I’ve had my white 2001 ET 4 for 20 years now. Other Vespa have come and gone also. This one is in fantastic condition. ! Not a mark on her. 23,000 miles I’ve totaled 100,000 miles on vespas and the piaggio X 9. 500. Nothing is more fun than the ET4. Hello from northern New Jersey

Good to see a video showing the reality of getting a scooter back on the road

Love watching your channel I am 66 years old always wanted a vespa 2024 will be the year so looking forward to it chat soon Sean from Ireland

Robot just wanted to say you're an absolute G. Your videos are very much appreciated on my end. I'm scooter passionate as well. Have a technical/schooling background involving everything 2 wheels but scooters are my ultimate passion for the reasons you have eloquently mentioned. Again, dude you're awesome, I reside in AZ and yes, nothing feels like pinning throttle on a scooter thru the beautiful desert roads. Hats off scooter genius tech bro for real. Your vids on absolute point.

I saw the thumbnail and instantly had trust this man knows his scooters and lattes

This is easily the best and most informative Vespa channel in all of YT land.

Thank you so much for doing these demo vids! I have an ET2 and have been watching your belt replacement videos - you are very clear and helpful and have given me all the info I need to to the job myself! I enjoyed this one, too, so I can see what maintenance points I missed. :)

You the man Robot. Very interesting thanks for posting

Just became interested in getting a scooter and I’m still in the process of educating myself. Just wanted to say that all your videos are fantastic.

I love your explanation and being direct.

Not sure how I missed this. Another great et4 video! Thanks again Robot!

I’ve been watching your videos for a while and thanks to you and scooter West I have successfully bought parts for my 2003 Vespa ET2 50,I bought it February of this year with 256 original miles but it needed some little things such as left rear turn signal part to make me feel safer at night,planning on buying new tires for it soon for increased safety

Bought my et4 in 2001. Last 20 years motorcycles and other vespas came and went. The only constant is my et4. If I plan it right when I die the only thing I’ll have is my et4.

had hella of a hard time taking the carb out of my old yamaha majesty. This placement is excellent.

An older scooter but totally tuned up and safe is worth it

So relatable! Picked up an 09 Fly last year that had sat outside for years, Wish I'd seen this video earlier would have saved myself a lot of steps :) Had good results performing a 'hot soak' with Chem-tool along with new fuel lines to clear up a clogged carb/fuel system without having to rebuild/replace.

Thanks Man! Excellent job. Thanks for the level of detail.

Hi Robot! I just found u here! I've collected 2 stroke vintage mopeds for years. Still have 4, but ready to sell or trade now that I have an 01 Vespa ET 2 50cc. This info is exactly what I needed to get my Vespa in tip top shape. It runs, but needs work. I will do it all thanks to your videos. It needs, Air filter fuel tap, new fuel lines, new brake pads, flush brake fluid, clean carb or buy new. It was garaged and not ridden for 3 years.

Thank you. I had no idea what to look for and this was very helpful.

Great video. Looks like a real barn find. Thanks Robot.

Great info Robot. Your experience really shows. Describes exactly what I went through with my 08’ gt 200. Drilling out my ignition was interesting...

Bought and restored quite a few newer LXs and thankfully, they all turned out to be worth the time and effort.

I recently acquired a 2001 ET2 with original battery and 4500km. Voltage was at 0.6 and the cells were dry. Added distilled water to the top of the plates and left it on a pulse charger for a week. Back to 100% and the lil guy starts up super easy. Now to service him...

I've been recruited by the Robot videos! I've had about 30 motorbikes and just bought my first scooter, an 8K mile et4 that was maintained by Vespa Motorsports. I'm replacing the tires, front pads and servicing the belt with the VM tool and and parts kit. So far the parts total $275 in 2021 dollars. This scooter reminds me of a BMW R60, but quicker.

I've just started on my daughter's 1997 ET4. Not been on the road since 2002. Luckily it has been stored in my garage all that time. Just as well as the UK weather isn't as forgiving as your west coast climate. Two and a half hours to strip the front end!! Took me all day :-). The biggest problem I have encounted is that the bolts shear so easily. I was reassured that everything you mentioned it is on my to do list. Thanks for videos, I enjoy them.

Good detailed thorough advice, great reminders. thanks from uk

2005 is vintage already. I am getting old :D

I think you must have spies in Ireland :-) Talk about perfect timing! My Covid '19 project is resurrecting my 2004 ET4 and I've a shopping list of parts from your website already. I've already used some of your other videos to help me understand what I'm stripping. I've a few questions that I was going to shoot to you, and now I've even more having seen this video. Thanks so much for posting this!

Hi Robot, I’m from Canada, I just stumbled unto your website, I wished I’d have known about your experience in scooters before. About 3 years ago I bought a 2009 Sym HD 200, I fell in love with this scooter, only to find out 3 years later I can’t find any parts for it any where in Canada. After seeing your video about Vespa and Piaggio scooters I wished I would have bought one of those scooters. I have trouble with the carburetor on this Sym scooter, having no parts for it in Canada I’ll probably have to scrap the whole bike which is a shame. Thanks for all the information on your website which I subscribed quickly.

Nicely done, just picked up wt4 w/et50 glove box etc and I have no license so... but 400$ last one wasa 66" 50cc frame w/125 Primavera, was my love so I'm returning to do something simular but faster and will check your site for upgrades. Ty

Thanks Robot , you are a wealth of information and the information is very helpful.

Good video. Really tells you want you are getting yourself into.

Sweet hat Robot! You're the man.

I have lots of questions...I have emailed you all on several occasions to no avail. I realize you all are in California. We don't have any real Vespa pro here in Seattle. So I needed this video, Thanks!👊🏾

I sure would like to see your collection. A scooter collection video would be awesome.

Nice Video!

Great guy and love his thorogh review

Excellent. Thanks a lot, it really helps.

Very helpful videos Robot and have been watching so many of your videos in the last few days. Could please plan to cover 2003 Piaggio LT150? As it seems to be non-existent on youtube and would be super helpful, thanks so much.

Very informative, thank you.

Great info, Thanks.🤘🏽🔥🔥🔥

Great video. Thanks.

Robot I watch all of your videos-you are so knowledgeable and simply awesome! Thank you for doing these videos they are so appreciated and your time is even more so appreciated. :0

To bad i live in Europe, not Italy..... I like your movies a lot. I subscribed thumd you up. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

Great video when prob I had changing out the belt is making sure that the nut at the end of crankshaft is correctly tensioned. If the belt is tight, you don’t get the proper tightness and I stripped the spines.

Exactly what I need now, very interested in buying a second-hand GTS 300.

Did it ever start? Mine, a British spec ET4 125 runs fine, albeit, the cold start system, doesn’t! However, when I bought it in the Vespa dealer in San José, Costa Rica, there where so many things wrong with her! I bought it because of the looks. Albeit the previous owner had a damaged CDI, the magnetic flywheel and he had damaged the air box as well. I recuperated from him the original keys and bought the original CDI, plus the magnetic flywheel. I also replaced the carburetor. It is a pleasure to drive on errands and also on secondary roads!

I came across your channel when I was in the market for a used scooter. I found one on CL a 2005 ET4 with 1900 miles. Garage kept and very clean. I paid $1500 for it. The scooter has been well taken care of. I know because of the age it will need some maintenance. After watching this video I know it will probably need tires even though it has been in a garage it's entire life. I noticed the fuel gauge is not accurate. Could that be from not much use? Do you have videos on how to trouble shot that? I will also be looking for any videos you may have on tune ups or overhauling the carb. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I look forward to seeing all your videos so I can do the majority of the service to this little gem I purchased.

Still it's nice to put history back on the road.

Great info

The difference from 2009 to 2016 MP3s is staggering. I could never drive the older ones now. The technology is so much more advanced and safe.

GREAT overview and a FAQ that should be promulgated across every chatboard and Facebook/Reddit group around the globe. However, "All the Vespa 150s sold in the United States have an immobilizer system" ...except the S model (I happen to have one). Interesting feature but not worth the complication in my opinion, on an item that two people can easily toss into a van.

If it was me I would have gone around every bolt, nut and fixing and sprayed them generously with wd 40 at least 3days before touching or attempting undoing them, a bit of heat and a few gentle taps with my leather and copper hammer wouldn’t go a miss. Yes I know you’re aware of these precautions and has a full time mechanic you can’t flip and fuss around like that. Times money but its tips that can help the remote and broke new owner get it back on the road with minimum expense. Great video robot I respect your knowledge xx

Wow! Great video. Robot I bought a 2008 LX from a neighbor who did some of the work, but found a faster Vespa. $1,000 said and one. Registration is $24 in my state, and no title required. Previous ownder registered it. No hassle. Thanks.

Great video. Could you do similar video for 5-10yr old fi gts/similar non barn find ?

Thank you! U rock!

I just bought a 2003 Dragon Red ET2 today. 350 miles on the odo and looks brand new. Runs like a top. New tires and I'm g2g.

Brilliant.

Thanks for sharing!!!! SUB and LIKED!!!

Would love to buy an older Vespa and do it up. The cost of parts and freight costs have made it prohibitive. I live in Australia and the costs of freight from the US is crazy. A real shame things are like that now.

I acquired a 2007 GT200 Granturisimo last year (2019). Had 47 miles on it.

Thanks. I'm looking at a 2007 GTS.

I have owned a vespa ET2 from new. The original battery has lasted for 18 years. But the battery has been connected to a "Optimiser battery conditioner" when not in use.

Just resurrected my ET4 50 a few weeks ago. Was sitting in the garage since 2013 when I bought it. Had heavy starting problems. After refurbishing the carburetor and the complete ignition system it still refused to start. Next step was a new engine and since then it runs like new. Seems that the old engine had an issue with the crankshaft and so it only started when the idle setting was pretty high. As soon as you tune it down it refused to start again. Same problem with 3 different carburetors, one of them brand spankin new! At least it runs again and I already did a lot of things to make her shine again. Note done yet, but so far she is looking pretty nice again B-)

I got a nice 2005 it runs super. 1600 miles. Looking to ditch the alien eye mirrors for regular Vespa long stems like on my 300 GTi.

Thank you

I have a silver ET4 that l just restored and it’s a 2001 do they have different carbs to the lx 150cc nice video 👍😎

I got it as is no warrant after i got it home I took a good look on had hole in side the trunk & took it a part check drive belt & rollers it was crack flat one side on belt & rollers was flat on side plus air filter was dry out and rotten! Plus lot of wires unhook & master key was missing & tilt sensor unplug! I got it running i till got lot work to do on it but started look good!!

Great video. Wish it was uploaded a year ago when i decided to resurrect my 2002 ET4 after 17 years shed storage. May i ask, what exhaust upgrade would you recommend? And when will you upload your video for the install ;-)

Excellent Review . 4/15/2024

Mint looking et4 sitting for years will be harder to get running than tatty one that has been sitting for a year or so. If you don't live in Cali paint bubbling and rust along front seam behind mudguard and underneath floor are big issues, if caught early can treat and or patch weld, but if extensive bubbling prob frame toast, also panels expensive to replace, parts bike way to go. If indicators work CDI immobilizer prob will be good as CDI runs indicators too. Gillera runner engine ignition parts are comparable and often cheap. Spot on as ever robot. Put a 200 barrel and piston on it for fun. Be good video.

Hi-as a Vespa P200E fanatic mainly because they are ultra reliable-i would like your honest opinion as to whether you think the GTS 300 are as reliable as a 1980 P200E was ? I have never rode a GTS 300 or even an automatic scooter before but they are growing on me but as i do a lot of Scooter Rally's all over the UK I need excellent reliability like my P200E's have had. Many thanks- Alan

i wish i would have your experience!!

Robot! I really enjoy watching your vids. Thanks for sharing! I bought my first Vespa in Switzerland recently - a 1997 Vespa ET4 125 Pre-Leader. I am currently troubleshooting a no spark issue and am looking to change the carburetor. If the mail system from the US was in working order I'd totally order my parts from you all. I've found that Sip Scooter in Germany is a great place to get what I need now. (I recently saw your vid post of you visiting there). Can you recommend a carb for this Vespa? And when I make my way back to SD, I'll for sure stop by and say hi!

Where can l get a robot like this one ? He has exceptional programing !

What would you consider "high miles" on a older modern vespa?

Is there a way to cap off speedo drive gear hole? I cannot get mine to stay in? Also can u do a video on rear wheel bearing replacement please?

LoVe the ET4

Yeah, my $85.00 basket case (ET2) is all disassembled, cleaned, and in big plastic bins, at the moment. Slowly acquiring parts, as cheap ones can be found. It should cost me as much as my $200 1960 Motobecane av88 did, to restore. All work being done by myself. Thinking about buying a cosmetically sound, but blown 2010 S150. Case is cracked. Yay, or nay at $300?

I bought an ET4 with 7000 miles paid £500 and spent well over £500 on parts but that included powder coating the wheels and Michelin tyres.

Hey, I wanted to know if I should buy a used Vespa 50cc. I live in Italy so there are more Vespa selections and the three I was looking at were the: primavera 50, sprint 50, or the lx 50. (all used) I wanted to get one as I just turned 14 and Vespas are great from what I heard. I would get it used as my dad wants me to start off easy as here they could get robbed easily unfortunately even though I live in a very safe area. Which would you recommend? none of them are over 15,000km of distance they range from 6,000km-15,000km. And the price is around 1.5k for all of the models. Would you recommend me to get it or should i look at a different type? Thanka!

Hi there from the UK. Great video showing the basic location of the key parts and giving realistic prices to replace. I think it’s a bit different here as labour is crazy expensive and parts are possibly harder and more expensive to come by than in the US. I’m new to all this and wanna buy a Vespa 125 for independence and also to use as a delivery bike? Would you recommend them for that? Had a few delivery riders around here advise me against it stating that Honda/Yamahas are far more reliable for the job. I’m sure they’re reliable but Vespas just look so much better. Kinda not sure what to think. Obviously it can get cold and wet here. It’d be left outside but covered. Was looking at older ET4s and LXs but after watching your video I’m moving more to a newer bike maybe a Primavera to skip the minefield of repair costs.

Just an FYI but when checking voltage make sure you are on the DC range and not AC (~) 😊

I like the video but you forgot to mention that Vespa tends to rust, especially on bottom. This can be checked just looking under it. Regards

Hi Mr. Robot I buy use 2007 Piaggio MP3 250IE about 13 year old got 003710 miles on it! I talk owner he buy from the dealer 2018 bike was use for rental only! I ask him did he work on it only thing he did changes out the engine oil & gear oil and replace two front tires!

"I hope you dont snif it for a living " 16:15 😂😂🤣

Robot rocks!

Hi , in your opinion is this old motor (pre leader ) less reliable than the leader one?

Hey I have a 2005 B V-200 and I wanted to know how can I get a maintenance book for it. And how much would it cost to get the extra set of keys made.

How can you tell the difference between a 2 and a 4 and which letter or number in the VIN denotes the year

At 8:47 - the specs of the cheaper Piaggio-branded battery seems suspiciously identical to the Yuasa battery. Might these be coming out of the same factory?

I have a used 2015 Vespa sprint 150 recently and found out that the battery doesn't charge. I took it to a shop and they said I need to replace the coil magnet (stator?)... tested it with the multimeter when running and confirmed it doesn't have a charge when the throtle is turned. Is there any other problem i should look at because the coil magnet is quite expensive where I am.

Curious, why did you use the ac function on the fluke instead of dc?

Broken mirror? Does one of them look good? Most states u just need one. If no then for now u can ghetto rig the mirror to look ok for now.

I would never go for an acid battery in scooters. They really lack some kick for the starter in my experience. I prefer gel batteries myself. For my mother her scooter (not Piaggo but a Peugeot) I got an Accurat Sport YTX5L-BS 5Ah 100A 12V battery, and that GY6 engine just keeps turning over without the battery going flat on you. Which I need to do if the scooter has been sitting still over the summer holidays for example and all the fuel evaporates out of the carborator and fuel lines. Since it's a vacuum operated ideal you just need to keep cranking to pull that vacuum on the vacuum operated gas valve until the carborator is filled up and starts spraying again. After that you just keep the engine running for 5 minutes and slowly open up the gas until it seems as if all air is out of the lines, then go for a drive of 5-10 minutes until it responds properly again to throttle input.

My piaggio engine has a new cylinder installed but now it doesnt even start. new gaskets too, it sounds healthy when the automatic start is engaged, it has spark (new sparkplug) and fuel, but it doesnt start anyways, help?

Consider the et2 ,70cc dr with right gearing and sito exhaust.The 2 stroke demolishes the et 4 in cost and long therm economics.While it can easily (and dremel cheap)achieve the performance of a et4 150 .

Hey Robot, when are you going to address the issue on the rusting problems Vespas that doesn't to happen on any of my motorcycles? Piaggio and the dealers decided it's the customers problem. Where's the quantity control on the 300 models from the factory and Piaggio not fixing the root problem? This keeps me from buying a new 300gts if this happens to my scooter that I paid over $7300 base price, over $8500 out the door?

Do you recommend any reputable dealers or places that sell vespas?

Have a chance to buy 1 of these with 2,000 miles that runs and drives great but after watching this video and things it may need has me second guessing,it’s a 2005 and they won’t take less then $2500