Vespa fans may have been wishing that Sticky would stop messing about with Lambrettas and produce a Complete Spanner’s Manual just for them. Well, that time has come.
Yes, his first Vespa book is being printed right now and is available to pre-order, ready for despatch in early February. Before you all get overly excited, this book is aimed at those early Wideframe Vespa models rather than the humble PX but there are still some crossovers and handy tips.
Two years in the making
One thing you can be assured of is that this book has been thoroughly researched. Sticky has travelled to various experts around Europe and spent over two years getting the material and knowledge he needed to write it.
Here are seven reasons why you might want to buy a copy…
- You have a Wideframe Vespa (like the one above): Obviously, if you own one, then this book will be very useful to you; even if you don’t work on it yourself. With modernised maintenance and usage tips and a fault-finding chapter, it’ll help you pinpoint and resolve simple problems.
- Rebuilding Wideframes is not as easy as a PX engine: Later Vespa largeframe engines use a divided main bearing on the flywheel side of the crankshaft, so you can re-assemble one without heat or use of a puller. The Wideframe engine uses much older technology, so assembly methods are more involved. It’s not rocket science, but there is a bit to learn.
- The book was a collaborative effort with many Wideframe experts: Sticky didn’t just go to one specialist to learn about these scooters. He travelled all over Europe to photograph and study the different methods and parts employed by various builders. No single builder knows everything and each different approach has its merits. For example; the book now covers three different methods to assemble the crankshaft bearings and close the casing. You can choose which method suits you and your tool selection.
- There’s one intrinsic flaw with these engines: The kickstart mechanism on all Wideframes is a poor design and prone to problems of wear, sticking and leaking oil. In the past, repair would often require machining, but since work on the book began two years ago, a ready-to-fit solution has been developed. This development by SIP Scootershop and Berni Seidl should make it easier to rebuild a Wideframe at home without needing a lathe, and much less likely to cry gearbox oil.
- Your Vespa Wideframe is so slow, smoky and unreliable that you never ride it: It doesn’t need to be that way. Over the last decade a ‘Wideframe tuning’ scene exploded in Germany and Italy. The result is an ever-widening selection of components available, permitting you to run half the oil mixture and cruise at a much higher speed. This is not a tuning book, but it discusses various performance options and how to prepare a higher-power Wideframe engine. The manual includes gearing tables and details of how to fit an electronic ignition kit.
- You want to learn new techniques: The best-selling Complete Spanner’s Manuals up to now have all concerned Lambrettas. The reason they have sold so well is that they take a step-by-step pictorial format, showing the differences between parts and repair methods. This approach has now been transferred to Vespa. Even if you don’t own a Wideframe, the book explains some clever methods to fit a crankshaft and set ignition timing that are not covered in any other Vespa manual.
- You simply LOVE Vespa: If you are a passionate Vespista and collect all the information you can about your beloved scooter; then don’t miss out on this book. It’s written in a friendly, easy-to-follow way, with trademark sprinkles of ‘Sticky’ humour and interesting facts about the various Wideframe producers.
Where can I buy The Complete Spanner’s Manual: Vespa Wideframe Engines?
The book goes on general sale from February 10th. The aim is to get pre-orders shipped out by that date.
You can pre-order the softback here in the SLUK Shop. Alternatively, it will be stocked by most good classic scooter specialists. The softback is priced at £29.99.
If you are in the market for a signed, limited-edition hardback copy for your bookshelf, then these will only be available direct from Sticky’s webshop. These are priced at £39.99; while stock remains.
Sticky’s also selling a discounted ‘double pack’ of a hardback for the bookshelf and softback for covering in dirty fingerprints in the garage.
Book signing event Germany
No time to snooze. The official release of the book will be at Scooterist Meltdown on February 3rd. There will also be an early bird pre-signing event at Scooter Center on the morning of Friday 2nd Feb for those who aren’t going to Scooterist Meltdown.
Can I read an English book in my language?
While the SLUK Website automatically translates text depending on your location, a book does not. However, with a modern smartphone running Google Translate, you can read an English book. The video above explains how.
