Tyres for P3 AF4 frame

[milandjupovac]

I'm planning to purchase Vespa Car P3 model with AF4 frame (1990 production year), do you know which tyres to use, in therms of size, speed, load and wheel grip design? I found in P2 manual that suitable tyres are 4.5x10'' 6p.r..
Does anyone know real weight and allowed load for P3 AF4 in kgs?
Thanks!

p.s. This is photo of Ape I plan to purchase

[kjjohnson]

SAVA 4.5x10 B10 Cargo tires are available. Install inner tubes even though the tires are rated 'tubeless' as the original rims called for inner tubes. Here also is a Homologation Document for Apecar that will give you an idea of specifications - Ken

[milandjupovac]

Thanks Ken, it might be issue with Sava Cargo tyre, it can be placed to back wheels, there grip for left and right tyre, if this one is placed to front wheel I affraid it will go at one side.

[milandjupovac]

Ken, what you think about these tyres http://www.sip-scootershop.com/en/produ ... +_dur10030

[kjjohnson]

SAVA wide whitewall tires are used on the Calessino. I use them on my Espresso Api conversions but if the Ape is driven on the streets I sometimes use a Continental 4:00x10 on the front as they're easier to steer but the P501 is smaller than the Apecar. I think you can feel safe with the Duro tires as recommended by SIP. Original tires on the Apecar were either Pirelli or Michelin but I don't think they available anymore.
Stay away from VEE Rubber tires. The last three I purchased would not mount on the Ape rims. The sidewall of the tires was so wide and they were so stiff even in warm weather they could not be mounted no matter how hard my local garage tried - Ken

Because of the weight of an Espresso Ape I use the SAVA tires on the rear as they're rated for 60psi so can handle the weight.

[milandjupovac]

Sava tires are widely used in ExYugoslavia countries, and can be purchased here locally, I spoke with sales person at Sava distributor in Serbia, last week, and found that there are two models for Sava 4.5x10 B10 Cargo tire, one has left-right orientation grip and second model has symmetrical grip so it can be used for front wheel.

In this case you should need spare tire than can substitute other 3,which are different. I'm looking for solution to have all 4 tyres from the same manufacturer and the same model, so I can have the same tires on the wheels and spare tyre.

[kjjohnson]

why not all 4 with symmetrical tread as long as they're cargo rated in case you're going to be carrying heavy loads - otherwise perhaps the DURO tires - Ken (where are you located?)

[milandjupovac]

Here, Sava cargo symmetrical is double expensive than Sava cargo asymmetrical. I'm located in Serbia (Europe).

[kjjohnson]

all three wheels on the Calessino are SAVA B61 Cargo - no problems steering when I drove the Calessino around Bayfield after I fixed the gear selector

[milandjupovac]

I found also tire from CEAT, their brand FORMULA, tire 2402300 4.50-10C 76M C 816, waiting for price and delivery time. Seller confirmed as cargo tire for heavy ape car.

[milandjupovac]

Ken, do you have homologation document for AF4 frame?

[kjjohnson]

No, the Homologation documents I have for ApeCar AF series 1975 are ones I purchased when I bought my first P2 as I needed those documents for licensing here - Ken

You can purchase Homologation Documents and Certificate of Origin from Piaggio but it's expensive. Check your Homologation number stamped beside the serial number to see if it's the same.

[milandjupovac]

Thanks for homologation documents.
In this moment I do not have Ape Car, but plan is to purchase it during this or next week.
Homologation documents are always welcome, who know which regulations and laws will be changed in the future.
Right now I have frame and motor numbers, but I do not have homologation number.

[kjjohnson]

go find the Homologation number and take a good photo of it along with the serial number and motor number as you'll be needing all three - Ken

You can download the rest of the ApeCar Homologation Documents that I have here: - http://www.kjjohnson.ca/piaggio/APE%20C ... rentPic=14 -

[milandjupovac]

Thanks for advices.
Ken, you have experience with Ape Cars, what details I should take care when purchasing used Ape?