Modern Vespa

Good afternoon all,

I am restoring a 1975 GTR, which was a non runner when I got it. One thing that I noticed when I rolled it home was that the front end dipped excessively when I applied the front brake. So I am looking for a new set up for the front end to avoid this problem, but also maintain a comfortable ride.

I have looked at SIP performance shock, which kind of looks vintage (quite pricey tho) which is recommended to be paired with a 33% stiffer spring. There is a 60psi and 100psi shock. Some of the reviews say that even with the 60psi the front end is too stiff.

Would anyone have any experience to share on what to do for the front end? what products and combinates could work? I would be mostly riding solo, but will also be with passenger some of the time.

Many thanks in advance - by the way if anyone is interested I can also start to post some of the progress.

Cheers
Chief

Hi Chief. You could look other makes such as BGM Pro adjustable front shocks for non P-Series largeframes (no personal experience) and Italian "Carbone" (my experience was fine with a 1977 150 Super). Both of these look to be 1/3 cheaper and in the case of the Carbone, it's available sometimes with the spring included. Maybe other options too -- someone else will chime in soon.

As for project photos, hell yeah we love em, and I'd like to see progress on your GTR,

GTRs are 10" wheels, right? Below links are for comparison and I haven't checked other suppliers, such as in Europe...

The Carbone shock is called HiTech and seems same as for Rally etc scooters:

https://www.scootermercato.com/Scooter-Parts/Front-Shocks/HITECH-FRONT-RALLY


BGMs come in silver, black or grey, it looks like.

https://www.scootermercato.com/Scooter-Parts/Front-Shocks/BGM7776B