Modern Vespa

Hi Fuzzy,
Sorry to hear about your trial and error, but as Rob said, it's interesting to see how we skin a cat differently.

If using a 3" pod filter, I thought the best result was like Larry with the Scarabeo who did the dyno run of 9hp gain, keeping it in short and close to the engine, and it was his method that I tried to emulate.
http://apriliaforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=103401&stc=1&d=1236659459
http://apriliaforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=103402&stc=1&d=1236659471 About your initial problem with the hose diameter, I found out from another thread the throttle body was 54mm OD, and the 2" hose ID 51mm, but as Larry with BV500 said, it can be worked on.
I let the silicon sit in 500mL jug of kettle boiled hot water to soften it before going to squeeze it on with WD40 light lube. After a few initial failed attempts it finally worked on.

A tip for accessing the throttle body hose clamp I found after all this, when I had my starting problem and checked the battery out, was there is the top engine cover under the seat, that provides direct access to the top of the throttle body, and the original location/orientation of the screw on the clamp.

Even so, I would have still removed the rib of plastic under the underseat storage tub that I did, because it allowed clearance of the engine/swingarm that the filter/hose is connected to, and the bottom of the underseat storage tub.

At its simplest, this mod just requires the 2 parts:
- silicon 2" to 3" reducer with 45degree elbow
- 3" pod filter... just as Larry did it.
I used the additional PVC 45degree elbow to get the correct angle for my carbon fibre chamber, because it didn't look as good when it wasn't parallel to the swingarm.

I thought that needed repeating for others, since the spinach method might put others off, and it definitely sounds like it turned OAD's stomach =D

We're in a dry winter here at the moment, plus I'm working from home between jobs (not commuting) and not going out for recreational rides in the (infrequent) wet weather, so I haven't rushed to get the rear hugger or to fit a pre-filter in the box yet.

That grey/silver is really growing on me - dang handsome bike there...

Variety is good, sometimes I like the matte black.
The red is my favourite.
Silver I consider to be the "beige for late 90's" but when buying it for well under half the new price, I'm not picky! Here's a better perspective shot.

Jon, no offense taken or intended. Just pointing out different priorities. Neither right or wrong, just different.

I see you have that badass gold shield for the HJC - I get almost as many comments when I wear mine as the bike does! It does indeed look great with the red helmet.

deepfraught, thanks for the clarification. I just whish I could find a filter cover like yours over here. I definitely like it tucked up in more like yours is.

I had used the access under the seat, but the rotation of the clamp was still in the wrong place. When I put it back that is where I went to tighten it.

I got to wondering today if there might be any problems with these mods that would be brought on by the new filter set-ups being taller and closer to the underside of the bike than OeM is? I got to wondering if, now that it is fixed to the swingarm ( still wrestling with that really) if the bike could come down on the top of the filter during a hard bump? I measured the OEM at 7 inches, and my current set up is at least 8.5.
I set my shocks at the hardest setting just to help the scenario if it was a problem.
I have no idea how much movement is back there, but does not seem like much.

you could take a ratchet strap and scinch down the rear of the scoot to compress the shocks and take a measurement.

Bear in mind the side of the triangle that is "travel" between the lengths of triangle that is swingarm and frame/seat base. The travel side of triangle decreases the closer you get to the pivot of frame/swingarm.

For my install I removed the bit of plastic to make sure the now larger diameter intake hose wouldn't make contact in suspension, and I kept the new body as close to the swingarm as possible, the elbow clamp rests on the engine hoist loop with sacrificial foam spacer for engine vibration/rubbing.

I keep trying to get this all to come together--maybe, someday!
Myabe a complete redesign at this point.
But one thing is for sure--the 500 runs like crazy with the air intake mod--yesterday my wife and I were out riding, ( we have communicators) and I gunned it just for fun from a traffic light. I heard her say 'What the hell??
Slow down and wait for me! What happened to your bike that you are so fast all the sudden???!!"

Rob, was your answer something like this:

I've never had a comment about mine, I had a silver HJC with silver shield and had a comment about it looking like an astronaut.
I saw this comic costume pic and thought of your comment, perhaps he's using a motorcycle shield under there.
http://www.upi.com/enl-win/26f4ee4bb9856d9d7319878d178d17fe/

I need to ask a question--as I am revamping my former design--I have been trying to work with the stock hose that goes to the intake--did not want to cut it for some reason--but I am thinking you guys must have cut yours back??
Also--these silicon connectors--are you likely to find them retail in a large town? Where to look if so?
I want the intake pipe to come down to a point where I can fix the unit I have made down tight in the place the OEM used to be. Some concoction of piping that doesn't look embarassing. I am just unsure how to go about it.
As it is, the rear end is higher, and it does not look too good.

Rob I used the stock tube just like it is, as I wanted to retain it in case I ever have to put the stock box on for what ever reason. With that in mind all I did was rotate it up for my k&n as I wanted it in the up location. Yous should be able to use in the postion close to stock which is lower.

Don't know where one might find the silicone adapter locally, perhaps some sort of car customization shop. I had quick service from the ebay vendor above.

I do believe the single 45 degree will work well and my new filter is scheduled for delivery Friday for Saturday install. If woried about the OEM hose it is available at Athens Scooter if at some point you need to replace.

I received the 2.125" KN filter last night and just installed. It is 2.125" inside flange diameter, filter is 3.5" diameter at base and 3" diameter at top so slight cone shape, and 4" long. Paid $4 extra to get the chrome top on it. I rolled one of the heat shields into a tighter radius to install about 3/4 around the filter and believe it is protected well enough from water spray.

Does it look a little better BubbaJon?

Not sure I like the heat shield, and am considering one more change and will post idea in next post.

Thunderstorms all around so I will go for a ride later.

Not totally satisfied with the heat shield and not wanting a cardboard pipe around the filter I took my tape measure to the grocery store. (Plenty of strangge looks at the guy measuring bean cans, but I am used to that.) There are lots of 4" diameter metal cans of different lengths in the grocery store. (My tape measuer has a magnet on the end so i was also veritying metal not cardboard under the label.) I am considering using a 4" diameter can around the filter. On one end cut a hole just large enough to put the filter flange through and leave the other open. I may line the inside of the can with some thin gasket material I have to absorb some of the noise cominng through the filter

That is looking good, but I am wondering if the sound will drive you bats, the way it did me? Some ( those deaf already perhaps) do not seem to mind it, or at least think it sounds sporty. I thought it was obnoxious as hell, personally.
I am posting my current changes on mine ( nice improvement in looks) in a moment, check that out too.
Is yours connected anywhere? I suppose you might get away with unconnected as you are, but once you add enough stuff to kill the sound a bit, like I did, then you have too much weight and need it stabilized.
I have one issue remaining--lowering the whole shebang down. And that part is troublesome. I would appreciate your input on it!

I put 100 miles on with the first filter and the noise is more than I would like but not driving me nuts. I ALWAYS have in either ear plugs or noise canceling ear buds to protect my hearing. I get hearing checked annually at work and it checks out good. I expect this one is about the same as first one, possibly a little less tucked up under neath better.

I think if I put the can fully around it and a liner in the can to absorb come of the noise it will be OK for me, but I'll have to install to see. I can always close in the end if needed.

I am not quite finished as the rain started and I came inside (no garage) I have another pipe hanger sized for 2" and will mount similar to this picture from post above on first filter:

I will use a bolt closer to the front that is holding the front of the hugger. I'll post another picture. That won't change if I put the can on.

Yep--custom ear plugs for me--I am probably overly concerned with the noise--but I buy vacuums and hair dryers and most other things based on noise levels, so it figures it drives me nuts here.

Took the filter off and worked support for it. Support point is the end of the elbow that the filter attaches to. I used a 2" pipe hanger from Lowes $1.56. I cut it to length and bent it to clamp on the unused engine support just behind it. The bolt I thought I would attach too was well back on the MP3 from the elbow I wanted to clamp on. The piece is bent so that it is a spring fit on the support. It is stiff in place and not going anywhere. The picture is before putting the filter back in place. The clamp is not tightened on the hose to allow inserting the pvc coupling priro to tightening. I replaced the long screw that came with the clamp with a 1/4 20 bolt. There is a hose clamp behind the hanger clamp so plenty of grip on the coupling. Either would probably do. The attachement behind the filter is not elegant but it is not visible with filter in place.

hey is that small piece of dirt in that throttle body I think I might possibilty see if I use my magnifing glass.



Oh no wait it was a spot on my glasses

Got the hole cut in the bottom of the coffee can to put the flange of the filter trough. Drilled some small holes in the bottom of the can and used short sheet metal scresws into the rubber bottom of the filter to hold the can to it. Reinstalled on the MP3.

BubbaJon it is OK to tell me what you think of the current look.

I'll probably paint the can and try to make it look less like a coffee can.

One easy to reach screw on one hose clamp and filter slides right off. Sweet.

I rode about 60 miles with it today. I'll be riding over 200 down to Brunswick tomorrow afternoon and back later in the week.

I have been tying off to that same place to support the OEM hose. Works well.
I am wondering why you switched the bolt in the hose clamp? Just curious.
I have been unable to get these supports to look good when I bend them--and mine show...They are working though.
I still need to get my hose lower-- I could not access the screw from the opening in the pet carrier, and wonder if those silicone pieces are flexy?? That could help with my idea, if they were.
I have a new design I am working on now. Looks like you are done???

The silicone hose has some flex but I let them be where they want to so there is nothing trying to pull something apart.

I changed the screw because the one supplied was like a long wood screw, much longer than needed. Didn't want to be reaching in there and rub my hand across the sharp point.

As for accessing the screw through the pet carrier it requires locating properly to start with. If you take it off tighten it back up through the pet carrier and you will see how to rotate the clamp to be in line for turning the screw.

I have not ridden with the can in place yet to see noise level. May add something inside to absorb some noise not just reflecting it out the back. I may also paint the can.

The screw is facing in towards the engine area and looks hard to get at. I decided to leave it alone.
Have you noted more power from this? No one has mentioned that much, but me. I am a little surprised when I twist the throttle, the bike just races off.
I did put a Costa on and a pipe, but noted little from that. This however...
Your experience?

Definitely more power. I also have a J-Costa. I think it takes both to get the benefit. Leting more air in has limited benefit if it can't get out through the exhaust and letting more air out of the exhaust has limited benefit if there is a restriction letting air in

Agreed. The three things--Costa, Pipe and air filter mod, no doubt work together. I realize I am giving very little throttle most of the time around town, and when I do open it up--wow!

fuzzy with the limited space in the can to the filter I would kust look for some open cell foam or maybe some of the blue house air filter panels cut in the 4" dia. some thing really course as not to restrict air but just to dampen sound.

Did over 200 miles today. Started raining on me about 15 miles from the hotel. By the time I got there it was raining in sheets and major water build up on the streets. No problem with the K&N air filter protected by the coffee can.

This is all great information guys. Thanks a lot for all the initial experimentation. I have decided to use the same K&N pod as Fuzzy, 2.25" ID with chrome top; however, I'm still having problems finding an appropriate shield. There are plenty of shields for fitting 3" tubing, but I haven't found any for the filter we're using. How hard would it be to fit one of these larger heat shields like the carbon fiber-looking one on the other thread? Any ideas?

A little input. I'm sorry, but I don't see the need to lower the filter. What's he point or advantage to having it lower?

Perhaps Rob is worried about movements in suspension squeezing the filter?

Well, maybeeso. I've kept out of this pretty much because all these guys know way more than I do. But I keep thinkin' that they are seeing problems where there aren't any. I put a connector and a filter on the end of the original tube. Not much weight. I tied it up, UP, with tie wraps at about the same height where it rides with-out any bending. So they're worried that it is not moving with the rest of that big unsprung weight. But I'm thinking that the hose is RUBBER. It flexes. Besides, if I choose to support the filter from below, I can make the support a little longer, and the filter is still high. My filter is high and protected from rain, I think. And with the hugger on there, it is not getting splashed. So I haven't added any extra weight or complications with a shield.

Now I've been reading this board for over a year, and these guys know stuff. So my ideas could be all wet, along with my filter.

If you're interested in doing things to your scoot, adding a hugger is a cheap and easy mod that has great benefit. It keeps everything under there from getting splashed by that rear wheel. If you want to do the filter mod, it also is easy, or complicated. I got the hugger from Athens Scooter and 62-1340 and RC- 1890 filters from K & N. Look at this thread. Air filter cleaning made easy (Post 966461)

For some other interesting mods, there's some good ideas here. What is your best mod?

I know, I know, you only asked a simple little question.

Great information! Thanks Dave!

Well, I have a lot of stuff on order, but nothing has arrived yet. I plan on starting modifications next week.

Planned so far:

Xenon HID 4300k conversion kit from XenonDepot (should arrive this week).

Those Aprilia SR50 LED tail lights (These are on backorder, but I've paid for them)

G&G Exhaust (Pretty expensive but I like the look and sound)

After Luthor mentioned it and I previously thought about it: I'm going to paint the stock headers flat black with rust and extreme heat resistant paint, VHT Flameproof most likely. (Unless someone recommends something better)

I'm doing some electrical mods, feeder to fuse box, marine 12v socket, preparing for GPS mount. With recommendations from other forum members I'm also going to be sealing and protecting all the existing electrical work.

Air intake mod: Ordered the K&N air filter and some black silicone tubing. Should be able to source the rest locally.

J. Costa variator

I also ordered a fuzzy washer so I will experiment with the combination

Thinking about speakers but I'm not sure. I'm a bit of a perfectionist so I will be unhappy unless it's perfecto!

I think that about covers everything so far!

In answer to why I wanted to lower the filter--Stooterboy thought the way I had attached it up above was an issue. I tend to quickly defer to people who have actual mechanical skills, since I do not really. I have artistic skills.
I make things that look great, and then usually they fall off!
At the moment. I have stripped mine back to the filter only, dangling unsupported. I decided my whole set up was too heavy. I have come full circle, after spending too much time and money!
I am working on just a cover, with no sound deadening.
I cannot figure a good way to attach it to the intake hose so it doesn't move. and also comes off easily to get at the filter.
I may just get one of those fabric raincovers and put it on. Call it done. I am sick of messin with it at the moment.
I am getting used to it being noisy, just push the earplugs in a bit deeper.

I have had great success with my Blue Sea Fuse box that is covered and has neat labels for future mods and easy wiring thanks to a negative terminal bus...Hope this helps:
Mp3 500 Project bike...tons of mods(updated 3/31)

That electrical panel luthorhuss mentioned looks good for someone who's going to be doing a lot of modifying.

Your list looks great. You're way more ambitious than I am. I took a front panel off to mount a windshield and got so spooked I haven't taken any more panels off.

Nice list of improvements.

I did see that post before Luthor: thanks a lot for making those very helpful videos. I'll check out that fuse box as I have not ordered one yet. One difficult aspect for me is I'm working in the middle of nowhere in Central New York and it's difficult for me to acquire parts other than from the internet. That is why I'm trying to be thorough in getting everything I need before I begin these projects (which is highly unlikely). When I return to Fort Worth, making modifications and acquiring material/parts will be much easier.

Edit: And yes, I am ordering the tail lights with the turn signal indicators. I chose those based on, you guessed it, another user's forum post/pics/video!

"Thinking about speakers but I'm not sure. I'm a bit of a perfectionist so I will be unhappy unless it's perfecto!"

For perfecto sound, look at these Klipshorns. http://www.klipsch.com/na-en/products/klipschorn-overview/ They're very efficient, so you can use a small amplifier. If you mount them like saddlebags, get two so you don't unbalance the scoot.

If you're stuck in the middle of New York, at least you should have some nice riding.