Modern Vespa

Hi,

I have the original late 70's rear shock absorber on my 177 tuned Vespa (GTR, Sprint, ...)

Anyone upgraded to i.e. a SIP performance 2.0 that could give some feedback? CNC machined body, 14mm rod, rebound adjustment ... a noticeable improvement on stability/control or just plain dispensable luxury?

TIA

I have BGM performance shocks on both my Sprint and GL (Front and rear) and love them. They are more stable at speed with the original spring-and-damper front fork than my Stella running Bitubo's that cost almost twice as much.

So while I can't speak to the SIP shocks specifically, I will say that modern shocks make a HUGE difference in ride quality, especially at higher speed.

Thanks for your feedback. I have BGM pro at front, stronger spring also to match the Crimaz disk brake. But rear I didn't touch, still original. My expectation would be better stability when accelerating and at high speeds, never gave much attention to rear shock…

I am to fit a longer spacing nut (different reason) but now wondering if should also upgrade the shock… I guess I was bitten by upgraditis… heeeeelp!

on my TS I have the same front end as you, BGM pro with a stiffer spring. On the rear I put an adjustable YSS and have been very happy with it.

Thanks. YSS is an option, a bit cheaper too. A friend told me I probably wouldn't notice a difference between those two and a 60€ Carbone in a Vespa… … Dunno

Budget adjustable shock I like the Carbone "Hi-Tech". Made in Italy, and nice machining for the body components. About the same price as YSS, which are made in Taiwan(?)

That Carbone Hi-Tech looks great. Thanks!
My guess is I will benefict on braking and stability at high speeds, if even by a small amount I'll pull the trigger

It's definitely better than stock, adjustable and looks nice too. I havn't compared to SIP or BGM, but for a budget firmer-adjustable shock they are good.

You should look at the Clauss Studios rear shock mount, too, since you're upgrading. It is a MUCH stiffer/better connection between the shock and the frame. You have to drill a hole because it takes two mounting bolts (which is a huge PITA on a built bike), but that's part of why it's better.

A strange thing I encountered with Carbone rear shock on my SS180 was that the spring is quite a bit wider at its widest point than the original Piaggio shock. This caused it to rub pretty significantly on the tire. The tire is just a 3.5 x 10.0 Michelin S83 so nothing out of the ordinary. I had to take it off and get a stock Piaggio shock.

I had similar issue with a standard Carbone shock, which interfered with the exhaust due to the 'belly shaped' spring; which is wider in middle than the top & bottom. I did not compare to the piaggio shock.

The Carbon "Hi-Tech" has a straight spring that is the same diameter top to bottom, which is a slight bit smaller diameter than the belly shaped spring of piaggio and/or other stock-type shocks & springs.

I had a bad Carbone experience with the front shock on my Sprint. It almost separated from the mounting bolt at the lower buffer. No bueno!

Now, fairly or not, I'm kind've biased against them.

That would have really sucked!!

Thanks GeekLion, chandlerman, PeteB for the feedback!

Wow, that's important to know, it basically rules out this option Great - thanks!

Not good indeed. That can happen for a few reasons, maybe not shock fault...

I am convinced ... considering specs / price I ordered the SIP Performance 2.0, +30€ than the Carbone Hi-Tech but the 14mm thick rise bar and rebound adjustment made my decision.

I don't expect it to make a World of difference, but you guys know... its the sum of the parts...

Thanks

That looks odd. Doesn't a nut and washer hold it all together? What's on the other side of that?

You're correct, there was a nut and washer, but the washer is smaller diameter than the buffer mounting hole, so it didn't matter. No such problems with many more and harder miles on the BGM's (or Bitubo's or stock LML, even).

That makes sense, in the way I mean that its failure is from its poor design. The nut and washer hold the bushing on but not the shock. That's brilliant.😵‍💫

I think you'll be happy with the SIP Performance 2 shock. Had a pair some time ago and then donated them to the Wandering Wasp project. She was surprised by the difference.

I've since upgraded to Bitubo Sports which at their softest setting are actually more comfortable and stock-feeling than the SIPs, yet also... more sure-footed. Am loving them. Was swayed by the Bitubos' serviceability as well -- they offer repair kits whereas most aftermarket Vespa shocks are more of a consumable item.

Thanks Sean. Great initiatives yours vespa360 and wandering Wasp, thanks for sharing

Nice!
No more upgrades, the-end, la fine, das ende

I ordered one of those for my VBB over the weekend, so hopefully we both chose well!

Stupid question time. Any reference for adjusting these nifty high speed low drag shocks? I have the BGM's on my Sprint 150 and the front is a bit more twitchy than I like.

Sorry to thread jack.

My front BGM is set to MAX, lowest rebound speed possible ... and still short than I would like to. Also have a stronger coil... meeehhh ... better than stock but I think its what's possible.

Can any of you update with info how are these performing? I am considering getting one for my VBA thanks!

Yes I am interested too how the SIP shocks performed? as I have just pulled the trigger for a set on my LML Belladonna.