Modern Vespa

Hello everyone!

I joined the MP3 world last September, therefore I'm still new but constantly learning!
I've been visiting the forum since before I bought my 2012 MP3 ie touring 300cc but I now decided to be part of the community.
Thanks for the valuable information everyone, this has been a great learning experience!

Sadly, I had a friend mechanic to check my scooter today and found out that its suffering by the well know steering bearing issue.

On top of that, I also need to change break discs, break pads and the rear shock absorber.

If it wasn't for a friend doing the job, I would probably have to spend a lot as just for the bearing job I have been given a quote of £500 in my local area in London.

My question is, when sourcing parts, what's the best way to go around it. Should I be looking on eBay? Are there any reputable brands when it comes to any of the above parts I'm after?

Thanks everyone in advance,

Christos

Maksor can get you everything you need. The steering bearings are a standard Timken P/N so search and you will find them.

I wasn't aware of Maksor, thanks a lot will have a look asap!

Hi and welcome.
Steering bearings could be fixed for nothing.
Disks and pads at front are easy to change.
Rear disk and pads needs exhaust removing so you need new carbon exhaust gasket.
Rear shock removel very simple but why do you need a new one?

I live se london.and don't know any good garages
Ow and I use fowlers of Bristol for all my service parts they deliver next day

Got NG wave disks instock for the front and hagon rear shocks

the stock shocks are 100.- each

and all the other stuff

Brakepad front are 8.50 a set ( one side) rear 15.75

I am going to be doing my steering bearings next month. 58000kms on them. ordered mine from scooterwest. had them turned and there is no more adjusting them. maskor might be a better choice since he is here in germany and depending on the taxes and savings, might be a good choice.

Personally, I use Fowlers to identify the exact part that I need - and to lookup what other models and years it is used on, then search on eBay for the best price.

Often, I have found the correct part for a lower price, when it is listed as being for a different make or model.

For Piaggio OEM Body Parts, Rims, hard to find items, typically in stock: easyparts.nl

For Piaggio / Vespa Consumables, Reasonable Prices: scooterpartsco.com

I have found the prices at AF1 and Scooterwest getting way to expensive.
When you consider the price on Shipping from easyparts.nl, they arrive to your door within 3 days and still cheaper.

You asked, this is what I do...

Keith,
Marietta, GA

Thanks everyone for your time!

fowlers seems to be the best option (or at least starting point and then maybe ebay as mentioned before).

I decided to start with all break pads and front break discs as those are all absolutely necessary.

Bearing, I did a lot of research and I'll try and adjust it before changing it completely.

Now, with the rear shock. I only had a quick chat with the mechanic friend and he said something about a leak?

Again, very new to fixing anything so didnt quite get it but i will ask hime to have a look when we change the front break discs.

A bit far from SE as he's working in Uxbridge, but let me know if you ever need anyone as he's definitely a person you can trust.


All in all, I'm hoping that the break discs will live for plenty of miles and the bearings seem to be a relatively easy fix (even if its temporary). My local shop in Harrow quoted me £500 just for the bearings which I found quite expensive to be honest.

Thanks again everyone, I will be ordering the parts tonight!

You got to start doing your own work as any bike will start to eat your bank account .I would offer you a crash course on mp3 scooters while we work on anything you want doing.but it seems you have a good man with spanners.if ever you want to educate yourself.drop me a line.I'm near bexleyheath and I have a garage to work in even if it's raining.

Ps if your doing your disks.don't forget to order new hex head bolts to put new disks in as old ones may break or need chanking to remove them.not dear and think about a new exhaust gasket incase yours falls apart.fowlers are very fast at delivery.normally next day if you order am.

Don't use stainless steel then your speedsensor wont work

I have stainless on my MP3/250, never had a problem Maksor.
I don't see the bolts close enough to sensors to have a difference.

on the disked not the wheels and the wheels are allu so stainless will corrod the allu

That is very true!

And yes, I'm lucky to have a person who can help .

That's a very generous offer and I will definitely keep that in mind as there are two of us both riding MP3's.

In return I would be more than happy to offer some photography for your bike! https://www.christosmarkou.co.uk/automotive/ 8) 8) 8)

Thread hijack but those are some damn fine pictures Christos!

haha, thanks a lot man! Took a while to get there with the cars as I come from a people's/clothing background!!