Modern Vespa

I have been looking over my newly acquired P and figuring out what I want and need to do to it. I have it more or less running, but it still needs some fine tuning as it vibrates a lot and doesn't want to start.

Anyway, I plan on getting some spare parts over time and by the time winter rolls around I will have everything I need to take it all apart.

My fender is all beat to hell and it will be easier to get a new one than to reshape what is there. Also, the lower headset/handlebar assembly has a couple of chunks broken off of it. Seeing as I am going to replace the headset anyway, I am thinking that it would make sense to buy one that can accommodate a PX style brake reservoir and convert to a disc brake. Here are my questions-

Will the old style plastic headset cover with the two indicator holes work with the newer lower headset?

I have seen that shocks and fenders are often sold as being for use only with a disc or vice-versa. Does this mean that they are for any P with a disc or does it mean later models with a 20mm hub that came with a disc?

I can only speak for shocks, but I have a bitubo shock from a wrecked Stella (front fork was gone before I could lay my hands on it) and it fits fine on my 16mm P fork w/ drum brakes. So I'd say if you get a shock that will work with a disk, it won't be a problem if you still have drums.

Don't see why the fender would be any different, but I haven't monkeyed with any other bikes besides early Ps.

No. Drum brake and disc brake headsets are not compatible. Plastic tops don't swap, and metal bottoms don't swap. This applies to Ps, PX's w/ drums, and PXs w/ disc. (only bit that does swap is the PX drum and PX disc top)

yes the P200E style headset top fits on the p98 style headset bottom. That's what I have on my smallframe.

[quote="oopsclunkthud"]yes the P200E style headset top fits on the p98 style headset bottom. That's what I have on my smallframe.[/quote]

ha. i could tell that shot was sf just from what's in the mirror.

where does the hydraulic line run in the PX? it looks (from salvage parts) like it comes um through the fender, into the horncast, then up into the headset? did you have to cut a hole for the hydraulic line into the headset top?

i want to do that!

i've found a few like this: salvage parts... complete set up for around $250-300... but ebay people are (rightly) avoiding international sales...

http://cgi.ebay.it/FORCELLA-VESPA-PX-DISCO-POMPA-FRENO-GRIMECA_W0QQitemZ250499236858QQcmdZViewItemQQptZRicambi_e_Accessori_Moto?hash=item3a52eb03fa&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14


headset:
http://cgi.ebay.it/MANUBRIO-STERZO-VESPA-PX-DISCO-TUTTI-I-TIPI_W0QQitemZ250499241382QQcmdZViewItemQQptZRicambi_e_Accessori_Moto?hash=item3a52eb15a6&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14

Looks alright to me, that is good since I will just have to get a P98 bottom. I really didn't want to mess around with moving the ignition switch on my headset.

You can run the hydraulic line outside of the headset completely like mine is



Some like it, some hate it. Mine's like that because I have air lines running through the headset to work the pneumatic Fournales shock in the front.

Nice.

Eh, it kind of is and kind of isn't.

I've got a 1500psi Airsoft air tank mounted under the left cowl. That has a shrader valve I fill up. The line runs to two switches under the seat - one to pressurize the front shock, and the other to decrease the pressure.

Then the line runs up into the headset and down through the center of the fork and to to Fournales shock.

With the tank pressurized I can adjust the ride of the shock on the fly by hitting either of two switches.

Cool, right?

Except to utilize the Fournales you need a good 120lbs of pressure in the system. Well most air compressors are only good for 100-140lbs. The ones in the gas station are only good for about 90 to 120 (on a good day), which means I can usually get enough air in the tank to pressure the front shock to 120 for a firm ride, but any fucking around and showing off of the adjustable shock brings me down to 100 or less - which means a sloppy ride up front.

And I also sheared the connector flange to the shock and can't source a new one.

So I'm probably going to run my Paoili up front, send the Fournales to the company to get a rebuild and when I re-install it just use the attached valve on the shock to pump it up and ditch the entire air system...

I routed the hydraulic line through the same path that the cable would have gone, down through the fork tube. This is the cleanest but you have to put the ends on the hose after running it and that is a pain. If you have someone that will make custom lines for you then route it this way, otherwise run it completely external or on the outside of the fork tube like the p98 does.