What happens to a Vespa that has crossed a whole continent in 22 months and driven 72.000 km with a full load - over 100 kg of luggage alone - over all kinds of roads?
We are always excited when someone shows up with a great adventure and see with great interest how they are prepared for this trip and are curious to see which parts can withstand the stresses best. Rarely do we get the chance to see the wear and tear of every part after a great trip.
Atze's adventure with Vesparicana is a very good example of this. He was with different people back then bgm Parts traveled and after this adventure and years later Jan visited us at SC to show us these parts.
Jan is the mechanic of Atze and his Vespa Elsi and he knows exactly which pieces deserve to rest. Like the bgm shock absorberthat was installed on Elsi. Due to the heavy luggage, the frame warped in the area of the upper shock absorber mount. As a result, the shock absorber's reservoir was in permanent contact with the chassis. Through the work of the damper and enemy contact, the damper has been exposed up to the O-rings. And if we consider that the weight of the luggage was almost 120kg at the beginning and later about 100kg of it was 10l gasoline, 5l water, almost 30kg tools and spare parts and the rest was equipment such as tent, stove, sleeping bag and clothing, all of that plus corrosion as a driver. Then it is clear what would happen, and while the shock absorber still does its job, it's time to replace it as a new adventure approaches.
Video
At the mechanic's and the wear and tear
Sponsoring
Vespa Elsi and driver Atze deserve a new shock absorber and many more parts for the next adventure. We know that the two of them are planning a new, beautiful adventure through Africa, we are excited to see how it will turn out and we will keep you up to date. Of course, also about the preparations for the Vespa.
Vesparinaca
Our previous blog posts here:
Chasing records with the Lambretta on the salt slope
Our customer Todd Rogers from the USA set out with his 225 Lambretta to hunt for records in Bonneville.
Do you still remember the film "with heart and soul" with Anthony Hopkins? Burt Munro (Anthony Hopkins) travels to Bonneville with his Indian Scout to take part in the annual high-speed race on the Utah Salt Flats. One of my favorite films, below you can find a teaser for the film.
Todd Rogers Lambretta Club USA
So our customer Todd Rogers has set off for Utah with his Lambretta World of Speed made. Here in Bonneville he wants to set a record with his Lambretta on the salt slope.
The right tires
During the preparations for the record attempt, there were problems with the tires. Todd has so far ridden tires with a “P approval” on his Lambretta.
But P corresponds to only 93 mph or 150 km / h and with these tires he would not have received approval for an official record attempt at over 100 mph.
Choosing the perfect tire was then relatively easy, after all, ours are ours bgm PRO SPORT tires, the only 10 x 3.50 tires with a Approval of 180km / h or 112 mph! In addition, Todd did not want to expose himself to any risk and so relied on the bgm PRO Quality tires MADE IN GERMANY.
World of Speed the film for a record attempt
The 100mph record in Bonneville with the Lambretta
Todd drove his 225 Lambretta (not a Streamliner !!), a very impressive 100,4203 mph, which corresponds to about 162 km / h. Todd holds the record for the fastest Lambretta in Bonneville!
Congratulations from all Scooter Center & bgm - team!
With heart and soul Trailer Bonneville
This is how we experienced the Vespa AlpDays 2021 in Zell am See
Thursday - Day 1 - The start (800km / 160km)
After the 'Vorbereitungen im Scooter Center, it could finally start now. the Vespa Alp Days start much earlier, but the main days are Friday and Saturday. Many people combine this scooter meeting in the Alps with a vacation and book special trips into the mountains. We arrive on Thursday so that we can be fully there on Friday and Saturday:
After the early start in Cologne, there was for that Scooter Center Team, after about 650km, a stopover at my place in Munich. Strengthened by a good snack, Maryzabel's Platonika and MotoVespa were freed from the vans by Alex.
On the scooters we drove over fine country roads and over the legendary Sudelfeld and the Tatzelwurm in dream weather. At Kufstein we cross the Inn and come across the border to Austria. We continue past the Walchsee, through the valleys via Saalfelden / Leogang to Zell am See!
In the meantime, Marc and Marcus drove the vans to Zell am See as quickly as possible. We were amazed. not bad when the booth was already set up when we arrived!
We welcome friends and old acquaintances from near and far. As a team, we quickly take care of the rest of the little things at the stand. This is followed by a convivial team evening with good food in Zell am See.
You notice: our weekend started off really well! But it should get even better:
Friday - day 2 - Kitzbühler Horn (120km)
We have decided to keep the stand closed in the mornings. During this time all Vespisti (we were very happy to see three Lambrettas) are on the rides and we want to meet friends and customers there in action.
After a great breakfast, the scooters were filled up first. In bright sunshine we drove together to Areit, the meeting point for today's trip to Kitzbühel Horn.
Madness: a huge parking lot full of around 700 Vespa scooters, Year of construction from the beginning of the 50s until today - what a wonderful spectacle!
In 8 groups with a maximum of 100 scooters, it was then leisurely on country roads and narrow paths up to the Kitzbühler Horn. For some, the route was pure driving pleasure, others worked up a sweat. I've also seen riders turn into runners and push their scooters up the extremely steep passages.
TIPP: Did you already know the height correction for the carburetor pans or air filter boxes?
This little one Rubber stopper If the engine is running too rich, it is removed on the mountain, at a height. With this additional air supply, the carburetor can draw in more air and because of the leaner air at altitude it no longer runs as richly.
Caution: You must definitely start again in the valley, otherwise the Vespa is too lean here!
Example Largeframe:
Example Smallframe:
The wonderful mountain panorama quickly forgot the hardships for man and machine. On the descent I was happy about my bgm PRO chassis and the new brake pads on my 1962 Vespa T4. from Augsburg.
Other drivers who were on the road with a Vespa GTS today told me about overheating and failing brakes due to the lack of engine brakes on the automatic engine. So it was with us on Scooter Center There was also interest in ours Test winner suspension from bgm PRO and Vespa GTS brakes of Frank and Porco Nero very large.
So in the early afternoon we opened our stand and were able to welcome and advise a large number of nice scooter drivers. Many also tried our raffle, and in the end there was a winner who wasn't that far from the correct result. But we can't reveal that at this point, because we want to play the game again with a similar number of nuts in the future. For example next weekend on Scooter Center Open Day with us in Bergheim-Glessen, at the gates of Cologne.
Saturday - day 3 - Großglockner (80km)
Today we had to get up early. The day was packed with attractions and starts with Goosebumpst pure:
130 Vespa tubular handlebars and Faro Basso “lamp below” Vespa models from the early 50s line up for the Grossglockner Mountain Prize. This is a very rare opportunity like that lots of old Vespas to be able to admire in a heap. The spectacular Le Mans start in 4 groups, you can see the mixture of excitement, pride, ambition and above all joy in this challenge in the drivers.
“Tüte”, a participant from last year, told me how he had to push his Vespa Rally 180 up the Glockner a bit!
How does a machine cope with it that has a few more years under its belt and less under its hood?
To find out, we gave one of the daredevil pilots one of our cameras. Many thanks to Marc Schaffnit!
With the Ciao towards the summit
Our Marc has been on the road for a long time, he could hardly be stopped and drives the Grossglockner up first with his Ciao and then again with the Scooter Center Be Giorni. Another practical test for our new one, passed with flying colors CIAO bags.
Shortly afterwards we also make our way to the Glockner, the Mountain calls and wants to be conquered!
Today it was supposed to rain all day, what to me with the bgm PRO Sport tires but did not cause concern. We were lucky: it stayed dry until the afternoon, but it was up on the Grossglockner, but very foggy and cold. So after a fun descent we went straight to the town square to greet the AlpDays family at our stand and to advise them on our products.
In the afternoon it did start to rain, we were so engrossed in conversations and busy keeping our booth dry that we unfortunately had the great one Vespa acrobatics stunt show by NICOLA CAMPOBASSO missed. The “Concours de Elegance”, a kind of custom show, took place right at our stand.
While the Alpdays family was slowly coming to the congress center to take part in the evening program Live music, awards, honors, charity presentation and raffles To be present, we set about dismantling the stand and stowing the material safely in the transporters.
One group Ladies in dirndls from Waging am See, stopped us for a moment. A welcome and very nice change!
After dinner we go to the evening event. Maryzabel was immediately hired and was allowed to dance with the WURLI WURM.
Actually everyone was just waiting for the big raffle, in which the main prize was a Vespa rally. Congratulations to the lucky winner who was very happy!
But we were also able to give pleasure and announce the winner of our competition, who can now look forward to a bgm PRO shock absorber for his scooter. There were also three Scooter Center-Shopping vouchers worth 200 euros raffled off. Again, our congratulations to the lucky winners!
Journey home (800km / 160km)
The night was pretty short. After breakfast together, we parted ways again: I made my way back towards Munich with my Vespa, Marcus stayed a day longer to enjoy the landscape with Ciao and Vespa and Maryzabel, Marc and Alex set off for the 800km Journey home towards Cologne / Bergheim.
Alpdays 2022 a revolution? We are excited!
13th VESPA ALP DAYS 2022 - REVOLUTION from 2-6. June 2022
The Scooter Center Team is already looking forward to the next event this coming weekend: Scooter Center Open day 2021 on Saturday, September 18.09.2021th, XNUMX.
Vespa GTS Tuning extreme: GTS 500
The La Mutata GTS 500 we have already presented them here: La Mutata
Björn was with us last week with the two La Mutata models and Ulf, the boss himself, insisted on testing the 500cc monster. He himself was on the road with a maximum of half the displacement on classic Lambretta and Vespa scooters Performance and driving comfort impressed!
Is the brake even more impressed than by the blatant acceleration? Ulf seemed from the braking performance BREMBO P2 to be particularly enthusiastic! But see for yourself:
VESPA GTS300 vs GTS500
What is the top speed and acceleration of the 500 compared to the current Vespa GTS 300 hpe?
Marc of Scooteria and Björn compare them 500 GTS La Mutata Cruiser familiar with the GTS 300 hpe. Here the test of the Vespa Gts 500 La Mutata with a speed comparison with the Vespa Gts 300 hpe.
The acceleration from 0-100 km / h and the pulling behavior from 80-120 km / h were also tested.
The result of the speed test was quite clear. Have fun with the video!
part of Scooter Center Being a team also means working with great people. Driving is even better than working! Passionate Lambrettisti sit in the office on both my left and right. So it was only a matter of time before I would go with one of them. Or rather with her, but she is not just any girl, she is: Yoleila (as she is known on Facebook) or Julia. She is president of the Lambretta Club in Germany, drives scooter races, collects old vehicles in their original condition, works as a graphic designer ... and I could go on with the list. That's why we interview them to find out their story, which we always love to hear.
The result was a very exciting project.
Stay until the end to find out what it's about;)
Toptul tool for scooter riders
We got a large delivery, so the popular ones TOPTUL tools are available again.
Scooter Center TOPTUL shop
TOPTUL has been manufacturing high-quality tools for over 20 years and is absolutely unbeatable in terms of price / performance. TOPTUL products have been in daily use at Vespa, Lambretta & Co. for years and are always convincing.
The finely subdivided toothing of the ratchets is just one example. The massive and robust design with 72 teeth achieves a stitching of only 5 degrees (1/72 turn). This means that you can work precisely and without repositioning even in very tight spaces with little travel for the ratchet.
TOPTUL tools of course meet or exceed the current standards such as DIN / ISO / ANSI. The in-house quality control is very strict and is expressed, for example, in the individual measurement protocol enclosed with each torque wrench with regard to the measurement accuracy and the release behavior.
From our own experience, we can recommend TOPTUL products to every “intensive screwdriver” with a clear conscience.
These are the highlights from the video:
- Socket wrench set (ratchet case) -TOPTUL 1/4 ″ - 4mm-14mm + bits - 49 pieces
Article no.: GCAI4901
And the sets are nice, like this one:
- Screwdriver - screwdriver set -TOPTUL Pro Series- 20 pieces
Article no.: GZC2005 - Seeger ring pliers set -TOPTUL- 4 pcs
Article no.: GPAQ0401 - Allen key set -TOPTUL- 1,5mm, 2mm, 2,5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm - 9 pieces
Article no.: GAAL0916
TIPP: Then you have everything new, uniform and in an appealing look in one go!
You can find further recommendations for TOPTUL here with us at Scooter Center Blog: https://blog.scooter-center.com/tag/toptul/
All Toptul tools for scooter drivers are available from us at TOPTUL shop
bgm SUPERSTRONG Vespa Wideframe GS
The proven bgm SUPERSTRONG clutch is now also available for the Vespa GS150 / GS160 and SS180 models.
Ready-to-install coupling for your Wideframe Vespa
The bgm PRO coupling is delivered ready for installation. The scope of delivery includes
- the assembled coupling,
- a new lock washer,
- Clutch cover gasket and
- Crescent wedge
We also recommend the same Pressure plate and the separating mushroom to replace, available here in a practical set!
The Superstrong GS coupling replaces the serial coupling of the GS / SS models 1: 1 and can usually * be used without further modifications. The clutch is available with 22 teeth (like original) or with 23 teeth (longer stocky). Helical teeth for use with the standard 67-tooth primary gear.
The bgm SUPERSTRONG 2.0 Ultralube coupling combines:
- extreme durability,
- absolute reliability and
- easy operation
It is the foundation of any solid Vespa engine tuning. The CNC-manufactured clutch basket has excellent concentricity and extremely high torsional rigidity. The Vespa clutch thus offers perfect coupling behavior with a clearly defined grinding point and clean separation of the clutch linings.
It is suitable for that Touring riderwho values high quality, as well as ambitious ones Racer, the one extremely resilient and stable coupling .
ULTRALUBE
The latest generation of Superstrong clutches now has an innovative new technology: Ultralube.
Ultralube pumps (through precisely defined bores and centrifugal force) transmission oil both into the highly stressed hub profile (between clutch basket and clutch hub) and onto the clutch linings themselves.
This in the Vespa area unique technology makes the legendary Superstrong 2.0 clutch even more stable than it already is. A clutch designed to last.
SERVICES
The ready-to-install clutch is designed for a power range up to approx. 20PS / 22Nm by means of the mounted clutch springs. Reinforced springs (sold separately, bgm PRO XXL Reinforced clutch spring) expand the performance range of the clutch to over 40 hp. It is still easy to operate.
DELIVERY
The scope of delivery includes the complete ready-to-install clutch with bgm PRO Cosa clutch facings and ten BGM PRO XL springs. A new O-ring for the clutch cover and a new crescent wedge are also included.
RECOMMENDATION
We also recommend a low-alloy gear oil of classes API GL3 / GL4 for high-performance engines in order to prevent the clutch from slipping even under extreme loads. This also applies to our bgm Superstrong couplings. The old engine oil specification SAE30 corresponds to today's transmission oil specification SAE 85W / 90. We recommend this as a lubricant bgm PRO Street gear oil (BGM2025, corresponds to specification API GL-3).
* In some cases it may be necessary to rework the clutch cover and arm, see Instructions & Video:
Instructions for installation and adaptation
You can also find the installation instructions here: Instructions
Tool list:
TIPP: Toptul tool
- Ratchet; SW10
- Slotted screwdriver sizes 5 to 6
- Ratchet; SW14
- Open-end wrench SW19
- Torque wrench up to 100Nm
- Clutch holding tool
- Clutch puller
Item list, alternatives and accessories
- Complete clutch, 22 teeth (Reduction as original)
- Coupling complete 23 teeth (Reduction 5% longer)
- Clutch basket and hub, loose
- Lock nut clutch hub (ET to the coupling)
- Clutch spring XL (ET to the coupling)
- Clutch linings BGM type Cosa (ET to the coupling)
- Clutch linings BGM Touring, Type CR (alternative)
- Clutch pressure plate PX200, (Accesories)
- O-ring coupling arm (Accesories)
- Coupling nut (Accesories)
- Spring washer M10 (ET to the coupling)
- Puller clutch
- Vespa clutch holder
MOTO NOSTRA tool bag for e.g. Vespa & Lambretta
We have new ones Tool bags from MOTO NOSTRA on offer - and as usual at these times, there is a product presentation from the home office today!
Tool bag in retro style | Waxed canvas
For example, for classic vehicles and oldtimers that want to be on the move with style when storing tools, we offer this practical tool roll. Of course, they also go great with a modern Vespa GTS or a motorcycle.
Robust tool bag made of waxes canvas, a hard-wearing and water-repellent material. The tool bag has 5 spacious compartments with large sturdy zippers. So the tool stays where you left it. The many compartments create order and offer quick access in an emergency.
When rolled up, the bag can be securely closed with a wide strap and sturdy clip and compressed as easily as possible. The bag has three handles and two eyelets for fastening or hanging. Available in brown and black and soon also pre-packed with model-specific tools.
Tip: also order a bag for the lady in the house, because the bags can also be used stylishly as toiletry bags.
- Tool roll with zippered compartments and buckle in Brown
- Tool roll with zippered compartments and buckle in black
FLASHLIGHT
You will find the appropriate emergency lamp here:
Video of the lamp:
MOTO NOSTRA RETRO BAGS
You will find matching bags from Moto Nostra here
Video MOTO NOSTRA bags:
Platonica 5
Putting your feet on the ground is a statement in itself!
A confirmation of our identity; Scooter Boys & Girls, Mods, Racers and Travelers know that their ideologies and beliefs end up in accessories that become symbols of their very own qualities.
So do too Platonica this big step after having been in the air for months preparing for the existence of an ideal Vespa to finally touch the garage floor that has endowed her with symbols of safety, style and fun.
For her strong personality, Platonika has now received the latest bgm products, check out the video!
Vespa sport shock absorbers
bgm PRO SPORT Shock absorber set | bgm7741BKTS
Based on the competition chassis, but without a separate expansion tank and a fixed damping rate. Ideal for everyday sporting use, even with powerful engines.
Very harmonious basic set-up with an optimal balance between sportiness and suitability for everyday use. Compared to the Competition chassis, it is infinitely adjustable in height. This means that the height of the vehicle can be adjusted on both axles. In this way, the front can be lowered or the rear can be raised without having to change the pre-load, which is so important for the negative spring deflection. The front shock absorber can be continuously adjusted between a height of 240mm and 220mm.
- stepless adjustment of the spring preload
- sporty, harmonious damping technology
- individually height adjustable (20mm)
Vespa tire set
The Complete set of tires -bgm Sport black matt tubeless bgm tire and bgm Vespa aluminum rim | bgm35010SLKB
BGM Pro Sport tires (3.50-10) fully assembled on aluminum sport rim BGM Pro tubeless (2.10-10)
Ready-to-install tire set consisting of the first-class BGM Pro sports tire with a speed index S (approved up to 180km / h) and a load index of 59 (243kg per tire) as well as the exclusive BGM Pro light alloy wheel *.
TIRE
The specially coordinated material mix with a high silica compound ensures excellent grip in dry and wet conditions. The extremely stable carcass ensures perfect straight-line stability and excellent line accuracy when cornering quickly. Usually tires are simply pressed into shape from a layer of rubber. The bgm tires are significantly more complex to produce and consist of several layers in order to create the perfect tire that meets the highest requirements and has the highest speed rating on the market.
RIMS
The solid aluminum rim from BGM PRO made by FA.Italia saves around 600 grams compared to an original PX steel rim. In addition, there is a weight saving of around 370 grams due to the hose that is no longer required. The unsprung mass is thus reduced by almost one kilogram per axle. The responsiveness of the chassis improves noticeably.
SAFETY
With a double so-called "hump" in the rim bed, the tire is always safely guided in the rim. Similar to the latest runflat technology in the automotive sector, the air can slowly escape if a foreign object (nail or similar) is inserted without the tire slipping into the rim well. The vehicle comes to a controlled stop. The rim has recesses between the screw-on points. The cooling of the brake is improved.
Vespa 4 piston brake caliper
Brake caliper and brake carrier bgm Touring | Bgm2506BK & bgm2507LBL
Solid 4 piston Vespa brake caliper with radial attachment.
Two-part CNC milled housing made of high-strength aluminum, anodized.
With 4x25mm pistons, the caliper has 40% more piston area than a conventional two-piston caliper with 30mm pistons. The hydraulic transmission ratio is greatly improved and the braking force (with the same lever force) increased. Another advantage of the 4 piston technology is the symmetrical loading of the pads, which means that they are always fully in contact. A pad change is done quickly and easily with a stud bolt. A big advantage in racing. Central connection of the brake line.
You can find all Platónika episodes here: Vespa Platonic
Music in the video: Artist: Sunsearcher Title: Flamenco Rhythm Album: Sunsearcher Spirit License: CC-BY-SA
ARROW exhaust systems available for Vespa GTS
With us you can now get it again ARROW exhaust systems.
You may be with ours Vespa GTS - Custom-Special already noticed that most of the custom scooters are from Cafe Racer 69 have installed an Arrow exhaust system. This is certainly not without reason, the Berlin Vespa Customizer team knows what it's doing!
Make yourself a picture Scooteria made a nice comparison video here and compares the original Piaggio Vespa GTS exhaust with the ARROW exhaust:
Test ARROW VS. Vespa GTS exhaust
Buy Vespa GTS Arrow hereGianelli & ARROW story
Giorgio Giannelli founded ARROW SPECIAL PARTS in 1985 and very successfully built racing exhaust systems for professional competition. In the 4-stroke and 2-stroke area, drivers won world championships in various classes with the Arrow exhaust systems.
In the meantime, Gianelli brings the know-how gained from racing with Arrow to the streets and offers exhaust systems for the Vespa GTS, for example. The sound, workmanship and performance make it the best for many Exhaust for the Vespa GTS. Of course available with E-marking and approval!
ARROW installation in the video
Buy Vespa GTS Arrow herePhotos and videos Vespa Alp Days 2020 Reloaded
First of all: we are already looking forward to next year Vespa Alp Days in Zell am See (01-08 June 21) and are confident that we will be able to celebrate “normal” Alp Days with you again. Registration and information can be found here soon: https://www.the-alp-days.at/
This year everything is different. Corona does it is also possible necessary. Like many other events, the June date was canceled. The vast majority of scooter meetings fell victim to the epidemic. But then, under these difficult conditions, the Vespa Alp Days took place in the Alp Days Reloaded Luckily edition is still taking place
We from Scooter Center have been following this great Vespa meeting in Zell am See since World Vespa Days 2009. Even then we were the main sponsor and represented with a large stand and team. This huge international Vespa meeting was the hour of birth of the following AlpDays event, which was to take place for the 11th time this year. That Scooter Center is again the main sponsor and we were there again, albeit in this special situation with a mini-team. What the two of us were able to experience in this short time was simply awesome: It started at 9:00 in the morning with the Grossglockner Mountain Prize, I've never seen so many Vespa Rally 180/200s in one place. Look here:
Video Zell am See 2020
The result is 2 videos.
Tip: for the Großglockner exit full movie you should take 30 minutes. It is worth it! The course of the road in connection with the breathtaking mountain scenery at an altitude of 2.500 meters make the scenery and the video simply epic.
I don't know how Nicole and Franz always do it with the weather, but see for yourself!
Alp Days Reloaded Video
Großglockner exit full movie
Photos
Alex on the couch at Scooter Center
In the Platónika project, I got to know my accomplice pretty well over time and the plan to rebuild a Vespa from individual parts. And I am overjoyed to learn every day from one of the best Vespa mechanics I have probably ever met.
He is also involved in racing (on a Vespa, of course) and - no more and no less - he is one of the master minds in the development of the bgm-Products for that Scooter Center!
Knowing him so well now, I thought it was high time to introduce you to Alex and take another look behind the scenes of the Scooter Center (SC) to throw.
I hope you like it and if you have any further questions, don't hesitate and fire at home! ;)
1 GEAR: Staff story 00:47
- How many Vespas do you have? What was your first love
– and what was your first contact with Scooter Center, did you know the shop before you started here?
- Vespa life is pretty colorful. One variant is the racing scene. You are also involved, tell us a little: how is the preparation, how long does a race take ...
- And where did you start?