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A 1979 Vespa 100 Sport review and walkaround video because it’s time to sell my ’79 Vespa, but before I let her go, I had to show you guys some of the really cool and unique features this 1970s Vespa has that today’s modern Vespas don’t.
This motorcycle was build during an golden era when Vespa, as a brand, was thriving. Sometimes newer is better, but some of the old way of doing things was pretty cool and I wouldn’t mind bringing it back. If you want some insight into what Vespas were like in the late 1970s (and even Vespa Choppers), or if you specifically want to learn about the 1979 Vespa 100 Sport, check out this video review.
In the 1979 Vespa 100 Sport Review / walkaround video I cover the following:
- Introduction: The Vespa 100 Sport has some very cool features that make it cool and unique
- Kickstarting the Vespa
- Where the battery is located on a 1970s Vespa 100 Sport
- The location of the engine/motor on the Vespa (hint: it’s not in the middle, it’s on the side)
- How to access the motor and spark plug
- Where the battery is located on a 1979 Vespa 100 Sport
- How to access the spare tire on the Vespa 100 Sport
- How to shift and how many gears the Vespa has
- Top speed on a Vespa 100 Sport
- Controls / switches for signals, headlights, horn, etc. on the 1979 Vespa 100 Sport
- Front and back brakes on the 100 Sport (similar to modern motorcycles, different from modern Vespas)
- Filling gas and two stroke Vespa oil mixing on a 100 Sport
- Closing thoughts on who should (and should not) buy this bike, in case you happen to see a 1979 Vespa Sport 100 for sale.
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COMMENTS: Would you ever consider a 1979 Vespa as a daily driver? Too old, or just fine?
My ’79 Vespa Sport 100 might be gone, but I just had a chance to take a Vespa GTS 300 for a ride, check it out here:
Since the 1960s, Vespa has been using two main frame chassis that they build all of their vehicles on. The Vespa 100 is build on the small frame chassis, whereas the GTS 300 above is built on the large frame chassis. Here’s a comparison of small frame versus large frame Vespa scooters, or check out this video:
If you’re wondering what riding that little Vespa in the city is like, check this out:
Lastly, if you’re going to transport a Vespa, this will help:
When my scooter group went riding in the 60’s you could tell the Vespa riders because even when going straight, they were leaning a little to one side to offset the weight of that side mounted engine. I chose to go high tech with a Japanese motor scooter called the Rabbit. Also 150 cc, it had a center mounted engine, but it’s big claim to fame was that it had a gas float gauge, though you had to lift the seat to see it. Still had to hand mix the oil and gas though. It was straining mightily to hit 55 mph, but it got me started in motorcycling.
Looking to get this model as my first Vespa . Were these models madein Italy ? Your video was the only info i could find . Buyer was asking 3800 originally what would be a fair price point on ghis ?
Hey Deb, I sold this one that you see here for $2,700. $3,800 seems a little excessive unless it’s in mint original condition. These models should be made in Italy as far as I’m aware. I believe the first Vespas produced in India started some time in the 1960s, but I don’t know how to know for sure where yours was made in unless it says MADE IN ITALY by the VIN# or something like that. I would ask Vespa experts on Reddit, ModernVespa forum, or vintage Vespa facebook groups.
I’m looking at a 1979 Vespa 200 with a side car. What do you think would be a fair price.. if parts were needed to really upgrade this … engine parts etc are they available? What is the most important thing to look for after a frozen engine?
Hey Julian. Sorry but it’s impossible to really give an honest answer to that. Price depends on demand, and on a niche item like that, which is more of a luxury than a necessity, demand is going to depend a lot on where exactly you are, and when. Prices are coming down from where they were mid 2020 to 2022, but they still have a long way to go. In other markets, an old Vespa like this might have so little demand that it never saw any fluctuation at all. It really depends on where you are and what it’s worth to you, and what you think you realistically might be able to sell it for and if you’re comfortable with that level of risk/profit/loss. On something that age, condition and mileage and also going to play a huge part of it, any history of maintenance, etc. I couldn’t honestly just give you one number, and I don’t think any stranger from the internet could.
I’ve got one a 1979
Piaggio grande it is not froze up. Great one to restore.
Reach me if your interested in this exact scooter.
darrenws32@yahoo.ca
I have this same scooter.. my is in need of some attention bodywork wise. Your missing the rear view mirror though I see. Anyway looks great and if you want another sport 100 project reach out to me!