I will be honest here. The moped project is a means to an end. It's primary purpose is to get SWMBO used to the idea of me having two wheeled transportation. After a while I can say "Gee honey, it sure is cheap to run but I need something a bit more practical that can keep up with traffic" by that time I have permission to bring home a vintage italian motorcycle. Clever huh? Let's hope it works.

Last month I spotted a guy on a small cafe racer and as it passed me (at around 45mph!) I realized it was a modified moped. That sent the wheels in my head spinning. I commuted for a few years in the early 90's on mopeds, A Suzuki FA50 and the eternally hated Honda spree (great little bike BTW) and knew the wife would be open to me having another. In 15 minutes google showed me what can be done with them and I hit craiglook.com (RIP) looking for a suitable start. I found a dissasembled 78 Vespa Ciao in Gresham and bought it.

This is what I ended up with

Frame with a random yamaha triple tree fork!

Most of the other bits including the motor

And the rest of it.

I have quite a few parts to acquire. Most importantly a Malossi 73cc kit since I am not the slender man I was when I rode mopeds every day.