My Bello Moto experience has been a mixed bag of ups and downs. Please take into account that my experience at Bello Moto is strictly online, email, and phone calls. Also, I am new to the Vespa world in general and didn't know much about anything. However, I am a quick study and have been educating myself since my interest to purchase arise.
The staff has been good for the most part. Dean is a professional that will go over the models, pricing, service, and any questions about the product. Dean has been extremely helpful and patient when answering my questions. Scott is a good guy, that doesn't always respond to emails, which bothers me as a paying customer.
Pros: This location will provides a great selection of vintage Vespas on this side of the Mississippi! They acquire Vespas locally or have them shipped from Italy. You will get a quality product from Bello Moto.
Cons: The prices are top tier. In a market where finding a vintage Vespa of your choosing is few and far in between, perhaps this is a good problem.
There were many little problems Bello Moto should share with customers that are not local since they ship the products nationwide. The clutch did not have the gear numbers stamped in. This made guessing the gears hard for this new rider. The kick stand leaned to one side. The throttle did not snap back, making that a very dangerous to ride! Truth be told, I still would have purchased it, but I would have appreciated a heads up especially if I am paying top dollar.
The description said it was a 1974 Vespa with "factory holes for turn signals". When I got the title, I learned it was actually a 1976 model. The factory holes for turn signals led me to believe that I could have someone install the turn signals at some point. I was told I couldn't add the turn signals because the aftermarket compression brake took up all the conduit space, making it impossible as it is. Here is one of my biggest problems, It was more than that. The whole wiring harness, including the switchers, have been ripped out. I didn't learn that until I had the product shipped to me. These items are not found on the market! Luckily I found a competent mechanic in Orange County that made a customer electrical harness and was able to get my front and rear turn signals operational in tandem with the aftermarket brake.
I had Bello Moto install a right hand side mirror because I am blind in my right eye. This was a crucial must for me. They said that a handlebar mount (to match the left one) was impossible due to the aftermarket front brake so they installed an overcharged mirror onto the shield. Turns out that a matching mirror could be ordered and installed despite Bello Moto saying it was impossible to.
Bello Moto needs to be transparent with their clientele. Vintage Vespas sell themselves! Inform your potential cliental of any and all issues. Setting the proper expectations to someone that can't walk up in person is crucial for a great customer experience. I wish I knew about the electrical system being compromised for turn signals. Also, all the little problems should be discussed. Your mechanics gave bad advice for mirror solutions. read more