Modern Vespa

So I just received a new Malossi 210cc cylinder and head from Scooterwest, I opted for the sport version and not the racing. The unit is very light and the color of the metal is like a very light gray color(almost white).

The piston rings are very thin and sharp to the touch. I compared the piston with another Malossi 210cc older piston that I had laying around and they are identical in shape,size and markings (except some digits on the top off the piston).

The kit went in very smooth, a true bolt on. I didn't bother to do any work on the engine cases because I never intended to do such modification but if I ever have to split the engine cases for other maintenance I might take the challenge and do some porting.

The engine started after 5 or 6 kicks (we shut the fuel lever closed during the install). This kit came with a 130 main jet but I opted for a 125. I am at altitude (2600ft) and from previous cylinder kits and expansion chambers and exhaust experiences it seems like the 125 main jet with the 24 del Orto carb works ideal on my situation.

The response in the lower and midrange is noticeable/instant, you can feel more torque even if this kit is intended for higher rpm power. I probably revved the engine up to 50-60% of its potential and I put about 45-50 miles already. The engine is now starting at the first or second kick and the idle is very stable. The engine sounds at half throttle like beging you ton rev harder. I am running a Sito plus for now.

I am very excited about giving you guys more feedback as I put more miles. I chose Scooterwest as my vendor because they have a great customer service, extensive knowledge,rapid shipping and good pricing(m opinion). Besides that, I have been on the store myself and the shop is a world class facility.


This my my third Malossi kit and now I feel very solid about the quality of these kits, definitely a nice upgrade to your P200. Here are a few pictures that I took during the install. I was running a Pinasco head on a P200 cylinder, the head was from a previous kit.

NOTE** Unrelated topic but very helpful to anyone owing a P series vespa, we found the chronic issue of my miserable front P200E original brakes. This 79 P200E uses to have the worst braking distance I ever seen on a scooter. The front brake lever was always extremely hard to operate and it use to get stuck partially engage after braking (soft or hard).

I once had the front hub removed and had the brake pads inspected and the whole drum cleaned and cable adjusted but we finally found the problem. It was the inner and outer cable assembly. It was old and sticky.

We replaced the brake cable with teflon coated ones and the front brake now returns back to its original position, the brakes now operates efficiently and the bad shaking during the braking is almost gone. I contemplated once converting the front brake to disc but now I don't see it necessary. I thought I'd just share it with you guys.

Thanks for sharing. I've been dreaming of Malossi kit for some time. Is your kit called "Sport 2013", article code 3115618 ? Cylinder head looks interesting as well. Spark plug seems to be at center, but angled. Can you still use original cylinder cowling?

^^yes, that is the part number of the sport model. I don't know what the cylinder cowling means.

I mean the black plastic cover which deliver cooling air to cylinder and cylinder head. Can you use it as it is, or did you drill another hole for the spark plug?

Nope, It fits well (the factory one I mean). This kit is a "plug and play" sort of speak, no porting needed and bolts on fine on the stock exhaust.

That's probably why it is a centered head but angled, so you can still use the standard cooling shroud

Yes, and that's why I find it even more interesting.

Someone said (wrote) Malossi heads are no good. Though didn't mention why not. I failed to find the thread now. I have believed Malossi should be reliable brand.

^^ I don't have an engineering degree so what what I comment is purely base on my opinion. Having seen the stock p200 cylinder head and this malossi head and also the Pinasco head I am inclined to said that the finish on the malossi head is better.

The pinasco 210 cc head doesn't look much different than the stock head (I might post a picture in a little bit), the shape on the malossi head makes me think that they put some work into it.

Also, this newest malossi head release has a shiny mirror like surface, unlike the pinasco which is a machined head but has some "texture". According to SIP website the head is worth 1.5hp but I am not sure if that is in conjunction with the racing malossi kit(the one that I don't have) or the "sport" malossi cylinder kit(the one that I have) .

I purchased the whole cylinder/head kit as a whole, it was priced better as a bundled purchased rather than buying separately. Separately cost $149 while if you do the entire kit(cylinder/head) you save $50 so I said: why not! ?

What happened to the other 3?

did you cut the crank to increase the intake timing...??

a pal in our club just got around to this recommend crank mod after running this kit for 20 years.

He told me that it woke up the engine from down low to up high.

He is running that red stock looking pipe with 2 tail pipes and stock carb up jetted.

. It is just a misunderstanding. The newest kit is on my P200E just installed this past Saturday. The other Malossi 210cc kit was freshly done with new engine cases and new piston on my Vespa Sprint like 4-6 months ago(it runs great) and like a year ago I did the malossi 166cc PX150 which is holding very strong too.

No I haven't but if I have to open the engine for any reason I will. I am running a new mazzucheli cut crank on my built 210 MALOSSI sprint and I can see a difference. I am itching to put the necessary miles and break this engine well so that I can open her up to the full potential.

My most current update is that the engine cranks up on the second kick everytime and the idle is fantastic, very solid. I have a lighter flywheel on this engine from a PK(I believe) and just a sito plus. I am very happy with the purchase, I don't mind the $499 that I just spent because I do enjoy these scooters a lot.

That is good to hear!

Centered spark plug is a benefit. Raised compression ratio gives more power, generally. O-ring for sealing is third good thing which I can see in the picture. Some day I will get the kit, some day.

By the way, did you know that Sip recommends one hour break-in. If you break-in too gently (or too long) the piston rings will leak for ever.

Malossi says on their site: http://www.malossistore.eu/en/products/ALUMIN-CYL-KIT-%C3%98-68-5-CVF2-pin-%C3%98-16-VESPA-200_3115618?M=293&MM=MO%2FVEPX200&FG=G.TER&Type=M

It would be good idea as fuel tank and carburettor are almost at same level. What do you guys and girls think?

Here is a little update as o Sunday Jan 19 . The scooter has been starting at the second kick everytime(cold), occasionally at the first kick on cold engine. The iddle is very steady.

I have been riding around my neighborhood almost everyday a few times a day (weather in Arizona has been great, sunny and warm) but I am very confused right now, this is what is happening on the following scooter:

79 P200E with malossi 210 full kit (newest sport cylinder and newest head), 24mm carb, sito plus.

At partial throttle I have no problem lifting the front tire in first gear (no need popping the clutch), I am still breaking her in. Today I went over half throttle and I had to let go otherwise it was going to flip back (it lifted almost vertically). It also lift the front tire in second gear at the right rpm but not much. What I am saying is that it is very torquy as is.


My other Vespa with a similar set up (71 Sprint veloce, with brand new P200 engine cases, mazzucheli crank, 26carb, simonini expansion chamber,malossi 210cc with stock head) does not lift at lower rpms. I mean, it pulls hard but it doesn't lift.

My question is: is the newest malossi cylinder head and the sito Plus working their magic at lower RPM torque? I am very tempted to go and order a new malossi cylinder head for my Sprint veloce and maybe swaping to the sito plus if that is what it takes to pop a wheelie at lower rpms effortlessly. What do you guys think?

I would say it's port timings, mazzucheli crank, 26carb, simonini expansion chamber which make the difference. Those gives more power to higher revs. Sport cylinder, 24mm carb, sito plus works at lower revs.

Have you thought to do break-in properly? Be sure that engine is warm and then give some stress for the piston rings. If you are too gentle piston rings would not settle properly. Later on those would not settle anymore.