Modern Vespa

Which do you prefer?

I doubt I'm getting that Prima engine I was lookin' at (unless, Oops, you wanna go in it with me), so I'm weighing options.

I know far more people with the Malossi than the Polini so maybe that says something? I dunno. The polini is more expensive, generally, with less displacement, but... what do you think?

what about a DR135 kit for your primmy ... cheap and it goes like stink

availability - those are my two most prevalent options in the US

and again, to be clear, this is kitting my 90, not a prima. The prima engine pretty much fell through.

DR kits can be found anywhere in the US. What are your future plans for the motor? If you aren't intersted in packing plates, altering port timing, different carbs and manifolds, or porting your cases, the DR should be your first choice.

Or for a short term, bit more power, fix I've still got some prima cylinders you can have.

dont forget if you go done the DR kit route ... gear up the box .. eg clutch basket gears .. or you will rev your pants off and get nowhere ..

good point about the gearing. that said the stock prima top end goes nicely with the 90 gearing. better than with the stock 125 gearing, always seemed a bit optimistic.

I recommend Polini for more mildly tuned or torque tuned motors, such as a 19mm carb, cut crank, and a reasonable pipe. I recommend the Malossi for more heavily tuned motors or high-rpm power band tuned motors. If you want to really get crazy, the Polini can be heavily modified and punched out to take a German Gran Sport piston. That's the race set-up. Your stock primavera gears will be perfect for any of the above setups. They come with a 4-speed, and have a great primary gear. Mine would pull freeway speeds with stock gearing.

malossi for bolt on power.
polini for taking it to the limit.

either way, be sure to add: a V90 primary, 4spd, elect. ign.

also, if you keep your V90 flywheel you'll need to remove the bottom of the fins on the barrel or turn down the outside edge of the 'wheel to clear them cyl. fins.

you'll also need longer studs to accept the cyl rather that the bolts used for the 90 jug.

given where you're riding i'd say keep it simple with a 19 carb and polini/leo noise maker.

if you want to get silly go straight for a PM40 or VSP big boy pipe and a 24 mikuni or D slide keihin. those are both reallly fun on a malossi barrel inducted reed.

on the clutch, you'll be fine with a three plate stocker. just use some top quality components and you'll be johnny kick-ass in no time.

best,
-greasy