Modern Vespa

Hi guys I need some advice cus I'm really confused.

I have a Vespa 150 sprint 1976 with a 125cc engine in it, and it's registered on the log book as a 125cc. But, when I check the engine serial number it shows it as a 150 sprint veloce. Could the original engine have been reduced in cc?

Suggest you check for the motor serial number on the swingarm, as per below:

https://www.scooterhelp.com/serial/vespa.serial.locator.html

What are the letters there?

Also it would be helpful if you post up some pics of your bike so we can see what you're contending with.

The number I have is on the engine swing arm VLB M with 7 numbers under it. I've checked the number online an it says 1976 150 sprint veloce. Could the cylinder head have been changed to a 125cc one?

I think it says VLB 1M

It would be very easy to put a 125 cylinder, piston and head on the VLB.

To make a 150 again all you would need is the correct 3 port (if it is a Veloce) 150 cylinder, piston and head.

You could even make it a 177 with a kit from VMC or BGM

Thanks, that answers my question. I might put it back to a 150. Thanks again for you help.

How do you know it's 125?

How original does the scoot appear to be -- has it been "restored" previously or is it a stock style survivor?

Curious here as well.

see his other posts for photos of the bike. it looks like a questionable "resto" to me.

Looks in good condition for its age and it looks like it's had a partial tidied up but not professionally. Few aftermarket bits that can be changed back but seems ok for the purpose

Its UK so has it been re-registered for riding on a learner license?

I must admit it thought it may have just been a paper exercise to enable a leaner diver to ride it. When I take the head of how obvious will it be as to being a 125 or still the original 150

it won't, you'll need to measure it.
52.5~53.1=125
57.8~58.4=150

The size may also be stamped on the piston.

Great, thanks for your help

Anyone know the difference between a VBL and a VBB. They appear very similar when ordering parts.

I assume you mean VLB, otherwise if your numbers start VBL that's a whole different can of fish.

there are several parts that are similar, there are several that interchange. not everything does and there are minor differences. details are important here.

if you don't know what you're doing or precisely what you need you may very well end up with the wrong parts or parts that won't work.

the best way to avoid this is to order from a known entity that you can whittle down the choices to items that only pertain to your specific model-- like SIP or scooter-center.

or ask somebody knowledgeable. but be specific, broad and vague questions get many responses and that easily makes the water murky.

Sorry yes VLB.

To save all the guesswork, please put up a photo!

specifically the MOTOR and the engine numbers stamped on the case. that should erase a bit of confusion. or cause more. could go either way, really.

True... here are his other posts, with a few pics of bits of the motor.
As it doesn't appear to be the ORIGINAL MOTOR (ie. wiring patched trice, cut once etc) who knows .

Piaggeo Vespa Sprint V 150

Throttle problem.

I've got Speedy's TWIN, which was from SAME N.Z. Factory, likely opin SAME MONTH of production (engine numbers about as close as you will ever find), but Speedy was a factory VBC150 & BRO was a factory VBC125.
As mentioned, it was only the cyl kit that differed.

An Original Super Resto?

It appears to have had a 12v stator plate fitted but no indication as to having a electronic ignition fitted. I was planning on fitting a BGM Ducati stator plate kit to give me voltage and better starting, but now a bit stuck as which direction to go. Do I go for a full BGM Ducati kit, or is it possible to just add a CDI to what I have and would it need a regulator.

I will be putting in a new 12v wiring harness, but as I'm new to this I need the best and clearest way forward.

Everything else is going well with the restoration, just need a plan for the electrical side of things.

I have also attached a picture of the number stamp.

Thanks in advance

If it's been registered as a 125 in uk downgraded from 150 the paperwork from mechanics would have been sent to dvla or even dvsa for checks. Upgraded they ain't bothered but downgrading they check. That being said now it's registered as 125 just stick a 166 or something on it as the 150 is pointless with no distinguishable performance gain. Really a waste of time. Nobody will ever check your barrel capacity. It's best left registered as 125 as easier to sell to learner licences but stick a bolt on kit on it if you want better power and this will make it safer on road to keep up with traffic and reduce the moron tailgaters .

Sound like a plan, thanks for the advice

woah, looks like Giuseppe had a little too much red before stamping the numbers that day!

A re-stamp? Or are they really like that?

All the ones stamped after lunchtime, anyway

125 cc are popular in many countries where you can ride without a motorcycle license on it.
I've heard German (?) Cops carry a Dyno to check speed/output for scooters!

So, you are going to the effort of a new harness, but cannot work out if you want to bodge the electrics or not? Does it have POINTS?
My logic is that IF it has points, it's "manual ignition", if NO points, then its "electric ignition" & therefore 12v already.

Save your $$ for something more fun.
However, yip, adding that little box thingee that suits the blue (Ducati?) coil should work. Just get it going, then work out ignition system, as likely it already does something... just get a 2nd hand one (or borrow one)
unless you really intend to & can justify the upgrade to full BGM.

I've cracked it open and surprised and happy to see it is in fact the original 150cc setup. It looks like it a documentation change only. I'm going to change it back to keep it original.

And still no photos!

Kids these days man, kids these days!

Kids! Lmfao…. I wish