Thanks to:www.pimpmyscoota.com

Welcome to ModVespa.com the home of Vespa and Lambretta restoration tips. If you find any of the posts useful please feel free to link to them on your blog. Thank you and I hope you enjoy your stay.

Just saw this and I want one. I wonder if they do one in green?

Find out more: http://www.lamponislamps.com

I have an Agility 125 which just turned 1,000 miles. The scoot has exceeded my expectations in most ways. I added a Givi Top Case, beyond that it is stock. My seat is loose but not a concern. It will latch if the seat is gently dropped from about 8″up and also latches when I sit. Right control assembly is loose but works fine when riding. I may check for the inside screws. I use the cheapest fuel possible from brand name stations and have had no issues. My mileage is typically 68mpg+ with most of my riding on 45mph+ roads. Local stations just started adding 10% ethanol. The scoot does feel a little down on power since but mileage has remained constant.

I August of 2006 I bought my wife a new Burgman 400 with the idea that she would be able to keep up with me on my Goldwing. She was a very inexperienced rider and found even the relatively small mass of the Burgman 400 intimidating. I started riding the Burgman and bought her an Adventure 150, a very nice looking 150 cc Chinese import. While it’s true that’s quality doesn’t compare with the Burgman, it cost less than $1500 brand new. It weighs half of what the Burgman 400 does and the Mrs. felt much more comfortable riding it. She’s put several thousand miles on it commuting to work and has really enjoyed riding it. At 80+ mpg it has saved us a bit of money too.

I an relating our experience with this Chinese scooter because I often see them bashed on this site, often called a waste of money. Yes they are old tech, i.e mechanical drum brakes in the rear, just like those ’70’s era Hondas I rode in those days. But they are cheap and reasonably reliable transportation, and a lot of fun. I think they are a good starter bike for a new rider. My wife is now taking occasional joy rides on the Burgman.

I sold my Goldwing last year and ride the Burgman to work most of the time. I had planned to move up to a Burgman 650 when she started riding the Burgman 400. That may still happen, but I’m in no hurry since the 400 is such a great ride.

Any one else have a positive experience with the Burgman’s little Chinese cousins?

Step 1: Make sure you have the engine kill switch selected (check image below for more information)

Step 2:Next step is to remove the light and cell phone charger jack. Remove the screws securing the battery cover and carburettor cover.  Remove the 4 bolts securing the “met-in” box and lift it out to the scooter.

Step 3: View the seat/ “met-in” box removed

Step 4: Remove the screws and small plastic panels on both sides

Step 5: Remove 2 bolts holding black plastic to the frame. Remove 2 screws near gas cap. Remove screw in colored plastic at the body seam and the  screw attaching colored plastic to black plastic in engine compartment.

Step 6: Remove black plastic piece (with lid to gas cap) and replace gas cap.

Step 7: Note the flexibility of the colored plastic body. This will allow for removal of the valve cover in a bit.

Step 8: The part circled in red is the valve cover. This is what must be removed before you can inspect valves.

Removal of the valve cover requires the removal of 4 bolts, 2 nuts and 2 hoses.

The top 2 bolts and top hose can be seen in this picture. (circled in green)

Step 9: Now to the bottom right half of the valve cover. Remove the bolt and hose. The bolts and nuts can be removed with standard wrenches.

Step 10: Remove the 4th bolt and two nuts on the bottom left of the valve cover.

You will probably observe the valve cover separate from the cylinder head a bit. A little oil may drip from the now separated parts.

Now on to the trickiest part of the job, removing the valve cover from the bike. To do this, push down on the back half of the bike to change the orientation of the engine relative to the frame. Whilst you are doing this with you right hand, try to wiggle valve cover free with your left. Flex the colored body plastic (not too much) to make a gap a gap for the cover to slip through. This may take several tries, but you will get it eventually. Just think of the time saved by not taking all the body plastic off.

Step 11: Next get the engine to stop dead center. To do this you will have to turn the engine by hand while you look at the two visual indicators.

Begin by removing the three bolts holding the chrome piece onto the crank case. (note that oil filer is dangerously close to one of the bolts. Make sure the oil filer is blocked when removing the bolts to prevent bolts from dropping into your engine.)  Remove the circular hatch (upper left) part with a screw driver.

Step 12: Sandwiched between the fly wheel and the chrome plate you just removed is small easy to loose part. (see spring next to it.)

Step 13: With a 19mm sprocket, begin rotating the engine clockwise.

Step 14: The engine will be at “TDC” when the “T” mark on the flywheel aligns with the index mark on the case and the circle timing chain sprocket is visible.

Step 15: Select the blade on a feeler guage with a thickness of 0.1mm and slide into the gap as shown. If the blade will not fit the gap, the gap is too tight and must be let out 0.1mm.

If the blade is not be contacted on both sides, the gap is too big and must be closed 0.1mm

If its clear that the blade is being contacted both sides and passed through the gap with a small amount of friction, you are in good shape.

Step 16: If the valves need adjustment loosen the nut (see image below) and either unscrew or screw by hand until the proper gap is reached. Hold the adjusting screw in place with an adjustable wrench while you tighten down the nut.

Inspect the gap with feeler gauge to ensure the gap did not change while you where tightening the nut down.

Step 17: You may want to get an extra gasket on hand before you do your adjustment. Although the seal is rubber and reusable, it does wear out over time and can be damaged in the process. You never know exactly what you are going to find out when the cover is off so its better to be prepared.

Thats it! You just saved $100+ and now you know even more about the scooter you love. Now if you kept everything organized assembly should be quick and painless.

It’s summer time and many people are looking for the latest and greatest commuter scooters. These are my personal top 4:

Gilera Runner ST

125cc, £2,699

“This is at the heart of cutting-edge-of-the-art engine, modern dashboarch graphics and an anti theft immobiliser. Its sleek rear-view mirrors and streamlined-profile headlamp show it’s no design slouch either.”

Vespa S 125cc, £2,749

“The classic lines of the Vespa are as alluring as ever, and this Seventies-inspired model is perhaps its most desirable yet. It boasts market-leading perfomance, while offering a stable and robust ride. The seat is available in two versions: the more dynamic ‘Sport’ and the ‘ Touring’, with increased comfort for longer journeys.”

Piaggio X7 125cc, £2,599

“This distinctively designed scooter comines lightweight design and agility with a liquid-cooled four-stroke engine with advanced four-valve cliner heads, giving it unprecedented perfomance while comforming to all European emission standards. The fact that it’s also an elegant and smooth ride makes it particulary desirable.”

Peugeot Sum Up

125cc, £1,569

“This is big on comfort and practicality as well as looks, with the broad two-person seat comfortable for both rider and passenger. It balances stability and maneuverability, the 220mm front-disc brake offering reliable stopping power. At only 115kg it’s also one of the lightest scooers in its class, meaning it won’t suck up too much fuel.

A number of close friends have had real problems finding a full list of UK and US vespa dealers. I have done a little research and I have created an article that will help you find your nearest Vespa dealer.

US Vespa Dealers

• First place you want to visit is: http://www.vespausa.com/dealers/zips.cfm This page on the VespaUSA site has a search function for both state and town. This page will give you an idea of authorised VespaUSA dealers but does not list the independents.

• Second place you want to visit: http://www.vespasuperstore.com/ This site covers the following areas: FORT LAUDERDALE, MIAMI and PALM BEACH. If your near San Francisco then http://www.firstkick.com/ should be checked out.

• Third place you want to visit: http://www.scootrs.com/ If you are not looking for a new scooter then scootrs does some great restoration projects. If you need to find an old Vespa wreck to do up then I suggest visiting Ebay or gumtree.

• Fourth Place you want to visit: http://www.google.com Try some long tail searches based on your area - e.g.: “Vespa dealer in washington”

• Fifth Place: If you want to not pay dealer price then by all means find a near new Vespa on Ebay, I have found some great bargains this way. Just remember to ‘watch’ a few before you make a bid, so you can get an idea of the market price.

Vespa Dealers UK

As I am based in the UK I have a large number of independents that you can check out for both new Vespas and restoration projects.

• http://www.belindo-classicscooters.com Offers restoration Vespa and Lambretta scooters - worth checking out.

• http://www.buzzsolomoto.com/ If you live near Halifax and need a Italian/Spanish restored Vespa then this could be the place for you. Again not had personal experience but worth a visit for research purposes.

• http://www.classicscootersuk.co.uk/ If you are looking for a Classic Vespa and you live near Surrey then this is very good site.

• http://www.eddybullet.com/ Based in Brighton these guys have a lot of information for a prospective Vespa buyer.

• http://www.euro-scooters.co.uk/ A london based Vespa Dealer. Worth checking out if you are looking for a brand new/used Vespa scooter.

• http://www.haywards.co.uk/ If your near Cambridge then this Vespa dealer is defiantly worth a look.

• If you live in the Manchester/Stockport area then http://www.phoenix-heinz.co.uk/navigation.htm should be checked out. You can also give Scooter Crazy a call on: 0161 476 5800 I have used these guys and they are really good (plus very affordable.) If you ask them what you want they should be able to track down a classic Vespa for you in the North West area of the UK.

• http://www.scooteremporium.com/ A London based scooter restoration dealership.

• http://www.scooterden.com/ A London Vespa dealership that offers new scooters to buy.

Again my advice for the US still stands for the UK, it’s worth checking out Ebay for some second hand bargains.

The many practical uses for a GPS device have been expanded even further than the average consumer may expect. For one, GPS can assist in helping with the recovery of your stolen scooter! Here’s how:

The Innovation of the LoJack

The LoJack Stolen Vehicle Recovery System is a motorcycle tracking system than can be installed after the initial purchase of your bike. It allows vehicles to be tracked by police after the motorcycle/scooter is reported missing. The LoJack’s manufacturer claims a 90% recovery rate, and for good reason - the LoJack is unmatched by competitors when it comes to stolen vehicle recovery.

How the LoJack Works

The LoJack takes a page from cutting-edge GPS technology’s book and goes it one further. It employs a radio frequency technology, that actually allows it penetrate walls. If your stolen car happens to be
stashed in someone’s garage or building - or even if it’s concealed by dense foliage - LoJack’s radio frequency technology can find it.

The LoJack, named as such to sound as though the device is the “antithesis of hijack,” has assisted in the retrieval of over 200,000 vehicles worldwide since its introduction nearly twenty years ago.

Another key feature that helps police locate stolen vehicles with the use of the LoJack is its Police Tracking Computers, or PTCs. These devices are directly installed within the patrol cars themselves.
Where applicable, PTCs may also be installed in helicopters and other aircraft.

One Example of LoJack’s Success

Recently, a New York Surgeon was walking out of a movie in Yonkers on a Sunday evening, only to realize that his 2006 Honda motorcycle had been stolen from the parking lot outside the theater. Soon
thereafter, the Yonkers Police Department was able to quickly recover the doctor’s motorcycle - and all with the help of the LoJack For Motorcycles. The recovery happened literally within minutes of the
doctor’s call to the YPD.

For the road warrior, the rebel, a weekend journey into the unknown on a motorcycle can be the height of adventure and freedom. Now, with the help of a new TomTom device - the RIDER 2nd Edition, which is made for motorcycles - the motorcycle lover can enhance his or her trip even further. The RIDER 2nd Edition is a motorcycle gps that has many desirable features, including Fuel Prices Service, TomTom Map Share, the Help Me! feature, and TomTom Traffic, complete with a 30-day free trial, which includes brand new maps of the highest graphical quality.

Additionally, bikers now have access to dedicated trip statistics that can make any road trip much simpler. The feature allows the biker to view the average and maximum speeds at which he or she traveled per journey, the distance from home, and the total miles traveled.

Even if you’ve previously purchased the RIDER device in one of its earlier incarnations, you can still benefit immensely from the updated software features - and software may be updated for free using TomTom HOME. Completely new maps are available with TomTom HOME as well. If a new map is purchased - along with a 2 GB DB card (which must be bought separately) - users will then also be able to easily take advantage of TomTom Map Share.

TomTom also offers a map guarantee. The guarantee states that if any new map is released within thirty days of the time the GPS user begins using his or her device, then it may be downloaded for free.

The new enhanced RIDER 2nd Edition comes already equipped with the newest Tele Atlas maps of North America as well. Comprehensive maps of both Canada and the United States make up the set.

With the advent of the RIDER software, motorcycle aficionados can now enjoy the same inventive features that users of the automobile products have enjoyed for some time. Best of all, it’s just in time for summer - prime motorcycle season.

Short answer is no!

Sadly the KYMCO 500 that is offered in the U.S. is a gas pig and a bit lethargic on the road. It doesn’t have good/useable underseat storage, the gas gauge is quirky and the odometer and speedometer read in kilometers.

Now don’t get ticked, I would recommend a KYMCO (and have) to many riders, they make great bikes 250cc and below. I have a Grand Vista and a Honda Reflex. The Grand Vista is put together much better for fit and finish but I only have 1500 miles on it so far, time will tell how reliable it is. I have 14,000 miles on my Reflex and haven’t had a single issue.

Probably the best all around large scooter in the U.S. is a Burgman 400. Good useable power, better than average mpg from most reports, reliable motor and a big dealer network. Oh, and the largest underseat storage available for you toury types.

Now the kicker is the new Xciting 500r with fuel injection that is slated to arrive in the fall.
That could be a real nice bike, I understand it comes with ABS standard. So if you could
wait a little bit maybe you could try that one out for size.

EDIT: I have heard that The New Exciting 500 will come in two configurations. Both are Fuel Injected and one will have ABS and the other won’t.

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