Performance upgrade recommendations?

[2tony]

Not sure what happened - my prior message disappeared on me. I apologize if I double post.

I recently acquired an Aero 125. Actually, it is a '57 Lambretta LD with an aero engine and fork transplanted into it. I'm excited!

I typically tune my scooters for performance, reliability, and handling, and have a few questions.

1) I've read that the 22mm Keihin is a direct bolt on. Can anyone verify this, and also tell me specifically which model (if they have more than one)?
2) I also read that modifying the variator (Ruckus swap? Polini springs?) will get better acceleration, and possibly top speed. Would be cool to hear what the options are (as well as ease of upgrade, reliablity, etc).
3) Does anyone upgrade the suspension (fork or dual rear shocks)?
4) any upgrades or modification recommended for the brakes?
5) Is there anything else that people are doing to increase performance, reliability, rideability?
6) Lastly - I use expansion chambers on the old tuned Vespas and Lambrettas. Is there one made for the Aero? Is anyone doing any mods to their exhaust for better performance?

Thanks for the feedback - this is going to be my girlfriend's scooter, but I'm looking forward to riding and working on it.

Will take some pics to upload for folks soon!
-Tony

[bear4570]

Nov 16, 2011 13:51:59 GMT -5 2tony said:

Not sure what happened - my prior message disappeared on me. I apologize if I double post.

I recently acquired an Aero 125. Actually, it is a '57 Lambretta LD with an aero engine and fork transplanted into it. I'm excited!

I typically tune my scooters for performance, reliability, and handling, and have a few questions.

1) I've read that the 22mm Keihin is a direct bolt on. Can anyone verify this, and also tell me specifically which model (if they have more than one)?
Yes, it bolts to the manifold, but you need an aftermarket throttle cable and will need to wire the oil pump at WOT or remove it and run premix. This carb has a manual choke with a lever on the carb. Also the idle mixture screw is on the engine side of the carb. Also you will have to rejet the carb. I am going to use the 22 Keihin on one scooter but a second one will have a CT intake and a 26 mm OKO carb with an adapter between the intake (I already have this) and the block.
2) I also read that modifying the variator (Ruckus swap? Polini springs?) will get better acceleration, and possibly top speed. Would be cool to hear what the options are (as well as ease of upgrade, reliablity, etc).
No, the 125 Variator is larger than the ruckus variator by a bunch. Just change out the 20.5 gram rollers for something in the 16 gram ranch and de-grease the variator.
3) Does anyone upgrade the suspension (fork or dual rear shocks)?
The Aero 125 comes with dual rear and front shocks.
4) any upgrades or modification recommended for the brakes?
The 125 has pretty big brakes. The only upgrade would be disc brakes and there is no kit. You will have to fabricate something.
5) Is there anything else that people are doing to increase performance, reliability, rideability?
You can not increase performance and reliability at the same time.
6) Lastly - I use expansion chambers on the old tuned Vespas and Lambrettas. Is there one made for the Aero? Is anyone doing any mods to their exhaust for better performance?
Nothing presently available exhaust wise. You could modify a 125 DIO exhaust to work. FYI, expansion chamber pipes lead to a very peaky horsepower curve which sucks on the street with a CVT (automatic) transmission. You would be better off with on non-expansion chamber pipe, especially if your GF is gonna be riding it.

Thanks for the feedback - this is going to be my girlfriend's scooter, but I'm looking forward to riding and working on it.

Will take some pics to upload for folks soon!
-Tony

[bear4570]

I forgot something with the intake system If you are keeping the stock intake, Boyesen make reeds to improve performance. This is the reply I got from them.

"We have a Boyesen single stage carbon fiber reed available to fit your 1984 Honda Aero 125 scooter.  The Boyesen Super Stock reed set in carbon fiber material is part # SSC063, and the price for the set (2 reeds) is $50.95 + shipping.  Attached is a picture of reed # SSC063.
Please let us know if you have any additional questions, or if you would like to place an order for the reeds.  Thank you for your help, and we await your reply.


With best regards,

Cheryl
Boyesen Engineering
8 Rhoades Road
Lenhartsville, PA 19534
USA
tel # [phone]
fax # [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail] 
Website: www.boyesen.com "

[djtomy]

Would these 16g 20x15 rollers work?
www.ebay.com/itm/Prodigy-20x15-Roller-16g-Kymco-SYM-Honda-SH125-150-/330640292397?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item4cfbb27a2d

[bear4570]

Yes, I have a couple sets of those myself.

[2tony]

Thanks bear and DJTomy - good info!

Because of the "modifications" with transplanting this engine into the Lambretta, premixing is already required, the throttle cable is not stock, and you've gotta manually choke the carb - so the issues mentioned with the 22mm aren't a problem.
Good info on the boyseen reeds. I have some as an upgrade on another lambretta.
BTW - there are various degrees of "tuning" on bikes. My experience is that increasing flow (eliminating restrictions) generally adds power AND reliability. However, you're correct - after a certain point, the add'l HP over-strains the other components, and is sometimes achieved through taking things "over the edge."