Modern Vespa

I am fortunate to own two large frame Vespa, a 2009 GTV and a 2012 GTS, which I bought new, and each of which currently has about 4,400 miles. Each has been trouble free excepting fuel,pump failures. Every the original batteries, now 5 years old, operate well.

While the mileage may not warrant a drive belt replacement, wondering how age affects the belts. Just don't want to get stranded. So the question is how to balance age and mileage and take proper action.....educated options please....?

Rubber tends to crack as it ages. I'd be worried about an 8 year old belt. They're too cheap and easy to replace to not do it. You should also look closely at the tires as well, especially for hairline cracks along the sidewalls. You should also consider changing all fluids (engine oil, hub oil, brake fluid, and coolant) as well if you haven't already.

Cheers
Miguel

^^^^ Agreed. I'd replace an 8 year old belt regardless of the mileage. The cost of a tow if it breaks will be as much or more than the cost of replacing a belt. And they can get tangled up when they break and lock up the rear wheel. Running an 8 year old belt isn't worth the risk of the possible downside to me.

-Craig

Thanks to you both very helpful
I replaced the original equipment Sava tires immediately

Replace with OEM belt or aftermarket Malossi, etc?

OEM

4-5 years is the max for me. Also i swap them out between 6-8000 miles. Usually lower on the Vespa and higher for my Yamaha Vino, Nothing worse than having a belt go when your on the freeway or in a spot that doesn't have a place to pull off to the side. Belts aren't that expensive and if the reason that someone doesn't change them is the fact that they want to save money, then IMHO they shouldn't have bought a Vespa to begin with. Malossi is fine but i tend to stick with OEM on the Vespa. Have you changed out the tires too? Their 8yrs old also. Got any pics of your bikes?

Yes after reading a lot of feedback here I installed Heidenaus very happy with them

Awesome. When i bought my Yamaha Vino in 2015 it was already 8yrs old. Nothing had been done to it. The guy goes "it only has 4,5000 miles on it" Yeah but it's 8yrs old. Got him down $500. Changed out the belt,tires and did all the fluid changes. People don't get it.

I agree with others above, use the OEM belt. You can get it from Scooterwest.com if you can't source it locally. I don't have experience with other manufacturers but there have been stories on MV over the years of other manufacturer's belts breaking while underway, potentially locking up the rear wheel and it creates a mess in the transmission. Just sayin'

Best
Miguel