Modern Vespa

After taking apart and putting back together the shifter tube on my 50s, it got me thinking.....I initially did it because it was really stiff to downshift, but I noticed while I was taking it apart that it freed up some when the clutch cable was disconnected, and freed up even more when I pulled out the wires to the indicator and indicator switch.

Now when I look at the parts that make up the shifter assy, I realize that the inner tube, which creates a fair amount of friction, is only there to support the bar end indicators......the cable end bracket, sprung washer and spacer all fix to the outer tube via the pin.....the inner tube plays no part there.

From what I can see, I could remove the inner tube and indicator wires to de-clutter and reduce resistance?

My only question is, are my outer tubes shorter than normal at the ends, to allow the inner tubes to protrude and support the indicator as well as the last 2cm or so of grip? If so, I'd need to figure out a way to support the ends of the grips, and cap the tube ends

Here are all the bits that go into the bar end indicators that I have taken out. Everything else went back together and it's all working apart from new gear cables which are in the mail.

Both the throttle and shifter tubes rotate so much more smoothly, especially the shifter....it's like night and day.

It's all back together.
All tubes greased
New clutch cable inner and outer
New gear cable inners....( will maybe put in putters next time )

End result......it shifts really nicely, and the throttle is much easier as well.
Changing up is like butter, but there is still a small catch changing from 3rd to 2nd, but still way better then before, so pleased with the outcome.