The Ignition is the heart of every combustion engine – it controls the exact moment at which the air-fuel mixture in the cylinder is ignited. SIP Performance by VAPE ignitions deliver consistently high performance, optimize the ignition timing, and allow the engine to respond more aggressively to the throttle. Perfectly tuned for anyone who wants to get the most out of their setup.
How to keep your Vespa ready to go
When two people hit it off, they understand each other, harmonize, and work well together. With a little imagination, this can be applied to Vespa scooters. For the engine to start and the two-wheeler to move, an ignition spark is needed.
To avoid the need for a lighter to ignite the air-fuel mixture, clever engineers invented the spark plug. This causes a small explosion that pushes the piston down and drives the engine. Without ignition, the engine would not run at all – so it is extremely important for getting everything moving.
We distinguish between two different ways of producing the famous spark:
1. The conventional contact ignition system
Typical sources of error
- worn contacts, defective capacitors
- high maintenance costs
- overall unstable engine running
- imbalance, engine vibrations, wear on the crankshaft bearings
- heavy pole wheels, resulting in sluggish engine performance
2. Innovative contactless ignition
Advantages of contactless ignition:
Classic Vespa riders will feel as if these ignition systems were designed and built especially for them. One of the biggest disadvantages of a Vespa used to be its poor lighting. That is now a thing of the past, which is more than beneficial for road safety. The now significantly brighter and more stable lighting is based on 110 W power output even at idle speed. These and other advantages justify the higher purchase price of SIP PERFORMANCE by VAPE ignition systems:
- less maintenance required
- greater reliability
- virtually eliminates engine misfiring
- strong and consistent spark
- better combustion, even with problems such as oily spark plugs, the engine starts much better.
- with the higher power, additional electrical components can be connected without any problems, such as USB charging ports, fuel pumps, heaters (lambda sensors).
- pole wheel made from a single piece, which virtually eliminates imbalances.
Who is Vape?
The company was founded in the Czech Republic in 1990 and is known for the excellent quality of its ignition systems (core product). It also manufactures ignition coils, sensors, alternators, voltage regulators, and wiring harnesses. SIP Scootershop has teamed up with Vape to build ignition systems specifically for classic Vespas. In summary, the following quality features of SIP PERFORMANCE by VAPE ignition systems can be identified:
- high electrical power
- precise mechanics
- improved handling
- easy adjustment (plug-and-play)
- ideally suited for retrofitting older scooters such as the Vespa
Ignition SIP PERFORMANCE by VAPE Sport 12V AC
For Vespa 125 GTR 2°/TS 2°/150 Sprint V 2°/Super 2°/200 Rally 2°/PX80-200/PE/Lusso/Cosa.
The sports version of the SIP PERFORMANCE by VAPE ignition offers speed-dependent adjustment of the ignition timing. At low speeds, a higher advance angle is used. This improves torque, especially in the pre-resonance range.
Thermal stress is reduced and increased performance in the upper speed range is possible.
In addition to simplified installation and adjustment (plug-and-play, after determining the top dead center TDC), the stroboscope lamp previously required is no longer necessary. This simplification is due to the precise markings on the pole wheel and base plate.
AC (Alternating Current) version
Alternating current, simpler, often battery-independent operation. This means that the direction of the current changes periodically.
DC (Direct Current) version
Direct current, the electrical charge always flows in the same direction (like a river), with constant polarity. Usually constant voltage.
Note
Most electronic devices operate on direct current (such as laptops, smartphones, computers, LEDs, refrigerators, washing machines, etc.).
But alternating current comes out of the outlet, doesn’t it?
That’s right. That’s why power supplies are equipped with so-called rectifiers, which convert alternating current into direct current. It should be noted that both types of current are indispensable and are used in different areas of everyday life.
Ignition SIP PERFORMANCE by VAPE Sport “Black Edition” 12V AC
For Vespa 125 GTR 2°/TS 2°/150 Sprint V 2°/Super 2°/200 Rally 2°/PX80-200/PE/Lusso/Cosa.
- 110 W electrical power – even at low speeds – ensures consistently bright light and stable on-board electrical systems.
- The one-piece pole wheel is precisely balanced and guarantees smooth, low-vibration engine running.
- The balanced flywheel mass improves responsiveness – the engine responds more directly and lively to the throttle.
- Adjusted early ignition provides noticeably more torque at low speeds.
Scope of delivery of SIP PERFORMANCE by VAPE ignition systems AC
Flywheel, ignition base plate, fan ring, voltage regulator, ignition coils, electronic control unit, ignition cables, mounting hardware, plugs, installation instructions.
Ignition SIP PERFORMANCE by VAPE Road Classic 12V AC
For Vespa 125 GTR 2°/TS 2°/150 Sprint V 2°/Super 2°/200 Rally 2°/PX80-200/PE/Lusso/Cosa.
Here, too, we have two variants: AC and DC.
These variants are visually almost indistinguishable from the original. This means that they blend inconspicuously into the look of the historic technology. In the Classic version, the fan wheel and ignition base plate are cast.
Good to know
The Classic ignition system is the entry-level model in the SIP PERFORMANCE ignition range. It is ideal for restorations, reliably generates the ignition spark, and always provides sufficient power for the lighting.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a modern, powerful, and reliable ignition system, you cannot go past SIP PERFORMANCE by VAPE ignition systems.
They solve many, if not most, of the problems associated with previous ignition systems. Based on this, they contribute significantly to greater safety and a longer engine life.
Last but not least, it should be noted that the riding experience is also significantly improved. Even in city traffic, with or without a passenger, the Vespa rider always retains full control over the two-wheeler.



