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Vespa 180 Super Sport

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Make Model

Vespa 180 Super Sport

Year

1964 - 68

Production

35 699 units

Engine

Two stroke, single cylinder

Capacity

181.2 cc / 11.1 cub in
Bore x Stroke 62 x 60 mm
Compression 7.7:1
Carburetor Dell'Orto SI 27/23
Cooling Air cooled, forced

Fuel Mixture

1:50
Ignition Contact breaker and coil, 35W
Starting Kick start
Battery 6V
Clutch Wet, multiplate

Max Power

7.4  kW / 10 hp

Transmission 

4 Speed, grip-shift, constant mesh
Gear Ratios 1st 14.47 / 2nd 10.09 / 3rd 7.48 / 4th 5.71:1
Final Drive Direct drive
Frame Pressed sheet steel, streamlined monocoque structure

Front Suspension

Single unit front damper and spring

Rear Suspension

Coil spring with damper

Front Brakes

125 mm drum

Rear Brakes

127 mm drum
Wheels Cast with cooling fins

Front Tyre

3.5 x 10"

Rear Tyre

3.5 x 10"

Dimensions

Length:  1770 mm / 70 in

Width:      670 mm / 26 in

Height:   1045 mm / 41 in

Wheelbase

1230 mm / 48 in

Ground Clearance

220 mm / 8.7 in

Turning Circle

1400 mm / 55 in

Dry Weight

116 kg / 256 lbs

Fuel Capacity 

9 L / 2.4 US gal

Consumption  average

2.5 L/100 km / 40 km/l / 95 US mpg

Top Speed

105 km/h / 65 mph

The Super Sport, or SS was the successor to the 160 GS and was built from 1964 to 1968.  With the exception of the increase in cc's to motor and suspension design were very similar.  On the other hand the SS styling was totally new. The design was more angular than the rounded GS. Squared off edges and a trapezoidal shaped headlight gave the scooter a thoroughly 60's appearance.

When compared to the preceding GS160 there was rather more standardisation of parts (e.g. legshield pressings and seat) and a certain reduction in quality (less metal in the frame, thinner floor trim rails etc). Continued refinement of the mechanical details, on the other hand, led to a scooter that was better to ride and even more reliable. These twin characteristics of continued cost-cutting in the frames but ever improving mechanics were, in fact, part of a trend that had started with the GS160 and continued via the Rally 180 and 200 right up to the P range. The production figures were considerably less than for the GS 160, but this is more a reflection of declining market conditions than any particular deficiency in the scooter.