SIP PERFORMANCE Shock Absorber 2.0 - CNC aluminum, progressive Springs and rebound for comfortable to sporty.
The SIP PERFORMANCE Shock Absorber series has made a lasting impression on the Vespa shock absorber market: adjustable CNC-manufactured aluminum shock absorbers with state-of-the-art technology at a fair price. The development was based on over 30 years of scooter experience. Prior to series production, the Shock Absorbers were even tested at SACHS in Schweinfurt (ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG since 2001) - in comparison to BITUBO and similar gas pressure shock absorbers. The result confirmed the preliminary work: according to SACHS engineers, the SIP PERFORMANCE was the test winner.
- Stepless spring preload
- Progressive Springs for comfort and payload
- Adjustable rebound (9-18 clicks depending on model)
- CNC aluminium, anodized, Ø 14 mm piston rod
The features go beyond mere adjustability: a 14 mm piston rod, hardened materials and an additional guide plate for the upper rubber mount provide noticeably more stability. High-quality materials, precise CNC manufacturing and a clean finish including surface protection are all part of the concept. Rear Shock Absorbers also come with a SIP screw kit for the rear lower mount, including Screws and Nuts for common mounting diameters (M9/M10). Shim washers are also included to compensate for tolerances of different Steering Column and Shock Absorber Seating.
The 2.0 series has been further developed with touring riders in mind: more comfort on long distances and bad roads, more solid lower mounts, revised design and internal structure. The adjustment range extends from comfortable to sporty and firm. The progressive Spring ensures a fine response, but becomes firmer under higher loads - ideal when braking, with luggage or in two-man operation. Harder Springs (also available in other colors) are available as spare parts and are intended for high payloads or heavy riders. The rebound setting influences the rebound behavior and the response to bumps and braking: Clockwise increases the damping, counterclockwise decreases it.
Note: With GRIMECA Disc Brakes, the Shock Absorber Seating may need to be slightly reworked, as the factory plastic coating sometimes has large manufacturing tolerances in the layer thickness.
SIP has been successfully verified by the German Federal Motor Transport Authority and is therefore officially authorized to manufacture vehicle components. A general operating permit (ABE) has been issued for the SIP 76000 series shock absorbers; the shock absorbers bear the type mark KBA 91475 from 08/2015 and can therefore be used legally on German roads.
Technical details
- 76000 series with ABE / KBA number
- High-strength aluminum, low weight
- CNC body, anodized
- Spring preload continuously adjustable
- Rebound adjustment 9-/18-way (depending on Model)
- Ø 14 mm piston rod
- Progressive Springs available individually or as a set
- Incl. SIP bolt kit (rear, M9/M10) and shims
Conclusion: A successful alternative to conventional Shock Absorbers - technically well thought-out, high-quality workmanship and adjustable from comfortable to sporty.
These products are a perfect fit – SIP TIPS:
- Steering Columns and Distance Bushing for rear Shock Absorbers are available from various manufacturers and with different tolerances. If there is play between the Shock Absorber and the Seating, this can be compensated for at the front with the 0.25- and 0.5-mm shim set and at the rear with a suitable shim. Buyers of a SIP PERFORMANCE Shock Absorber receive the shim set free of charge.
Press and Expert Reviews
“Great product—not too hard, not too soft. I weigh 75 kg and use this shock absorber on a 1987 PX200 Lusso. Spring preload is medium, rebound damping is soft. For me, it’s the perfect balance—not as rock-hard as a BGM PRO, yet it still offers a firm, sporty ride that instills confidence. Road bumps are simply absorbed. I’m completely convinced, and the price is fair. 4 stars!”
–SIP user “acerix77”
»This past weekend was the Berlin GP on a track that’s basically just bumps and potholes. I won both races without any problems and posted by far the best time in the open class—I was even faster than most FALCs and QUATTRINIs with this suspension! But in my opinion, that was entirely down to the suspension. After a bit of tuning, I basically smoothed out EVERYTHING. The suspension is absolutely smooth. The rear SIP PERFORMANCE shock with the “-20%” Spring is the real deal!”
–Mike Betz, German Scooter Forum, 08/2010
“I’ve since installed the PERFORMANCE Silencer on several Vespas belonging to good friends, and they’re all absolutely thrilled. For me, they’re currently the best thing available on the market for the PX.”
–Dirk Schlemme, Editor of VESPINA, 08/2010
“High-tech German engineering with continuously adjustable spring preload and 20-way rebound adjustment. A perfect finish, high-quality surfaces, and CNC-machined aluminum components have connoisseurs clapping in admiration.”
–Scooter & Sport, 03/04 2010, “SIP PERFORMANCE PX/T5 – Better Springs”
“WOW! It’s like night and day. All the negative effects are gone. Even at low speeds, the scooter feels more substantial, safer—and somehow even ‘bigger.’ The first big “aha” moment came during hard test braking, because the scooter doesn’t need a few meters to dive forward before it starts braking—instead, it applies braking force faster and more effectively. The deep front-end dive is a thing of the past, so you feel safer and can control the Vespa better and more quickly.
The same is true on uneven roads. Contact with the road is maintained at all times, and the silencers rebound quickly. The silencers still remain firm according to their settings without being uncomfortable. This is certainly also thanks to the progressive springs, which only become stiffer under heavier loads.
Cornering is also a dream with the SIP PERFORMANCE. Provided you have good tyres, you get a solid, smooth cornering feel that makes the V50 an even better city runabout.”
–Franks Vespagarage, 09/2013
