PX200 handling and brakes question.

[phil mcglassup]

Hi All,

I've had my PX200E for a little while now but I'm still not confident with the handling on rough road surfaces (especially where diagonal or long trenches have been reinstated) it feels like the front wheel is in one rut and the rear wheel is in another!! Is this how they are? This is the only scooter I have ever ridden so I can't compare it to anything and other bikes I've owned/ridden, including a monkey bike with small wheels were much better. I knew before I bought it that Vespas have a high riding position but this seems a different problem. How anyone would want to go above 50 mph on one of these I don't know!!

I've taken hold of the left hand side handlebar grip and shaken the bike side to side but there is nothing to suggest any problems. Tyre pressures and wheel bearings and fork bearings are fine. The bike has got state of the art adjustable shockers (fitted by previous owner) and set so that the wheels are not off the ground when it's on it's stand - could that be something to do with it?

The other thing, the front drum brake is not particularly effective, what can be done?

As usual any help appreciated.

[goldeneye]

cant see what the problem is meself like.

[Juan]

P range Vespa's have a vague, woolen feel about their ride at the best of times so without riding yours it's hard to say if it's any worse than usual. Could be a number of factors. shite tyres, worn engine and shock mount (pay particular attention to the rear shock top bush) twisted chassis etc. or any number of combinations. You can make them slightly better but not by a huge amount.

As for the front brakes you can go disc, either semi of fully hydralic.

[squeakmillward]

probably block tread tyres,my ass used to clutch the seat in the wet going over wite lines and overbanding think they were stock mitchelin s83
fitted some yokahama profires and it was a different scoot altogether

[dopeshots]

I have had this on mine but it's usually the crap road surfaces that cause it to feel like its gonna throw you off. On a decent road surface it is great.

[phil mcglassup]

I'll have a look at the things listed - and those tyres.

Mine too handles well and with confidence on good roads and because I'm quite a 'mature' rider and not as confident as I used to be I too feel like it's gonna throw me off or slide away from underneath me on some of the rough or repaired roads. On bends the knees go nowhere near the tarmac!!

The shockers are I believe 5 point adjustable ones so maybe adjusting them to stiffen the ride might help a bit. Would that make it better and remove some of the 'wooliness'?

Thanks for the input everyone.

[phil mcglassup]

I've had a look for the profires but I can't find any - maybe I'm not looking in the right places!!

Mine has Michelin S1 tyres fitted, how do they compare? Is there anything that's readily available that might do better?
Might a change of tyre reduce the twitching and other handling problems, especially in the wet ?

[Juan]

If it's imperial size then you won't find a profile size on it, closest size to 3.50 x 10 is the 90/90 x 10. I use 18 PSI front, 28 PSI rear for normal riding, up it about 8 - 10 on the rear for 2 up.

S1's were alright years ago when made in Europe but I beleive they all come from the far East now and are crap in comparison. Yokohama's are good if you can find any, some Sava stuff is good and Heindua's or however you spell it are good and I'm sure there are others.

When you say the shock is 5 way adjustable I presume you mean the rear only and a Sebac or similar? Bump it up to the middle or 2nd top setting for normal riding and top notch for 2 up and 'or loaded riding.

[smiffy1968]

Suspension and tyres are pivotal to handling. If its wooly handling the suspension needs stiffening, if it feels iffy on corners and not stable the Vee Rubber's need binning!

[phil mcglassup]

Which tyre (brand and model) would you suggest are the best for grip in wet/damp conditions and rough surfaces?

I assume that many manufacturers offer a range of tread pattern and shore hardness tyres hence the reason for asking about the names of the softer ones. I don't do many miles so if they don't last too long it doesn't matter too much!!
TIA