Modern Vespa

I'm sure someone will know, if I convert from 8inch wheels and brakes to 10inch wheels and brakes will the braking be better?

Not enough that you could tell. You'd also lose your Rollin' on 8"s street cred in the process.

If you're not happy with the braking, then get some new, quality pads, then make sure everything is nice n' grease free and your cables are set up properly.

You could also install a front disc if you're on 10"s, but that's getting into a whole 'nother level of modifications.

I don't want to go to disc, did that on my lambretta and to be honest it wasn't much better than a well set up drum. I've got a 125n which is going to end up with a p200 engine in it to make it more useable just thinking maybe I should go for bigger brakes despite losing the look.

I have an 17HP motor rollin' 8"s in my VBB. The front brake is fine on it, but it's well set up with slotted Newfren shoes. The only thing I didn't do was radius 'em, because they didn't need it.

That's good to know, thank you, I'll try that first, I don't want to lose the 8 inch wheels really unless I have to.

very little will be gained with a 10" downgrade.

8" with SIP brake shoes and a Pinasco drum is as good as it gets. you are after all, riding a bike that is 60+ years old.

Great thread & feedback from both of you!

Everyone seems to go to discs with more power, but it is a very distinct look and requires permanent modification which gives me pause

10" conversion lessens the bike by suggesting southeast asian import

"Mark it 8 Dude."

You're most welcome!

I put an anti-dive and front disc on my Smallie. The anti-dive probably made a bigger difference than the disc, if I'm being honest with myself. The disc made a difference, but was not world-changing. My GL still has a front drum, though, and it'll stop me with as much force as I can hold myself off the handlebars.

The best way to improve braking is to upgrade the quality of your suspension (shocks/dampers & mounts/buffers). Not only will it be more fun & more comfortable to ride, but you'll have more control and better ground contact so the brakes can actually stop you when you need them to.

Thank you everyone for the reply's, I'll stick with the 8's and upgrade the suspension shoes and drum 😊

Not cheap, but SSC makes a hydro disc brake for the 8" rims. If i end up moving forward with my second VB1 project, i'll definitely go hydro with it.
https://www.saigonscootercentre.com/ProductDetail.asp?idBasket=&category=60&product=1738&

Interesting. That's actually cheaper than the 10" disc options, which are all about $600+, and that's not including the master cylinder, brake line, hardware, etc.

Add this to your shopping cart.
Makes a huge difference in braking power.

https://www.sip-scootershop.com/en/product/cable-kit-sip-performance_94180290?q=cable%20kit%20sip

I never thought there would be an 8 inch disc option, I wonder how effective it is. New cables are definitely on the shopping list. 👍

Yay.

Glad you saw sense.

How effective are 8" VBC brakes?

Once setup (& if you are crazy enough) you should be able to:
- "chirp" the front inder heavy braking.
- barely use the rear (mainly used to let person following how fast they can take the corners)
- use it while accelerating to "move/change" centre of gravity
- use it while accelerating so you can be on the throttle around corners
- use it so much that the paint MELTS

Interesting I'd like to hear how well it performs

I've be wanting an 8 inch hydro disc for my VBC that I am going to try to get to 60 mph.

$500 isn't unreasonable but it doesn't show the master cylinder. What does that look like and how much is it?

Do you have to make irreversible modifications? If so that's not a deal breaker.

It uses the closed wheel to suit the VBA/VBB, not the open rim of the Super - if that makes a difference to your decision?
I don't think it comes with a M/C, but the version that is most reversible and least visible is the Crimaz one. Have a look, you're pretty handy making stuff I believe? Think you could knock one up.
https://www.sip-scootershop.com/en/product/brake-master-cylinder-crimaz-mounting-at-handlebar-lower-part-20_56375600?q=crimaz%20master%20cylinder

I'm guessing you have to provide your own master cylinder. Luckily there are plenty of options out there...anything from a semi-hydro Grimeca MC, to a fully hydro MMW. Maybe Crimaz and a few other companies make a master cylinder that would fit as well?

I have one of these for my VB1 with a 10" wheel conversion. https://www.scooter-center.com/en/brake-master-cylinder-set-light-switch-housing-mmw-two-in-one-vespa-vb-vba-vbb-vnb3t-vnb4t-vnb5t-vnb6t-vgla-vglb-aluminium-3331364

That set up is for VBA/VBB. Like Ginch said, won't work with VBC, which uses different (Sprint style) hub and wheels.

So that setup isn't going to work for me?

Probably for the best because by the time you buy the master cylinder, hoses, hard lines and miscellaneous it's approaching a grand. Maybe I should concentrate on optimizing the drum.

So Cal, I am definitely going to want your advice on getting and installing the proper cylinder kit. I plan to start on it when the weather warms up.

I have the smallie version of this. it looks good, but performance could be better. I actually had to go to the hardware store and get new bolts for the mount into the brake lever. It was too short, which was causing issues with the geometry of things under use.

Not a big deal, but not something I should have had to deal with myself, IMO.

I bought mine ages ago but still haven't done the final fitting - like I didn't bleed them or anything. So don't really know how good it'll be, I'll look out for that issue though.
Anyway I have great confidence, because Craig assures me that 'Crimaz' translates as 'almost fits'.

Accurate translation.

Their performance replacement parts, i.e. hardened/CNC'ed versions of other bits like cruciforms, are really good in my experience. This one...not so good.

TL;DR: They are better metallurgists than engineers.

Hit me up whenever, Matthew.

How's the heel?

Good days and bad days.

I moved a new stove into my house today and all that physical labor was not good for it.