Before I get to things plumbing I should explain the dearth of substance this past week. I have simply been enthralled with new responsibilities at work that are as enjoyable as riding. For that I feel quite fortunate.
On to the Plumber’s Ride.
I don’t think toilet fill valves are made as well as they once were. At least the ones I buy around here. They seem more like cheap plastic toys than anything designed for service in something as important as a toilet. I’m worried they might fail during installation and surprised if they last a year.
Like every home repair project I undertake I never have the right tools or parts. What was once a source of annoyance is now another opportunity to ride. And I am hard pressed to come up with any ride for any reason that I don’t jump to take. On this evening I’m the plumber heading out to buy a new fill valve.
The road is an endless opportunity of choices. I choose to ride directly to the store to by a valve but can’t resist a quick look at a stone quarry. The sun is heading towards the horizon and the Vespa looks pretty nice against all the limestone.
It only takes a moment to get another valve and I really did intend to ride directly home but some of the choices on the road are seductive. A choice appears as a narrow, rocky trail disappearing up a hill through the trees.
I tell myself the scooter can go up the trail. There might be something interesting up there. This trail is a remnant of an old farm lane. Over rock, root and rut I make my way through the woods and into a hidden hay field, freshly cut, that looks out over a view of the valley I have not seen before. A little gift of a riding choice.
I would never make the choice in my car or truck. Little explorations like this just aren’t generally in character for most drivers myself included. The terrain and near absence of a clear path would exclude most motorcycles as well. I don’t think many Harley, Goldwing, or other big bike riders are going to find promise here. These little adventures are made for a Vespa.
I already know the Vespa GTS250ie will embrace any highway in Pennsylvania if necessary. I’m slowly learning that it will also allow me to traverse other avenues as well. Nice fringe benefit to plumbing work.
Rear Tire Update
At 3245 miles I had the rear tire changed. It was worn smooth through the middle. I had the local Vespa dealer mount a new Pirelli GTS24 on the rear. It has a wide, sport bike look to it and the ride home was noticeably smoother than I had with the worn Sava it replaced. I am not an aggressive rider so I can’t really gauge or appreciate the full capabilities of tires. I just like having plenty of quality rubber underneath me.
Three thousand miles from now I will order two Kenda K761 tires following the advice of Gary Charpentier of Rush Hour Rambling. The more aggressive tread of the Kenda tires should serve well into the winter and for any off-road adventures.
Man, I know EXACTLY what you mean about those modern toilet valves! Three words say it all: “Made in China”. Mine is doing this very annoying howling thing right now, every time we flush. I haven’t replaced it yet, because it still works.
Tires… that Pirelli looks like a good one. Can you tell us what that one cost?
I’m going to go with the Kenda K413 sports tire soon… as a matter of fact, I had better get on the phone next week. The rear Sava is already worn past the wear indicator at only 2,600 miles. That center groove is almost gone!
Ride well,
=gc=
Steve, come this Winter you might want to think about studding up a set of tires. I have done studded dual sport tires for year round riders with great results. Studs are available in short lengths. Stud up a set of inexpensive tires to use as your Winter treads and switch them in the Spring. -Crusty aka: http://crustythebiker.blogspot.com/
I sell that junk! Those valves are worth less that what we are flushing away. The fact is, that the company that we purchase from really doesn’t offer anything other than LOW quality parts. Gary is right about the three wors.
That limestone photo looks as though it came right out of a Vespa ad. Nice shot!
Have fun.
Bill
I have the Michelin Boppos. Man they really grab the twisties!! I’m getting more like you Steve, in the fact that i have been using the Vespa more and more as a secondary vehicle.
gary: The tire change for the GTS was actually cheaper than what it had been for the LX150. for some reason those 10 inch tires are more expensive.
The Pirelli GTS24 130/70-12 was 45.00.
Labor to change and balance the tire was 29.00.
Tire disposal fee was 3.00.
Shop supplies — (valve, weights) 1.74
I got a 9.95 discount.
Pa Sales Tax — 4.72.
Total for the rear tire change: $83.46.
That’s fine with me.
One thing I was concerned about was the exhaust gasket that I had been hearing about. There was a lot of confusing information on the net.
My local dealer said they don’t have to change the gasket because they remove the entire exhaust from the cylinder head without taking the two piece section apart.
I wanted complete closure on this so I contacted Kevin Andrews at Piaggio. He was very kind in explaining things to me. Here is what he said:
Hi Steve,
It is simple, as per the workshop manual the exhaust is to always be removed as a complete unit. This means unbolting it from the cylinder not taking it apart from the joint between the header pipe and the exhaust box. If the exhaust is taken apart incorrectly at the header joint the gasket must always be replaced as it is a one time crush gasket.
I hope this helps.
Kevin Andrews
Piaggio/Vespa Brand Manager
Piaggio Group Americas, Inc.
Thanks Kevin!
This is exactly what the dealer told me and it put my worries to rest.
crusty: I plan on riding this winter but will avoid the snow and wetness when I can. The salt really has an impact on the bottom side of the scooter. And I’m getting smarter too…*grin*
bill: There has to be a better flush valve. I just changed the one in our other bathroom about six months ago and it is sticking intermittently now.
Did I mention I am not a happy plumber? It interferes too much with riding.
You can’t go wrong with a Vespa in a photo. I keep waiting to see a sunset picture of the big Ruckus on the beach somewhere.
cody: It is a fine commuting vehicle. I’m disappointed today because I have to take the Ford Ranger to work. I may have an assignment this afternoon requiring some lighting equipment I can’t haul on the scooter. So I’m a cager today. At least I can listen to a Claire de Lune piano piece on the CD player…