The drawers of my toolbox are an uncomfortable reflection of my mind — messy, haphazard, chaotic. It’s a wonder I accomplish anything. This spring marks the ninth winter that the Vespa scooter has endured and collected more dirt, grit and salt along with the attendant damage to metal and finish. Trying to drive some order from chaos I worked to transition the scooter from winter service into a machine ready for the warm weather. With a little wrenching the winter tires came off and the still serviceable summer ones returned. I had already changed the filters and oil a couple months ago so the next order of business was the muffler — heavy with dirt and rust.
For a few moments I considered replacing the stock Vespa muffler with an Akrapovič or other exotic aftermarket product. That lasted only a moment as I looked at price (wow) and more importantly noise. The stock muffler is more or less silent. The aftermarket ones I’ve heard are louder and annoying with the “look at me” qualities I felt were reserved for other motorcycles.
So I took the muffler off, wirebrushed all the big chucks of rush and dirt away, hosed it off, dried it in the sun and gave the muffler four coats of high temperature black paint. It’s a familiar ritual.
You can see how badly the surface of the muffler is. The black paint merely changes the visual tone from a rusty mess to a flat black shadow. Looks great from ten feet or more. Someday I’ll have to change it. Just not today.
I see pictures on the ModernVespa.com forum of people’s scooters and I am astounded at how shiny and perfect they are even with thousands of miles on them. That takes work and special care to maintain that kind of appearance. And probably never venturing off road or into winter. We each make decisions about what’s important. For me, as long as the scooter is safe to ride, that’s all that’s important. At least so far.
Took a short ride this evening to make sure I balanced the tires correctly, got the exhaust back on with no escaping gases burning away at the fuel line, and that the scooter felt ready for more warm weather riding.
If there is anything holding up more riding it’s my own physical state. Ten days after being diagnosed with pneumonia I seem to be recovery at a steady pace. I’ve rested and taken care of myself and have only started to venture back into a more normal routine. Another step to add a little order to chaos that has been persistent of late.
Thank you, Steve, for another great and superbly written piece. I have but one question, and I hope you’ll answer: After 9 years, how many miles are on that beautiful Vespa?
I’m just shy of 28,000 miles now. The past few years my riding mileage has fallen off compared to the first six years. Aside from some signs of use the Vespa GTS remains a solid performer.
Sockets and ratchets mixed in with wrenches!!!!! ARRRGGGHHHH. At least put them in separate drawers.
Most mechanics would shudder at my tool collection. I cropped out the woodworking tools mixed in….
It’s on my list to straighten up some day.
Steve,
I agree with you, i´m still amazed with riders prefering aftermarket exhausts that only brings them noise. After all it´s a Vespa, a modern one. Every GT(S) that i ride with a LeoVince, Akra, etc, it´s a pain after twenty minutes on the road. It just doesn´t match with the scooter.
Cheers,
Vasco
I agree. If you want a loud machine get something that seems as if it should be loud. A Vespa is made to be quiet right?
Steve;
I can relate to your comment about how some people’s scooters are in pristine condition, even with high mileage. I am not that way with my stuff either. I buy things to “serve me”, and to use them and enjoy them. Who or what am I keeping it pristine condition for? My estate sale?
I don’t abuse my possessions. And I do realize that some enjoy the process of cleaning, polishing, and simply looking at their possessions. I accept that, but I am just not that way, anymore.
I used to be that way, but then I figured out that my possessions owned me, instead of vice-versa.
Steel
I guess we all get our satisfaction in different ways. But there are times when care for “things” can sort of take over and initiate fear. I know some people care for their stuff thinking someday it will be worth a lot of money, or won’t depreciate as much.
I’m more like you — my things should serve me.
The pile of tools is what I usually end up with after completing a project. Then, I wipe them all down and place them back in the toolbox (in order) so I can determine what’s missing. Or else I get annoyed if I can’t find something later.
Nice sunrise photo. I hope that you are recovering…
I’m constantly annoyed when I’m working on things because I don’t put things away. I am completely, absolutely irresponsible in the tool area. And to make matters worse I lend things to people and then can’t remember where stuff is. When I looked for my motorcycle jack to remove the tires I could find it. Took several calls to locate it.
Geez…
Seem to be recovering from the pneumonia. No symptoms, no cough, just a bit of lingering fatigue but even that’s getting better.
The exhaust lasts this long because you take good care of it. The one on my GTS rusted away after only one year abuse on salty roads; just split in two on the high way. Your tools look quite cosy, laying over each other. Only few people change tires and exhaust themselves. These tool serve their purpose. I wish you a speedy recovery Steve and keep the rubber side down. Best wishes from the Netherlands.
Yke
One year and it split? Had to be some sort of manufacturing defect. The metal on the muffler is really heavy and would take a long, long time to come apart. I went four years before I finally decided to repaint mine and the salt here in Pennsylvania is really bad.
Thanks for the kind words about recovery and riding safe. I’ll do my best in both areas!
Steve my Vespa has got just over 40,000 kilometers on it.
I don’t ride in the winter so it doesn’t suffer the ravages of salt. But it does have nicks, chips and a few scrapes from daily conmuting. It’s well used.
In my opinion it’s the only way to go.
Nice job on the muffler. Looks way better than mine 😉
A well used Vespa is a sign of a happy rider I think.
You’re catching up to me on miles. My low riding of the past two years has slowed me down.
over 28K on the Vespa….nice!
I need to correct the mileage — it just turned over 27K.
Steve,
SO glad you are on the mend. As a former boy from the ‘berg’ I do so reading your posts. It was a great weekend here to take the Ural and the Dneprs out for a ride each in turn. Glad to See that spring has arrived for you!
Ride safe!
Bob
Feeling pretty good right now. Fatigue level is improving. Rather than being wiped out by noon I’m not feeling that way until evening.
Spring is definitely here and I have broken out the summer riding gear.
Hi Steve,
Glad to hear your on the mend:)
Had my GTS from new in 2011 and feel bad….Only 3700kms on her!!
I don’t use it nearly enough but i do love it and out of all the two wheeler’s i have ever had its the best!
I too need to 5S my tools:( ……..But like you i do use them a little, there’s oil/grease on my spanners.
Regards
Len
Sorting out my tools, having an orderly garage, and generally finding order in life is a long term goal. Unfortunately all my character defects get in the way…
You might declare me stupid, but I keep my 2-wheelers, so also my Vespa GTS 300 ie Super shiny by washing it after every ride, waxing it at least 1 time a year, and by not driving when there is salt on the roads. Did that with my old Vespa GTS and will do it with my brand new one.
Take care and happy Vespa driving!
Frank, I would never declare anyone stupid. Each of us deals with things in our own way and that’s fine. Probably the only thing that’s not fine is telling someone else how they should conduct their life.
Keep washing your scooter. I’ll keep not washing mine so we have balance in the universe!
steve