A hub for motorcycle culture and creativity, Brisbane-based custom builder Ellaspede was approached by a bloke named Rick in order to tidy up his 1963 VBB Piaggio Vespa. The bike had been gathering dust in Rick’s garage waiting for its former owner to return from abroad; however, a change of plans saw caretaker Rick as the new owner of the little two-stroke Italian. With a dust-off Rick enjoyed putting around for a while before a few issues drove it back to storage again.

Following a clean-up and polish, the guys got to work sorting various electrical issues, integrating a battery to help run a new headlight and indicators and generally tidying things up. As the cleaning progressed, it became apparent that the seemingly okay paint started to look less than it could, so off came everything required for a new paint job in gloss black with white stripe down the right leg shield.

New trim and rubber replacements were now in order as were new white wall tyres, and a new speedo. The seat was always going to be custom. Ellaspede took cues from the body work to guide the shaping. Finished in brown leather, it contrasts well with the dark duco. Matching covered hand grips help balance the look.

Mirrors are handy things and, at times, an over-specked item on retro scooters. Not being a mod, Rick wanted to minimise things; so an under-slung 3” round unit was integrated as the right brake lever pivot. A similar integrated approach was used with the placement of the Posh brand indicators. The smooth black bullet shape suits the styling of the Vespa very well. Mounting the fronts off the headlight cowl seemed the most logical and fitting spot.

While the initial idea was to replace the carb to maximise reliability and performance from the aging but still good two-stroke, it was later decided to swap the motor for a fully reconditioned PX150 unit. With very little tuning, the new engine burst into life and now gives the little wasp a 12hp sting compared to it’s original 4–5hp. The new engine also provided much better charging so the original ‘sans battery’ status has been reinstated.

Words/Source: Ellaspede