Well, here goes:
Hi. New CA77 owner. I don't really know a damned thing, but I shall be learning. My bike has some good (nice strong recently rebuilt motor) and some bad (a few wonky things that will need attention) and some ugly (sun-faded paint from a previous life in Arizona, looks like it's been through a fire). But it was the right price at the right time, so here I am.
What I do know is vintage Vespa and Lambretta scooters. I have a small stable of these old piles, and ride pretty much daily. So at least I know something about working on old 2-wheelers? I've been wrenching on them in one form or another for almost 15 years now.
Anyway, with vintage Italian scooters there are plenty of resources online to assist with parts supply/maintenance/restos. I have to assume same is true here?
I could paste links to my other bikes, but it's easier to just look at them here if you're interested.
I shall do my best to lurk and make use of search before bombarding the list with elementary questions, but rest assured I already have some.
Vespas and LambrettasLast night I was challenged about getting one of these scooter projects together. The Serveta (Spanish Lambretta) 150 Special is in pieces, and apparently I said I would have it running by the end of the year.
Now I have to figure out how to find time for this and the Honda. Ooops. To answer your question, there is a decent sized vintage scooter community here in Washington DC, but it's not nearly as big as some of the scenes out in California. I mean, *I* think we have a 12 month riding season here in the northeast, but everyone does not agree :-) I have met some of the most wonderful people through this hobby, though, so it's all good.
Nice to meet ya, I see you are serious about this stuff! That is way cool, I too, have too many projects, not enough time. I been doing this my whole life, and hope to do it for as long as possible. It has kept me in touch with many people, that have the same interest. I got married almost 30 years ago, and the first thing my wife did, was sell her Fiat, and buy us a brand new GS1000 ! We had so much fun, we'd go riding, even if it was raining!
Hey Susan. I too Just became a proud owner of a "classic" machine, 68 305 Dream. and appreciate the forum and the combined wisdom and sharing. I haven't yet needed to post a question but I'm reviewing all the history here to learn more of my bike. Currently ride a GTS but love the vintage scoots. Like most folks here ALL my two wheel rides have been GREAT. Congrats on another addition to your collection.
Hey Susan,
Welcome to the forum. you will find the wiring on the honda infinately easier to deal with than on the Lammy's or Vespa's. Especially the Servetta (what a mess they are in the headset) However the mechanicals are a little more complicated. Nothing too taxing, just the addition of valves etc. My collection of Scooters can be seen at http://members.iinet.net.au/~eastwood/ The site needs a good update as it is a little out of date My favorite bikes are the Heinkel tourist, SS180, Rally 180 and VB1 I have a new shed so the scoots are out of the lounge and my daughter "Vespa Mary" is a few months older. You have some nice scooters there, good to see someone else is not afraid of crossing the scooter/Motorcycle divide. Cheers Greg Howdy, I know this is an old thread but just wanted to chime in as another scooterist who has joined the 305 club with a '65 CA77. I've always wanted a Dream and figured it's one of the most "scooter-like" motorcycles - especially with the Bates saddlebags.
Currently I have a '58 Series 1 Lammy, and the '79 Vespa P200E behind it is what I usually ride to work.  I also have a 1968 Fuji Rabbit S601 Superflow which is an unusual beast (made by what is now Subaru)  I wish the weather up here in Providence were as nice as in the Mid-Atlantic but it's not. I still try to ride whenever there's not snow or ice on the ground.
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