Modern Vespa

Hello all, I've used lots of information from this website to sort out some issues with my girlfriends smallie and I'm hoping to find an answer for my newly aquired P200e.

Backstory: Unknown mileage on engine, etc. however the previous owner used to run the local scooter shop and everything appears legit and well done. It's been sitting off and on for about 4 years. Doesn't leak anything and has very little grime buildup.

When I first got it, the clutch pull was easy and shifting was effortless (to me it felt TOO effortless). The clutch needed adjusted as it would lurch and bog.

It would randomly come out of gear on hard acceleration. I wasn't able to figure out if I was pulling it out of gear because it moved so easy or it was doing it. This happened 5-6 times and it sounded terrible when it would slam back into another gear.

Currently: If I adjust the clutch so it engages and releases correctly the bike will pop out of every gear but 4th. If I set it back to how it was, the bike will pop in and out of 3rd and sometimes 1st. To me, these issues shouldn't be connected.

I've pulled the selector box and inspected it, reset the cables, greased everything. Gear oil is clean and full. I keep thinking cruciform replacement but the clutch part has me stumped.

Thanks.

If you have a properly adjusted clutch and shifter cables and the issues persists, sounds as if it's something internal. I would make a visit to the bloke you bought it from and inquire. If they operate a scooter shop and this was there personal bike, sound as if they offed their problem to you? Both of mine shift well and never jump from gear. do have a time finding 2nd on a down shift on my older P, but I'm thinking it's me not the bike. Good luck.

Sounds a lot like a worn cruciform.

Bogging sounds like you might just need to adjust your carb.

You make a good point about the seller, but I didn't get that impression. He was very upfront about other issues and went into extreme detail about everything that's been done to it. It shifted VERY good when I got it, just seemed too easy. However, I was not used to the power and throttle response of this bike; it feels more like a 2-stroke motocross bike than a scooter. I think this is something I caused from inexperience with the bike. That's what I'm thinking. Any other takers? Perhaps the loose shifter cables and my inexperience with the scooter did some major damage...

Maybe bogging wasn't the right word. The motor runs great, when the clutch is improperly adjusted, shifted into gear idles down the motor because the plates are still dragging.

So maybe you trashed a cruciform, not a big deal. It is a wear part, and you will get better at shifting. If you could get it back to guy you bought it from it would be well worth the effort as you may be able to work on it with him, if he is willing. Compensate him for his time, of course, even if you refuses to take any thing.

Sounds exactly like a worn cruciform. Don't fuck up your clutch looking for a problem like I did! It's a harder part to access but they're cheap and you can replace anything else that might be worn out while yer in there.

Have to agree with previous comments, sounds like classic cruciform wear symptoms.

Be warned though. I went to replace mine, and then figured "while I'm in there........" And many dollars later

New pinasco kit, bearings, seals, shorter 4th.....

Like a kid in a candy store

Haha, I know what you mean. However, this engine has been pretty worked over so I'll just replace seals, gaskets, the cruciform, and anything else that is wrecked.

I wouldn't mind a shorter 4th but it doesn't need much. Malossi 210, cut and ported, Malossi intake, 30mm carb, HP4 flywheel, and a Prima exhaust.

Thanks everyone for the advice. I will follow up with what I find.

Just thought I would follow up on this. Parts finally arrived last Friday and I got her buttoned back up Saturday. The suggestions above were spot on and now I have a properly shifting scooter.

You should be happy with the new cross, that old FA one is quite the toasty.

Which is a nice way of saying that it's beat all to hell. Now that you have a proper cruciform in there, you'll be shifting like a pro in no time.