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Post by shytalk on Jul 26, 2018 17:10:55 GMT
Can't upload photo as there is no available space on this forum. Right good start this! Took 24 year old PX 125 to Bainbridge hillclimb yesterday evening (as a spectator.) No-one took the p*sh - thought they might as them with long memories remember me as a biker - amongst other things, I repaired Brit-bikes for a living. One or 2 sideways glances but that was at me & walking stick, not the bike. Only took delivery of it on Monday. First time back on a bike in 25 years after life changing smash. Initial thoughts. Wooden brakes, nice little motor even though running in (as a 166?) First few yards seemed well wobbly on little wheels, but feels better once under way. Aware of weight of engine - falls into right hand corners more easily than into left hand ones. Clumsiness with clutch will lift front wheel. Doesn't like loose chippings, but what does? Exhaust note ok, - sharper than I expected, but it may well be aftermarket. With the hills round here 2-up will really make it work (too) hard, so when my missis passes her CBT, if she likes riding, we'll have to have one each. Enough for now.
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Post by mijapxman on Jul 26, 2018 17:32:17 GMT
Hi and welcome back to two wheels,hope your health is a bit better now. Nice intro. A few of us have/had bikes on here (and scooters at the same time).I've had scooters from age 16, 53 now, also had the odd bike, gave up on bikes due to spondylitis and arthritis.Scootering is a different scene, with may good people involved in it, hope you and your Darlin' love it.
P.S I use a black Volvo style rear backrest/rack to bungee my walking stick to ( when my hip is killing me), my mates take the pish and say I should tie a fox tail ( imitation for all the animal lovers ๐, Inc me ) or union flag ,mod style (I'm NOT a mod, but everyone to thert own๐) .
Mijโบ
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Post by shytalk on Jul 26, 2018 20:21:53 GMT
First off I had my stick vertical so that the lower end was level with and off to one side of the number plate. It was partly held in place by the spring loaded carrier behind the spare wheel behind the backrest. Later at our young un's suggestion I put it so it lay part along the left hand footboard - sounds odd but seemed to work better. Mebbee need to permanently mount a vertical length of pipe closed at the lower end (but with a water drain hole) - suitably blingy of course. Can you still find 'Put a Tiger in your Tank' tiger tails? - doubt it - If you ever look at video of Bainbridge Hillclimb about 2 or 3 years ago I'm the one beating an on-fire Honda CX with a flat hat. Our Max is the lad who rides the thing. Every one else seems to ride sensible trials/enduro/motocross bikes. Our Max has a crosser but gets a kick out of attempting the foolhardy. - Good on him!
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Post by citydaz on Jul 26, 2018 21:54:11 GMT
Hi and welcome. when i got my vespa 3 years ago I hadnt ridden one for about 30 years, even though I have a Lambretta, the ride is completely different and the right side lean, and high centre of gravity takes some getting used to! Take it easy and in no time you will be getting your knee down at corners! Citydaz
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Post by shytalk on Jul 26, 2018 22:50:05 GMT
Does that mean I'll have fallen off?
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Post by mijapxman on Jul 27, 2018 0:26:44 GMT
First off I had my stick vertical so that the lower end was level with and off to one side of the number plate. It was partly held in place by the spring loaded carrier behind the spare wheel behind the backrest. Later at our young un's suggestion I put it so it lay part along the left hand footboard - sounds odd but seemed to work better. Mebbee need to permanently mount a vertical length of pipe closed at the lower end (but with a water drain hole) - suitably blingy of course. Can you still find 'Put a Tiger in your Tank' tiger tails? - doubt it - If you ever look at video of Bainbridge Hillclimb about 2 or 3 years ago I'm the one beating an on-fire Honda CX with a flat hat. Our Max is the lad who rides the thing. Every one else seems to ride sensible trials/enduro/motocross bikes. Our Max has a crosser but gets a kick out of attempting the foolhardy. - Good on him! Can't sleep due to back / hip pain and painkillers not working, so had a hunt for tiger tails ๐.๐ www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tail-Tiger-AKA-Fox-Tail-Made-in-England-Vespa-Lambretta-Mod/122870714736?hash=item1c9baa5170%3Ag%3AQZ0AAOSwyP5aOlp3&_sacat=0&_nkw=mod++tiger+fox+tails+for+arial&_from=R40&rt=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313Mijโบ
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Post by shytalk on Jul 27, 2018 7:45:12 GMT
I get sleepless nights as well. Most of the time I try to go easy on the painkillers so they are fresh & effective when I need them, but it doesn't always work. Then it is scale model kits/jigsaws/ebay if I can hack sitting, if not then writhe look at the wall/celing & wait, it allways eases a bit eventually. I try to hit the pain from different angles - anti inflammatories (which means more food to protect the already bulkier-than-it-should-be gut), coedine/tramadol/oromorph, humble paracetamol... a dram. Main thing is not to be het-up about it but you already know that. I still work & that is good for my head.
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Post by citydaz on Jul 27, 2018 11:13:44 GMT
Does that mean I'll have fallen off? No, it means you will be cornering at crazy angles with you sticking out a knee, just a few mm off the floor! watch moto gp races and you will understand. ride safe.
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Post by shytalk on Jul 27, 2018 14:49:16 GMT
Just being humourous - I used to occasionally passenger on a road-race sidecar (best position 6th in a Scottish National at Knockhill)
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Post by shytalk on Jul 27, 2018 17:52:19 GMT
Can't sleep due to back / hip pain and painkillers not working, so had a hunt for tiger tails ๐.๐ Read more: vespa.proboards.com/thread/7058/all-strange?page=1&scrollTo=53037#ixzz5MTi4PoZzHad a look at the tiger tail. Very impressive. I think I'll get one of those. Might also have it's uses if the wether ever turns cold again! Do you remember the little stuffed lions which were plentifull when we actually won a World Cup? I'm sure I saw them dangling off scooters. (I'd be 8 at the time) The name was 'World Cup Willie'
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Post by mijapxman on Jul 28, 2018 14:52:40 GMT
Shytalk, as a proud Scotsman, that's me gone RIGHT off you, for mentioning winning the world cup ๐๐๐.
Mijโบ
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Post by shytalk on Jul 28, 2018 16:37:38 GMT
You bit! As it happens I'm a McIntosh. I ordered a tiger tail. I think they are shorter & more tapered than the originals. My terrier will go spare trying to rag it.
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Post by scooterg on Jul 29, 2018 19:22:54 GMT
Welcome aboard ๐ต๐ต๐ต๐ต๐ต
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Post by henri on Jul 31, 2018 7:07:00 GMT
hi n welcome , as another bike riding/chair pilot good to have a fellow loon onboard . another thing we share back-pain, dumping a rd at 70mph an cartwheeling a grasstrack combo at 60mph for that .same as you i avoid regular use of painkillers ,so they work when ive no choice ,an also was taught a zen mind trick ,"own your pain,dont let it own you" , bit hippy/zen/Buddhist but it helps . i still work ,but come 2-3 oclock as the ache builds it helps me get finished ,cleaned up, an my favourite cure ,a stonking hot bath , tunes an a beer or 2 an a long soak. H
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Post by shytalk on Jul 31, 2018 13:09:50 GMT
I was taken out when a car driver shut the gap I was pulling into. He took umbrige at having to share "his" bit of road. That happens when I am out in my small dirty old car. Usually a bloke of 55 to 75 in a car which is the top comfort spec for a given body shell. They should be imprisoned for being such a danger but how do you proove it? My fault for not recognising the risk after 19 legal years of riding. I am lucky, I'm alive.
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Post by shytalk on Aug 2, 2018 7:33:49 GMT
Tiger tail arrived. The dog approved. Helen thought it was tacky, told her it was supposed to be. Semi-synthetic 2 stroke oil not here yet - eta yesterday, so having to be patient. Nearest bike shop 16 miles away in one direction, 14 in another but only stock synthetic so I ordered on-line. Should have gone 16 miles in the car. Manual (yes, Haynes) on its way so I know what to expect when I look at the brakes.
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Post by ironsloth on Aug 2, 2018 17:10:08 GMT
Hi and welcome.
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Post by shytalk on Aug 2, 2018 20:26:22 GMT
Oil arriced today. Topped up tank - then put bike on sidestand. Helen looked at bike when she came home - said I'd poured the oil all over it. Oil tank cap must leak when leant over. Learning? curve. Couldnt go out on it cause I'm on call this evening job 2 Private hire taxi driver - (employee) Thanks to: mijapxman, citydaz, scooterg, henri, & ironsloth, for all the welcomes & comments. Hopefully will get out tomorrow evening after dentist, dog walk & tea.
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Post by shytalk on Aug 7, 2018 9:10:04 GMT
Went in car to Ron Daley's in Barnsley to get new helmets for both of us & gloves for me.(Hour & a half each way). My old lid was 35 years old & full of dusty powdery stuff - bits lost off my brain? When we got home Helen had a go down the grassy lane to the garage & back twice. Stayed on. Started herself it unaided if she stalled. Excellent. Then both went out on it for 10 mile ride. Bike coped just fine. Helen really pleased - she has never been on the back of a bike before. Clutch loads better with gloves, but still heavy. Feels like a clutch on a much bigger bike. The cables are fine, it feels like it has Norton Atlas springs in there.
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Post by ironsloth on Aug 7, 2018 18:27:27 GMT
My clutch is almost on a hair trigger, only pull it in hard at those "oh sh*t" moments.
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Post by shytalk on Aug 9, 2018 19:49:28 GMT
Don't we all know them! Been to work (job 1 tourist office) on it several times now & it is starting to feel less odd, more normal & predictable apart from a hand gear change up for down & no positive stop. Motor bikes have had paddle style where the pedal returns to the same position each time since the late 30s - not a winge about the bike as such it's me at 60 which is slower to adapt! I'll get used to it.
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Post by phattanglo on Aug 10, 2018 11:03:08 GMT
Hi shytalk, I'm sure you will get used to the clutch but if not,you might consider a std Cosa clutch which is generally a bit lighter in action and should slot straight in.
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Post by shytalk on Aug 10, 2018 20:10:35 GMT
Thanks, phattanglo I might end up doing that, not for me, but for Helen when she starts to ride it as she has some carpal tunnel issues. She is strong enough as she is both left-handed & a hairdresser, it is just well uncomfortable for her. Can you get different levers with shorter reach for my stubby digits? What sort of performance should I expect? I know it has a Malossi 166 top end. The end can is also Malossi, so I guess the rest of the pipe is. It is a really sinuous compact expansion chamber which does not protrude beyond the mudflap, all on the offside of the bike. Ok I guess I am asking how long is a piece of string. It depends on whether the bits are all compatable, who did the work. How big the hill up or down How fat the git on top and so on
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Post by mijapxman on Aug 10, 2018 22:59:50 GMT
Shytalk, I concur with phattanglo on the clutch, if going on a mildly tuned scoot, a reinforced Cosa clutch is the one to go for. I use these lever ๐, best I've tried ๐, available for drum or disc brake scoots. www.pmtuning.co.uk/pro-street-lever-set-vespa-px-t5-pk-et3-v50Or these levers๐ beedspeed.com/products/vespa-handle-bar-levers-adjustable-cnc-px-v50-sprint-drumI have also used the disc brake and drum brake version of these levers๐ and really liked the feel and price of them. beedspeed.com/products/vespa-handle-bar-levers-dog-legs-polished-alloy-ribbedI also have used these levers๐and like the fact you can adjust the clutch and brake cables with them. beedspeed.com/products/vespa-handle-bar-levers-dog-legs-adjustable More levers here ๐๐ beedspeed.com/search?type=article%2Cpage%2Cproduct&q=Vespa*+handlebar*+levers*So many choices ๐. Performance wise, it depends on how much tuning has been done! Inlet tuning, crank inlet timing, barrel tuning, carb and exhaust! Bolt on with your pipe? Standard carb up jetted? Maybe 65mph My 166 Malossi is fitted with a 7spring, reinforced early 200cc/T5 type clutch, tho one of these will be fitted ,hopefully soon ๐. www.mp-maschinen.com/omgshop/vespa-tuning/largeframe/kupplung/926/kupplungskorb-px200-fuer-hondabelaege?c=26Mijโบ
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Post by shytalk on Aug 12, 2018 11:33:39 GMT
Thanks Mij, spoiled for choice with the levers! I get the feeling that standard clutches will eventually gently disintegrate particularly if made to handle more power/vigourous use. (Nowt wrong with mine at present)
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Post by mijapxman on Aug 12, 2018 13:59:09 GMT
Shytalk, yes, the clutches can't handle the increase in revs/ torque, when you have time mista freak mopeds YouTube channel is WELL worth a look through ๐๐
Mijโบ
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Post by shytalk on Aug 12, 2018 19:38:42 GMT
Thanks Mij that is well interesting - the tongues peel back like on early 50s BSAs.- I couldnt see why a full floating bush should be regarded as a potential for snatch, but every thing else made loads of sense. Are all years of CR 80 plates suitable? I then had to watch the crank case assembly as well. Will look at more the next night time bout of sciatica. Would be better if my computer wasn't mute, but then again I only understand (northern) English.
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Post by mijapxman on Aug 13, 2018 16:49:48 GMT
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Post by shytalk on Aug 13, 2018 18:35:22 GMT
Good one Mij. Honda friction area? So what! The material is far superior & handles more than double the Vespa output in racing conditions - and they slip them deiberately. Never had a CR, but our Max had a KX 80, RM125, 2 different KTM 125s, still has a TM250 & we have an RM80 & a KTM 125 to do up in the shed. Never had any clutch woes with any of them. What wasn't fully stated was how long the standard basket would last. I guess it's inner end will pack up if the outer slots are filed & the old drum re-used. If changing the basket anyhow, will the increase in life/reduction in hassle outweigh price difference? Are the aftermarket baskets thicker walled? Lots to get my head round. Just out of curiosity I did strip a scrap Vespa engine around 40 years ago. Stunk of burnt cork..... Thought the one sliding dog gearbox was novel. No need for a cam plate/barrel. (I used to repair bikes for over 15 years as part of my varied self-employment, I was on a customer's bike when I very nearly got to Kingdom Come.)
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Post by henri on Aug 14, 2018 7:02:15 GMT
on the subject of levers , not a fan of the big clunky with thumb wheel cable adjustment type ,they tend to un-adjust on there own . the pm tuning are ok if a bit pricey for what they are .for smaller hands solid non-adjustable dog leg types are my usual route , vespa 50 special types for drum brake scoots . theres no need for honda plates with your set-up an use , its probably running a standard 6 spring clutch an if stiff maybe mallosi springs ,as that seems the builders prefered brand . stiff action can have many causes ,over tight pivot bolt ,ungreased pivot, un-oiled or badly routed cable , binding clutch arm in the cover,an build up of crud in the return spring on cover . i'd suggest a cosa clutch for the mrs , the clutch cover would need alteration for it to fit in ,a simple job , an new cosa clutches need fettling before fitting .theres a issue with them not having slots in basket machined deep enough to allow full seperation of plates causing drag. an if you really miss having sequential gear changes theres a fancy selecter box available ,gear tube/clutch lever returns to neutral position after each gear change ,bout ยฃ200.but the only solution for some who's age or medical stuff means hand change could end there riding days .H
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