DIY Network

Vespa Finale: Install a 12-Volt Ignition Kit From "Classic Rides" episode DCLR-113

In the previous segment host Kevin Tetz and Greg West, a Vespa restoration expert routed the control cables and assembled the brake cables. In this next-to-last segment they install a 12-volt ignition kit on the '74 Vespa Sprint Veloce project scooter.

One of the best upgrades you can perform on a scooter is the 12-volt electronic ignition (figure A) upgrade. It will add a lot of reliability to the scooter, and the timing will stay spot on -- and you'll have a better start and more trouble-free riding!

Compared to the old ignition system (figure B -- new one on left), the old one had breaker points. The new one has an electronic setup that replaces the points unit. There's also a new flywheel that's designed to work with the stator plate.

Figure A

Figure B

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	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F

Note: The stator plate (figure C) holds all of the electrical coils, which power the bike's lights, ignition and battery charging circuits.

• With the old stator plate off, feed the mounting wires into place on the new electronic setup.

• Lay the stator flat and line it up with timing mark from the original setup and screw it down.

• Next the woodruff key (figure D) is installed. Line the flywheel up with the woodruff key -- and it slips into place. Tighten the bolt on the flywheel and tap the ratchet with a rubber mallet, locking the flywheel securely into place.

• Before you mount the CDI coil unit, attach the wires to the corresponding color codes to the stator plate wires, and tighten the unit into place.

• Attach the ground and power wires.

• Cover the metal parts of the wiring to avoid grounding -- and straighten up the assembly using zip ties.

• Next, some of the old hardware needs to be removed so the new components can be mounted on the plate. The old regulator is the first to go.

• Install the new pre-wired regulator (figure E) to the scooter body. Start by hooking the main power wire, which provides power to the front of the scooter, to the regulator, which holds it at 12 volts.

• Connect the red wire from the rectifier with a power wire going to the battery power.

• Set the battery on a tray and strap it down. Neaten up the wires using zip ties and tape the wires to prevent any shorts.

• Now you're ready to hook up the battery. Start by attaching the hot lead (figure F), and repeat the same process on the other side of the battery.

• Attach the fasteners, securing the cowl to the scooter frame and tighten them down into place.

In the final segment of the Vespa episodes, Kevin and Greg attach the engine side cowl and wrap up the remaining wires -- and once the scooter is accessorized, Kevin take it for a cruise.

RESOURCES :

Eazyrizer Big Blue Motorcycle Lift (Driven Gear)
Driven Gear Inc.
Website: www.drivengear.com

RaceDeck Modular Flooring (SnapLock Industries)
SnapLock Industries
Website: www.racedeck.com

Vespa Restoration Parts (Scomo)
Scomo
Website: www.scomo.net

Air Compressor (Bend-Pak)
Bend-Pak, Inc.
Website: www.bendpak.com

Stock Photos, Videos, CD Rom and Timesurfer (Piaggio)
Piaggio, USA, Inc.
Website: www.piaggio.com/

GUESTS :

Greg West
Scooter Restoration Expert
E-mail: wheelsX2@yahoo.com