Modern Vespa

Headlight looking good!

I saw a restored 50 with a more pronounced rim, mine looks nothing like that though…

Yeah, it's all coming together. Normally-Open brake switch is ordered, I'm now playing "where will the tach read from correctly?" since it's really for a motorcycle. Seems like the white wire from the stator to the CDI on the Vape is where it *should* read from, but it doesn't want to behave.

And I forgot to run the CHT wiring. Luckily, I have a piece of weed whacker line I'm leaving in place from the headset to the back of the frame, so more annoyance than actual task.

Minimal progress tonight. Hand is hurting pretty bad, so hard to work. I managed to swap out the rear shock and mounting buffer, after which I discovered it's too short.

The only good things about this situation are that I have a multitude of shock spacers I've accumulated over the years and it's pretty trivial to pull the upper shock mount so getting the shock off is no big deal, either.

I still can't get a good signal for my tach. It reads way too high on the wires to the CDI and not at all wrapped around the plug wire. It's a bummer, because I like the tach, too.

I've never been able to get the VAPE to give me a good tach reading - like I get when I use a pickup on the spark plug wire.
Koso makes one - and its signal is always clean.

Now figuring out the rev count setting on a motorcycle tach - is a totally different story...

Yeah the vape is odd.

Had to go the same route as CM2, get the fancy koso signal filter/adaptor, which annoyingly needs DC power.

Doesn't make much sense, and it makes the SIP Speedo not a cheap proposition if you plan to get one. And it's not as accurate as a wired signal which kinda urks too me.

DC isn't an issue for me since I run DC on all my harnesses.

This is for my random single-cylinder amazon tach. I don't know if I'll ever splurge for the SIP speedo, given the constant complaints that seem to follow it everywhere it goes.

I like my cheap 52mm GPS speedo's, too. I need to get one of those ordered now that I'm getting to where I can actually take it somewhere.

Welp...RPM filter ordered. We'll see where that gets me.

SIP speedo has worked ok, but I'm just like: "why didn't you guys figure out how to pick up a rev signal properly and include that into the already pretty big black box that comes with the speedo??"

It seems like the speedo, which is already Not Cheap, requires a lot of relatively expensive ($30-75) add-on parts to make it actually work, at which point you're $400 in on a speedometer .

Sure, it looks nice, but I kind've dig my steampunk instrument aesthetic, so it's definitely not worth that to me.

I also need to figure out why my CHT has decided to start misbehaving even though I haven't done anything but put the sensor on the bike. I like analog gauges in general, but really like CHT's that let me use a screw-in sensor.

Sadly, Koso don't seem to make theirs any more, which is SUPER annoying. Maybe I'll go splurge over at aircraft spruce instead.

Probably not garage work tonight, but I did put together a video of pulling off the rear wheel and clutch cover for anyone wonder what goes into that.

For re-assembly instructions, just watch it in reverse.

The normally open brake switch arrived today, so I installed that. I feel better having brakes.
The SIP rear shock is also in and the electrical is now 100% functional, including a GPS speedo.

Still no tach since I'm waiting on the Koso rev signal filter, which should arrive this week, and I haven't even considered turn signals yet other than running the wires up to the headset.

The KLH needle is now on the second-from-the-bottom clip and that seems like a pretty good option for now. I didn't seize it today, at least, which is just lucky because the Runleader CHT's sensor wire broke off right at the epoxy they use to pot the sensor and I can't find my soldering iron to fix it.

I'm starting to get more of a feel for riding it. There's a definite moment before it comes onto the pipe and the power really goes nuts. In first and second, I use it to back of the throttle to try and keep the front wheel at least close to the ground. In 3rd, it's my signal to get my body out over the headset and enjoy the ride.

I'm also really surprised how smooth it is at higher speeds. I know that some of you (Socal & John, at a minimum) said that was the case, and I'm now convince. New shocks and tubeless tires can't hurt, but I've found myself doing 65 without even realizing it a couple times now. I have new shoes for the front brakes I need to install, but I really need to get serious about a disc brake.

All in all, things are coming together nicely. I get a lot of questions about it, more than my other bikes. I guess that being old and ratty makes it more obvious it's vintage, because everyone's first question is, "How old is that thing?"

And finally, my wife was out taking a walk and she told me later she heard "some really loud motorcycle" and assumed it was me until she saw it wasn't. I just laughed.

I never paid much attention to small frames as I only found out fairly recently their potential for power. I always give your build threads a read through, because they are always epic. I can live vicariously, because you dive right in and don't hesitate to give things a try. This thread is no exception. Thanks for sharing. I enjoy reading along and always learn something.

Sounds like fun, like your air horn also.

Love that your lovin' the smallie, CM. Mine is nowhere as fast, but I can attest that feeling when the pipe kicks in is pure joy. Great job!

I didn't give smallies too much thought for the longest time because I also didn't realize the power potential and still had a list of largeframe projects I wanted to work though. Like that VMC245, once it hits the market...

And my projects are pretty carefully researched before I dive in. I spent a lot of hours understanding the different tuning options for smallies along with the differences in the design versus the largeframe. I try to capture that, but once the wrenches and Dremels start turning, it definitely gets pretty Mad Engineering before all is said and done. It helps that I've done this all a few times at this point, too, which allows me to casually post things that completely ignore all the working steps, like, "Converted the electrical system to DC and got it all wired up." No, I'm running No Horn at the moment because I still need to get a DC horn. Those are pods for the Speedo & Tach up on the headset. they may be a bit funny-looking, but fit the rat aesthetic and are really well located for watching them on the road. It's a very different feeling, but tons of fun. As I'm learning to ride it effectively, I'm liking it more and more. The Crimaz PK clutch cover helped immensely, too. I don't even notice the clutch pull any more, and the zero effort to hold it in is amazing.

I want to get some videos from the road, but I don't know that they'll do it justice, even with the speedo and tach spiking. It's just so amazing how when it comes onto the pipe, it takes off like it was shot out of a gun. I know that I've surprised more than a few people at this point, especially in third gear where I can really max it out without fighting as much to keep the front wheel down.

I haven't taken it anywhere to even really test it in 4th yet. I'm still a little gunshy on that until I'm more certain on the carb setup. I've already used up at least one of my nine lives at this point.

Now to order yet another CHT...*grumble grumble grumble*

That SIP speedo is weird. A cable driven display and a digital one. Why. They must not trust one or the other.

My SIP PX speedometer is either or, not using cable myself, one less thing to stuff in headset.

Things have been relatively quiet on the scooter front. Too much work and not enough free time.

Yesterday, though, I got out into the workshop and upped the main from a 158 to a 165, which is the largest main I happen to have on hand. Took it out for a test ride and it's still not bogging at WOT, so I'll be ordering even larger main jets so I can find where it finally won't rev out.

I let it wind out in third gear to see if it would bog. Instead, it hit the power and in a couple seconds, I was doing 70 MPH. In third. Uphill. Looking at my gearing sheet, that had me running just over 10,000 RPM's, which I believe. And assuming it had the power to deliver, that would have me doing over 90 in 4th at that point, which I can't quite believe and will probably never find out.

I never have sorted out the tach. I had to order connectors to get the wiring going and then never got back to it. Maybe that will happen today, along with starting on turn signals.

I'm now up to a 170 main jet, but it runs nice and cool on the highway, so that's good, even if I haven't gotten it to bog at WOT yet. I'll try a 175 and see what that gets me next. It'll cruise without breaking a sweat at 75, and doesn't even feel particularly unstable at that speed.

So with all that in mind, I decided to wind it out and see how fast I could go before I lost my nerve, but as it came onto the power hard in 4th and was closing in on 80, I heard the clutch start slipping and then it basically lost all power.

Eventually, after I coasted to a stop, I loosened the clutch cable a LOT (adjustable levers FTW!) and was able to ride home without further incident, but I'm still not particularly happy about the whole experience because I'm just not quite sure what happened.

I'd noticed that the clutch felt like it might have slipped a little when I started it, so maybe it was just mis-adjusted, but even so, I'd like to know for sure what's going on with it.

So that's what I've been up to scooter-wise of late.

Funny - I thought the speed you have mounted was some bad ass disc until I read back and realized it was instead - some bad ass gauge.
I don't know how you guys ride a stock much less a pumped up one of these without the disc.
It's just like trying to stop dragging a pencil eraser behind the scoot if not!
Looks cool CM.

Disc brake is on the list, for sure. I definitely need it big time. I have new brake shoes I need to put on the front, at a minimum, because what's on there is getting progressively worse as I ride it.

The anti-dive setup is amazing, though. Works perfectly.

The back brake does most of the work on mine.

The front is just to slow down at lower speeds/traffic lights.

Definitely want to upgrade, but dialing everything in is definitely priority.

Hope you get the clutch sorted out. Wow, that's scary fast.

A hydro disc is the very first mod i do on all of my scooters! Yes, even before any sort of cylinder kit.

An overdue update. I had the bike out again on Sunday and everything was fine. No more clutch weirdness. I'm going to put it down to poltergeists or the clutch plunger teeth slipping a notch. Whatever. It all seems to be good.

I got out Sunday and tore it up as little, which I filmed with a new helmet cam, but I don't feel like it really conveys the riding experience, so I haven't posted anything yet. I will say that the boost of 45 to 70 in third of still about the most fun you can have with your pants on, I'm just trying to figure out how to show it.

Still no top speed. Maybe if the highways are quiet on Thanksgiving I'll get out and see what I can do.

So, yeah, I guess this post is as much about my attempts to become a better cinematographer as scooters, but it's an interesting problem nonetheless.

Yeah, tell me about the video work.

how to have a video which doesn't bore everyone to death. Lol

Managed to get a GoPro for nothing, but still haven't gotten any decent footage in between braking in the cylinder.

Have some stationary video hope to upload soon!

Glad the clutch has been an anomaly. Can't wait to see more upgrades!

Here's a pic of a disc brake setup I'm looking into. I feel like the crimaz is a little boring looking

Which brake kit is that? Links or it didn't happen!

EBay seller in Italy.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/322597954250?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=aTQ1XETSTk6&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=lKeIup7tQB2&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

I mean ultimately works the same way as the Crimaz, but the bracket and caliper look better on this kit… of course, not cheap… lol

Last I checked, the Crimaz wasn't exactly a bargain basement item, either. Actually more expensive.

I sent the seller a message to ask if he'd ship to the US. If so, I know what I'm getting myself for Christmas.

Don't buy the last one!!

Hope he still has a bunch!!

Hope he sends to the US, I have a freight forwarder to help out on my end. Let me know if you need a hand, it might end up travelling once around the world though… lol

Need to save the coffers to buy one after iron bore run in.

Looks cool though, he has a silver caliper too (although I imagine it might have come from SEA… was trying to find an official caliper, but couldn't find the right size)

I think the Brembo sticker is an afterthought though. Not hating on it…

Worst case scenario, I can have him ship to to my in-laws house in the UK and my mother-in-law can bring it over in January, which is her next scheduled trip. Shipping anything from Italy is super-expensive in my experience.

Oh definitely…

Damn that little lush terrain, wine and food producing country!!

I've been trying to buy a bunch of parts for the smallie from independent Italian parts shops.

Shipping costs an arm and a leg and no one takes PayPal…

I've been pretty awol roun these parts.... getting caught up... great work here Chandlerman! This smallstate is a terror

Here is a link to a piece you need - a USA headlight rubber packing seal. I'm pretty sure 99.9999% of usa headlights are missing this piece. Fits around the headlight and has cutouts for the 3 mounting tabs. IME It does help with vibration, keeping out moisture, and and helps with a more secure and solid mount - no tape required.

https://www.scooterwest.com/vintage-usa-style-headlight-packing-rubber-114348.html

He got back to me and said he'll ship to the states. I'm going to pull the trigger. You want me to put one in the cart for you, too? Hah! I knew this part must exist! It'll cost me more to get it here from SW than the part itself, but I don't actually mind. My light doesn't vibrate, but it would be nice to know it's sealed up around the lip. Not that any of my other bikes are, but *shrug*.

Not yet buddy! Dying to get it, but need to break the engine in first…

Also I need to think about my rear hub too! Need a new set of wheels and an open hub…

I suppose I could Frankenstein it… would prefer the hubs you have on yours front and back…

That's legit. Never say I didn't offer My hubs match the rims for largeframes, which is nice. It let me run some spare 3.5x10's on it while I got the 3.0x10 tubeless sorted out.

I need to get on the turn signals, and maybe a proper rearview mirror, too. I wish I had both of those every time I go to change lanes.

Would race you in my bus…it would be close…I don't have have a scooter anywhere near that fast…

I'm impressed you have a VW bus that goes that fast!

I pulled the trigger on the front disc and wound up just ordering the Grimeca Master Cylinder unit. It's plug n' play and the cost was a push versus buying the bits and building it all myself.

I think that really the last of the major pieces of this project, which means I can start to contemplate painting it now that I'll know I won't have to drill, weld, fold, spindle, mutilate, etc. any parts to make it all fit.

Nice! At some point I want to do the same for the P200. I was figuring the same. Buy the semi-hydraulic kit,cthen the master cylinder and small braided hose and crimp the ends after it's installed.

Maybe after the first of the year....

Generally a good idea to have both when navigating lateral planes… lol

Awesome you managed to get the brake disc hub!

Looking forward to getting it myself!