The Piaggio Sì is a moped produced by the Italian manufacturer Piaggio. It was homologated on 20 November 1978 and presented in Genoa on 1 February 1979; in the North American market it was sold by Piaggio’s American division, the Vespa of America Corporation, as the Piaggio Si.
Piaggio Sì at a glance
| Homologated | 20 November 1978 |
|---|---|
| Presented | Genoa, 1 February 1979 |
| On sale in Italy | from February 1979 |
| Engine | derived from the Piaggio Ciao |
| Front fork | telescopic |
| Rear suspension | monoshock instead of the rigid frame of the Ciao |
| Saddle | longer, with a small compartment underneath |
| Wheels | four-spoke |
| Transmissions | variator (SIV) or pulley (SIM) |
| Series | first 1979–1987, second Electronic or FL 1987–1991, third FL2 1992–2001 |
| North American name | Piaggio Si, sold by Vespa of America |
The article is based on a single source, the English Wikipedia page on the Sì.
History of the Piaggio Sì
With an engine derived from the contemporary Piaggio Ciao, the Sì differed from it in several ways: a telescopic front fork, a rear monoshock instead of the rigid frame, front and rear headlights of a different design, a longer and more comfortable saddle with a small compartment underneath, and four-spoke wheels. As for the engine, it differed only in the cylinder head, which had a different design and longer cooling fins. There was also a version equipped with Variomatic, which allowed slopes to be climbed more easily by increasing the reduction ratio of the transmission.
First series (1979–1987)
The Sì went on sale in Italy in February 1979 with a long or a short saddle and with spoke or alloy wheels. Until about the middle of 1979 it was available in two colours only, Light Gray Metallic 108 and Beige 560, and then Blue Marine was added. The muffler was square in section, and the moped came with a variator (SIV) or a pulley (SIM). The engine had traditional ignition with points, and the brake levers were metal with a ball at the end; a mud flap was added in April or May 1980, and from 1981–82 the levers became plastic. Since 1983 the short saddle and spoked wheels were optional, from 1984 the electronic engine was an option, and in 1984–85 the engine cradle changed from body colour to black or grey.
The Sì Montecarlo, Tuttorosso and Ecology System
Three variants stood apart from the first series. The Sì Montecarlo had an upside-down, advanced hydraulic fork as on the Piaggio Bravo and a double rear shock absorber. The Sì Tuttorosso differed from the Montecarlo in various red-painted details. The Sì Ecology System had the new thermal unit and stickers on the side panels, and kept the electronic ignition option.
Second series Electronic or FL (1987–1991)
This series differed from the previous one only in electronic ignition as standard, a round muffler and painted plastics. The cradle turned black. Under the seat it carried “Electronic” on the left and a label with the model name on the right. It was available in SIM and SIV versions, with the kick starter as an option.
Third series FL2 (1992–2001)
Born to complement and then replace the FL series, the FL2 had only a different, more rounded saddle and some plastic details. The last examples were catalysed, and it was available with points or electronic ignition, with indicators as an option. Two versions followed: the Sì Mix, an FL2 with an automatic mixer and the oil tank under the saddle, with a porthole on the left side to check the level and two orange reflectors under the saddle; and the Sì Miami, a blue FL2 with specific stickers.
Design and features
- Telescopic fork and monoshock: a softer ride than the rigid Ciao.
- Practical saddle: longer, more comfortable and with a small compartment underneath.
- Two transmissions: a variator or a pulley, depending on the version.
- Long life: three series from 1979 to 2001, with special versions such as the Montecarlo and the Mix.
Piaggio Sì versions
- Sì first series (1979–1987): metal brake levers, square muffler, two colours at launch.
- Sì Montecarlo: upside-down hydraulic fork and double rear shock absorber.
- Sì Tuttorosso: the Montecarlo with red details.
- Sì Ecology System: new thermal unit and specific stickers.
- Sì Electronic or FL (1987–1991): electronic ignition as standard and a round muffler.
- Sì FL2 (1992–2001): rounded saddle and some catalysed examples.
- Sì Mix and Sì Miami: automatic mixer, and a blue FL2 with specific stickers.
The Sì was derived from the Ciao and replaced the Boxer; the Bravo was its close relative with a separate tank. More mopeds are in the Piaggio collection.
Video: Restauro Piaggio SI 1991
Video by maninblack220 on YouTube.
Sources
- Piaggio Si, English Wikipedia: presentation, specification, series, versions
