Modern Vespa

Hello All

First of all a quick introduction, I've only previously been a lurker on the forum. I have an Indian built Vespa that I've been restoring on and off over the last few years (not perfect cosmetically, with a rattle can paint job). With plenty of hick ups just when I thought it was ready (dried crank seals, leaking fuel tank, clutch bushings etc.) Although it is now just about ready for summer, and I've completed probably around 40 miles running in the new piston.

I was out yesterday, and the bike cut out and had no spark, checked the obvious and it looks like the CDI/Stator might be at fault. Upon further research it looks like the CDI (Ducati) isn't suitable for the stator (External pick up), The stator was always on my list to replace anyways, as the wires look a little brittle, and I'm not skilled enough to re wire and standard stators are fairly cheap.

The question is, can I replace the stator with a non external pick up type? or is anything else needed (flywheel etc?) I already have the mounts on the engine for the Ducati CDI, and I no longer have the original CDI that came on the bike. So it would be easier to replace both to the non external pick up type if possible.

Many thanks in advanced

I am able to bench test motors with LML ignitions/external pickup with a ducati CDI. i have no idea how running a Ducacti CDI on this ignition on the road goes short or long term.


If you want to move forward and changed out your ignition, you will need a full ignition kit including flywheel, stator, CDI, CDI bracket.


I would imagine you have some type of P/PX/LML case? if so-

if running electric start-https://www.sip-scootershop.com/en/product/ignition-sip-performance-by-vape-road-12v-dc-for-vespa-px80-200-e-lusso-elestart-98-my-cosa-11_51011RD0?usrc=vape%20ignition%20px200

if no electric start-https://www.sip-scootershop.com/en/product/ignition-sip-performance-by-vape-road-12v-ac-for-vespa-125-gtr-2-ts-2-150-sprint-v-2-super-2-200-rally-2-px80-200-pe-lusso-cosa_51007RA0?usrc=vape%20ignition%20px200

Perfect thank you, there seems to be mixed feedback regarding if you can or can't run a Ducati CDI with external pick up. Although to be on the safe side I want to make everything uniformed. I had already replaced 1 CDI and I had put this down to accidently getting it wet (I've now got the rubber fitted over the wiring input on the CDI) Although it might of been because of the stator.

Ideally I want to reduce the cost and not have to go down the VAPE route, and keep with OEM. The engine is bog standard and I don't have any intention to tune. I suppose the main question is if I can still use the OEM flywheel on an internal pick up stator or if I also need a new flywheel to accommodate (my understanding of the workings of the flywheel magnets is limited.)

The case LML so I believe a PX copy.

Dude, you cannot use a p-series stator with that flywheel. That's why I listed the correct ignitions for you.

If you want reliability, buy a quality, standard ignition for your needs.

ah great thank you - will get an upgraded ignition sorted.

Thanks for your help

You CAN use a Ducati CDI with an LML external pickup stator. People in the LML Star/Genuine Stella world do that all the time.

As GickSpeed said, what you CAN'T do is mix and match stators and flywheels. The flywheel for the external pickup stator is specific to that application. If you convert to a regular stator, you have to convert to a regular flywheel too.

Another thing to consider is replacement parts for the external pickup systems are becoming impossible to find. There is a good chance you will be forced to convert to a regular stator and flywheel somewhere down the road anyway.

I had read mixed reviews regarding the use of a Ducati CDI will try strip it down and make sure it's nothing too obvious before ordering a replacement ignition - although it's due for replacement anyways. When looking at part options I did think the external pick up parts seem fairly non existent so probably better to bite the bullet and go internal

I will say this, if the external ignition works, it works, and run it. It has 3 degrees of retard and decent to run. You may want to consider seeing if it's purely the CDI.