Wow, this thread definitely took on a different note. OK, I am not ready to crimp the battery leads yet, or change the gauge of wire. I haven't run the bike since the weekend, but I will try this weekend. In a leap of faith, I did order shocks from hagonUSA, and we had a useful conversation on springs and weight adjustment. I( wish I had done this on the Vespa - she confirmed what I believed, which is most bike springs are TOO HARD. One the softest setting they don't move for me. I laugh when people ask about hardtails because I feel like I am always on one. She convinced me to buy a slightly taller spring with a softer setting, so hopefully it will settle down a few more inches.