Importing A Vespa Or Lammy From Thailand

[MATTY_73]

Seen loads of the old style vespa's at least in BKK. Some of them in shit state others looking like they just rolled off the production unit.

Considering that they are much cheaper in Thailand than the UK, would it make sense to import one to the UK? Would the red tape and UK customs negate any price benefit obtained? Also (at least for restored/reconditioned ones) what is the work quality...I've heard some horror stories (from Vietnam) but also some guys who were very happy with what they got.

In addition can anyone point me in the right direction as regards Vespa/Piaggio sparepart shops in Thailand, probably most being in BKK?

Cheers!

PS Anyone else on this forum have a vintage scootering interest?

[jasonc]

This shop has a lot of imported parts. http://thaivespashop.com/

There is a swap/market every saturday at the night market near Lad Prao. Starts around 7pm and ends near midnight. This is where you will find all the vespa guys and the best parts.

I just got a Sprint last week and it will take a month to restore. The quality isn't great. Lots of bondo and home-made parts but it looks nice on the outside. These scoots have been used every day since they were introduced and they show it when you look. Scoots at home are used seasonally and then maybe parked in a barn for 20+ years waiting for us to discover them. There is a huge difference in quality. That said, I give the Asians respect for doing what they can to keep these vespas on the road. They still look great and they find solutions to problems and actually use them daily. Some Westerners have then as art peices or status symbols and I'd prefer to just ride myself.

I've got a few GSs at home and a custom.

[MATTY_73]

This shop has a lot of imported parts. http://thaivespashop.com/

There is a swap/market every saturday at the night market near Lad Prao. Starts around 7pm and ends near midnight. This is where you will find all the vespa guys and the best parts.

I just got a Sprint last week and it will take a month to restore. The quality isn't great. Lots of bondo and home-made parts but it looks nice on the outside. These scoots have been used every day since they were introduced and they show it when you look. Scoots at home are used seasonally and then maybe parked in a barn for 20+ years waiting for us to discover them. There is a huge difference in quality. That said, I give the Asians respect for doing what they can to keep these vespas on the road. They still look great and they find solutions to problems and actually use them daily. Some Westerners have then as art peices or status symbols and I'd prefer to just ride myself.

I've got a few GSs at home and a custom.

Thanks mate some useful info here. So do you ride your machines in BKK and how often?

[Jockstar]

In addition can anyone point me in the right direction as regards Vespa/Piaggio

A year or more ago there was post on here about Vespa and importing etc. Do a search and maybe you will be able to find it.

[Megabass]

I bought a great Vespa from 'ARM SCOOTER' bangkok

I am shipping it back to UK in a few months

Get in touch if you wanna chat scooters/exporting scooters - I can tell you what I know

[micksterbs]

Coo, never heard them called Lammies before. We used to call them Lambos!

Would love to get hold of a good SX200 or GT200. Saw a nice SX150 in KK last year; absolutely immaculate. I see plenty of Vespas around but, for me, it has to be a Lambretta. Nothing against Vespas, that's just the way it is. Bit like the PC/Mac divide!