Ok, here goes my first big post.

I've wanted a Ciao for quite some time. Something about them really appeals to me, maybe because they are simple, super tiny, and easy to work on. Also, none of the other swoops currently have running vespas, and I want to be different. Basically, my goal for this bike will be for it to be my reliable, around-the-neighborhood-and-to-work commuter. As of right now, I have no plans for making it fast, mostly for a lack of money on my part. Someday I hope to just do a simple DR/13-13/proma build, but that will wait for now.

So, here it is!

(I like big pictures in blogs)

I got this for a really good deal from dear swoops friend Fred. It's straight out of europe, with lots of goodies.

It's a late-model ciao, and european, so it's got a few neat little things that are pretty unusual for Ciaos here in the U.S. First off, it's variated, which was one of my big stipulations. Everyone told me to stick with a single speed for less headache, but I've only ever messed around with a hobbit variator, briefly, so I wanted a variated bike to play with. It's got these kooky 17-in mags, 12.12 sha, stock CDI, and possibly some sort of aftermarket variator? Not sure yet, as I haven't opened it up, but it's the newest thing on the bike, without a doubt. It might just be the vespa 8-roller, though. Pics!

swoop luv

Even came with this homemade front mudflap. Eurostyle!

Spreken ze Deutsch?

Taillight is built into the rear rack

One of my favorite parts, a neat-o helmet holder thing built in under the seat!

All in all, I'm super pumped about getting this thing ship-shape. The only way it could be better is if the frame was one of the square-seatpost ones, as I think they are so much more pleasing aesthetically, but everyone wants those, and I really dig the built-in taillight anyway.

So that's it for the first post! I'll do my best to update regularly. Coming up, I'll pull apart the rear clutch to see what's up, as it is not engaging as it should be. Baby's first vespa.

So I decided to jump on the blog bandwagon. Even worse, the ciao blog bandwagon, of which there are many already in existence, and with much more knowledgable authors than myself. However, I think I can help at least a few people with this blog, as I plan on documenting everything I do as meticulously as possible. Hope you like boring garbage!