Last month I purchased a '78 P200E with 6300 miles for $400. I’ve been tinkering with it and it seems to run great, starts on kicks 1-4 and has a decent body with minimal rust.
I just got new tires and took it out to see what she had. Well low and behold it would only do 50mph! Everything I read says it should do 70! I weigh 180 so I’m really not a lard a**!
The first mechanic I spoke with off the bat said „Oh, you need an engine rebuild! Just send it to me and for $400 I’ll fix you right up!“ BTW, this guy „directly“ works for one of the BIG mail order outfits.
Last night I pulled the exhaust and didn’t notice anything out of sorts. Where should I look next for the source for my lack of power?
I’ve really been bitten by the „scooter-bug“ and hate to not ride it! Should I ride it or will I end up doing more damage?
I really don’t want to drop $$$ if I don’t have to!
Thanks Guys!
OMG
Start with a decoke, decoke the exhaust with caustic soda, check the timing. When you have the head off to do the decoke you can check the condition of the bore, if it shot get a rebore and new piston. Clean the carb and all the jets, clean the airfilter. Check all oil seals are ok. Check that it is a P200 engine and not a 125. Get the engine number and head over to www.scooterhelp.com you should find the details there. Could be a number of things, just work your way through it. With the Old P200’s they range in speed for 60 - 75. If you have a good one it will hit 75, most top out between 65-70.
When you kick it over if the kickstart easily goes to the floor definately new rings. If your not sure if it goes to the floor to easily try kicking someone elses over and you might be surprised how much harder there’s is. As if you have a lack of compression it will be very easy to press the kickstart to floor.
usually find lack of power on old p2’s is piston rings worn .providing the bore isnt worn out try new rings & decoke the head and treat her to a new plug usually does the trick
well, firstly try what the vespa doctor said, try the rings and a good decoker and carb clean and definately a new plug. howevewr i have a mate that just spent around £700 getting his engine fully tuned and it would only do 60. after a quick look and a big of testing i worked out that it was the stator plate, he changed that and it was off, big style 85 - 90!!!
so if you try the vespadoctors idea and it doesn’t work then try the stator plate. answer yourself one question though before you shell out on a stator plate though cos they are reasonably expensive (around £60 - £80). does the engine hold back but feel like it wants to go faster? if it does then i would definately suggest a new stator plate but if not then only try it if you are out of ideas.