SIP have released a couple of tasty new products for Vespa owners who want to add a bit of extra style to their scooters.
First up, we have these stylish graphics kits. Designed specifically for modern Vespas and the PX, they’re made with high-quality, durable 3M Comply technology.
SIP said the graphics offer “Quick, bubble-free application.” It looks easy enough on the fitting video below, but I’m sure I could mess these up pretty quickly! If you doubt your own ability, take them to a local vinyl sign company and pay to have them installed.
Features
- Unique design for a custom Vespa look
- Perfect fit – installs without cutting or modifying
- Durable thanks to high-quality film and 3M Comply tech
Video: SIP show how to fit them
Price and availability
The sticker kits are available now from SIP and cost £181.93 (plus VAT/import duty if you’re in the UK).
SIP MK II 13″ Vespa forged rims
Upgrading a Vespa GTS to 13″ wheels has been a popular mod for years, but usually involved using wheels taken from another scooter (often an MP3).
Features:
- Low weight, more agile handling
- Dynamic design with concave surface
- Wide tyres up to 140/60-13″ approved
- With general operating permit (ABE)
Why forged?
SIP has collaborated with a specialist rim developer to make these rims as strong and light as possible. They weigh in at just 3,000 grammes, making them the lightest 13″ rim for modern Vespa models. This was made possible thanks to the uncompromising and extremely complex development process. In the motorcycle world, forged rims are considered a high-end product, and their cost is often prohibitive. SIP’s aim was to bring an affordable forged rim to market (other forged Vespa rims cost around twice as much).
Design
The specialised forging process makes the material particularly dense and robust, enabling lighter rims than conventional cast rims. The five slim, double-spoke design makes them look tasty and shows that SIP haven’t wasted material or installation space in their creation. Also, for the first time, compared with any SIP or Piaggio design, the centre of the rim has been designed deeper than the outer edge. This concave shape is visually appealing, almost as if the rim has a positive offset.
Why does weight matter?
Wheels are generally quite heavy; reducing their weight lowers unsprung mass, which improves handling and the power-to-weight ratio.
What is unsprung mass?
Basically, anything below the moving part of your shock absorber is ‘Unsprung.’ That includes your wheel rims, tyres, brake discs and callipers, bolts, cables etc.
Everything below your suspension has to move upwards when you go over a bump, and inertia is proportional to mass. Everything below your suspension moves together and forms part of the same block of inertia. Less weight equals less unsprung mass and means your suspension can react faster and your tyres have improved contact with the road. It improves your ride, stability and power-to-weight ratio.
Less is more.
Price and availability
The rims are available in gloss black, gloss black with polished spokes, matt black, matt black with polished spokes, or bronze. They fit front or rear, although the rear wheel will also need a bush (SIP make their own, they cost £5.10 plus VAT etc.).
The rims are priced from £276 to £291 (depending on finish). Prices are plus VAT and import duty if you’re buying direct from SIP.
