Modern Vespa

I participated in the Bay Area Tech Class that Glasseye organized with his friend and cohort Rolphe. The class was in the center of Silicon Valley at Rolphe's garage/shop in Santa Clara. Jess also participated since he lives about 2 miles from Rolphe's. About 10 of us participated, many traveling hours to get there. Participants had varying levels of skills and knowledge but skill and pre-knowledge never came into play.

I didn't know about Rolphe before Saturday. He has been a professional mechanic for 60 years, the first 50 with Porsche and the last 10 or so working on Vespas. In 2000, he was asked by Vespa to develop a mechanics training program and traveled around the country to train all Vespa shop mechanics. He exudes Vespa. Over the course of the day, there were many side stories which were quite interesting but I'll leave those out and stay focused on the core class material.

Glasseye, who I'd never met, is also a master mechanic tho he does it as hobby and not professionally. His personal focus is on high performance. He told us he could take a vespa apart in all its pieces and reassemble it. Given the knowledge and skills he demonstrated through the day, I believe him.

The 9AM-5PM class shifted from Glasseye to Rolphe and back through the course of the day. It all worked very well. You'd be hard pressed to find two more enthusiastic and Vespa-knowledgeable people to teach such a class.

We did a major service on Rolphe's GTS300 and they described differences for other models that the participants had (GT200, LX150, and BV350). We did an oil change, accessed and took apart the variator and clutch, replaced the belt, and adjusted valves. Rolphe had a 250 engine on a stand (One of Glasseye's I think) for illustration. It was more than just taking things apart and putting them back tho. They took time to make sure we know how they worked, the subtly of the design, recommended parts and critical aspects during reassembly, e.g. putting the belt on the right direction, which direction the rollers go, things that need to be torqued and those that just need to be tight. We also took off the rear wheel so we could access the transmission/gear oil drain plug more easily. THere were a few tricks in there that would have puzzled me had I not seen it first hand. Now I've confidence that I could do that without a problem.

Their stated goals were make sure we had some basic understanding of the service so that we would understood what a dealer might be explaining to us during a service or repair and/or set us on a path where we could do our own service. They definitely accomplished that. Both Glasseye and Rolphe gave their phone numbers and generously offered phone support when needed. It was a fantastic day.

It sounds like they may be offering this class again and I highly recommend it if you can find your way to Silicon Valley.

They could easily offer a second class to cover other things like removing the front wheel, unmounting and mounting a tire, changing brakes, replacing cables, etc. Glasseye could do yet another class on performance mods.

Thanks to both of them for offering this class. It was a very unique experience. It far exceeded my expectations and I highly recommend it if it is offered again.

Best
Miguel

MIGUEL aren't they the best? They did a 2 day one over here and they rocked it. Glad you got to participate in one. 8)

Sounds great. Wish I lived closer.

Video? Does the concept of a video seem fesable a viable saleable item? R

SS we videoed ours and i did mention that they should do one on the other thread. Can't ask questions but it would be a good guide. That said they both like the audience.

One person did video the entire class with a high end camera. While we all feverishly took notes, I, and I think others, realized that the video was the right way to capture everything.

In my estimation, they could easily do a professional video. That's up to them of course. I haven't looked but I'd guess there's quite a bit on youtube already.

Another thing that I forgot to mention is that they also talked about tools a lot. Those that work, those that didn't and DIY tools, especially for carrying on the bike.

Best
Miguel

Now if they would only come to KY. My dealer is losing his tech, the young man is becoming a public school teacher. Although I wish him well, replacing a good tech ain't easy.

Thats a large part of why I took the class. I always worry about the dealer going out of biz. I'll support them as long as they are there.

As Judy said, they did a two day course for HI people. I don't know if they'd be interested in doing the course in other places. You should ask Glasseye. I think the biggest issue would be the shop but...

Hopefully some of the other class participants will share their experience as well.

Best
Miguel

Thanks so much Miguel.

I'm flattered....

We tried to get it all in, the important stuff.

It was a pleasure meeting you sir, and the rest of the group. All really nice people.

I honestly hope everyone found it worthwhile.

Thanx again.

R

Good summary, Miguel. The class was indeed valuable. My goal was to learn how to do major service stuff, including changing the variator belt. I felt confident enough in my ability to do so that, after the class, I ordered the belt and tools to replace it. I may even adjust the valves sometime, though that is a bit more work.

An additional benefit for me was the fun of being with like-minded people who wanted to learn to do their own maintenance. We had a little time during the breaks to talk about a variety of topics. I knew some of the other participants from past rallys; other I knew only through MV. It's nice to have faces to put together with the names and who knows, we may get together again.

The class definitely exceeded my expectations!

Sounds very cool maybe we can get a OC group together and chip in for your cost for a weekend

Maybe he'll teach his class how to restore a Vespa like this guy: http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/23/a-vespa-in-the-classroom/

Anyone remember who was the guy capturing the class on the high-end video cam? He was going to send us each a copy but I haven't heard from him yet. Has anyone? If you know his handle, please reach out to him and let him know we'd love to get a copy!!

Thanks
Miguel

Sorry, I don't remember his forum ID either. Maybe PM glasseye?

Hello!

I just wanted to let you all know that I have posted the videos from the tech workshop on Youtube. Here's the link to the playlist:

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKH5U7hA_ij5_BFquIPJNxb6CHMZ8t25W

I wanted to have notes added to each video before I sent out the link, but I hope to have that completed soon (thus far, only videos 1-5 have notes). Again, thank you Rich and Rolf for putting together such a fantastic workshop! You guys rock.

Have a great holiday!

Ryan (kriskeyman)

Thanks Ryan.

Good stuff, nice job with the video.

R

In part 7 around 09:00 people are talking about a larger airscoop for the belt housing.
Is that already available?

Thanks, Ryan, for videotaping all day (I used to do that, know it's quite a chore), and for posting these. I skimmed through them, and you really captured it all! For me, it was useful particularly to review the part about orienting the variator pulley weights (I just changed my belt and pulleys successfully, by the way).

In the film Rolf talks about a booklet he made.
Is it possible to get this booklet in pdf format?

I no longer have a copy. You might try PMIng Glasseye about a copy -he ran the glass w Rolf. The video is the best source material. I don't know what u are looking for but mcbergsma (?sp?) has a number of utube vids as well. They are xlnt.

Best
Miguel

I really wanted to attend this workshop, but life and finances got the best of me. Thanks for posting the videos.

I did have questions however, it looked to me like Rich pushed some shim of some sorts in the clutch to keep the belt in while installing installing the variator nut. It's very clear at 11:45 of video #7

What was that thing?

Ok I watched it and I watched it looking for what you are asking about and I can't find him installing anything in the clutch. At 11:45 of Part 7 I see Rich putting something down on the lift before moving onto the two washers for the variator nut.

I don't recall what it was but you might try pm Glasseye (rich).

Miguel

Anybody know when the next one will be?

We brought Rich and Rolf over to Hawaii years ago to help us with our vespa's. We have a dealer who can't fix anything. Things come out worse than when they go in. Got them thinking about doing more. If they have another one definitely go. Great teachers. 8)

I really enjoy the video series on You Tube. I have used it for reference when doing work on my scoots! I would consider attending if this is done again.
Rolf is a hoot!

I thought I'd repost this in this thread since it was revived. I did an index to the video on the bay area tech class. See Tech Class Index.

Hope its helpful.

Best
Miguel