BOLT-ON BITS S
The array of tuning goodies at Milan was quite overwhelming. Although Polini had little new to offer, Pinasco’s development team have been busy. Not only have they dipped a toe into the world of Lambretta with their GP gear cluster, they also see a demand for tuning older Vespas. Historically wide-frames may not have been the fastest scooters available but Pinasco have decided to change that. In addition to flytech ignition they now offer a five-port 160cc Nikasil-coated alloy cylinder conversion, 24mm intake manifold, 57mm crank, six-spring clutch and four-speed gearbox. A ‘HighBrake’ drum is available to help 8in wheels handle the extra power.
Malossi’s Vespower ignition has received a makeover with improved cooling through a redesigned fan and a lightened flywheel (1.2kg). The unusually named Marmitte (apparently it’s Italian for ‘muffler’ not a misspelt tribute to a yeast-based spread) ‘Black Sound’ exhaust claims to improve performance over previous models by 5% while “pleasing your ears with the perfect symphony”.
Regardless of any exhaust note claims, one thing that came over loud and clear at Milan was the importance of VE (UK) to the British scooter scene. It was difficult to find a manufacturer who didn’t mention VE when they realised where I came from. So it was no surprise to bump into their managing director and racing legend Norrie Kerr at the show. With his in-depth knowledge of what’s new and what’s due, we asked Norrie to summarise his tuning highlights from the show exclusively for Scootering.
“Quality is the byword at Malossi and they continue to look at new markets for their products,” he said. “Malossi have their new 166 PX125 kit and I know there are some other exciting items in the pipeline. Polini already have an excellent range for classic scooters and their EVO parts are popular, again there is something new coming, which I suspect will be a new exhaust system.
“Pinasco are really going to town and as their UK importer we will be stocking all the new items shown in Milan. Of most
interest is the T5 162 kit that can be used as a rotary valve or reed valve setup. Anyone with a duff rotary valve can use this cylinder with the reed valve to good use.
“The Pinasco small frame crankcases with the cassette multiple gear are something special. When combined with the primary gears on their special crank it will be a great feature for race-minded scooterists. The small frame parts will be a real crowd pleaser, as UK scooterists begin to re-discover the benefits of the wee scooters.
“We had a great show, and will be working with our suppliers to get the new items shown in Milan to the UK ASAP.”