Modern Vespa

Andy, it's not a T5 thing. Every P/PX/T5 even with an autolube came like this in our part of the world. The choke lever tube is 6mm in diameter. The cable wire goes through the "Lever Spring" and attaches to the choke lever. Cable end stops on the "Lever Spring". And the "Spring Cotter Pin" creates friction on the choke lever so it stays open when you pull it. Made a diagram. This is as best I can describe it...

The ON - OFF sticker came from SIP. They also have a RES - ON - OFF for the old fuel taps. The "PIAGGIO & C" sticker is actually red & silver but it looks like gold due to the reflection of the yellow...

Also....

Found a spot on the bottom handlebar cover where varnish wasn't sprayed so I took it back to my friend to get it fixed. Unfortunately, can't close up the handlebars without it. Installed the spoiler, front indicators and tried on the horn cover. Man, can't wait to get it finished...

Seriously, every time I look at this thread I am so jealous of this paint job. It's a treasure to have something so clean and well done! Masterful work.

We can’t wait for you to finish either Safis!

Almost there. Had to open up the clutch since it wouldn't disengage. Gear cog was standing taller than the base plate so it was tight on the crank. A little "persuasion" with the angle grinder and all is good. Decided to go with the stock exhaust for now and decide later for a different one. Previous owner did a number on it. Cleaned up all the monkey welds and gave it 3 coats of heat resistant black. Good as new. Stand springs moved to the center cause they were hitting the exhaust. Made a second slot for the spring's catch. Handlebar and all wiring is done. Levers in matte black from G.S. (my favorite ones). Tank is also in...

That paint makes me hungry for some reason!!

Is it difficult to get the rear wheel on with such long studs?

Beautiful job!

Yesterday I took out the speedo's needles and sprayed the faded black caps. Finished up with the handlebars and rode it today. What a blast!!! Everything works great. Motor is torquey with the Malossi kit and loves to rev. I think the stock exhaust limits it a bit. Seat cover will be reupholstered black with yellow accents. I also have to clean and "freshen up" the mats, install the glove box and I'm almost done. Side cowls are ready, except the repro badges that I didn't like how they fit. Also, I had to fab a socket for the handlebar nuts cause they need to be torqued down to specified N ms, especially the top one that "holds" the handlebars. Luckily, I found an exact diameter inner tube from an old motorcycle fork leg and job done...

Safis - the work is spectacular.
Nice touch with the Ferrari sticker under the cowl to denote the paint...
I can't help but see Triumph TR-7 when ever I see a T5 - which is weird cause it was on its way out as T5 was on its way in.
Something about the hubcaps and speedo details - IDK.

New seat cover will be a game changer.

Great minds....

Excellent job. I think better than new. Should be quick too. Some expansion would be nice. Pipedesign? We all don't like the white seat.
How's the jetting? What's the timing strobed at?

Ooh la LA! C'est magnifique.

AND I've got an old one of these that you are now making me think of cleaning up and adding to my P200.

SO MUCH time on my hands now......

My baby is ready. The seat will definitely be a game changer, as charlieman22 said, especially with the way I imagine it. Engine wise, I need to fiddle with the cover to make it fit with the Cosa selector box. Hopefully it will work. Worst case, I'll leave it naked or fit a Cosa engine cover...

@Ginch: To answer your question, yes it's a bit difficult to get it in, but doable...

@Grumpnut: Thanks mate!!!

@whodatschrome: I agree!!!

@Jack221: It already is quick and it definitely revs beyond 9k (LCD shows zeros after 99). Expansion?? Well, a 2nd Cobra would be my choice but I don't know yet. I'll wait to see how things are going to be with the imminent recession coming to my country. Jetting looks spot on with how it is (stock). Only thing that I changed was the main jet to a 125. Timing is set at 13°...

@V oodoo: Yeah, spoiler looks really nice. Stay Safe!!! I'll try to send you the kit as soon as they give a bit of a slack on the current measures...

Anyways, I'll update it again with the new seat...

awesome Brother Safis

Amazing!

You're leaving a bunch of power on the table with ignition timing so low. With the MRP head you can go 17-18 degrees. Just stick with good high octane gas. I'm running 17 with a 54mm crank, MMW head and shitty California 91. The MRP is a superior combustion chamber design. If you're scared at least go 16 degrees. I'll be switching to an MRP later this summer as it's supposed to be an improvement in power over the whole rev range.

As far as pipes, my recommendation is an SIP Road XL. There have been a lot of dyno tests and it's come out pretty much on top every time. Doesn't look as cool as a chamber but you can keep the spare and switching out a tire is easy. Also keeps the cool sleeper look unless someone knows exactly what a stock T5 pipe looks like. I've run a few different pipes on mine and used to love my Taffspeed until I got the XL. It's really odd that it works so well. The only other pipe I would run is a BT5 but they are not in production any more. It would be harder to find than an old Taffspeed.

For the love of god don't get a PM Tuning pipe.

What do you guys think??? Sides will be done in a "mesh" type upholstery like the "Ancillotti" seats...

Perfect

That would look great.

I like it!

That's a lovely looking seat and the waffle/mesh sides are a nice touch. My personal preference would be black stitching and piping, with just the 'T5' standing out in yellow. Are you using Streamline?

YES with the yellow highlights on the seat! I’ll have to post up a pic of the black with yellow seat cover I had upholstered a while back. It might give you some visual ideas.

...unless it’s a yellow anodized PM Tuning pipe.

I happen to have a 226 Vintage right hand pipe on my T5 172 racer. But on a nicely restored T5, I think a “stock looking” box exhaust would look best.

I was saying that in regards to it is one of the worst performing pipes for the T5s. All top end with nothing on the bottom.

Stock looking box, Road XL for this win.

Safis, what do you have any impressions on the ride quality of those adjustable Carbone shocks yet? I'm looking for a new set for a PX, and i'd like them to be just a smidge bit more stiff than the stock OEM shocks (i weigh in at about 155lbs). My experience with all of the "racing" shocks is that the coil spring is just too stiff for my likings.

I dig the seat. Nice touch using different textures of material for sides and top. I'd suggest using a white piping with the yellow stitching. This will add some interest, contrast; and keep it from looking too 'matchy-matchy'. You're doing good work!

This is arguably the most beautiful restoration I have ever seen. It looks like it now should be in a museum. Brilliant work!!!!

Subjective opinion:

Fantastic.

Touch of custom on a perfect restore - signals just a little bit more tan stock might be under the cowl...

Screw the economy - you will be pulling up to the cafe on an absolute classic.

@whodatschrome: shocks are definitely better than stock (compared to my ratty black PX) and softer than the SIP and YSS I have on my blue P...

Thanks for that Safis. I very recently bought a YSS for the front of my PK125XL, and it think it’s utter garbage. The spring is VERY stiff and the valving is VERY light! It make for one horrible ride. I have a pair of 10 year old Prima shocks (they’re adjustable like yours) on a PX that I still like.

That really is superb; I just flicked back to page 1 to see it before - wow!

My CNC mirrors arrived. Made by Highsider. My good old friend / parts supplier gave me a pair of vintage mirror mounts, made especially for the T5, by FAR Italia. Downside was that I had to unbutton my handlebars since they mount from the inside. I'm now waiting for the mirror adapters to arrive since Highsider don't sell a pair for the specific mirrors (M10 to M6). Found them on eBay...

My black cat matching the color scheme (What?? You want me to get off?? F@ck you!!!)


Pole Position Sticker...


Night Out...


Saturday ride & BBQ with friends...

I would like to nominate this as the COOLEST T5 on MV. Even the "Gatto Nero" likes it too.

It just keeps getting better and better

Today I got a call from the upholsterers that my seat was ready. Got off from work at 17:25 and did a 80Kms (+80Kms back) trip to get it. Totally worth it. On the exhaust front, I decided for the SIP Road XL now that they come with a better warranty. I'm only hoping that it won't be the same case like the one I had on my blue P...

Also, my next step is to get a new "EU" square license plate to match the back since our old plates look like crap

That seat looks sharp!

You'll love the Road XL. I convinced my friend that he needs one based on my experience.

Nice!!

Awesome ur T is like a sunshine among other vespa Brother S