Modern Vespa

I'm new to the 2 Stroke 1960s scene....
And although this has likely been covered many times in the past... here we go again.

I've picked up a 63 VBB2 150 and I'm loving it.
Done over 1000ks the past 8 weeks on local 50 - 80 kph roads, but the motorway speeds are tough on it.

It's all number matching and correct cases, has Del -Orto 20 / 20 carb and ive done 10 inch wheel conversion. It's more than likely a 2 port.

It was not idling well when I got it, however I've tweeked it and it goes nicely now.

Righto, question is.... I need and want more power and top end. The easy way..


Almost brought a PX200 engine to slip in... but that's going to be a bit of work I imagine,

Or maybe on a big bore kit for more oomph.

I'm literally riding this WOT 90% of the time trying to keep up with PX 200 crew or modified 150s.

Ultimately I want a peppy tourer... that is lively, but not highly strung.

I'm worried I'm going to kill it sooner than later being on WOT

What's the best option bang for bucks without sacrifice of reliability?

I don't really want to split the engine.... just yet.

Try to find a more powerful scoot that your budget can buy, and keep both for fun.

If you want to boost the power, you would be best to take this over to the NSM side on here. They are going to want pictures and more info before advising.

Moved

Yup. Post up some pictures so we can see what you're rolling on.

Welcome to the Dark Side! People up in the main forums say we play rough in here, but it's more that we like to have a laugh at each others' expense and tend to skip the sugar coating when giving each other bad news.

When you say "matching numbers," do you mean the frame and the cases? Because if those match, that's probably a Bad Thing. (I'm leaving the explanation until you confirm my reading and share those pictures)

If it's stock-ish, it will be a two-port motor. It's probably a bit under-geared for the 10" wheels, which unless you can blow away in a stiff breeze, will find you struggling with acceleration and any sorts of hills you encounter.

Top speed on the stock motor is only about 50 MPH, but you can *absolutely* tune it to run 60-65 if you're willing to bust out your Dremel and set a suitably-sized pile of money on fire.

You don't need to get a second scooter, but you might want to consider picking up a three port or P200 motor just dropping that in the bike since you've already defiled it with 10"s.

And I will add that if you go with a better/faster motor or juice up the one you have, you should also think about upping the suspension, and, more importantly, the brakes.

It also would be good to know where you are located.

A Pinasco 2 port 177 will get you over 60mph. Well that and a better exhaust. Not difficult to install. A P200 would fit right in but I dunno what else would be needed to make it work. Others here would know. Pics!

10" wheel downgrade and a different engine. Ever feel like you bought the wrong model?

Thank for replying folks.

Having 12 bikes this Classic is definitely the slowest and cheapest 2 wheel machine but the most fun.

OK.

Response one at a time.

I've got the original ownership documents and owners from 1963
The engine and frame, cases are number matching.

I'm a guy who like stuff looking excellent, so off came most things and in to the paint booth.

The faster scoots I ride with say it goes well, but I'm thrashing it. Lol 😆

I'm in New Zealand

Also to note.... having 10s on it the speedo is probably calibrated to the 8inch? So likely not reading the actual speed.

I will post up some pictures soon

Put in a Gabriel new shock, it's a little better,
Front brake is hopeless but the rear is exceptional


Why the VBB? It had to be classic 60s, these are excellent value for fun and the money.

Yeah I could get a faster one, but had to be a 60s

Curious how you got it on 10's…

that's curious...

Curiouser and Curiouser.

Frame & engine #'s were never an exact match from the factory.

NZ might be another story, as NZ had its own regulations for imports; but all the AirCo NZ Vespas I know of still have engine numbers stamped in Pontedera.

Lets see some pics of this machine

10's, matchy-matchy, "shiny things"... I've seen this episode before!

How very episodic…

S3 Ep. 11 it was the mid season cliff hanger!

Oh yeah thats a good one! Had me on the edge of my seat, holding my breath and clenchin my cheeks!

The paperwork matches with the Frame and engine.

Cases have matching letters, so not a basket case.

After 61 years it has the frame that and engine cases that left the factory with.

As for the 10s that's all me, I can't do 8s. Just doesn't look right.

4th gear is a slow wind up but good for the down hills 😆

I've placed an offer on a Crashed PX200, so have an engine donor.

So I guess that's the next phase.... perfect for the 10s,

It's great when no plan, ends up being the plan.
Off course I'm.not telling the lads about the Christmas engine swap.

Shhhhhh!

Photos to follow.

VBBs left the factory on 8's and looked pretty right.

They looked exactly right.

OP might want to take a look at GS150 or GL of that year.

I may be a bit biased, but...yeah.

How much work can you do yourself?

I have a 62 Sportique.
Still on eights.
Rebuilt the stock 150 engine.
12v ignition/ducati CDI
Added a DR177 top end.
20/20 carb.
Polini box exhaust.

You may also need new brakes, suspension, cables, tyres, seat bodywork done etc.

Mine needed everything.

It's a great bike to ride and looks original but 8's aren't for everyone. You will end up spending way more than it is worth if you have to pay someone to do it.

If you can't do the work, you want/need done, get a PX200 and save a lot of time and money.

That bike is gorgeous!

I've seen photos of VBB's on 10's that look quite good…depending on how it was done. It's probably the same thing for ride quality.

VBB's look smaller than P series bikes but the frame dimensions are actually very close. I know there are differences that make a (quality) conversion to 10's complicated.

The first scooter I found was a VBB. Dave at Scooter Mercato suggested picking up a P series for what I wanted to do, which I did. The VBB has a very different personality on the road. It made me realize that there are other factors besides speed that make up what makes a scooter fun.

I learned an important lesson:

The solution is ALWAYS to get more scooters.

Also, True.

If you think you have enough scooters, you just don't appreciate what you're missing. I think the upper limit is defined by budget and willingness/ability to do ongoing maintenance on them all.

Not to mention how many you are allowed.

Which is why most of us use a combination of slush funds, questionable accounting methods, and following the "seek forgiveness, not permission" model for managing our herds.

And buying something for parts - dont forget that one.

Comments above make me appreciate my wife

I couldn't agree more! If you can do all the mechanical stuff yourself, you'll save a ton of cash and learn a lot about keeping your old Vespa running. It sounds like you know your way around this one if you've already stacked up over 1000 km! Just try the 2 port Pinasco kit & a decent modern box muffler. I have one on my 150 Super - easy to install, a nice power boost & makes good use of your current good running motor.

But what about your gearing if you've already converted to 10" wheels??? Are you sure it doesn't already have a kit? That 20/20 carb was not stock on this bike.

I have to agree and looks like you have a very nice collection!
May we see more?

Hi

I'm assuming the engine is sock, other than the 20/20

Yes, I'm mechanically OK with mechanical things....

I've purchased the PX200 engine and wreak but I'm also keen after reading more about putting on a big kit.


Do you really get better output with that pipe you suggest?

The 10s im liking, it like a 5 gear but a killer on hills....
That said I'm still a fan of 10s

I like 10's too. If you have a few scooters then 8's are nice to have. But then I'm a long way from being a purist.

Any aftermarket pipe (almost!) will give you better output. Polini box is nice and torquey, and the shape suits the lower scooters better for ground clearance than some others.

Depending on how you like to ride, the 200 motor may be a bit of a disappointment but should allow you to keep up better and gearing suits the 10's. A 150-based kit (many flavours of 177 available) is generally more powerful than a stock 200. Perhaps down slightly on torque depending on the specific kit.
A P or PX motor is a way easier starting point for a kit, whether that's 125, 150 or 200. You can kit your VBB but it's harder work and might be more valuable stock to keep with the scooter when you sell it later on.

Grumpnut - me too m8.

V oodoo - yes, have a few scooters

Baker 13 - I'm not a small man so the Pollini's work very well for me. Nearly all of my road scoots have them.
2 caveats:
Removing the back wheel - cant without shortening the tail pipe on this particular one.
The stand - you will need to "adjust it"

Don't expect too much from it and you will enjoy it for what it is.

This is dangerous territory and I'm loving it.

I'm not a true purist, and by the sounds.... most have changed out parts or added to the scoots... so I'm feeling great.

OK, I'm.hell bent on the 177 kit.... I'm already perving at the bolt on kit.

I will hang on to the PX engine for a another day.

So, back to the exhaust....

Help... to find out what is actually on mine.... how will I know what the pipe is? It's black.

Any markings to inform me what it is?
Standard or Polini


Cheers lads

Just buy the version with the shorter pipe? Pic below. Bit hard to see from here! How about a photo? Take one from the flywheel side, stock has a skinny header pipe compared to everything else.

Mine is definitely standard.

Ohh well, best put one on the list too

I think I have 6 maybe 7 bikes/scooters at the moment. I can't complain.

(edited for clarity)

Yeah...I'm at six, but am going to sell the Stella in the next week or so when I have time to deal with it, and maybe the SprintV, but that's going to require some work and probably needs to go to an experienced scooterist due to being pretty tuned.

for whatever reason, people expect the power & handling of a KTM out of these old machines. You will not get it. enjoy them for what it is.