German specialist SIP Scootershop welcomed over 2,000 visitors to their state-of-the-art 6,000 sq m facility at Landsberg, Germany, in early May. They welcomed enthusiasts from as far afield as Malta (six scooter riders who made the whole journey on their Vespas) as well as Switzerland, Austria, Italy and England.
Highlights included a Vespa Club information booth, rare scooter models from the 1950s and a used scooters and parts and accessories market, and the company plans to welcome visitors again in May 2019.
Recent new products from SIP include these new SIP Performance ignitions for Vespa models (Lambretta ignitions coming soon). Manufactured with the assistance of VAPE, a major European producer, SIP’s Ralf Jodl says that the electrical functions of these “high-end ignition systems are representative of state-of-the-art modern technology. Due to the eight coils included on the stator-plate, enough power (110 W) is created at tick-over revs to fully illuminate the Vespa’s lighting.
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| Performance ignitions for Vespa models |
“We have both AC and DC versions available, and we recommend the DC type if you wish to power digital components such as the SIP speedometer, or you require a high battery loading charge. The CDI module is available as a ‘Road’ version with a static ignition point, similar to the original item, or as a ‘Sport’ version that includes a variable ignition point which advances at low revs.
“This increases the available torque - especially at the lower end - and the ignition point is then gradually retarded as the rpm rises into the power-band. This also helps reduce the combustion temperature while simultaneously providing an increased rev-range”.
The pick-up on the stator-plate is split into two and arranged on top of one another instead of next to each other, as with the original design. This eliminates the possibility of false positioning during the initial set-up “due to the sloppy manufacturing tolerances included on many Vespa engine casings, crankshafts, stator-plates and flywheels. The exact ignition point is clearly marked with a precise line on both the flywheel and stator-plate, which allows exact positioning during assembly and makes a strobe-lamp set-up unnecessary”.
Jodl says that one of the most important advances achieved is the production of the fly/fanwheel unit as a single component - avoiding a riveted inner mounting-cone and an uneven rotation. He says this greatly reduces engine vibration while also noticeably extending the working life of the flywheel side crankshaft bearing.
The precisely balanced one-piece, twelve-finned fanwheel is CNC-machined from solid aluminium and delivers an identical volume of cooling air to the cylinder as the original PX 125 and PK items from Piaggio throughout the whole rev-range. “The amount delivered by most aftermarket ignition systems is easily surpassed by our design, without preventing higher motor speeds.
“The flywheel intended for the small frame Vespas weighs 1,300 g, and for the large frame 1,600 g, making them both considerably lighter than their original counterparts. This primarily improves throttle response, but leaves the motor easily manageable in urban traffic and while carrying a pillion. Our SIP - VAPE flywheels are 100% compatible with the original flywheel remover type.
The specifications mean this is no NOS or replica part, but a genuinely contemporary upgrade that can also power additional electrical components such as a fuel pump, lambda sensor heating, USB power port etc. Installation is genuine Plug & Play without the need of a strobe-lamp due to precise ignition point markings – the single woodruff key slot on the crankshaft mounting of the flywheel avoids incorrect set-up.; the “perfectly arranged” rotational mass is said to mean improved throttle response and it delivers optimum cooling performance - identical to the original straight-finned type.
The SIP ‘Sport’ version has an rpm-linked variable ignition point and the complete kit includes CDI, fly/fanwheel, rectifier (DC) and regulator (AC).
Also seen here, the SIP Scootershop “CLASSIC” bag and suitcase line fit old and new models of all makes “better than a plastic case”. Available in different sizes and materials, in water-repellent and robust canvas look nylon, imitation leather and high-quality genuine leather.
The shapely bag/case mounts on the front or rear luggage rack using four mounting straps. Water repellent and dimensionally stable, it has a large main compartment, expanding side compartments and ships inclusive of rain cover.
SIP SCOOTERSHOP GMBH
www.sip-scootershop.com
