Tuning Wideframe
for Vespa 125 VM/VN/ACMA/150 VB/VGL1/VL from SIP Scootershop
Without tuning, you can hardly get the Vespa up the mountain or over the mountains to Italy. With a non-tuned engine, the pulse remains in sleep mode. Tuning is one of the last adventures of civilisation and the escape from our so regulated everyday life.
Wideframe tuning is certainly becoming more and more popular. Mostly, the old ladies with the charismatic tubular handlebars slumber in the garage as collector's items or are only used for a short ride. There is too little confidence in the old engines, especially for longer rides. Moreover, with 2-3 hp engine power, one is simply underpowered for today's road traffic. In recent years, a small scene of resourceful tinkerers and hobbyists has grown up around the "Faro Basso". The overflows and timing have been optimised on the original cylinders, pistons have been exchanged, various types of carburettors have been fitted, and so on. Today, there are a number of very nice parts that give the old ladies a run for their money.
The engines
Basically, there are two types of engines on the Wideframe Vespas: 1-channel and 2-channel engines.
With the 1-overflow engine (1-channel) (recognisable from the outside by the exhaust pipe running along the side) there are only a few tuning options: Carburettor kit CP19, air filter, cylinder head CNC and contactless ignition system. The increase in power is nevertheless noticeable. Alternative: Buy a used 2-channel engine (approx. 250-300 €) and put the 1-channel engine on the shelf.
The licence builds from ACMA, Hoffmann, Motovespa, Allstate and Douglas have the same engines, but here the 1-channel engine (1 overflow) was used longer compared to the Italian production from Pontedera.From 1953 onwards, the Italian production was equipped with a 2-channel engine from the VM model series onwards. In the case of the licensed models, the changeover was not introduced until about 1955. Douglas Vespas always have a 1-channel engine. All 150 cc Wideframe models have a 2-channel engine. With the 2-overflow engine (2-channel) (recognisable from the outside by the exhaust pipe running downwards) the result is really impressive. With the right components, the engines achieve an output of 10-14 hp with a powerful 15 Nm of torque. And that's enough to swim along in traffic or climb a pass summit.
The tuning stages
In the meantime, many products have reached series production readiness and can be easily fitted. Racing cylinders from PINASCO made of aluminium with 160 cc, reinforced crankshafts from SIP, carburettor kits based on the POLINI CP models, racing exhaust systems from SIP, maintenance-free electronic 12 V ignitions, longer gear ratios, improved clutches and suspension parts open up a whole new horizon for lovers of a tube handlebar Vespa. With the following components, every Faro Basso becomes a Daily Rider without losing the charm of the 50s model. All conversions can be retrofitted at any time:
The first component is a sports exhaust system. Plug & Play mounted, the exhaust delivers a power boost on original or tuned cylinders.
The standard carburettor, air filter and intake manifold are replaced by a POLINI CP carburettor kit.
There is no substitute for displacement - except more displacement. The modern aluminium cylinders from PINASCO offer a significant increase in power and performance. With a stroke of 57 mm and a 60 mm bore, this kit enables a displacement of 160 cc. 5 overflows reliably supply the cylinder with mixture. The newly calculated cylinder head provides the appropriate compression.
To get the extra power on the road, the primary gear or a 4-speed gearbox from PINASCO can be installed.
The original ignition is replaced with a contactless 12 V ignition. Never again ignition problems due to defective breakers or capacitors. Completely maintenance-free and a bright light!
SIP technical tip
When it comes to tuning, please don't forget the suspension and brake system. High-quality SIP PERFORMANCE shock absorbers and tubeless 8 inch rims as well as brake components provide the optimum chassis.
