The BFA 288cc engine represents the absolute pinnacle of Vespa tuning in terms of component quality and performance potential:
In addition to the reinforced engine casing developed exclusively for this concept, the ultra-high-quality and robust crankshaft, and of course the large-displacement cylinder with its state-of-the-art layout, the complete gearbox, clutch, etc., are also produced in small series to racing standards to eliminate any potential weaknesses of the engine.
We first implemented the idea of installing the BFA 288cc engine, originally designed for Vespa Smallframe models, into a Largeframe in our workshop back in 2021 – and have since incorporated this concept into various custom Vespa projects.

Why install a Vespa Smallframe engine in a Largeframe frame?

The advantages of this technically sophisticated design, which requires extensive modifications to the Vespa PX frame, lie primarily in the reduced width of the smallframe engine and the ability to significantly lengthen the wheelbase: Compared to a BFA 306cc largeframe engine, we have saved approximately 50mm of width on the right side and achieved a 30mm longer wheelbase – the 120mm wide tire runs without any offset. Besides the significantly reduced right-side bias and the lower overall weight of the BFA 288 engine, this configuration results in considerably improved straight-line stability at higher speeds and overall enhanced handling. The 288cc engine runs very smoothly and with a still civil noise level in road use thanks to our developed wideband Curley exhaust system with noise reduction - the brutal peak power of over 45hp at the rear wheel is certainly not necessary in road use, but a nice-to-have for performance-hungry riders.