Behind the scenes: Creation of the SIP Performance Ignition
The correct function of a two-stroke engine depends, to a large extent, on adequate ignition. For example, it influences the efficiency as well as the starting behaviour of the engine, but of course, the performance of the electrical system too. On classic scooters, such as Vespas and Lambrettas, the rotor’s fan is also responsible for sufficient engine cooling.
Earlier ignition systems were often prone to defects, and the search for errors was the reason for numerous workshop hours. Therefore, the need for a reliable replacement ignition has always been high. Additionally, lightweight rotors and efficient fans have been known ways to increase the power of an engine, for scooter riders even since the 1950s.
Later on, improved ignitions became popular tuning parts. They contributed to everyday reliability and performance. However, for a long time, improvements in ignition on one side were accompanied by some disadvantages on the other, such as breaking fans, low luminous power, susceptible CDI units or overly sporty-designed flywheels, which limited the driving pleasure in daily use.
"Kraftwerk", the gamechanger 2013
In 2013, a development began that successfully and sustainably solved the problems of many scooter riders. Harald Grillhiesl, the brains behind the successful MMW products, built an ignition for Lambretta scooters based on components from a Czech company. This company, VAPE, was already known for extremely reliable ignitions for vintage cars like Simson and others. Harald had first developed the ignition for his own project and then offered it to Lambretta riders under the name "Kraftwerk". The ignition soon proved to be so good that Harald could no longer cope with the demand on his own. As a supplier and partner of SIP, he approached us and suggested that we produce the ignition and ideally also offer it for Vespa scooters.
Good ideas take time to mature
Although the idea was solid, the implementation presented its own set of challenging steps. Balancing high quality with affordability presents contradictory demands within an ignition’s development. SIP's goal was to offer a quality product to as many customers as possible. Consequently, SIP made a substantial investment in order to produce a high number of units, which made the prices favourable. The project wouldn't have got off the ground if our orders had only included 100 or 200 units. SIP faced the significant decision of making a large investment and took on the associated high risk.
Kick-off and development
In April 2016, we decided to initiate the project and assigned the extensive task of collaboration with VAPE of the Czech Republic to Robert within the SIP team. It was a long journey before the products arrived ready-to-sell in our warehouse. In September 2016, the first prototype based on VAPE parts was ready. SIP engineer Andre Jueterbock had developed it together with Harald from MMW for his fuel-injection engine and tested it successfully. This was followed in spring 2017 by the first commercial prototype, which was genuinely manufactured by VAPE.
From SIP's perspective, the manufacturer's first prototypes required some improvements to become a genuine ignition for Vespa. The flywheel mass was too low to ensure a smooth engine run at idle revs. In addition, there was uncertainty whether the suggested fan designs conducted enough air through the cylinder cowling to properly cool the engines. Project manager Robert approached Christian Mühlbauer from Motorino Diabolo to set up a test rig, which allowed us to accurately measure the actual amount of air at different engine speeds. It turned out that the manufacturer's prototypes did not provide a sufficient cooling effect compared to others.
SIP engineer André then designed new fans on the computer that better matched the Vespa's mag housing. The new fans also included increased flywheel mass and, above all, provided adequate cooling performance without sacrificing a significant amount of engine power.
Although the most critical components had been determined, the development was far from complete. There were still many other aspects to consider, such as the length of the cables, the scope of delivery, packaging, labels, order numbers, and even assembly instructions had to be created. When everything was finished, we were able to press the “order-button” and we waited with anticipation for the first delivery.
Sales starts
In March 2018, the time had come - the first SIP Performance ignitions made by VAPE were in stock and ready for sale. Right from the start of sales, we received great feedback from within the scene. After just a few days, we had difficulty assembling as many ignitions as were demanded. Admittedly, a project of this size is likely to require some adjustments even after the start, which was also the case with ours. However, looking back, we can generally say that the start went very well. Nevertheless, we didn't sit back after the start and immediately began with further developments:
Product range expansion
The SIP Performance ignition was a success right from the start. Soon, owners of less common and rare scooter models asked to have their vehicles fitted with the high-quality SIP ignition. Initially, we offered it for the primary models Vespa Largeframe (PX) and Smallframe. Later, many other applications followed, such as Lambretta, T5, Vespa vintage models through to Sprint/Rally, Wideframe and GS.
Specifically, the development of the Lambretta ignition posed new challenges for SIP. Although the cooperation with VAPE had a very solid foundation, as Harald (MMW) handed over his completely finished drawings and data for adaptation to us, the SIP Performance variant of this ignition had to be made from a different type of VAPE. Therefore, every part of the "Kraftwerk" ignition had to be redrawn within SIP. New prototypes had to be made and tested. It turned out that the main part (rotor) could be positioned slightly lower, but this was impossible with the existing rotor blanks. So again, we decided to make a substantial investment and had new blanks made. Once again, we redesigned and tested the mounts for the base plate and the fan. Only when the cooling performance, smoothness of running, and fit met our expectations, could the Lambretta ignition go into production.
What’s SIP? What’s VAPE?
VAPE provides the electrical know-how as well as all the parts needed to generate and control the current. However, adapting the ignition system to the old manually-shifted scooters required the special know-how of SIP. The fans and support plates for the alternator proved to be in better hands with SIP. Initially, the developmental work referred to VAPE's drawings; for example, the first series of base plates for Vespa Largeframe and Smallframe were VAPE proposals. But since 2019, all base plates and fans that went on sale are SIP developments. This required a significant amount of work on the computer for all the drawings, as well as considerable time in the workshop and on the road to test and improve the prototypes. SIP designs are recognisable by the characteristic six countersunk screws that fix the fan to the rotor, creating a particularly clean look and smooth surface.
In addition, small parts and package compositions had to be created, and accessories such as brackets, mounting tools, and cable guides had to be included in the developmental scope. This has resulted in a wide variety of products, possible combinations, and areas of application, all now covered with SIP parts.
The production of the parts developed by SIP is carried out by various companies. All rotors and most of the fans and base plates are manufactured by VAPE in the Czech Republic. However, fans and base plates for niche models, the packaging, CDI brackets, and mounting tools are produced by various companies within Bavaria.
Conclusion and outlook
Today, the SIP Performance ignition is unrivalled in terms of quality and reliability. We plan to develop additional products to further improve the versatility and applicability of the SIP Performance ignition. We would like to explicitly thank our customers! Our goal is to keep as many classic scooters on the road as possible, ensuring they run reliably to your complete satisfaction.
