Modern Vespa

Is it a broken ring or a broken piston? I’m sorry for the results.
You mentioned it’s not worth the money for the power increase...
How much did it cost you? From where did you purchased it?

Thanks, take care.

Another question. From the same country (Indonesia) there is another brand called “Ultra speed racing” that also makes bore up kits. Do you have any info about them? Did you choose Kawahara for any reason? Both seem to be economic compared to Malossi or Polini in Europe but if they break soon they could be not worthy...
Thanks again.

Can you upload the photos directly to MV rather than using photobucket please?

znomit, you cannot see the pictures?

They are low quality and have a watermark. Have to click through to PB to see them properly. Who has time for that?

pics removed.

Hi, I from Kuala Lumpur and wanted to share the experience of this bore up kit and camshaft from Kawahara and the fuel adjuster from iquteche Indonesia. From the experience, the cylinders need to shave as it sit above the block during installation, the fuel adjuster is a sensitive piggyback if fiddled with it. It will cause the bike not to start. I am facing a host of problems after the installation. I did not bring the bike to dyno, after installation so the fuel adjustment is a problem. The sellers are somehow responsive when it comes to trouble shooting. I do feel the surge in power for my initial test but I think with the problems, the bore up are not worth the money. Let me get the problem sort out further, if it is unreliable, I will revert back to the original setup. Members, if you have similar problems with malossi kits or kawahara, please share and comment.[/quote]

Another question. From the same country (Indonesia) there is another brand called “Ultra speed racing” that also makes bore up kits. Do you have any info about them? Did you choose Kawahara for any reason? Both seem to be economic compared to Malossi or Polini in Europe but if they break soon they could be not worthy...
Thanks again.[/quote]

I have found USR racing brand. Kawahara appeals more as they seem to be preferred by online sellers and distributors. SO I go with them. It is indeed not worthy, I may have not observed the break in after installation but then again, it is not reliable. the solutions after that was, rebore the block from 62 to 64mm, add in a 64mm forged piston, then everything seems quite nice.

It is possible it seems to take the original block and bore up then replace a bigger piston to increase the CC . then buy any ecu to make it work. do check with your mechanic if he is capable or not.

as for now, I am breaking in the engine, I can say, it is fruitful having so easy to gain speed and acceleration though yet to run it on top speed.

Can guide how to post pic directly?

Sure.
FAQ: How do I upload a photo?

Did you buy the expensive version of Iquteche with the pre-installed Vespa plugs?
It is supposed to come with set-up advice. Are you using their dongle or a PC cable?

I was also told to go with 62mm for everyday use. So now it maybe 64? Or not.

Still waiting to buy with the pandemic shutdown, and I noticed the different front lower shock mount which changed in the newer years. Any reason for the change?

Talking about shocks... I’m looking for a performance shock which does not has thread adjustment. They are considered racing items here so I will not pass the mandatory two year check. I’d need to “homologate” it, and I do not want to go through it.
Any suggestion? I have a 2014 Primavera 125 3v.
Thanks

The iquteche installation is rather easy. only require to cut 1 wire. for settings I have done so using manual, have not attached to any phone or pc yet. when you get them, I can share you some pics.

the pop and bang on my akrapovic is gone after the iquteche installed.
very pleasant. To do it cheaper , use your original block and bore to 64, confirm with your foremen.

Are there 64 mm pistons available separatedly? From who?

OK will let you know.

I would also like to know where the 64mm pistons are available but will also ask my Indo. contact. It is the 14mm pin that is the concern.

Did you change camshaft?

First Vespa. Really first scooter. Gave it a going over and polish. Have done several short rides. It's a Hoot!!!

Art

Art - beautiful looking scooter!

When I went to get the used Vespa, the dealer could not verify that a first service had been done by the original owner. Being 3 to 4 years old they did do an oil change and put in a new battery. Oil definitely looked new. The engine compartment was a bit dirty but not overly so and it ran great.
To ease my mind about it's condition I decided to check the valve. Biggest time consuming item was removing the factory hose clamps off the crankcase breather. Their design has to be for rapid assembly. Anyway the valve trane is impressive, quality throughout. And the valves were all exactly to spec.
Glad to see the details of the Valves and makes me feel good about the purchase.

Art

That yellow looks great!! Need to put my green Sprint next to it. Lemon Lime.

Got in some 2 lane highway miles today. After more than 50 years of riding all types of motorcycle sport and standard models and off road motorcycles, the Vespa has good manners and does demand respect. It's performance meets the local traffic flow. I'm happy at 50 mph but find it will cruise at 55 to 60 mph as needed.

Your top speed will increase if you put a small windshield on it. You will also spend less time at wide open throttle (WOT).

Have not needed WOT. Most drivers on my favorite roads drive the 55 mph limit or slower. I guess my whole riding attitude has changed. Still like the curves and the Vespa does those pretty good for it's short wheelbase and small tires.

Art

New to Vespa and this forum. Great to see there’s a local community dedicated to us Primavera’s.

Qq for the group - is there a channel/forum specific to insurance? I searched around but got 100’s of hits. Really looking to understand what the avg insurance most folks pay and whether to go full coverage. Thanks!!!

Insurance is very much dependent on where you live. If you add your location in your profile you'll get better answers.

Oops sorry. Didn't notice the Cal plate in the picture. Put your location in anyway. People like to know.

Sure, I’ve updated that.

I used to live in San Jose from 2004-2016. Rode scooters there starting in 2007...I used Geico at the time, and now I am with Amica Mutual Ins. Co. I can’t remember the rates exactly, but it wasn’t bad, as far as I can recall.

OK, I live in CA and have a 2016 Primavera.

I'm old.
No tickets for years.
My insurance is bundled with my home insurance.
My policy covers 5 cars and the Vespa.
Liability only on the scooter.

All of the above is why your question is difficult to answer. There are a lot of variables.

That being said, I pay $134 a year for the scooter.

Thanks that’s helpful. I wasn’t looking for an appleS to apples comp but a general idea of what folks pay. Yeah I got quoted about $500 for full coverage from progressive but seemed ridiculously high. I’m in the San Jose area.

I wouldn't get comprehensive insurance unless I used the scooter to commute to work. I did, but have since retired. I'm a cheap bastard now. Well, I always was, I guess.

Just throwing this out for those considering the small frame and the 150 engine. I'm 6 ft 1 in and weigh 180 lb, the mate is 5 ft 2 in and weighs 120 lb. We only want to get out locally for rides generally under 40 miles.
The Sprint 150 is proving up to the task. Didn't even adjust the shock off the first setting and mirrors didn't need any adjustment. The wife had no desire to ride passenger on the last several motorcycles I've owned. The Vespa she likes. Reasonable to get on with the step through design and she reports it seem to handle through the curves good.
I'm not trying to compare it to the bigger Vespa models. Just trying to say within the small engine performance it does pretty good.
Really glad to be a Vespa owner.

Art

I do agree with you! The combined weight of my mate and me is also around 300 pounds, but our Primavera is 125 instead of 150 as per European style. I’m happy most of the time with the performance (although I have about one hp less than you) but would like to have a bit more on hills and sometimes when caught into dense traffic.
That is my interest about upgrading the power kit but keeping the small vespa frame.
I’d like to come up with an exchange of information with people who has done the upgrade. I’m a bit afraid of making the investment and not getting enough improvement.
What do people think about it?
Thanks

The 125 model isn't sold here in the Vespa but is in Piaggio. I guess it's due to the lack of license tier. I have not compared the differences in motors. If the FI can adjust would be a big question.

I'm no expert but if you look at whats available in increased capacity kits the 3v engine it is limited to about 63mm which gives about 185cc. Worth having if one has a 125 but not really sure about upgrading a 150 vs money.

I believe the conservative increase is because the 3v engine has only a 14mm gudgeon/wrist pin. Compared to the pre-3v ET4$ two valve engine with a 15mm pin which has a bigger increase kit.

Then we come to adjusting the fuelling. Malossi Force Master seems to have dropped off the radar. I believe this is due to modern bikes like i-Get being Euro4 emissions compliant compared to original 3Vie which is Euro3.

Yes you can still get extra grunt but not necessarily the old increase capacity route.

Someone please shoot me down and contradict everything i believe.

Last edited by waspmike on Fri May 08, 2020 12:02 am; edited 1 time in total

Just looked at a totalmotorcycle.com review of the 2018 Primavera 125 and they compare the difference in the 150. Stroke is the same with the 125 having a smaller bore. HP on the 150 peaks at a lower rpm. Seems if just going for the extra 25 cc's you would get a reasonable increase for low rpm power. Just a guess.
I have a 125 Beta four stroke dual sport and a few owners increased the cc's with a bore kit and almost all said the benefit was in low rpm power.

Art

Is it worth putting 12.5g Malossi variator weights into a Primavera 150? I'm interested in faster acceleration, but don't want to lose any top-end speed.

I did that with my '19 Primavera. I think acceleration improved a little, but nothing that will make you say "Wow!!". Just a little more pull up to about 30 mph. It made no difference at the top end.

Thanks. Sounds like it's not worth prioritizing anytime soon.

Hi guys finally have ordered a Vespa Sprint S and wanted to know what you guys do regards hooking up to a battery tender. On my motorcycles I have the tender leads hooked up to battery and then run them to a location to which I can have easy access but is this possible on the Sprint? Not keen on having to constantly remove the Vespa battery cover to gain access.

Any ideas or pics welcome

Ride frequently and you won't need the tender!

Connect a lead to the battery using a heated vest type connector and leave the connector loose in the pet carrier (under seat bin)

Then plug the Tender that way.

The Sprint I purchased had a battery tender lead on it, which was routed to the underside and hanging there. I zip tied it to the back of a tube to secure it.
Seems a lot of people buy scooters and don't ride them much when you see used ones 4 to ten years old with less than a thousand miles on them.

Art