Modern Vespa

I hope this is the right place for this. First time here. But anyway…

About 3 years ago I picked up a 66’ bluebadge (vma1t) every thing original except the paint. It has never ran great and I’m going to just mothball the original motor and crate it in the garage. Bring every thing back to original except what’s under the hood. I’m looking to build a new motor from the ground up but am looking for some tips. I know I want to go with a polini 130 head and a better exhaust. Definitely want to go with a new crankcase (heard the new SIP ones will allow for 3.5 tires)

I’m mostly looking for
-tips and tricks
-parts people forget to get when starting from scratch
-gear ratio advice (no idea what to go with)
-any sites that may be cheaper
-any kits that may be a little more helpful
-possible paint codes for the original white color
-replacement glass for the Mickey light (mines still pristine. Just want a spare)
-gasket for rear light
-any leads on the Sears stickers
-SPECIALTY TOOLS LIST that will make my life easier
-just any general knowledge that may be unknown or make this easier

I’m fairly knowledgeable in most things when it comes to classic scooters but it’s only been a hobby for about 3-4 years and haven’t taken on anything like this yet. I absolutely love them and after not wanting to go out and start fights in the bars anymore ive become completely enthralled with this scene.

I’ve never dropped the engine out of it but it’s time. Never had to do any major services. Original speedo only had 4000k. But there’s major running issues now (bogged down/leaking/knocking/terrible timing/etc.) And I want to just be able to get out of my own way keep up with traffic (and also ride like an idiot sometimes) this definitely isn’t a daily driver. Purely fun. So if anyone has any advice on bigger builds I’m open to that too. Just at the end of the day I want it to still look like it came out of the department store.

I appreciate and help and am excited that I found this community. THANK YOU.
(Yes I added the Vespa 125 badge to the front. Yes I know I’m a idiot. Haha)

Also might want to add that I do live in Reno Nevada and there’s not a scooter shop within 400 miles that I know of short of going to the Bay Area so everything I buy will need to be online (with the exception of the mountain bike break cables that my local shop thinks is ludicrous they can be used in these)

well, you've got one of the hardest things to find-- taillight.

but you need that seat and rear rack for it to be correct. and the little knob that holds the seat from flipping forward. yeah, that's not a standard saddle. oh, and the tank is different too.

while I'm not entirely sure, I believe the carb was different along with the airfilter and pipe (but that's under the hood)

handling & engine wise what are your end goals?

Obviously I’ve made a few minor cosmetic upgrades but I do have the original seat and knob (hated the seat very impractical for someone that’s 5-11” hahah) that obviously won’t go back to original for comfort reasons. Tank still original too. Never even seen a picture of the original rack. Anyone got a picture?

It has the original dellorto 16.16 and I may have been in a drunken state and couldnt remove the rear tire and may have cut 4 inches off the exhaust. (Had to learn a 3.5 tire won’t fit the hard way)
Regardless…

I want to be able come out of the gates fast and be able to at least have a top speed of 65. I ride with a few dudes who all have lml 150’s in theirs and a dude with a 200cc lambretta and want to at least be able to keep up if not leave them behind. Seeing as I’m the only one with a small frame I know this is totally possible. (Spent the last 3 years as the back of the pack.) I also don’t want to make it too crazy and be able to ride for long durations without overheating.

I have no idea how to reply on things here. Been lurking for months but broke down and made an account.

so you're going to paint it OE and make it look OE outside but have a big block under the hood that'll hit 65 with I'll hazard a guess a 200lb pilot?

just trying to establish a baseline

Obviously going to completely upgrade shocks and mounts. Been throwing around ideas on a different breaking system. Doesn’t need to be a big block necessarily but need to have some ass behind it. I’ve read a few things about guys throwing a 130 head and a 23 carb with a decent exhaust and being able to pull 75mph out of a 50 special but I’m skeptical. I don’t need that. Just fast out the light, faster than 55mph and reliable.

What size engine is it at the moment? the 50cc runs a 43mm stroke crank, anything bigger has a 51mm stroke crank.

Rather than getting aftermarket cases, can you get a second engine and re-build that. It would be both a good learning curve taking it apart, and probably easier than starting with bare casings and having to work out every little bit you need to go in them.

It’s the 125. 51mm stroke. The only reason I’m leaning toward a new case is so I can fit the 3.5 tires on it and I’ve read they reinforced the crankshaft area for more racing applications (future expansion for me) and the bottoms of the case in the event of a crash. That way everyone I ride with has matching spares and what not. Plus it’d be nice to have that tid bit extra rubber on the ground.

You will need to update to et3 or pk crank with 20 or 24mm cone or you will snap off the crank taper when you tune it. Think gearing too, the drt short 4th or short 3rd /4th are good, depends on your pipe. Vader had a badass thread on his smallie engine build, you might search it up.

Ps the more you tune the shorter your range on that small tank, expect no more than 40 miles between fill ups.

Interesting. I'm considering parting with some boutique engine stuff I've acquired over the years. SIP cases milled 54mm crank, 54/105 crank, Full Crimaz gran tour gearbox w/28/69 primary(crimaz). hmu b4 ordering from sip.

Not a huge deal for me. I live in Reno. Can hit both sides of town back and forth in under 50 miles.

not wanting to go out and start fights in the bars anymore uh - sounds like no more Shea's for you!

Seriously though, nice bike. I really miss riding around Reno.

Hahahaha true. But Fuck Shea’s. The owners literally came out as nazis last year.