SBF Classic Vespa's Cafe 2009 / 2010

[Lucas]

Anybody can help to give me the ratio of 2t : petrol? I just started riding my restored vespie again. Can't remember about the mixture. Thanks bros!

[Sharpey]

3% should be safe... you're supposed to run 2% (but that's asuming that your carb is set properly...)

[edge-t]

Yeah, 3% is the best, adding in more than 2% gives me a peace of mind when I ride. every 5 litres of petrol, put in 150ml of 2T.

[emrun]

anybody used malossi clutch kit before?

interested to get one, but duno whether good or not.

 

neway, just serviced at TA. found out that our Sharpey guy here, getting popular there. auntie singing praises of him sia.. mod here and there.. his knowledge in vespa is very good, etc.. up mate. with all the knowledge, mebbe one day can MASS service/tune our vespas for free. lols.

[Sharpey]

Aiyoh... don't make me blush!

 

The Vespa is an obsession for me (as I'm sure it is for many other vesporeans..) I can put up with the crap that people give me for riding a scooter (too many people equate fat white guy with Harley Davidson, and cannot understand why I ride a scooter...).. I love messing about with my vespa (my wife doesn't share this passion though... as far as she's concerned, as long as it runs she's happy...)

 

I reckon I've been quite a good customer at Tong Aik $$$$!!!!... but then, the service I get there makes it all worth it .

 

The more time I spend reading Scootering and buggering about on the web... the more I learn...

 

Mr Wee is currently sorting out a cylinder mod for me (something in-between stock and Malossi...) Am keen to see what transpires

 

Happy to pass on anything I know (which really isn't very much...)

Perhaps I should drag my big ass over to the next meetup

 

Cheers Everyone.

 

 

p.s. Emrun... what scoot is yours?? If its a px, you might be able to run a COSA clutch instead (its derived from the Vespa Cosa, and is stock on all vespa PX's with disc brake...) AFAIK the malossi clutch is good, but requires strong fingers... the COSA is damn smooth, but can't handle huge mods in horsepower....

[edge-t]

Hmmm... Emrun, is your clutch slipping at high-revs? If not, I think it's not neccessary for a malossi clutch upgrade. I did 140 on my old pinasco kit, never had a slipping prob. Like Sharpey said, COSA clutch should be good. I heard that the cosa clutch will be enough even for the power output from a malossi topend, even with serious modifications done to the engine.

 

And Sharpey... I think I've heard from Auntie 3 months back, before I even exchanged any words with you on BBS or Singaporebikes.com. She did mention a crazy white guy ordering parts from ebay and stuff, guess she was talking about you. HA! You're getting mighty popular eh?

 

BTW, I'm plague with "your" pinging problem , soft seized twice today on ECP just off the Rochor exit(Yes, the plug is nice and brown, using NGK 8ES?? not the protruded champion plug). Thinking of going on to Pinasco again, without sacrificing the mileage I'm getting. *sigh* Shld really get Mr Wee to have a good look at my motorised "Skatescooter".

 

Oh and I just recieved my Clauss engine mounting, heard rave reviews on the BBS 'bout it. You might want to order it for more stability, considering you're going off from stock. The flexing on a vespa is horrid. Still no energy to drop the engine and replace the mounts, maybe get Mr Wee to install it for me. heh.

[emrun]

Sharpey: mine's super t.

edge-t: so far, nvr experience clutch slippage at high revs before. ur pinasco can go up to 140? wow. so fast! mine barely made it to 120, and that is only applicable at nite. during day time, no chance hitting 110 cause cant stand the vibrations.

[edge-t]

140 was measured by my friend in a car, the speedo bottomed out. I figure near to 140. I think the previous owner did something to it. I can't replicate it after an overhaul. Anyway, 140 was at full throttle, can't twist it anymore. The barrel was scratched beyond salvation, had to put back in the stock barrel. Anyway, I was running a 200cc, you're on a 150cc right?

 

I think the old owner did some magic on it. Yeah, the vibration is scary, I didn't dare hold on to 140 for too long.

[Sharpey]

hey edge t.... "crazy white guy" sounds like me

 

Your pinging.... have you checked your timing? for me, it was the culprit... but then it depends on what type of pining you have... is it the type that you experience when the engine is under load... (eg accelerating on the expressway)??? If so, then retarding your timing to 18BTDC will likely cure it (did for me)...

 

At 18BTDC I can use 92octane fuel with no ping at all (which is actually better because it burns more easily making the cylinder cooler...) At 20BTDC the pinking was so bad that even 98octane wasn't curing it...

 

If its the kind of pining you get at a specific throttle position (i.e. 1/4 open when cruising on the expressway) then its lean mixture related and you'll go crazy trying out lots of different jetting combo's untill it goes away...

 

Are you talking about the shock mount or the swingarm engine mounts??

The CLAUS shock mount is superb... Also read good things on the BBS... it turns your scooter into an entirely differnt beast... feels much more stable than stock... (get mr wee to install... he should know how easily now after getting to grips with installing mine...)

 

I'm going down tomorrow to get my next handling upgrade installed... Hot Rod Al's swing arm stablisers... (do the same job as Clauss engine mounts, just easier to install if your stock mounts are in good shape)

 

These are basically two machined washers that slot between the swing arm and the frame... this will (I hope) make my scooter ride like a motorcycle... no wobble! See pics...

 

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/5933/im000488pm8.jpg

 

http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/3989/im000490ya6.jpg

 

http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/3625/im000491vs3.jpg

 

I've heard that they do increase vibration a bit.... Will report back with results....

 

Everyone should save up for a vortex carb..... its by far the best thing I've ever bought for my scoot... increased torque like you wouldn't believe and hasn't made me drink more fuel either... (well maybe a little more... like 4.5-4.7l /100km as aposed to 4.2l/100km stock)

[Sharpey]

emrun... getting a cosa clutch to fit on a super... (or any other scoot than a px) will be tricky... it is possible.. just not easy (ask over at the scooterbbs and don't get upset when the bitchy people make fun of you [the bbs is crap like that...])

 

The malossi clutch might be a good option for you then... just bear in mind that it is harder to use as compared to a cosa clutch... but proably not much harder than the clutch you have on your super at the moment....

[edge-t]

Yeah, I ordered both the shock mount and the swingarm bushings. I guess Mr Wee has got experience installing yours for you eh? You really are going "crazy" over vespa upgrades eh? haha.

 

My pinging starts at 1/4 throttle, like you said. It's like a switch, at 1/4 throttle, it starts. I think it should be the mixture, even though the plug is nice and chocolatey brown. Guess I'll have to try rejet the carb.

 

Al's swing arm stabalisers, heard much about that one too. If you want a vespa to ride like a motorcycle, get a harley! Wahaha!

 

Right now, I'm getting my vespa to be as reliable as possible, no ping(load or no load), cruise at 90-100km/h for extended period of time, stable, minimum flex. Then I'll take a ride up to northern thailand. Adventure riding on a classic vespa! YEAHHhhh... I think I'll get Mr Wee to install a pinasco for me soon. I think stock and me just doesn't go well together.

[Sharpey]

Edge-T... as good an idea as the pinasco might be... a vortex might be a way of getting the power you want without having to spend more on petrol.... Jetted for highway use my scoot (with stock top end [but cut crank])will happily cruise at 90-100km/h all day long. 2cents

[Vibe]

Hi guys, sorry for not posting often, seldom go online haha >,>

anyways anyone interested in having a classic vespa meetup (of course other vespas can join) so we all can meet up discuss bout vespa's , or maybe we all can just crash the vespanet cafe meetup in august? haha

[vespa ak]

hi there u interested in classic vespa outings?do log on friendster [email protected] they do organise outings.i myself have been to a couple of the outings.and trust me it pretty fun!

[Sharpey]

Hey... Edge-t.... I was thinking....

 

Make sure that when you check you're plug colour you're doing a plug chop... If you just check it after you get home and shut down... you won't get an accurate reading... I have a sneaking suspicion that you'll be too lean at 70kmh in 3rd....

 

What main jet are you running... on a stock cylinder with 24/24 carb stock filter and tong pipe you should be around 120 or 118

 

 

 

Vespa AK.... friendster?? am a bit blur when it comes to these things... what group organises these outings... perhaps we could arrange for all classic vespa sgbikes users to meet up also??

[emrun]

Originally posted by Sharpey@Jul 23 2006, 12:00 PM

emrun... getting a cosa clutch to fit on a super... (or any other scoot than a px) will be tricky... it is possible.. just not easy (ask over at the scooterbbs and don't get upset when the bitchy people make fun of you [the bbs is crap like that...])

 

The malossi clutch might be a good option for you then... just bear in mind that it is harder to use as compared to a cosa clutch... but proably not much harder than the clutch you have on your super at the moment....

after reading bout the malossi clutch on the net. i've decided to give it a miss. found out that it's definitely harder to clutch in. due to the fact, that the malossi spring is very strong.

[edge-t]

Originally posted by Sharpey@Jul 24 2006, 09:38 AM

Hey... Edge-t.... I was thinking....

 

Make sure that when you check you're plug colour you're doing a plug chop... If you just check it after you get home and shut down... you won't get an accurate reading... I have a sneaking suspicion that you'll be too lean at 70kmh in 3rd....

 

What main jet are you running... on a stock cylinder with 24/24 carb stock filter and tong pipe you should be around 120 or 118

 

Vespa AK.... friendster?? am a bit blur when it comes to these things... what group organises these outings... perhaps we could arrange for all classic vespa sgbikes users to meet up also??

Hmmm... Yeah, Maybe I shld do a plug chop soon. Currently I'm running a 116 main jet, air corrector's 160/55 and BE3 mixer tube. Yeah, I'm using a tong pipe. Maybe I shld go on to a 120 and work down from there.

 

There are a few reason I want to install a pinasco:

-Alloy metal cooling properties = cooler engine

-bigger displacement

-it's a touring kit

 

Vortex? I've checked the price, SGD$160 excluding the shipping costs, wow. Steep, but from what I hear from you, seems like worth it. I'm still contemplating on the upgrades to make. nothing fancy, I just want it to be as reliable as possible. Probably a bolt on topend, clauss mount upgrade and if I save on the beer this month and next: Vortex. hehe.

 

Yeah Emrun, Don't fix what isn't broken.

 

Yeah, we should meet up, fill the air with our 2T smoke!

[Vibe]

Originally posted by vespa ak@Jul 23 2006, 09:25 PM

hi there u interested in classic vespa outings?do log on friendster [email protected] they do organise outings.i myself have been to a couple of the outings.and trust me it pretty fun!

Oh, cool thanks ^^

[Sharpey]

Saving on the beer will also make your scoot go faster.... Less Fat = More Phat!

 

I should take my own medicine....

 

Just had Mr. Wee put the swingarm stabilisers on... Whoooooweee, very stiff rear end now... True enough the scoot is a bit vibey now... just loving the stiffness though

 

116 160BE3 with a 55/160 is stock jetting.... with a tong pipe... I agree with you...go with a 120 and come down to a 118...

 

If you want a cooler engine, an alloy kit will help... However....Have you tried running 92 octane?? Many people mistakenly think that their scoots need high octanes... if you're running 95 or 98 you are running hotter (the higher the octane the harder to burn the fuel...) 92 will make your scoot run cooler.

 

The vortex is certainly worth the money (no it isn't cheap & yes you'll have to wait a while (Al is his own factory... no production line!)

 

 

I was tempted by a second hand malossi kit... but decided against it (don't want to cut transfers in my engine casings...) The pinasco is a "bolt on"... but you won't get the full benefit out of it unless you match the casings... ie. the transfer ports on the pinasco kit won't line up perfectly with the engine case... Never the less, even if you don't match the casings, you will get a performance boost out of the kit... just not the best it can do...

 

Be wary of cutting up your casings (why I didn't want the malossi), because you can't get new casings here (if you want to go back to stock later) in Singapore without going through a lot of hassle and $$$ with the LTA.

[edge-t]

Nah, cutting the casing is outta question for me. It's the cooling properties of the alloy kit I'm after. I'm not a speed demon, touring at a constant speed for extended period reliably is my kinda game.

 

I'm running ron 95, but doesn't 92 combust at lower temp? If you have high compression, it'll combust prematurely, thus creating predetonation/pinging. I think I'll try a 120 main jet first, though how much of main jet comes into play at 1/4 throttle I'm not sure. The timing is at stock, somehow I think it shouldn't be an issue. I suspect it's the 'tong' pipe. So, I'll try the 120 first, redial the carb and see if there is any difference.

 

Wow, the stabalisers' on eh? Read that the stiffness is adjustable. So what else you gonna upgrade? sounds like you exhuast every possiblity now. how about some racing vinyl stickers to go along with all the upgrades?

 

The beer? it's hard, scooters like roasted peanuts goes with beer.

[Sharpey]

Yes.. true true... 92 does combust at a lower temp... depends more on timing though.... At 18BTDC (very retarded) I can run 92 octane with no ping at all.... At 20BTDC (ie. halfway between the A mark and the IT mark... even 98 octane was causing ping!!!

 

It might be worth popping off your flywheel to see where you're set... esp if your thinking about a new carb or kit.... You might be at 23BTDC which will very likely become too advanced if you up-carb or kit.... Don't think the timing is afffecting your ping now (remember that there are two types...) It is probably mixture related...

 

Yup, the stiffness is adjustable... will see how I cope with it set tight... and then relax from there...

 

As far as more upgrades go.... its about time to start a new scooter... (if only I had more money and could find a way to convince the wife...)

 

But seriously, after I'm done buggering about with a 3mm base gasket for the cylinder and then re-adjusting squish (this raises the ports and thus gets more power out of the stock cylinder at the expense of some low-end torque) I'll try and enjoy the scoot without changing it more!!!

 

I'd love to do a proper re-spray (i.e. strip the frame of all wires and do it properly...) The paint jobs the shops do are nice... just don't like the fact that they don't disassemble everything first.

 

Good luck solving the ping....

 

Cheers.

[hansray]

I have some used and brand new Vespa accessories for sale. You can view the items at http://coldroom.websg.net/vespa/accessories.htm. Thank you for viewing.

[machine k]

just like to know... what do you guys usually change during servicing?

[Sharpey]

Hey Machine K... Are you a traffic policeman?? Am intruiged by your sig pic...

 

Depends what kind of servicing you mean...

 

During a regular (like every 5000km) service, you change gear oil, and de-coke(remove carbon from) the piston and piston head. The mech will also check your lights, brakes etc to check for wear and replace as necessary. Tong Aik are charging roughly 45 for a routine service (with new spark plug installed)...

 

An engine rebuild... (best done every 40,000 km or so [dep on how hard you ride]) will see all seals and bearings being replaced in the engine... Doing this will help prevent other stuff (that isn't desgined to wear out) from wearing out... Bearings and seals are designed to wear out in order to save the main internals from wearing out so fast... In theory, you can re-build a vespa engine for years and years and years.... (providing you do it often enough )

 

Hope this helps,

 

Cheers,

 

James

[Sharpey]

Hey Machine K... Are you a traffic policeman?? Am intruiged by your sig pic...

 

Depends what kind of servicing you mean...

 

During a regular (like every 5000km) service, you change gear oil, and de-coke(remove carbon from) the piston and piston head. The mech will also check your lights, brakes etc to check for wear and replace as necessary. Tong Aik are charging roughly 45 for a routine service (with new spark plug installed)...

 

An engine rebuild... (best done every 40,000 km or so [dep on how hard you ride]) will see all seals and bearings being replaced in the engine... Doing this will help prevent other stuff (that isn't desgined to wear out) from wearing out... Bearings and seals are designed to wear out in order to save the main internals from wearing out so fast... In theory, you can re-build a vespa engine for years and years and years.... (providing you do it often enough )

 

Hope this helps,

 

Cheers,

 

James