Modern Vespa

Sorry guys if there is too much threads from me but I decide to start another one for my 1982 PK 50 S as I have some plan what to do with it.
Here is short story about it.

Today I almost striped it down. Only steering column nut is frozen so I left it soaking in penetrate oil.



Engine missed lot of studs for crankcase halves. Kickstarter not moving. It have Polini cylinder and Polini(?) righthand exhaust.


I saw lot of original PK air filters but no one had this pretty logo on it. Can you realise what is it?

Interesting. My pk has the same filter

So many time gone today for simple job... It was pain to undone steering column nut. It was pain to remove mudguard bolts.
Straightened as best as I can mudguard.
After that I changed upper bearing cup and put in other but same fork from my PK. OFC cleaned and greased, with new arm bearings, all rubbers, shock absorber mounts, etc. Need to put cables and brake shoes and front end is done.

Engine is very close to the finish.
Dexter Modern Box 32 W1R is here.
Today done some adjustments to fit it. All was almost bolt-on, just one little cut on the bracket and grinding on the swing arm.




Tight enough


It is possible to remove rim with tyre or the entire wheel with hub without deflating the tyre.


Enough space with 3.00" tyre.

That's such a cool exhaust. I would have preferred that over the unisex egig. I wonder how that would perform?

IIRC somewhere on the GSF Erich said that Dexter is too small for 170.

So the engine is in. Also done all cables and front end.







Relocated CDI as I was too lazy to craft new bracket for PK S engine and PK XL CDI.


And no - exhaust don't fit without cutting of the chassis. It seems that it is possible to mount exhaust first and then mount engine but I can't see no sense here as it will be impossible to remove exhaust in this case.
Not a problem for me but for somebody who don't want to cut...

Not sure about the carb myself, prefer stealth mode. Interested in the Dexter exhaust though, how is that working out?

Not tested it yet.

Okay, I'll watch with intrest. Ref the bracket, have you seen these?

https://avotecnica.com/en/spare-parts/vespa/motor/ignitions-and-flywheel/2941-vmc-under-saddle-support-bracket-for-coil-and-voltage-regulator-for

AvaD yes I saw different brackets. But it need to be ordered and up to 3 weeks for delivery. I also doubt that it will be possible to mount toolbox with original(big) CDI on this VMC bracket. So it was absolutely easy to drill two holes and use two rubber mounts that I had on the shelf.

I put in an order with VMC just over a week ago and it arrived in the UK on Friday. Got my ransom note in from UPS this morning, payed up and should be getting the goods tomorrow.

As always - lack of free time so moving with small steps.
Mounted ignition. Routed and connected CDI wires. Throw some jets in the carb. Hope will start it in few days.

That's going to be a really cool scoot when you're done. That was a lot of trimming. Should be even faster now!

Thanks Rob.
I have in my mind how it will turns when finished. Almost untouched exterior but with good engine and other technical moments.
For sure it will be faster compared to condition when I got it
Also old original shocks absorbers will give some attraction - even 80 km/h will be feel like on the edge Weak front brake and fork too.
I'm trying to build it cheap as possible using a lot of old parts that I already have in spares. Compared to this here is not lot of trimming. Just a bit I'd say

Finally there was the first ride!
It runs very well and smooth despite the jetting is not perfect, but seems very close imo. I also think that 27/69 may bit short for it.
And I was very surprised how light clutch lever is! There is all original XL2 parts only new Malossi plates and springs kit is in.
Even crap front brake is working better than I was hope!

Now I'm sorting loom as there is absolutely hell for my low electrical skills. I'm bit confused because I have PK XL ignition where 3 wires goes to the loom but it is PK S with 4 wires in the loom.
And for sure the indicators will be not working for some time as switch is almost destroyed.

Very nice work Sir.

Where did you get the Moon discs?

Thank you. Discs from Moon webshop, delivered from California.

Quick question - is worn voltage regulator can be reason that bulbs keep blowing when revs getting higher?

Busted bulbs are the first sign of over-voltage, which in turn is a symptom of failing regulator. At least, on other vehicles from my experience.

Do you have means to measure it? It will show over-voltage when you rev it in neutral. Just hold your rpm at a higher range for couple of seconds while measuring.

The Red Rat is almost ready. At least it is fully rideable, head and tail lights are working and even horn too.
Hope tomorrow I will take it for few dozen of km for tests.

Done 200+ km on it. It is fun but clutch slips when throttle opens not carefully.
Changed springs from Malossi to SIP XL ones. Feels better but I'm not sure. Now there is no play on clutch lever but when engaged clutch still dragging...




Old float chamber with overflow tube always drip a bit fuel when riding so I changed to new bowl without it. And now I able to put in anti-surge washer(TBH IDK if it make some changes)
Choke jet from 50 to 60. And new float chamber screw.

And yes! A pair of suitable badges

Playing with jets now. It is PHBH 28.

Main jet 128(walked down from 135-132-130)
Idle jet 55
AS 264
Needle X2 - 3 notch from top
Slide 45
Float needle 200

It turned out that the base of the original SIEM taillight was completely worn out - the bulb socket had melted and there were many cracks around all the mounting points. And I had stolen the lens earlier for the Snowball.
I have cheap(and terrible quality) rear light from Aliexpress. After some adjustments it took its place. Now I need get rid of the indicators.






It even work


Hope this old spoon will help to keep clean the hub cap.


Rat Fink as Madonna prays to the Piaggio badge.

This PK had no:
- indicators switch
- relay
- even adequate wiring loom for it
And it's time - indicators was removed. Instead I decide to blank holes with 1mm aluminium plates and cans from my favourites sorts of beer.
Now I need two more beer cans for front indicators holes.

Miller Genuine Draft


Newcastle Brown Ale

Very creative. I would love to see you build a custom chopper.

Thanks BajaRob!
All this needlework is actually a reluctance to spend any significant money and time on this Vespa.

And we already talked about the custom chopper