Modern Vespa

Good afternoon.

I fitted new Polini clutch plates in the summer of last year. When new, changing gears was nice and smooth. Now it feels crap again. I adjusted the clutch cable to see if this would help. It did not. When selecting 1st gear, the bike wants to creep forward and engine revs drop and eventually die. The clutch is grabbing again.

I have just taken the clutch to bits and the cork plate tabs are all mullered and bent. Proper hammered. It was a nightmare gettting the last plate out of the basket. I think this is defo the issue. Why are they only lasting a few months of riding? Any recommendations on some nice strong clutch plates?

I will add some photos later on.

Thanks.

In my experience, if the engine is kitted, even lightly, any plates besides CR80 plates last about 200kms.

They just can't handle the torque with the gear changes.

If your engine is stock, I imagine you might have other issues.

Hi.

It's not stock. Any links for the Honda ones? Just to make sure I get the correct items.

These ok: https://ve-uk.com/product/sip-performance-wide-cr80-plates-cosa-clutch/

https://www.wasp-performance.co.uk/sip-cr80-cosa-type-ii-clutch-friction-plate-kit.html

Thanks.

Save money and time; put that clutch in the recycle bin. Purchase a VMC Molle and never look back. You can thank your friend across the pond later.

That maybe a purchase in the future. I just want some decent plates for now to get me back on the road.

Thanks.

the ones above in your link should work in pinch; contact your local parts supplier. Look at your clutch basket prior to ordering them, if it's ate up (dug into), then new plates are not going to help. almost everytime i have had to deal with the same symptoms, the clutch was ate into by the plates; thus, not allowing the plates to separate.

all that being said, i would used CR plates in a standard clutch if i was stranded somewhere and needed something to get home. . . . .

Yup those are the ones.

Oh forgot to ask what clutch you have? Sticking them in a stock clutch might not be the best idea…

Might be issues with fitment and the need for stronger springs to separate the plates…

Pictures above. Using 8 slightly stiff springs. That's all I know.

Thanks.

take some photos of the of the baseplate; specifically the "teeth" where it indexes into the clutch basket. There is a reason why MMW/BGM/SIP/VMC/etc. has changed this designed. once these teeth get wear, then plate separation becomes a problem.

The clutch is all brand new in the photos there. Only been in since Aug last year. I will get some more phots later. I hope it's not worn already. Hoping it's just the shitty, soft friction plates to blame.

what is your motor setup btw? those stock Cosa clutches work decent on a stock engine.

Banded clutch might have issues with the CR80 tabs. Then it's a case of carefully grinding them down to fit.

If it's slightly stiffer springs, you should be able to get away with using CR80 plates.

I have ordered and set so will see how they fit and if any fettling is needed.

Thanks.

Pinasco 190 running at 16 Hp and 18 Torques.

yup. that clutch is NOT going to keep up with that motor. you do what you want; my opinion is buying those SIP plates is throwing good money at bad. buy the VMC clutch and you will be ahead of yourself: https://ve-uk.com/product/vmc-10-spring-cosa-style-clutch-kit-without-drive-gear-vespa-cosa-px-t5/

Pics:

Will my current pinion gear work with that kit or will I need to buy another one?
Thanks.

look at the turrets in your clutch basket, the clutch plates have already started to dig into them.

yes. your clutch cog will work in the VMC Molle; it will switch right over.

I can't feel them so only slightly, slightly marked. I get at what you are saying though. What else would I need to buy with that VMC kit? It says no drive gear included.

Excellent.

Fuck it. I will get one on order. Thank you.

Yup, that's true… I see the marks…

I've wasted so much money on clutches in the early 2000's it aint funny. I've lived and learned; parts suppliers loved me. however, how ridiculous those days were when a Cosa clutch would last me 1 month; no joke. So i have some understanding of the limitations and just trying to save people money & sanity. i am happy to see the evolution of the Cosa for the last 18 years; the first change being with MMW and now the mighty VMC.

In respect to most powersports, a $275 clutch you can have for years is a complete dream come true.

Thanks for all your help and the quick replies. I will get one of those clutch kits ordered and fitted this week. Hopefully a lot less clutch troubles in the future.

A good clutch goes a long way…

Solves a lot of issues. And it's pretty future proof.