Modern Vespa

As I quickly approach the 3K mark I see that a new rear tire will be needed soon.

I'm thinking of the Michelin Pilot City or Pirelli's.

For those who have changed their tire what tire did you choose and how did you like it?

I'm also open for any suggestions for a good, durable tire though not an especially high mileage rider, I have racked up over 2700 miles in the year that I've had my scooter.

Thanks!

However, my bike was bought used and the front tire was not the original, the rear one was and I wanted to have both tires of the same footprint and brand. The footprint of the original rear tire gave the idea of a double purpose tire. Very nice compromise indeed.

I replaced the original rear tire and front with Continental Zippy 1's. I love the feel, comfort, silence and grab of these tires. I haven't used them in rain, but I've climbed improved roads and they seem well planted.

Here in Costa Rica all the Vespa PX's that are used for running errands commercially had Pirellis. Later came Indian brands, and others cheaper but with less thread life. Others had great thread life but very little friction. I wanted Pirellis for my ET4, but the salesman in Vespa Orlando said they lasted very little. In a car that I had, Continentals were the OEM's and I thougt it was a good brand of tire. I'm hooked on Contis right now.

My suggestion would be to keep both tires with the same footprint and brand to keep the good ride your LX is famed for and featured in German Magazine ADAC Autowelt, showing a girl leaning the LX like she was riding a Ducati. It impressed me!

Perhaps it is more economical to replace only the rear tire with the same brand, size and footprint of the OEM tire. Then when both tires front and rear are ready to replace, you can choose another brand or style of tire that suits your driving habits.

I realized that I was not going to go to improved roads with my Vespa, it's too hard on the suspension, the dust has a way to find its way inside the dampeners, the bushings, the filters, the oil, so I wanted a great long lasting tire for the road.

You will find a picture of the Zippy footprint enclosed. Make up your mind, but do not have different tire footprints in your bike.

Regards,

Hi, I went with the Pilot Cities. The rear Pirelli L38 tire that came on the bike wore down before I reached 2K. I kept the front Pirelli on as there is hardly any wear at all on that one (currently at 3K). I can't say I feel much handling difference and that might be due to only changing out one. I'm hoping the Pilots last longer. I plan on changing out the front this winter and keep the Pirelli as a spare.

I found out the hard way that a flat tire can really put you out of commission as it's hard to find anyone with LX sizes in stock. All the scooter shops in this area had to special order tires...typically that took 3 days, then, the service was another few days....add the weekend in there and all totalled, it took ten days to get my scoot up and running from a rear flat tire. Tough lesson learned! Next Spring I'd like to get an extra set of tires/rims so there's zero down time!

Indeed when you are hooked on scootering there is no cure! Having to wait for tires is a pitty, however, in the era of the web you can find tires for your scooter with the click of a mouse.

I carry a can of Pennzoil tire repair just in case. Some books that I've read recommend not to repair a punctured tire, however, I do believe that this is possible.

I would only recommend that you store the tire away from rain, here in Costa Rica we have Malaria and Dengue, very nasty diseases with lethal consequences and economically speaking also as they could curb eco-tourism (you could always bring your OFF! insect repelent). Also store the tire away from sunlight to avoid it from decaying.

Take care,

I went through two Pirellis in about 3000 miles on the rear. I put on the Zippy 1 and have about 2200 miles on it and it still looks new! I still have the original Pirelli on the front with little wear.

Zippy 1 tires are not available for the front of an LX 150, since that is an 11" tire. The rear, at 10", is no problem finding a Zippy 1 for.