1. Are all your Scooters Indian ?
MOSTLY - Our main market is for Lambretta Scooters and as you may be aware, Lambretta was sold to Scooters India Limited in the early 70's. This means there are literally thousands of the Indian Version of the GP and Li running around in India and these form the basis of our restorations. The GP's all start life as Super Vijay GP150's and are fully restored to become Lambretta GP200's and GP150's.
There are, of course, subtle differences between Indian GP scooters and Italian Scooters. Whilst people regard Italian Scooters are the one to have, prices have risen significantly over the years along with a lack of supply. This means that Indian GP's are now becoming the best way to have an affordable scooter. A good, original, fully restored Italian Lambretta can cost upwards of £5000!!! Some scooterists are total purist efficianados and only Italian will do. Many other scooterists want an old stylish scooter and just get stuck in and enjoy the rallies and the world reknown 'scooter scene'.
Since February 2018, we are now also importing high quality Vespa VBB scooters. We have just imported 18 scooters of differing colours and ages.
2. Can I have a scooter bespoke-built to my own design/taste?
When we started Invidia, our original business model was just that. Whatever machine; Lambretta GP/Li or Vepsa VBB, whatever engine size; 175, 200 or 225cc, whatever colour, stripes, pink spots, front dics brakes or drum brakes, standard exhaust or a performance exhaust, etc, etc. BUT, sometimes a Vespa chassis took too long to source, dics brakes that are imported to our Indian workshop from Korea, sometimes took weeks to arrive, then there can be exporting agent issues. India is rife with corruption and there is always someone who wants paying before he will rubber-stamp an export document. So, some scooters took a matter of weeks to build and ship the UK and sometimes it would take months!! Too many uncertainties and lead times were too unpredictable!!! No good!!. So, we will not advertise a scooter delivery time until we know that it is on the ship. If you want a scooter made to your own design, we will gladly oblige you and keep you updated through the whole process, BUT you must be aware that it could take MONTHS to get your lovely creation!!!
3. How do I pay ?
At the moment, we accept payment by cheque, BACS transfer or cash-on-delivery (COD). The costs of using a Credit Card processing company were huge compared to the profit that we make in each scooter, and if we wanted to continue using them we would have had to raise the prices. Given the fact that the current economy is causing us problems already, we did not want to impose price rises just for the Credit Card company to profit. Also we are offering a lay by scheme. Pay us a non-refundable deposit and we will hold the scooter for you. You then make agreed monthly payments, interest free, to us until the scooter is paid for. Then it's yours!!
4. Can I pick my Scooter up ?
Yes, of course we would welcome you to collect your Scooter from us, but we can offer a delivery service across the UK. Delivery prices vary, obviously depending where in the UK you live.
5. How do I register my scooter ?
Our scooters are sold fully UK registered.
6. What is 'running-in' my scooter?
Running-in an engine is something that the rider must do when he has a new or reconditioned engine in his scooter. It involves riding the scooter with reduced throttle for a short while until the engine effectively beds in with its new internal components. Our 200 or 225cc engines are brand new. Our 150cc engines are totally rebuilt and rebored out to 175cc. Whichever engine we supply it will therefore need 'running in'. We will supply you with a letter carefully explaining how to ride your scooter over a period of set miles.
7. Can I have my scooter registered by Invidia, I don't want the hassle of registering it myself?
All our scooters are sold fully UK registered.