Modern Vespa

He has lived in VN part time for many years and knows exactly what this is and it has sentimental value to him so we're contemplating putting an LML in it. I'll let you know how it all turns out.
The only part of any value in the motor is the brand new, probably Taiwanese clutch. FWIW...

This guy definitely has a sense of humor and is excited about riding this bike. He wants to take me to a bunch of VN restaurants and can't wait to show it off.
The 10" fork is in great shape, obviously not from the original bike. The frame with all the reinforcing filler applied seems to be solid enough for the job. I told him the filler will crack and fall off and he told me the then I'd just fix it.
Aside from the worn pedal post and the loose handle bar tubes, with a new motor and shocks it should be a fine I figure. An oxymoron.

If you could maybe remove the tank and get a GoPro shot of the inside of the tunnel that would be sweet.

I will. I'm putting it on hold for a bit.

Definitely patched, and by what appears to be a seam at the front and the condition of the underside ( pretty clean metal where paint has chipped off) it looks like the floor was replaced . I judge it to be sound enough. They might have used some longer screws to hold the mat trim down...

That doesn't look bad. The patches look like they were welded flush with the surrounding metal with complete beads. Nothing wrong with that.

Yeah, it almost looks more mig than the usual schtick. I'll spray down the inside with Ospho at least.
It will never again be subjected to living outside in the tropical environment of VN.

I figured the coil on the SS was acting up so I swapped in this gray one ( " WATYONG" ) that was on the Bodgy 150. It ran beautifully and then became hard to start and loss of spark. Turned out the plug clip was crimped onto the HT wire with the end of the core wire cut off flush ( not stripped and folded under the clip ) and no little tab to pierce the insulation. ( I am not sure if that's there just to keep the clip from pulling off or to also contact the core wire) It was just arcing to the clip until it got all burned up and lost contact. I properly installed a new clip and the SS is good to go.
I am planning on a really long ride at the end of the week and I am glad this came up before I left. I am taking another coil with me.

One month later and the LML motor I ordered from India is apparently still there , unshipped and the expected delivery time has elapsed so I am requesting a refund and Ebay/Paypal should come through.
So the options are :
Put the old funky motor back together with a new axle/output shaft and a few other things and hope for the best This thing did run ( with noise) and was ridden briefly before I opened it up to replace the worn out axle.
Or, find a large frame 4-speed 150 I can just pop in and fiddle with or do a basic overhaul to run. Maybe one of you has one sitting around ? Also, if anyone knows a good source for an LML non-auto I'd be interested.

I have a lo mile electric start autolube LML motor in good condition If you feel like doing a bit more work...

Thanks. I'll keep that in mind. It would be no big deal to delete both of those features.

I'd say maybe put some feelers out locally and see if you can't turn up a 3 or 4spd lump that needs a quick and dirty rebuild. there's gotta a east coast version of kajiit lurking about!

Swiss?

How is this poor sad project coming along? I wish you were local & I could let you pick out an old engine in slightly better shape But a big THANK YOU for the yellow booties , it is exactly what I need make it official and to warn off any excited wanna be prospective buyers for my bodged 125 Super with LML motor and now on 10" wheels front and rear .


NO! Stay away.

So...I am building new VLB motor. I have a DR so I am using that. He had a new 20/20 Spaco so I am using that as well. Should be fine for break in or maybe longer. This thing also came with a snazzy pipe which I assume is less restricting than stock.
The carb has a 38-120 idle, 160/E3/92 stack. The main is surely too small. Any suggestions on a starting point ? 105? 115?

Where's that reinforcing bridge that goes in the tunnel at? This bike would be a breeze to rewire or recable with that thing missing!

I think your guess is in the ballpark. The Sprint I just shipped had a 20/20 carb, 110 main jet and seemed to run well though I did not try any WOT speed runs. Here's a stock jetting chart to give you some ideas.

Thanks, V. The Rally 180 with a 20/20 looks like a good comp.

I think anything you put together will go much better than trying to work with the engine that came with it.

Some of these bikes are really interesting. The people who do them have some good skills and are obviously capable of putting together a safe and serviceable bike…but they don't. They get them together as quickly as possible.

Stick welding sheet metal takes a delicate touch and there is nothing really wrong with welding in new sections, if it is done properly. Unfortunately, they don't, even though they could.

I would ride a generic composite vintage looking bike if the metal work were properly and it was safe…as long as it were sold as such rather than some rare vintage unicorn.