Modern Vespa

I've lost the count on how many citrus colored scoots we have accumulated this summer

Looking really nice over there!

Pics...

More pics if any are interested.

Most difficult thing so far was fitting the front mud guard. Like floor rails, don't mess with trying to fix the metal.

Hec's stand is really valuable. It has so much versatility. Can pull on it - for stand spring. Rotates down as you put the front-end in.

Getting close....

QUESTION: For new cables what is the best lubricant. I know its not WD40! Some say white lithium, some say light grease, some say aerosol lubricant (like PJ1, Champions or Motion-Pro), some say a silicon lube?

Since they are new easy to spray the inner without the cable.

Speedo cable is most commonly grease.

Thoughts??

mine usually go in 2 stroke but honestly it's a good question!

I like Teflon dry lube best. I use it to pull stubborn new cable outers and wire bundles thru the frame too.

Another question. The old ones are 11.5mm. The new ones are 13mm. First replacement set was also 13mm but from India so I thought maybe poor quality. These are from Germany.

So, the question is do I drill the hole bigger or try to sand the bushing down? Haven't had to drill anything else bigger so far and I'm getting near the end.

Drilled!

Some more progress.

The Summer of Citrus continues! Even if it's now after Labor Day.

I love that citrus+black combo. I was going to do that on the VBB, but it definitely works best on the newer models.

it's looking really good, keep up the good work!

Beautiful job on that scoot. Hec's stand is ingenious. Wonder how to make it work on pre P models?

I don't see it as being an issue. Simply goes through the rear cowl hold down studs and the main engine bolt.

" I don't see it as being an issue. Simply goes through the rear cowl hold down studs and the main engine bolt."

I stand corrected. Forgot the left cowl doesn't come off!!

That is a great idea, so simple and it has wheels too! For older bikes you could add lower holes in the support and use the main engine pivot bolt holes.

Looking good!😎. I'm jealous with your progress! My project has been on hold all summer. Glad the stand is still working for ya! Can't wait to see your scoot on the road!

Hec

The engine finally arrived. Today was busy but lots of small stuff and I HAVE A PROBLEM I DONT KNOW HOW TO SOLVE.

Pics of progress below. Here is the PROBLEM:

The rear of the scooter is too low. Looks like it is 25 to 50mm (one to two inches) too low. You can see in the pictures. What has been put in:

30mm buffer - same as original.
Carbone Sports Shock. I didn't measure them versus the original shock so may be shorter.
Malossi Case - rear support must be in the same place.

I adjusted the shock all the way up but it is not enough. Is the shock shorter?? What do I do?

Help please...

Do you have the spacer between the buffer and the shock? You may need one.

Also, measure the shock it might be shorter.

Greasy is right, did your old shock have one? It's this male/female threaded piece used to adjust rear height to suit your shock. Mercato has them 26mm, 42mm, 48mm and 52.5mm here.
https://www.scootermercato.com/Scooter-Parts/Suspension?search=Shock+spacer

I believe you are CORRECT. I went back to look at the original pics and it looks like it didn't have one so there wasn't one in the put back together compartment. I have one in my spares. Not sure of the length but I will try it tomorrow.

As always, your wisdom is appreciated and appreciated and appreciated. Onward...

I had that issue with Carbone shock on my Stella. I had to add a spacer Carbone was shorter.

Original Piaggio shocks are taller (usually 390mm). All aftermarket shocks are 340mm or 345mm so you need a longer spacer (48mm or 50mm)…

that pallet/skid for shipping looks boss! can we have a few shot of how that's set up?

Just a couple of wood clamps holding the stand onto the dolly, it looks like. I dig it, too.

Well, had a 42mm spacer and made a big difference. Height sorted for now.

Spent the day with small details, electrical, and general assembly. Still have lots to do. Not sure what you are referring to. Engine came in cardboard boxes. Scooter Mercato box was brilliantly packed.

Three questions:

1. How do you secure the shroud to the flywheel cover - top hole in picture.
2. Do the selector cables go behind the exhaust on the P200? On my 150 they go kick starter side (outside) but based on the position of the exhaust looks like inside is where it is meant to go.
3. Should I use RTV to seal the exhaust connections? There is no clamp. Exhaust held on by springs and it is pretty lose fit.

Wisdom appreciated as always.

Your flywheel cover is from LML. Those two holes are for a "homologation" plate. Shroud is held by the far right hole. Cables go behind the exhaust stub, you also need a bracket. What kind of exhaust?? It should fit firmly…

Wow !
I just discovered your topic, great job !!

I circled the wrong friggen hole!!! Yes, that far right hole. A nut behind? How do you get it on there?? Its a Scorpion (no longer produced) https://www.sip-scootershop.com/en/product/racing-exhaust-scorpion_20007000

I don't have that bracket. I have one for a 150. Also, the tiny picture looks like you used a case bolt but the Malossi case bolts are countersunk for the capscrew.

For the shroud you need a clip nut. For the cables, on mine, I found a spacer that was exactly the dimensions I needed. The 150 bracket is fine, same. As for the exhaust maybe a gasket kit or cut a piece of a coke can and some exhaust sealant (I use Permatex)…

For the exhaust, I use hi-temp RTV silicon and and for the shim, I cut small flares around the the top edge so I can fold them back and it'll stay in place while forcing the exhaust on. I make mine from a piece of Red Bull can because it gives the scooter wings.

Took all the advice. Worked like a charm....

Thanks guys.

mountain dew - going for performance eh?

Meth head scooter

I got the scooter titled yesterday in Kansas on a bill of sale with no pain at all.

The real pain is that when I did the bodywork on the right cowl, which was damaged, I did not have the motor in and did not reshape the bottom of the cowl enough. Net result is that there is interference on the edge with the flywheel cover. Only evident because when the rear suspension went up and down on the back of my truck it scraped off paint on the inside edge.

Short term I have bent the flywheel cover in and will cut the top bar off. The cover is a $20 item.

Long term, any suggestions how I get the shape back into the bottom of the cowl without damaging or cracking the paint??? I need to bring it out about 5 to 10mm.

At this point I will call it done! A few little things needed sorting and all but one resolved (and the cowling issue to be resolved). This thing flys. Wow. Just a little 60cc more and boy. New sounds, new noises that i need to get used to but WOW.

I made a video of the build if you have 11 minutes that is just waiting to be spent: https://youtu.be/ln8Rysq0Nl4

All will be revealed but share what you think this build cost me all in.

Just gorgeous! You nailed it with the yellow & black because it sounds like it's fast as an angry wasp and you are now just a little AFRAID!

$3.5k*
Is there an over?

*Plus the cost of a box exhaust, after you struggle enough with jetting and your neighbors start throwing rocks at you

Seems like a lot until you consider how quickly that kind of money slips through your fingers for boring everyday things that you have no choice about paying for. Even less when you consider how much you probably enjoyed building it and will enjoy riding it.