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by **JimVonBaden** » Thu Feb 18, 2021 1:37 pm

Completed the display wiring and installed the glovebox. Yes, a glovebox. Those swanky Italians!

Anyone see my shame?

Oh, and for those dying to see me paint black, the centerstand!

by **jcabiles** » Thu Feb 18, 2021 8:34 pm

JimVonBaden wrote:Completed the display wiring and installed the glovebox. Yes, a glovebox. Those swanky Italians!

Anyone see my shame?

You need a sign that reads, “NO SHARP TOOLS WITHIN FIVE FEET!”

by **JimVonBaden** » Thu Feb 18, 2021 11:44 pm

jcabiles wrote:
JimVonBaden wrote:Completed the display wiring and installed the glovebox. Yes, a glovebox. Those swanky Italians!

Anyone see my shame?

You need a sign that reads, “NO SHARP TOOLS WITHIN FIVE FEET!”

No kidding! :emb:

by **JimVonBaden** » Thu Feb 18, 2021 11:44 pm

Nothing glamorous, just installed the centerstand and traced every wire, checked them all to make sure they didn't ground to the body, or mix 12V and 72V in any way, then buttoned it up in the back.

by **JimVonBaden** » Fri Mar 05, 2021 7:54 pm

What I accomplished after 4 hours of work on the Vespa.

by **JimVonBaden** » Thu Mar 11, 2021 10:05 pm

It runs!

https://youtu.be/STywl4uOLNk

by **JimVonBaden** » Fri Mar 12, 2021 8:18 pm

Thanks guys! I got it mostly back together today. Cleaned up and sorted the wiring, and installed the body pieces. Everything works except the power gauge. I popped it by crossing a wire.

Tomorrow it will be tested.

by **Rick F.** » Sat Mar 13, 2021 5:55 pm

Jim,

Looking good! But why do I have the feeling that you'll be practicing your wheelie control soon?

Rick

by **JimVonBaden** » Sun Mar 14, 2021 1:17 am

Rick F. wrote:Jim,

Looking good! But why do I have the feeling that you'll be practicing your wheelie control soon?

Rick

Thanks Rick.

It is pretty fast, but with a hesitation on take-off. I need to do some optimization of the power control, but I suspect a lighter rider could do a pop a wheelie!

by **JimVonBaden** » Sun Mar 14, 2021 6:13 pm

Today was fun. I bled the rear brake, then added my GPS to the speedo with a suction mount, then went for a ride. The brakes are much improved since I have the rear disc, which got better and better as it bedded in. I took it on the main road and went as fast as I could. Keep in mine I am 275 pounds, and a big wind break. Still, I managed an impressive speed for not having to done any mods to the programming.

Here is the GPS mounted, upside down to get some video.

Here is the GPS speeds, which are slightly faster than the speedo.

52 mph is not bad at all. I am confident that I can get more speed out of it.

In 8 miles I used about 10% of the battery, but this was a lot of stops and starts, all at nearly full throttle. I think 50 miles is doable. The battery and the motor stayed cool.

Lots more to do, but I am quite happy so far!

by **jskene** » Tue Mar 16, 2021 2:18 pm

Very impressive job, Jim.

Should be fun to ride around on.

Jerry

by **JimVonBaden** » Tue Mar 16, 2021 3:20 pm

jskene wrote:Very impressive job, Jim.

Should be fun to ride around on.

Jerry

Thanks Jerry, it really is fun!

From another forum specializing in Vespas:

Jim - remarkable job really.
And perfect scoot to do it to.
Nice P2 motor for Chandlerman came out of it as well!

Interested in your opinion of the riding experience.
Video would also be fun to see to get a sense.
You've got bigger bikes - so this is likely mostly a grocery getter - where I assume it is best.
Have always been concerned I would miss the riding experience with electric.
What's it like?!

I plan to ride it this coming weekend, when the weather is good, from full battery to near empty. I will take it on speedy roads and in town to try to get a rounded feel of it. I will have my gopro on it for video.

From my 12 miles so far, all I can say is that it is a lot of fun. Nearly silent, quick off the line, but from 10mph on, a near rocket. It tries to lift the front if I do not lean into it. For reference, I am 280 pounds, so I would imagine it would be faster with a guy half my size on it. Once up to speed it is smooth and tractable, responsive to throttle and steering input. The small tires make it slightly twitchy, but that has nothing to do with being electric.

So far I have not touched the settings. I will likely trim it with just a bit more power off the line, and slightly less as it spools up. Hopefully I will have my amp/volt meter hooked up to get an idea of the power usage when at different throttle inputs.

To your last comment, I am a 40+ year gas motorcycle rider, but extremely limited two stroke scooter miles, and I can say the electric is so much fun that I do not miss the noise and feel of the gas motor.

by **JimVonBaden** » Wed Mar 17, 2021 9:29 pm

Seat prop and battery cover done:

Thinking about putting this rack back on, but I am undecided. It is functional, but not very aesthetically pleasing.

by **JimVonBaden** » Thu Mar 18, 2021 11:35 pm

A little cosmetic work today. Added the legshield rails and rubber, plus new decals to the cowls!

by **jskene** » Fri Mar 19, 2021 9:37 am

How do you charge it?

BMWBMW

First Scooter, not my first project.

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Re: First Scooter, not my first project.

Re: First Scooter, not my first project.

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Re: First Scooter, not my first project.

Re: First Scooter, not my first project.

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