The crankcase reed CZ1 casing includes radical features such as a hydraulic clutch worked from the flywheel side
The crankcase reed CZ1 casing includes radical features such as a hydraulic clutch worked from the flywheel side

At ScooterLab we always try to bring you news on developments and tuning parts for our humble scooters. 2020 may have been a strange year for us all but we’ve still done our best to keep up with new and exciting leaps forward in two-stroke technology.

In part one of this feature, Sticky introduced us to Italian tuning house, Fabbri Racing. Today he talks us through a plethora of exotic tuning parts bearing the Fabbri name, including a 180cc, 42bhp smallframe kit. Mmmmm, baby…

The gearbox for this engine is very special. The gear cogs and layshaft are all specials designed to accept a 6-legged gear selector
The gearbox for this engine is very special. The gear cogs and layshaft are all specials designed to accept a 6-legged gear selector

Fabbri GP CZ1 Casing

Fabbri’s most radical project is an engine that has been used for display and as a talking point at the EICMA international motorcycle show.

The GP CZ1 casing is due to go on sale early 2021
The GP CZ1 casing is due to go on sale early 2021
The engine uses roller bearings throughout and a 5-speed gearbox with polygonal clutch fitting
The engine uses roller bearings throughout and a 5-speed gearbox with polygonal clutch fitting

This is really the most radical and innovative engine I’ve seen to fit the smallframe Vespa, designed to accommodate a water-cooled TM kart cylinder and upgraded internally to cope. It is purely a racing proposal with Grand Prix like spec.

Fabbri build cranks to order. Weights will be calculated and added to the webs according to piston weight and application
Fabbri build cranks to order. Weights will be calculated and added to the webs according to piston weight and application
Assembling 2-stroke cranks and balancing them is still very much a black art practised only by wizards
Assembling 2-stroke cranks and balancing them is still very much a black art practised only by wizards

Crankshafts

 

One area of the workshop is dedicated to crankshafts, of which the vast majority sit disassembled. Fabio keeps the cranks ‘open’ because he delivers the cranks with balancing weights to suit the customer. The crank voids are filled with steel or tungsten.

Fabio also produces extra-wide rotary disc valve cranks that can be custom balanced
Fabio also produces extra-wide rotary disc valve cranks that can be custom balanced

Besides weight, Fabbri can also change the volume of the crankshaft. If you want more volume in the crankcase by having thinner webs the balance can be regained by adding more tungsten, but the material cost is consequently higher.

Fabbri close-ratio cluster for standard loose gears
Fabbri close-ratio cluster for standard loose gears

Transmission

 

Gearing is also a big business, narrowing the gaps between gears is important on any level of tuned engine. For everyday tuned motors, close-ratio gear clusters which mesh with the original Piaggio loose gears are some of Fabbri’s best selling products.

Polygonal drive components
Polygonal drive components
Fabio also produces a selection of wide 5-speed gearboxes for performance applications
Fabio also produces a selection of wide 5-speed gearboxes for performance applications

For the most powerful engines woodruff keys and conical fits still don’t cut it. In those situations, Fabbri produce crankshafts, drive gears, gear clusters and clutch centres with triangular polygonal connections.

The cheaper Endurance clutch bell uses progressive springs made from certified valve spring steel
The cheaper Endurance clutch bell uses progressive springs made from certified valve spring steel

When it comes to clutch bells, all the latest smallframe kits give the cush-drive, “parastrappi” in Italian, a hard time. Fabio makes a couple of upgraded versions to suit different depths of pocket.

The Performance primary clutch bell is the high-end lightweight model made of harder-wearing steel
The Performance primary clutch bell is the high-end lightweight model made of harder-wearing steel

Fabio offers three versions of his clutches in various cost levels to suit road, race or extreme engines.

 

FB36 high-end clutch uses all aluminium plates and 16 springs. We fitted this clutch to Underdog for the 6-hour race. Note the hole in the centre of the clutch pressure plate…
FB36 high-end clutch uses all aluminium plates and 16 springs. We fitted this clutch to Underdog for the 6-hour race. Note the hole in the centre of the clutch pressure plate…
Fabbri’s entry-level performance clutch is this 150 Euro 10-spring affair
Fabbri’s entry-level performance clutch is this 150 Euro 10-spring affair
Plain plates are dished for clearance with 4 cork friction plates and are dimpled for grip
Plain plates are dished for clearance with 4 cork friction plates and are dimpled for grip
…Fabbri produces a special Piaggio XL2 toothed clutch plunger with a pin in the centre to perfectly align the clutch cover to the centre of the clutch
…Fabbri produces a special Piaggio XL2 toothed clutch plunger with a pin in the centre to perfectly align the clutch cover to the centre of the clutch
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Fabbri 180 kit – claimed output is 42hp
Fabbri 180 kit – claimed output is 42hp

Cylinders

 

As you might imagine, Fabbri also has his own line of Vespa tuning kit cylinders, but unlike some rivals, he’s resisted the call to ‘go large’ on every option. When we have now reached the point where ‘too much power’ is a possibility, sometimes developing something with a wider power spread and an easier ride characteristic results in an engine that is complimentary to rider skill.

Fabbri 180 port layout
Fabbri 180 port layout

Fabbri’s main kit is a 180 smallframe top end to fit the Quattrini (and Fabbri) casings. Fabio rates it as having one of the broadest power spreads of all the smallframe kits.

Air-cooled and water-cooled Vespa kits based on DEA designs are now available from Fabbri
Air-cooled and water-cooled Vespa kits based on DEA designs are now available from Fabbri

DEA/Fabbri

Kart specialists DEA kits gained many wins on the track in recent years with their Vespa kits. Fabio has recently invested in licensing production of DEA’s water-cooled and air-cooled smallframe kits as Fabbri products.

Raw casting of the water-cooled kit designed by DEA
Raw casting of the water-cooled kit designed by DEA
The DEA port layout incorporates 6 transfers, one boost feed from the inlet and three exhaust ports
The DEA port layout incorporates 6 transfers, one boost feed from the inlet and three exhaust ports
Fabbri version of the SIP Vape ignition
Fabbri version of the SIP Vape ignition

Ignitions

 

Fabbri has a collaboration with SIP Scootershop to market a version of their VAPE ignition with a specific fan and stator plate base to suit Fabio’s monster engines.

For the lightweight PVL race ignition, Fabio also makes a special fan with interchangeable steel or brass weights to suit
For the lightweight PVL race ignition, Fabio also makes a special fan with interchangeable steel or brass weights to suit
The weights are perfectly machined to fit onto four lobes machined onto the underside of the fan
The weights are perfectly machined to fit onto four lobes machined onto the underside of the fan
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What Next?

 

Having visited Fabbri in the middle of the Coronavirus pandemic, it’s a little hard to say. Engineering in Italy is slowly restarting but most industrial processes are suffering delays which naturally have a knock-on effect. There seemed to be plenty of stock on hand of most products but I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the forthcoming exotica like the engine casings ends up with delays.

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Test ride?

What I have been promised is a test ride on a Fabbri 180 next time I’m in Emilia Romagna. I’m sure you’ll want to know what that goes like, won’t you?

Words and photos: Sticky

 

You can find out more about Fabbri products at Fabbri Racing website.

If you think SLUK should supply Fabbri in the UK let us know in the comments, or email us at: editorial@scooterlab.uk

Fabri Racing gallery

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