Modern Vespa

I have searched for options to upgrade or improve the suspension on my Fly 150 project scoot.
All I can find is an OEM replacement rear shock from the usual vendors. No one lists front fork springs. Checked with Progressive to see if they might have some spring options. No luck so far. Changing the weight of the fork oil might be the only way to firm up the front.
I am wondering if the rear shock for the LX150 might be interchangeable and if the urethane bushings might help.
Any thoughts and input would be appreciated.
Ciao!
Driller

I am in a similar predicament with my Fly. I'd like to upgrade the rear suspension, but not sure what might be applicable beyond the OEM unit.

Which fly?

I'm also on the search for an alternative rear suspension but as I have the new 3v model, there's currently no established market for aftermarket parts

Changing the weight of the fork oil may change the damping characteristics but it will not firm up the front. In order to firm up the front end you will need stiffer springs. Motorcyclist for years have been using spacers in their forks to increase spring rate by slightly preloading the springs. That may be an option if no aftermarket springs are available.

Good observation Hachi. I have used spacers on a couple of KLR's to improve off road handling. Made changes to amount and weight of the oil as well. Overall a reasonable "pennytech" mod.
I just got off the phone with a friend who has a suspension shop (Cogent Dynamics). His suggestion was much the same as above considering what I'm trying to achieve. The Fly only has so much to work with on the front fork. Still, he will do some cross checking for some Progressive springs that might fit.
As for the rear I am trying to get the dimensions of the Bitubo rear offered for the ET4 and LX150. The mounting points look similar but the length may be different due to the different wheel size on the ET.
Hoping we have success.

If the parts fiche is accurate (keep in mind this is Piaggio), the rear shock is like the ET4, which has a different base than the LX 150 shock. You can get extensions in various lengths for the upper bolt. If you measure the overall length of the shock in millimeters, it will be easy to match it with a performance shock, because most of them give measurements in mm. As far as the front end, I would be inclined to cut a couple of 1" spacers out of pvc pipe, if you can find the right diameter, and go to a 15-20w oil. Because of the way the forks mount in the triple tree, you don't have the same amount of stiffness you get in a motorcycle fork.

Thanks, George. I was thinking the mount for the ET4 would be a likely fit. When I pull the engine in a couple of weeks I will measure the shock and we will talk.
I will be checking with you about getting a collection of jets for tuning the 200 kit.
The "BlowFly" project begins!

Driller,
I am in the research stage for suspension upgrades to our 2006 Fly 150 and have discovered the same things. I did find 20W listed in the workshop manual as the the OEM fork oil, so I am considering Redline 30W as the replacement. I would appreciate any information that you find on replacement springs as well as altering the rear replacement shock and springs. Thanks.
Jim

Will do, Jim.
When we get the 200 kit installed and sorted out in the next couple of weeks, attention will turn to the suspension.
Taking the Fly home tomorrow and hope to dive into the project next week. 8)

Hi Driller,
I can't help you with the suspension, sorry.
Just a question, do you mean the Piaggio Liberty 200 kit?
Greetings

Yes. Hopefully the bigger jug and the PM pipe will yield a bit more zip to the Fly. Not really looking for more top speed (well, a couple of mph would not be refused ). Will post a log of the project when we start next week.
Ciao!
Mike

Mike,
It looks like we are on similar paths. We are installing a Malossi 190 kit and PM pipe. I rode the Fly today and the front seems pretty squishy. Thanks for the posts. I will let you know of any progress or discoveries.

Jim