The Vespa 98 'Serie 0' classic scooter replica made in Indonesia

Having a legendary scooter such the Vespa 98 'Serie 0' (the first scooter model made by Piaggio in 1946) is like a dream, and many scooter enthusiasts in the world are eager to have. However, to make it happen is not easy, because it is constrained by the scarcity factor and the fantastic price. Especially for those ordinary people who always have financial limitations like Me and You.😉

Replica of Vespa 98 'Serie 0' built handmade by an Indonesian builder named Hery Widodo. (Cautions: This is just a replica, not a real one.) (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3nuOmNG)

How's not. As quoted in our previous article, in early 2017 there was an original Vespa 98 'Serie 0' being offered at a Catawiki's auction event with a price range of $268,150 - $348,600 or the equivalent of Rp.3.5 - 4.5 billion at that time. Look, it's a fantastic row of numbers, right? Although in the end, the highest bidder was below the desired price range above, which was around $195,748 or approx Rp.2.6 billion only. From this, we can see that not just anyone can own the first scooter model made by Piaggio.😢

Replica of Vespa 98 'Serie 0' uses a 2-stroke 150cc engine taken of the Indonesian commonly used Vespa Super 150 scooter model of 1970s. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3nuOmNG)

Then what about those of us who want to own a scooter like this? Maybe the solution for us is limited to have a replica only was okay. So on this occasion, we will take you to see an Indonesian craftsman who specializes in making replicas of the Vespa 98 'Serie 0.'

He is Hery Widodo, a Banyumas-based craftsman who has been making replicas of the legendary Piaggio's scooters since 2018. Amazingly he made a the scooter replica by handmade from scratch (except for the tires and rims) which is forged manually by using a 1.2 mm galvanized plate for the whole of bodies while a 1.5 mm-plate for its chassis.

Starting with the production of the iconic Vespa 98 scooter in 1946, and for more than 70 years of the Piaggio's journey in the world's automotive industry, it turns out has produced hundreds of models. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/34CJ1uW)

As quoted from Motorplus-Online, Hery Widodo told how he started to build the replica scooter business of his owned. Initially in 2012 he casually posted the process of making a Vespa 98 replica on his Facebook page. He further said that at that time the entire manufacturing process was carried out only based on images without having the correct sizes. Unexpectedly then he was contacted by Vespa Italia and sent him the manual.

Even though now, he has the correct sizes, he cannot be careless in the manufacturing process, because according to him the process of making the replica scooter has a high level of difficulty and requires a high level of accuracy as well. All parts were custom made by hand, ranging from the handlebar, seats, headlights, front fenders to the gear stick.

Replica of Vespa 98 'Serie 0' parts such the horns and electrical switches, they are made as similar as possible to the original but with a slightly larger size and placed on the right handlebar. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3nuOmNG)

While the engine used for the replica is not a similar 98cc engine, but has been swapped with the larger one of 150cc capacity  taken of the Indonesian commonly used Vespa Super 150 scooter model of 1970s and mated with the four-speed manual transmission system. To make it look similar to the original scooter, so on the replica pinned a gear stick as is generally installed on motorized vehicles in the 1940s for gear shifting.

On some parts of the body of Vespa 98 'Serie 0' replica looks unpainted, aka left to look like cans and only the front fender, the right-left of the bodies, a little parts that near the fuel-cap and under the seat were painted. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3nuOmNG)

Then for another parts such the horns and electrical switches, they are made as similar as possible to the original but with a slightly larger size and placed on the right handlebar. While the seats are wrapped in genuine leather and also made as closely as possible with the 1940s Vespa 98 scooter models.

Because it carries the theme to be similar to the original Vespa 98 scooter, on some parts of the body of this replica it looks unpainted, aka left to look like cans. The part that is touched by the paint is only the front fender then the right-left of the bodies, a little that near the fuel-cap and under the seat. Besides that there's another slight drawback, due to this replica uses a larger engine that makes it look like not fit and protruding out of the right-side of the body. It could be that makes it look uncool, for those of you who like something colorful.

But at least when we return to the original purpose of making this replica, the first, it is made as closely as possible to the original Vespa 98 'Serie 0,' and most importantly of all, its price might be affordable with our pocket.

Indeed, this Vespa 98 replica much cheaper bro! It said to cost you only $4,891 or Rp. 71 million (source). If you're interested to have one, please contact Hery Widodo at his workshop in Jl. Raya Jatilawang no 32 Banyumas Purwokerto, Central Java - 53174.👈

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTORPLUS-ONLINE | MOTORCUSTOM]

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