1980 V50 Special (85 cc Polini, 19/19 Dellorto, Malossi)
1) It seems that when driving >20 km/h, whenever I apply the front brake, or drive over even a small irregularity in the street, the front unit makes 'clack' sound. Front brake drum is new, as is the front shock. Is this normal for the front suspension of the V50 or is this possibly a problem with the front fork - and if so, where do I start looking?
2) I find shifting, especially getting the scooter into neutral and first gear often challenging, and when I do find the gear, it often 'jerks' just prior to the gear engaging, even with the clutch fully engaged. I have recently reinforced the (original) clutch with a new Malossi spring and 4 new cork disks. Any ideas? Is this potentially a problem with the gear selector? I am planning on replacing the primary to a 3.0 next winter so will have to split the engine to do so. What are the key things to look at when shifting is not smooth?
Hi there
1) The front suspension and front brake of these vespa models are basically not the most recent type of design.
But a "clack" sound isn't normal. You cannot identify the reason for the "clack" without inspecting the Vespa personally.
Maybe the front damper/spring coil has defects, maybe the brake mechanism itself has defects.
Or maybe you bought a cheap suspension which is already broken when you take it out of ist original packaging.
In any case it is highly recommendable to consult a specialist experienced with Vespas to identify the clack.
2) Vespas do not have a synchronised gear box unlike cars and modern motorcycles. So it Needs a Little Feeling in your handwrist to respect the way of gear shifting a "claw-type gear".
Another Point... you fitted a malossi clutch with reinforced springs... now you can take a look at every member of the chain, beginning from the clutchlever, the bowden wires and the clutch cover.
It will never work smooth, the only way to Change your rough clutch into a smooth kitty is to put a PK XL mark 2 clutch inside...