Comments on: The Plumber’s Ride

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 11:31:00 +0000

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...

By: CodyandMichelle

CodyandMichelle — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 01:05:00 +0000

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.

By: Bill Sommers

Bill Sommers — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 00:06:00 +0000

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

By: Crusty's Advise....

Crusty's Advise.... — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 23:32:00 +0000

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/

By: gary

gary — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 18:02:00 +0000

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=