Im going to look at a German imported Vespa today & wondered if anyone knows how easy it will be to register it in the UK ?

It has the German V5 and is approx 20 years old.

From what i can gather, it will need a valid MOT in the UK & also insurance before i can go about registering it ??

Also - does anyone have any buying advice for a Vespa small frame ? i will check engine & frame number with the German V5, also going to look out for any frame damage too, but i am stepping into unknown territory as ive not bought a 2nd hand scooter before.

Cheers Andy

As I'm sure you know vespa's are pretty easy to fix, so just make sure the frame is good and it has all the trim that should be there.

As for the engine make sure there are no oil leaks and it starts, idles and runs smoothly. Get it up to temp on a faster piece of road and make sure it doesn't sieze.

Rust under the runners. I would say rot is the biggest killer of a scoot that age.

Vespas don't really have a frame, the body is like a monocoque. I've welded the running boards on a couple. Rag on the back wheel to check the swing arm bearing and check the steering head bearing while somebody presses down on the back end. Control cables need to operate smoothly for the clutch and gear twist grip, they can be a pig.

Hmmm, the insurance will be more expensive being a left hooker