Modern Vespa

Dear colleagues,
I need to update shocks on my PX. The common sense is to get the best with adjustment to riding conditions and style.
The roads I ride are VERY twisty and steep, hairpins which look like flight of stairs are everywhere. I am not daily rider nowadays (hope to return to daily riding soon).
I narrowed my choices to two models- Sport (without reservoir)http://www.sip-scootershop.com/en/products/shock+absorber+bitubo+sport_70901700
and Sport classic (with reservoir). http://www.sip-scootershop.com/en/products/shock+absorber+bitubo+classic_70906100
The price difference won't influence my decision. If, for example, Sport could be good enough for me I'll go for it. If, for example I get ones with a reservoir, adjust it once and would never use adjustment again (if I ride under the same conditions all the time)- I think it wouldn't make sense. But I am not sure.
I would appreciate your input. Thank you in advance.

Check out the SIP shocks, very very nice shocks, fully adjustable.

And unobtanium right now from SIP. Been on backorder for a while.

I'd go with the BGM F16 shocks as they are the bomb.com.

Yes, I checked SIP and other brands before I narrowed my options to those two Bitubos.
Therefore I would like to hear any thoughts and opinions about those Bitubo shocks, please.

I had one with the reservoir.

loved it. looked the business. handled lovely.



but it couldn't stand up to the savagery of the Irish roads

Jackson85,
thank you for sharing your experience. Did you remove it and replaced it? How many miles did you ride on this shock? Do you think you would have less headache and frustration if you chose a shock without reservoir?

less than thousand. kilometres. I just back to stock but stiffer springs. gonna try bgm next. without the reservoir. don't get me wrong, I know people with shitloads of miles on them. I just wouldn't do it again

What failed on it?

dunno, halfway through a ride the thing bottomed out and didn't bounce back. brought it back to the place I got it

Jackson, it is your experience, it can't be right or wrong, the broken shock is the fact. Probably most people had no such problems but knowing it doesn't help when you get broken shock while riding. Every vote counts.
Did you make a lot of adjustments of damper during your happy thousand km? I am just trying to understand if non-reservoir with adjustable preload is good enough for me.

I don't really know anyone that prefers Bittubos with all the new brands on the market. Bittubos are using old sandcast molds from the 80s where the new and updated shocks are mainly CNC'd.

Jus' sayin'

It's getting more interesting, TravisNJ, my brother in '74 Primavera
What brands would you suggest ? I've always thought that Bitubo is the gold standard; another option is Malossi. I know few budget brands but I'd rather pay more upfront rather than pay less for subpar quality shock which breaks and eventually gives me hard time and cost more than top brand. "A mean man pays twice".

im happy with my fournales

Yeah, Fournales are made in XXII century on Mars Way ahead of time. Do you always have an air pump nearby?

Does anybody have experience with SIP performance ? I 've heard very conflicting opinions about them, from top-top to "broke instantly".

I 2nd that emotion, and as far as SIP Perf. shocks go, I think they solved the problem with the top breaking.. I have some and they're good.. not Fournales but good. I had at one point swapped a bitubo front (with reservoir) for the SIP and I thought the SIP was better, but my bitubo was very old at that point so it's not really a fair A/B comparison. Overall I think for the money, they're good shocks. The Fournales in my O are worth every penny. If you're not on the other side of the world (which I think you may be?) I have a pair of almost new SIP shocks (red/black) that I'm looking to sell!

I personally suggest the BGM Pro SC Shock Absorber Set.

The BGM look to be the best new ones, I just wish they were a bit cheaper.

Vader how much for the SIP shocks? If vyatka isn't interested.

Same. Too rich for my blood.

If you are under the Stars and Stripes -I am on the same side of the globe
Would you be so kind to send me a private message with all the details?

I am under the glorious Stars and Stripes! pm coming your way!
Cheers
And Happy Thanksgiving to all of you turkey brothers and sistahs! gooble gobble gobble

lucky mercans with your thanksgiving. ill have to wait for Christmas for a turkey dinner

Go to the store! You guys only import turkey for Christmas? get some turkey maaaan.. have turkey diner every night! Turkey sandwich, turkey hash, turkey taco:-?, turkey burger, turkey dogs:), turkey WRAP?, turkey and bacon!, etc. etc. etc.... the possibilities are endless Jack... all it takes is a trip to da sto'! Hell! you people may even have little turkey flavored chips! Lord knows you have beef ones!

Have a happy day tomorrow anyway brother! and give thanks.. for somethin'

Thank you all for posting your opinions. It is very very helpful. When I make my final decision I would inform you right away.
Happy Thanksgiving!