Modern Vespa

I am having both wheels powder coated (new tyres at the same time) and think that the best solution I have (without buying a m/c lift) is to put the scoot on to a strong plastic crate. I have a standard A1 Rentacrate (the sort used for office removals) in the garage.

The question I have is "how do I get the scooter up on to the crate?" I know I need to lift it but I was wondering if there is a best technique.

Thanks in advance!

Sounds dangerous. I wouldn't do it without a lift.

Good luck?

Its not dangerous at all, get someone to help lift it up onto crate,
make sure crate can hold scooter,and undo wheel nuts on rear wheel and all bolts that hold exhaust bracket ,before you put on crate and take off the rear shocker before wheel drops,
its way i did mine
ps i put a thick cloth on box to just stop any marks under neath

Am I missing some thing a scooter only ways at very most 200lbs. Lift one end kick a plastic milk box under then lift the other end.

Iffy! Are you inside a room where you can secure the balanced scooter with a rope to the ceiling, just in case? I would.

I would just put the centre stand onto a 2" x 4" piece of timber then chock it so the wheels are both off the ground same time.

gtv 125 is 304lbs dry weight

which is a lot better idea, and easier

Thanks for clearing that up.

This is actually a very good idea, and use the box you behind the stand to help balance.

When I want to remove the front wheel I put it on the center stand and put a small bottle jack under the front of the floor as far foreward as possible then jack it up until yhe wheel lifts up. You would first remove the back wheel, then lift and remove the front, You may want to then lower the front onto some jack stands or 2X4s cut exactly the right length. Make sure nobody bumps into it. A safety rope to the celing would be good.

Its a good idea, but pretty difficult. first you need two 2x4s because there needs to be one on each side. The stand goes on each side of the tire. Second the geometry is such that even a half inch of elevation under the stand is noticeable as increased weight to be lifted.

Try this. Get several pieces of half inch thick plywood. Put the scooter on the center stand. Rock the scoot to the right just a little and slip one piece of ply under the left stand foot. Then rock it to the left and slip one under the right foot. Repeat, and repeat, and repeat. Take it down the same way. Get a strong friend to spot you on the other side.

Have the same strong friend push down on the rear of the scoot and raise the front wheel an inch or so off the floor and place a stout stack of blocks under the floor board. Now both wheels are off the floor.

Be sure to loosen all lugs and bolts before you do the jacking. You don't want to be yanking and cranking on this delicately balanced pile of blocks.

Feed beer to strong friend.

When I stripped and rebuilt a 77 Honda CB550 into a Cafe Racer.

First thing I did was get it up on a single piece of 4x2 with the centre stand.

By my self and simple to do. ( I do this with the Vespa when washing it so I can clean the wheels BTW) It takes no longer than

This gives you a bike on a rocker. Remove the wheels individually and chock/ balance fore or aft...as required.

Easy with the GT/GTS - scooter on centre-stand, then push the upturned pet carrier underneath the frame with a foot while lifting up the front. No need for jacks etc.

That's good to know.

That's extremely helpful to know! And so simple.
Thank you Jim, and thumbs up!

Yup, that's my method. Works fine. If you're neurotic, put a cloth on top of the carrier.

Bike will be stable and level with both wheels removed.

P.

Thanks for all the various bits of advice. I think I have probably gone a bit half and half on some of the responses. The scoot is going to be laid up for while so I wasn't keen on having the pet carrier sat upon for a long time.

I got a 2ft long piece of 4x2 an raised the scoot on to the centre stand on the 4x2. After I got the rear wheel off I pushed down on the rear rack (taking care not to ground the disc) and pushed an upturned plastic storage crate under the front of the frame. The scoot now has both wheels off and I am fashioning a clutch holding tool to allow me to remove the CVT cover.

The scooter is very safe and stable whilst I have the rims, cvt cover and exhaust pipe powder coated. I was thinking about doing the brake calipers but have some reservations about stripping them down!

Good idea...wish I had thought of it.

You did