Modern Vespa

Hi everyone -

I had a double-mod weekend with the RFY shocks (14.5") and Akrapovic replacement. Although the Akrapovic replacement is/was simple, I had a few things go wrong:

Torqued out a 12" extension for the T40 bolt (although was able to get the T40 bolt off finally)
Started putting copper paste on the inside of the clamps instead of the bolt threads.
May have over-torqued the main hose clamp (not the spring clamp) such that the clamp looks slightly deformed (although in one of the depressions of the slide-on) - the digital torque wrench didn't reach 16ft-lbs
May have stripped off the main hose clamp bolt, but not going to worry about that until I have to take it off.

My post-installation observations are:
1.) Revving the engine without anyone sitting on the seat kills the engine now.
2.) Some smoke still originates from the main hose clamp
3.) Burning smell still lingers.
4.) Sound and looks are awesome!

I'm assuming that some smoke coming from the clamp is normal and the burning smell will dissipate over time., but I was particularly wondering if anyone had the dying engine at standstill after installing the Akrapovic. There was a point during my ride yesterday coming to a stop at the bottom of the hill where it felt like the exhaust backfired and could have died but didn't (the 500 actually did die there once when I first got the bike last Fall but after replacing the battery, I haven't had any issues).

PS - Thanks to OAD, CubsKing99, and IMO for the RFY ideas...happy to provide feedback.

1.) Revving the engine without anyone sitting on the seat kills the engine now.
I assume you meant with the tilt lock on right? If so the engine should bog down. Try it on the stand with the tilt lock off. Is that what you mean by "kills the engine"?

2.) Some smoke still originates from the main hose clamp
Probably because you over torqued it?

3.) Burning smell still lingers.
Should go away with time

4.) Sound and looks are awesome!
I totally agree.

Re: the burning smell. I have had that on all my Akrapovics and found it comes from a plastic covered tag inside one of the pipes. I had completely overlooked these on several occasions and only found it after it was half-burnt.

Regarding the stalling. Have you had your MP3 flashed with the latest update?

Also, if I may ask, where did you get the RFY shocks and how much are they?

I think this will answer the question. Look What OAD Found For Me...

RFY shocks are from that (Look what OAD...) thread (including link to ebay). Got the 14.5" to lower the bike for my 28-29" inseam...not flatfooted but pretty close...maybe there with my motorcycle boots.

Haven't had the flash yet...was waiting for the 650mi checkup (only at 275). I'll have to try it on the stand. I think it was off the stand with tilt-lock on and nobody on the seat when revving does it die. thx

It is a safety feature. So one doesn't hit the throttle allowing the bike to move and the tilt lock to disengage if the rider is not on the seat putting pressure on the seat sensor.

Hi jtechico,

Question stupid ........


The link cubsking99 dealt with 16 "...... Could you explain your choice of

14.5" for your shocks

has a 29" inseam so this will help lower the seat height. same as doing the lowering brackets, but you get better shocks than stock with alot more adjustability for preload and a nitrogen reservoir

Yes - lower seat height...was about 2.5" heel to ground previously and probably .5" now. Also looks like a burgman.

BTW - didn't go with the 14" because there seems to be a max load difference between the 14" and 14.5" versions (450#/pair vs 650#/pair)

Drawback is that the stroke is much shorter than stock (68mm vs 110mm) but thought it was a fair trade and necessary to not bottom out the rear tire...I don't think I'll be going off-road. Thought about going the (IMO) hagon / bracket mod but thought I would try the cheaper / less fabrication option first.