Modern Vespa

Yep. 14872 miles. Don't ask how that happened. I am old.

Thanks. I'll be sure to change mine at 14,871.

Wow.

I had >15,000 on my original X9 250 belt back in the day - and I only changed it because I was about to do a 2,000 trip around France. It looked just fine!

However, I now change at ~8-9,000 miles, if not sooner on the GTS's. I've now got a collection of used belts that each look just fine, but I'm not sure I'd trust them riding off into the boonies.

Oh, snap!!!!

Doh!

No harm no foul?

So do I. Some times.

I changed mine at 10K

I know what happened. Too much "Ride Fast, Take Chances" I think. Glad you were able to pull off safely.

I am not sure what the longest I have gone on a belt, but I sort of remember pushing one to around 12,000 miles years ago. No more of that for me.

I have had four break while riding. All on Rocket with the old engine, and all after 40,000 miles.

The first was an OEM belt that broke after only 2000 miles. I think this one was a bad belt.

The second was a Malossi belt on the 2014 SCR with around 4000 miles on it. The variator started vibrating in Arkansas. That broke the belt.

The third was another Malossi the next day. No replacement variator so put the old one back in and it broke the new belt after less than 50 miles. (I now carry a new variator and tools every time I ride out of town)

The fourth was another Malossi while riding to the beach. It slowed while running in the fast lane. When I turned on to Ponte Vedra Boulevard, at the first stop light, I looked down and saw pieces of belt falling onto the asphalt. When I reached my destination it gave way entirely. That belt had maybe 5000 miles on it.

I now change them at between 7000 and 9000 miles.

Bill

I got 5 or 6 years out of my belts, but then had to go to a 38" or even a 40".

What? Oh. Never mind.

I have only used OEM belts. I usually change them at 9-10k. I let one go too long and it turned into powder at 11.5k.

For a few weeks before it broke I noticed that the rev limiter was kicking in at a lower speed than normal.

I stated that three of the broken belts were Malossi, but on none of these do I blame Malossi.

I use Malossi exclusively for the past several years as they are very well made and cost much less.

I have 8000 miles on Razzo's Malossi belt now with no issues.

It will be changed soon.

A new Malossi belt will be going on Vanessa at the SCR start. I might change it along the way, depending on performance.

Bill

longevity testing!

I think motovista alluded to there are certain tell tale signs a belt is nearing failure on a large frame similar to what vintage red matthew said??

The signs I have had were a sudden slowing (10 mph top speed) while cruising at 70+ mph. It is distinct, but the scooter kept running after this the two times it wasn't variator failure....but not many miles. Around ten miles before giving way completely.

Nothing before that drop in speed for me.

Bill

I've heard people say that the Malossi belts are less reliable but that is just anecdotal. I think they are probably fine. I was just saying that I have no experience with them.

I think I remember that Gates makes a belt too but I don't know anyone that has used one.

I change mine out at around 7-8,000. I have nightmares of the belt breaking in a area that doesn't have a shoulder.

Gates was king for belts and hoses, at least from my Jeep days

I had a different experience with a Gates Vespa belt.

vintage red matthew I was experiencing the same, but since, in my mind, I had changed the belt at 7,000 miles I figured it would last until I got home when I was planning a major servicing getting ready for my ride to California in a few weeks. At home I could find no record of having changing the belt.

After a new belt is installed, maybe you can keep up with Rocket.

I killed mine at 2500 miles.

What do I win ?

Bill x

Somehow the lede got buried, but I fixed it...

lede
: the introductory section of a news story that is intended to entice the reader to read the full story

I am still old. What did I miss?

you missed nothing, just remember your old and you can make up any bear story to fit and your word is above reproach.

My belt is so old I used to tie an onion to it. As was the fashion in the day.

On what bike? (I'll think of a prize later.)

Melody has about 5200 miles on her original belt. I'm always cocking an ear for what I think of an unusual sounds from the bike. So far, nuttin' (I think).

I don't tend to ride on motorways (freeways) much and I try to accelerate smoothly rather than WOT. I think nearly all my belts lasted over 12K miles though I do start to feel a little guilty after a while. Oddly all the belts have looked fine when removed. All have been OEM belts.

Make sure your get all the threads out, I missed some, and I looked good, it took my driven shaft seal then bearing out.

That is why I took it down to Bradenton and Darren at Vespa Servicing. He is a excellent tech and a friend AND he has the right tools to pull the clutch apart. It took him 15 minutes to do what probably would have taken me all day. Plus, I had the added bonus of having him look over the whole scooter. It helps to have a expert look at before I head out for a couple of months to California and back.

And being old and the bear ran over me, I miss quoted the mileage.

It should read 15,191 miles.

it might be the camera angle but that clutch ramps looks tweeted.

I hope not, but I am sure I will find out.

My belt broke at 9800 miles. Should've paid more attention to that service manual. Replaced it myself, thanks to on-line video help.

I'll be replacing the next one much sooner.

I wish I lived closer. He helped with my old fetish while the madness was upon me. I wish I lived closer. He probably doesn't. That P200 drove him mad.

Yes, I am glad I found him also..
And believe he talked you into something a little more modern. He is working on a upping a 165cc engine to 220. I am looking forward to seeing that when it is complete! Maybe it will be the vintage for you.