Steering Columns & Engine Swing Arm Pivots for Classic Vespa
- at SIP Scootershop
Steering columns, forks, head tubes - everything the helmsman's heart desires. Steering columns are the link between tyres and handlebars on the Klassik Vespa. They allow you to update the suspension and brakes. Spare parts and wear parts for the steering column and engine swing arm pivot are essential for perfect riding comfort. For example, steering columns of older models are often warped, rusted or sprained. If the scooter does not run straight or has a spongy ride, we recommend checking the upper and lower steering head bearings.
How do I find the right parts for steering columns & engine swing arm pivots for my classic Vespa?
Here you are in the large section for steering columns & engine swing arm pivots for the classic Vespa. To narrow down the selection of products even further, you can now select the exact vehicle type for which you are looking for parts in this area. For example, if you are interested in the "Vespa 160 GS/180 SS", then make this selection and the display will be much more specific and tailored to it. The filters in the left-hand navigation allow you to sort by "make", "use" and other criteria. If you remove the vehicle type filter, e.g. "Vespa 160 GS/180 SS", the entire range of steering columns & engine swing arms for the vehicle category "Classic Vespa" is displayed. This is always helpful if you are unsure of the vehicle type of the scooter you are travelling with.
The different models at Klassik Vespa
Each Vespa has its own chassis.
Vespa 50-125/PV/ET3/PK/XL
If you install a PK steering column in an old Vespa, you can then convert to disc brakes.
Vespa PX/T5/Cosa/LML
The steering columns can be exchanged between the models. Make sure you use the correct handlebar lock. The axles are available in 16 and 20 mm. The LML Star steering columns fit all PX models.
Vespa 98/125/150/GS
Optimised steering head bearing sets are available for wideframes. Special adaptors for engine swing arm pivots allow the use of a PX engine in the wideframe.
Vespa 125/150/Rally '57-
For the popular largeframes of the 60s and 70s, new steering columns are only available from India. If you want to convert to disc brakes, use a conversion steering column.
The assortment around steering columns & engine swing arm pivots for classic Vespa at SIP Scootershop
Steering head bearings & swingarm bearings
Bearing sets for the steering head and suspension arm must be replaced regularly. Over time, they wear out or fail and then give an unsafe riding feeling. Tapered roller bearings can absorb higher forces and run more easily under pressure. For vintage Vespas, SIP also offers steering head bearings with roller cages and thus bearing tuning for these models.
Steering columns & forks
Steering head tubes or forks are the connection from handlebar to rim. As a standard spare part, they mainly come from OEM manufacturers. Conversion forks are necessary on classic Vespa models if a disc brake or other shock absorbers are to be used.
Steering dampers, anti-dive systems & engine swing arm pivots
Engine swing arm pivots stabilise the existing chassis or, as with wideframes, allow a PX engine to be mounted in the old frame.
Anti-dive kits prevent the shock absorbers from bottoming out, especially on smallframe Vespas. Steering dampers are mainly inserted in quarter-mile races.
Rubber engine mounting bushes Engine swing arm pivot
Rubber engine mounting bushes are engine mounts. They reduce the vibrations that are transmitted to the frame and are crucial for good handling. If you ride your scooter a lot, like to take bends often, or if you put a lot of weight on it, you should definitely replace the rubber engine mounting bushes more often. With racing scooters, this is a matter of course. Everyday riders will be amazed at how nice it is to ride with new rubber engine mounting bushes.
Conversion steering columns
The SIP PK conversion steering columns make it possible to fit GRIMECA disc brakes and a variety of PK shock absorbers on Vespa models from the 60s and 70s. The ZIP SP conversion steering columns are also popular in the racing series. The SERIE PRO 12" conversion steering column is the basis for the 12" conversion of the SIP custom scooter "Glorious Basterd".
The top brands in steering columns & engine swing arm pivots for Classic Vespa
SIP SPARE PARTS / PREMIUM QUALITY / SIP PERFORMANCE: High quality steering head bearing sets, rubber engine mounting bushes, conversion steering columns and also tools.
PIAGGIOas the manufacturer of the Vespa, the Italians are the main supplier of steering columns and their spare parts.
RMS: Supplier of cheap and good steering head bearing sets, steering columns and swing arm bearings.
PLC: Reinforced silent tyres, especially for racing.
Customers ask - SIP answers
"Which length should I choose when converting the steering column?"
For original ground clearance we recommend the 185 mm variant, for low-slung vehicles the 165 mm variant. The conversion allows the use of all 20 mm GRIMECA disc brakes. In addition, the vehicle now stands on a solid 10" chassis with a wider range of tyres with the required speed index. The steering column fits into the frame without modification.
Video Tutorial Vespa: Replacing the steering head bearing