Modern Vespa

So I am getting an itch to start a new project and a friend suggested I build a 90 with a 177. What do you guys think? Do they go as fast as a p? I see a lot of you building small frames— can you tell me what's so awesome about them?

do it!

Smallies are great! Tuned up will be faster than a stock P2 for sure! Tons tons of tuning options, so you can build it mild or wild. Or keep it stock cuz thats fun too. A 125 Primavera is a blast! The more centrally mounted engine keeps the center of gravity & balance more aligned to center; so you dont have to do the 'Vespa lean' like a P or Rally. Smaller over all, lighter, and all around fun! Different enough from a Large frame to add into the mix.

Yes.

There are amazing go-fast parts for smallest these days.

They can be stupid fast. See the BooBadge for reference.

Is the 90 a '63-'65, or a later model? If it's the early one, plan on swapping the crankcase. Othery, you're stuck with a 3-speed and you have to bore the block to fit a bigger kit.

Doooooo Iiiiiiiiiiiit!

While the Smallstate is an extreme example of the class, smallies are awesome in general for all the reasons already listed.

They're so nimble and (can be) so quick.

Geek lion! I was actually thinking about you when I got the rally you were building a little screamer. So my buddy has a p125 for 500 bucks. Does that work as a Smallie or should I wait? Another friend has a 90 frame but no engine

Yaaas! I have followed your builds too and they look so fun

This the p125x

I had a 75 primmy from 1985-2015. Eventually I outgrew it I'm 6'2" that wasn't really a problem but probably looked silly. I think one of their best aspects is they are nimble and a fun scooter to zip around town. My friend clocked me doing 75mph in his Fiat x1/9 maybe something imprecise with Italian speedos. Malossi 135 - 24mm rotary - PM expansion - points ignition.

Oh yeah man! I had built that 100 sport! It was fairly mild, by modern standards; but super fun! It was a tuned Polini 130, 4 speed conversion, Jim Lomas Pipe. Fun little screamer. It has since changed hands to a friend, but I have another smallie waiting to put my hands on again.

So, a P125 is not a smallframe. sometimes these are refered to as having a 'small-block' engine. Which could take a 177 kit, as you mentioned earlier. $500 might be ok for that tho! and 177 kits, and other smallblock kits can rip!!

A 90 frame would be a good start, if the price is right. the other bits can be acquired, including the engine; some easier and/or cheaper than others.

I'd go for a smallie over a small block large frame (i.e. a PX125).

you'll find that the P series doesn't ride that much different than what you have, where as the smallie is a totally different feeling bike. And I mean that in a good way.

As to looking silly on a smallie at 6'2", I'm also 6'2" and the fact that I might look ridiculous is part of what I love about it!

Nothing hurts another guy's feelings like getting smoked by a guy on a kid's bike.

exactly!!!!!

I deliberately left out the part about my weight, so far I haven't begun the old age shrinking phenomenon but my weight has increased systematically from high school hahaha what I think I look like and actually look like are different. This is what I think I look like.

Smallies are a hoot TO RIDE. I have never been a fan of actually working on the little bastards, but a tuned small frame makes up for the aggravation 10 fold!



Most fun I ever had on this little shit was chasing a guy on a CBR600RR up Mt Palomar in SoCal. He was so pissed about being chased by some fat guy on a "moped" I couldn't help but laugh...a lot!

So....do it!!!

This!

Man you guys are the best! Alright I'm all in!

You wont regret it!

Now that the decision is made, go to SIP and search for "Quattrini M200-S" 🤣🛵💨💨💨

CM you are a bad influence!

Yes you should and if you can find one, consider building a PK. Very similar but they just ride and handle better than the older ones IMO, ask Greasy or Whodatschrome.

Yes they can all be made as fast as a P but it will feel even faster with less weight and shorter wheelbase. I'd prefer to ride a P at any kinda speed for any distance.

Mother of god i need this!

I live in a studio apartment (largish tho) and I have an engine stand so I was thinking of starting with the engine.

Until you have to remove the tank to adjust the jetting… or have to adjust a selector cables on the side of a highway, or have a mysterious intake manifold leak.

Naw… seriously they are worth the minor frustrations. Looking forward to seeing what you do!

Inline adjusters. VMC now offers them, ready to go…

No.

why not?

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Because Smallies are the path to the Dark Side. Smallies lead to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.

Wait? It gets darker??

Much darker........

Been there done that too many times. You gotta pay to play! No risk no reward, and all that Jazz(hands)

And in this case small jazz hands

So my friend has an early 90 frame "the kind people make 90ss clones with"
What do you all think? I am in no rush so can hold out.

I was born with hatred in my heart, sowed anger and have reaped suffering.

a tuned small frame brings what little joy I am allowed to my cold, black heart.

the ride of a go fast smallie makes the darkness worth the price of admission.

Preach on brother Greasy! Does your house of wares happen to have anything suited to this kind of adventure into the dark arts?

[quote="greasy125"]
I was born with hatred in my heart, sowed anger and have reaped suffering.

a tuned small frame brings what little joy I am allowed to my cold, black heart.

Greasy, that sounds just like Dr. Seuss's "The Grinch". I bet The Grinch is quite the smallie aficionado and rides his like a beast possessed!

Shall you build a tuned smallie?!?
-silly question....

Ofcourse you shall!!


I have 2 90Racers that both are tuned, but slightly different...

1st one is fairly nice with Polini130 steel cylinder, 51mm stroke reed crank, Polini reed intake and a PHBH24 carb in front. And a BGM Touring pipe in the rear. Very very nice ride that goes like a fairly gently o-tuned px200.

2nd one is the beast. 244ccm and 45bhp on the wheel. Totally insane.


But both are a joy to ride, each in their way. But they both turn by just thinking of it, and handle extremely well.

Only bad thing with smallies is doing work on them...
-there is no room....


But go ahead and build!!!

Luckily, Fight Club Brad Pitt is out, dad bod is in.

Great place to start. I have a 64 V90 that is getting its third motor upgrade. SIP rotary intake cases Malossi 136. Malossi 25mm intake kit, Mazz cut crank. 4 speed, VAPE variable AC, VMC Road pipe.
Have had is since 2018 and it had been so much fun.
Original paint.
Also have a 65 Allstate original paint with a Pinasco 177, Mazz cut crank, gearing change, Malossi box pipe. VAPE Variable.
For me it's the best of both worlds..
Also had another smallie and a P.
The Allstate on 8's handles similar to the smallie.
My 2 cents on the subject.

Did you say that a Smallie handles like an Allstate on 8's? I had an Allstate and the front brake dive was scary even after I put in a new bitubo spring.But it was alot of fun!