Modern Vespa

So the scooter bug has grabbed ahold of me.

I picked up a 2005 Typhoon 50 as a "Parts Scooter" to help with my 2006 Typhoon charging system issue. https://modernvespa.com/forum/topic172156

I was told it previously ran but had "Compression issues" and the seller had taken it apart (bodywork, side case, exhaust, airbox, seat all removed).

Got it home and wanted to see if I could throw it back together enough to test if it runs (so that I could check charging system and then steal parts for the 2006).

Well I removed the NGK BR7ES spark plug and replaced with an NGK BR9EYA, filled it with some gas and oil, put back side case, airbox, exhaust and charged up the battery. Cranked over a couple times and she's alive. Even better is that the charging system puts out proper voltage so I can "steal" the stator/flywheel for the 2006 to see if that's the issue.

I took if for a quick ride (no seat or panels meant a standing ride).and I don't think there is any compression issue as she moves along nicely.

My plan for this one is to first get the 2006 sorted with this ones parts and then build this one up as maybe a "Mad Max" type build since the panels are all fairly trashed, cracked and scraped up. Since the 2006 will be for the wife and it's still pretty, this one will be my toy so will likely see a 70cc kit on it.

So going over the scooter I noticed it has a suspension spacer. Looks like it lifts up back end by about an inch. What is the purpose of this? Thought maybe it was to clear the aftermarket exhaust but looks like there would be lots of room without it. Right now it just seems like it makes the center stand unstable because now it doesn't lift the wheel off the ground.

Cool project! I am interested to read how it goes!

guy near me has two of these for sale. very clean low mileage units. I really like the body style on them.

also just saw the latest model is again two stroke and euro 4 compliant. interesting

https://offerup.com/item/detail/917539829?q=piaggio

Did some work this weekend with my nephew helping me. Checked rear drum brake as thought pads were toast. Once wheel came off a lot of built up brake dust but drums still had lots of meat left, got cable properly adjusted and now they work great.

Also noticed that the rear brake lever had been replaced (likely after going down on the left side as plastics indicate it's been down) and had lots of "slop" up and down. A few well place washers and it's now solid. While working on brakes also found the rear brake switch was broken also but that's a quick $3 part now on order.

Took off the instrument cluster and now know why the seller said the speedo didn't work. The plastic end of the cable is broken so it doesn't hold it up in place in the cluster. Have one on order as doesn't look like JB Weld would work in this situation.

Not much else other than finding some big cracks in the front tire (likely original 2005 tire) and the back one looks brand new so bonus there.

Nice uncle!

Did a little more work on this unit with the nephew this weekend.

Got the carburetor stripped down, cleaned and reassembled.

Replaced the fuel and vacuum lines.

Rebuilt the clutch with a Polini blue contra spring and evo slider. Pads, bell housing, drive pulleys all cleaned and scuffed lightly. Cleaned and regreased inner clutch rotating assembly.

Installed Polini hi-speed variator with 5.7gr rollers.

Runs nice an smooth. I think we are past the mechanical work and onto body work. Any recommendations on how to repair broken/missing fairing mounting tabs? I was thinking fiberglass but haven't worked with it before.

Your nephew will love servicing the scooter when he takes ownership of it. A great picture.

Finally got all my bodywork tabs rebuilt and now working on body filler. Next step is some more sanding then priming and paint.

Also found another "parts bike" for $200 that I picked up. Has a seat intact and the elusive North American headlight surround that I couldn't find anywhere. Also a nice set of tires with no wear.

Progress update. Got panels painted!

Through a local scooter club I met an autobody tech that runs his own shop. He invited my nephew and I to come out and paint the panels and show us all the ins and outs of autobody work. Really great experience for both of us.

I'll reveal the color in a couple weeks once we have all the panels mounted back up.

That's really cool of the shop! Looking forward to the reveal!

I'm enjoying this project. Keep it up. Good to see a kid into two wheels instead of gaming. I have an Aprilia SR MT 125 which is the same scoot with bigger wheels. So much fun to ride.

Final step before putting the bodywork back on "Enzo". This scooter had a rough life before I got it, including a drilled out ignition and a janky universal keyed ignition.

Did it right and bought OEM ignition parts and looks better and functions properly (steering lock and can shut off with key and not just kill switch).

Will have final photos this weekend after assembly....

Well I'm calling this 99% done (anything modified will never be completely finished. Really happy how it all turned out. I still want to get a new set of mirrors as these ones are pretty rough.

Pictures don't do the paint job justice, with all the metallic and pearl flake it really pops in the sun.

Looking fab! 👍👍

It was suggested that I post my final tuning set up since it's running so well. Here goes:

Stock 50cc cylinder

Stock airbox and filter (removed intake snorkle)
Stock 17.5mm Dellorto Carb (Brass restrictor plate removed)
Stock Pilot Jet
72 Main Jet
Stock A22 Needle with clip in top position

Tecnigas Exhaust (Maybe an RS70?)

Polini hi-speed variator kit
5.7 gr rollers
Polini Torque (Contra) spring Blue (not sure what stiffness it is, came in the kit)
Polini Evo slider
Stock clutch springs


Note that I'm at ~3100 feet elevation so I believe that's why I have good results with such a small main jet.

Peaks around 8000rpm but pulls steady through all the throttle range and doesn't have a delay in take off.