All our experience from over 30 years of scooter experience flowed into the development. Before series production, the SIP Performance shock absorber was even tested at the clutch and suspension specialist Sachs (since 2001 ZF Friedrichshafen AG) in Schweinfurt. Bitubos and similar gas pressure shock absorbers served as comparison objects. The test results confirmed our preliminary work and the ideal conception of a Vespa shock absorber. According to the Sachs engineers, the SIP Performance was the test winner. We are therefore particularly proud to be able to present you this experience concentrated in a high-end shock absorber according to our ideas.
Features such as infinitely variable spring preload and adjustable rebound damping are only part of the sophisticated characteristics. Technical refinements such as a 14 mm stroke rod, hardened materials and an additional guide plate for the upper rubber bearing provide noticeably more stability in the chassis. High-quality materials are just as much a matter of course as precise and detailed CNC production and a perfect finish including surface protection. The scope of delivery of the rear shock absorbers also includes a SIP screw kit for the rear lower mount. This includes screws incl. nuts for all common mounting diameters (M9/M10)! We also supply shims to compensate for the tolerances of the steering columns and shock absorber mounts of different manufacturers.
Special features of the 2.0 series
The 2.0 series has been designed for even more comfort for touring riders in order to have the most comfortable riding characteristics on long distances and bad roads. The piston rod is even stronger at 14 mm, the lower mounts are more solid, and the design and internal structure have been changed. Adjustment range from comfortable to sporty-tight possible.
Spring preload: Adjustment via a nut, limiting the length of the spring when unloaded.
Rebound adjustment: The rebound adjustment rounds off the overall picture positively and influences the spring deflection behaviour of the shock absorber, i.e. it regulates, for example, the response behaviour when driving over bumps in the road, bumps in the road and clearly also during braking. Here you have 18 adjustment options ("clicks") for the rebound damping. Turning the rebound adjuster clockwise increases the damping, turning it counterclockwise decreases it (view direction = top view).
Compression damping adjustment: The compression damping adjusts how fast a shock compresses. This is important for adjusting how sensitively the suspension responds. It should still respond to bumps, but not start to jump. Nine adjustment options are available here.
The expansion tank: An expansion tank provides sufficient volume for the oil and the necessary space to accommodate a compression control. More oil maintains a constant temperature for longer, even under heavy use, and ensures consistent function. The passage between the expansion tank and the shock absorber can be regulated and thus forms the compression stage.
The be-all and end-all is to find the right setting for the shock absorbers. In order to set up the suspension perfectly, a few points must be taken into account. We have summarised how this work here.
The optimal solution for fork conversions
With a length of 185 mm, the shock absorber is particularly suitable for fork conversions. E.g. for the installation of a PK fork in a v50 or PV or the installation of a PX fork in a Sprint or VBB. The SIP PERFORMANCE shock absorber for the Vespa PK models is available in four colour variants: black and silver, each in gloss and matt. The spring is always black.
Note: With Grimeca disc brakes, the shock absorber mount may need to be slightly reworked. The factory plastic coating sometimes has very large manufacturing variations in the thickness of the coating. Easy and quick to do yourself.
The latest version of the ABE can be found in the downloads. Before buying, please check whether the document is valid for the desired vehicle.
Conclusion: A successful alternative to conventional shock absorbers that impresses not only with its technical features, but also with its style and build quality.
