I've learned a bit more about my Vespa - some of it good news and some of it not so good.

I thought that my Vespa was a 150 Super. I got this impression because in the pictures I have received from Bram in Jakarta show a 150 Super emblem on the back fender. I thought that was cool, because to the uninitiated, "150 Super" sounds better than just plain old "150." Not so. Of the two models, the plain old 150 is more desired than the Super.

The 150 Super (VIN starting with VBC) was introduced in 1965, the VIN on my bike shows that it was built in 1964 and is indeed a 150 (VIN starting with VBB). 45,524 of the bikes were built that year. This bike was built near the middle of that run (the 26,594th 150 for 1964).

One of more noticable differences is in the shape of the rear side cowlings. The 150 is the classic curve while the 150 Super has a seam that takes away the curve. There is also a difference in the shape of the headlight.

The big thing I am trying to nail down right now is the gearing. Based on somethings I have read, the 150 (and Supers of that line) have only 3 gears. Higher end models and newer 150/150 Supers had 4 gears. On the eBay description for my bike it says it has a 4 speed manual transmission. However, everything I can read about that particular run of scooters says it should have a 3 speed. I have emailed the seller to get a confirmation of that. Of course, I won't send it back if it is a 3 speed!

Something else I have learned. The no frills 150 model of the Vespa had 8 inch wheels. The Vespa 150 GS had basically the same engine with a 4 speed and 10 inch wheels. So, just by adding 10 inch wheels, you can bring a 150 standard up look like a GS - only you won't get the 4 speed.

I guess a lot of this will clear itself up when the bike gets here...