usage - 60 mpg, approx Oil Usage - too much, auto-injector   Ergonomics: Seat Height - 31.7" Weight - 238 lbs Wheel base - 49" Balance - not the best, engine off-center Vibration - minimal Noise - average Riders - single or double just fine Construction: Frame - pressed steel monocoque Body - steel Front Shocks - single coil hydraulic, sidearm Rear Shocks - single coil hydraulic Front Brakes - drum Rear Brakes - drum Gauges - speedo only Switches - horn, lights, signals Seat - bench seat, not great Storage - glovebox Results: A plethora of mod kit options are available for most classic scooters and many people race this scooter after tweaking the engine. The height, tall center of gravity and side-mount engine makes this scooter off-balance but most people quickly adjust after a ride or two. Derrick: Great for touring due to power and suspension. Good handling at high speed. The styling is yucky in comparison to other vintage scooters -- too angular. Jeremy: Good power, decent handling. Braking is dual drum so a bit weak. Bench seat isn't great. Goes fast, fairly easy to maintain. Probably the last vintage scooter before the modern styles/engines took over. Huge glovebox.   M.M.M.