Vespa with a touring engine
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Scooter season is in full swing – and at SIP SCOOTERSHOP, that means: out of the workshop and onto the road. This time, André is tackling a very special Vespa: Ralf’s scooter, which is set to make the journey all the way to Rome this summer forthe ‘80 Years of Vespa’ event. Sounds like sunshine, city life and that Italian way of life. First, though, the question arises: will the Vespa even make it there reliably?
It becomes clear right from the first check: it won’t happen without a bit of TLC. The Vespa runs surprisingly well and still puts out over 16.5 hp on the test bench, but there’s plenty to do around it. Light? Broken. Horn? Not working either. Brake Light? Not working. At least the speedometer light works. A start.
Out with the old setup, in with the modern torque
The engine features a classic Malossi setup that has served reliably for many years. But for the long journey to Rome, the Vespa is due for a technical update. The engine is dismantled, inspected and rebuilt with modern components. Among other things, the VMC Ranger – one of the latest cylinders in the 200cc segment – is being fitted.
The Clutch is also being upgraded. André opts for the Supersport Clutch because it fits without having to drill out the Clutch Cover and can be precisely adjusted to different power ranges.
It’s not just the Engine that needs attention
As well as the engine, the chassis gets its fair share of attention too. The Seat is showing its age, and a tab on the Spare Wheel Holder has come loose and needs to be welded back on. After that, it’s a case of painting, restoring and reassembling.
The end result is impressive: 24.5 bhp and a hefty 30 Newton metres of torque. For a single-cylinder engine in the 210cc class, that’s quite a statement – and exactly what Ralf wanted: a touring-capable engine with plenty of low-end torque.
And how does it ride?
After the electrics, Seat, engine overhaul and fine-tuning, the Vespa is ready. Then comes the moment of truth: Ralf takes it for its first spin. His reaction is pretty clear: “It feels amazing. Really brilliant, I wouldn’t have thought so.”
Here is the checklist with all the parts fitted.
You can see exactly what André did, why the VMC Ranger is a real rival to the Quattrini 244 for him, and how Ralf’s Vespa rides after the conversion in the video.
