Modern Vespa

I'm looking at SIPs line of Cosa clutches (the standard or Sport models)

https://www.sip-scootershop.com/en/product/clutch-sip-cosa-2-sport-23-teeth-primary-65-teeth_93405000?usrc=Cosa%20clutch%2023

They talk about buying extra spacers for the crank. I know there's spacers if you remove the autolube but what about in addition? I'd like to keep the autolube but want to refresh the clutch on my P200. I read the original Piaggio Cosa clutches fit perfectly, but the reproductions had issues and need the spacers? Is that still the case with SIPs?

Thanks guys

the idea with that added spacer is to allow a millimeter of difference between the baseplate and the clutch cog. If they are the same height, it causes problems. Rather this clutch needs it or not, you wouldn't know until you received the clutch and looked the drive gear area.

all that being said, why the SIP? i would recommend paying a little more and picking up state of the art VMC Molle. You get better design and better equipment; through and through.

https://www.sip-scootershop.com/en/product/clutch-vmc-cosa-2-sport-ergal-10-molle-clutch-cosa-2_93246120

with 23 Cosa clutch cog

https://www.sip-scootershop.com/en/product/clutch-gear-cog-23-teeth-fa-italia-clutch-cosa-2_87460000?usrc=23%20cose%20clutch%20cog

I chose the SIP because it had the 23 tooth cog to begin with and this is going in my stock motor. Nothing fancy.

So you're saying if the clutch cog and the crank spacer are the same height, there will be problems? I was thinking the main problem was some kind of alignment issue between the clutch cog and the primary gear.

i would not say the VMC clutch is fancy, just better designed and better equipment. great value for the dollar; and that is smart.

yes, the clutch cog and the clutch baseplate need to rotate independent of each other. if they are both contacting the clutch washer, that is a problem when pulling in your clutch lever. if you take a straightedge, and i'm not talking XXX, place it along the face of the clutch baseplate, the cog should not be touching.

Beautiful instructions! Just looked at an old Piaggio one to confirm. Cog is lower by a mm or less.

Heard anything professionally about Ferrodo brand Cosa clutches? Looks like SIP sells them as a budget alternative. Not for me, but for low budget customer builds in the future.

I've installed banded Ferodo / CiF / NewFren (all made by the same factory) and they're fine. But they have gone up way too much in price. I used to get them for 110€

Thank you! For every 1 local with an open wallet for service, there's 9 others asking where we can skimp.

I bought a banded cosa clutch from SIP way back in the mid 2000's. No doubt the band held the basket ears from splaying out, but the clutch plates still quickly left grooves in the clutch ears...and that was also the last one i bought a banded clutch. Ever since then i've hesitantly pried open my wallet for fancy billet clutches.

I have this clutch. Basket is in perfect shape after 18000 km. But plates and discs which come with it is absolutely crap. You can see pictures here and here. CR80 plates is really good, but steel discs is crap.
According to FMP this is due to design fail. And VMC clutch haven't this problem. It also noticeably lighter than SIP one.

Thank you for the feedback! I will avoid SIP and buy an official Piaggio Cosa clutch. VMC is out of stock and who knows when they will be back.

i have a VMC with a 23t clutch cog that i would be happy to sell to you.

and a lighter weight clutch helps makes the crankshaft live a longer life

PM sent

About spacers.
On my engine I use this one.
On few other friends engines there is standard oil pump gear cogs.
Both works without any issues. There is no difference. Only same problems.
VMC is absolutely better.

https://www.sip-scootershop.com/en/product/spacer-clutch-cosa-2-24-5x15-2x0-8-mm-sip_69821000
The spacer is to create a gap between the clutch centre and the cog. This gap should be > 0.5mm. If to small it will drag, if too big it will judder/crunch on pull away.

Agree, VMC clutches are great. However, can only use their own clutch plates. Why they make them a different size to stock? Any danger they will get hideously expensive at some point?

I may be wrong but isn't VMC clutch need only their own steel discs and can accept any CR80 cork plates?

Our favorite Austrian explains it best

No. You can use stock Cosa steel and cork plates in a pinch. However, the plates the come with the VMC clutch are designed better.

But VMC steels is better than any others?

BTW VMC plates and discs not very expensive.

The VMC steels are absolutely designed better than the others.

Will VMC steels suit SIP Cosa clutch?