Modern Vespa

Ok, as many of you guys know my '11 GTS has a cracked. My choices so far are:
1. Local totaled '08 300 for sale at $600. Should be able to talk the seller down some. Also, additional cost of transporting the totaled scooter to the shop. I don't have a hitch. So I either rent a truck or load it into my Explorer. Either way, more $$$
2. New OEM Head $600ish plus labor
3. New Malossi Head $700ish plus Labor
4. OEM head pulled at 2000 miles from a 300 Cost is $470 (With O rings and other parts needed to replace)
5.Get the OEM Piaggeo Performance Pipe and a used head from Scooterparts in South Carolina?!?!?!
6. Sell the Bike as is and buy a new one/HPE

What would you do? And GO!

New bike!

If you don't get pleasure from DIY, then you'll get more pleasure from a new bike than having someone else fix it.

Since you ask, Total the '11 out and get the new one.

I just put that on the list because I knew one of you yahoo's were gonna say it anyways.

Thanks for the input.

Buy the wrecker, fit the head and wait for 6 months for any glitches to be ironed out on the HPE.

You're going to buy one anyway so why not have something to look forward to ?

Bill x

Go full Malossi (cylinder, head, variator), you won't regret it

Do you enjoy mechanical work? If you do, then going with the full Malossi top end isn't that hard, honestly, and it gets you significantly more power than stock - even more than the new HPE.

It's a matter of what your time is worth, though. I don't know what a shop will charge you to do that replacement, but parts run around a thousand bucks or so. If you buy the cylinder and head in combination, Scooterwest will also make sure to get replacement hose clamps, o-rings, water pump and oil gaskets - everything you need for a complete overhaul. It was very helpful.

But, if you've gotta pay someone else to do it, I suppose whether or not it's worth it depends on how much their hourly rate is.

If you're not much of a mechanic, or don't want to spend the time and effort, then sell and buy a new one. Can't really go wrong there. It'd be nice to get a new engine, full warranty, and fancy new features such as ABS...

Good luck!

Decided on option 4. Getting an OEM Head from Scooterwest. Pulled form another bike with 2000 miles on it. Decided since I'm 1400 miles away from the belt and roller service to just get that done now. I'll email/call Scooterwest to pull the trigger on the order.

I do appreciate your advice guys. I'm not ready to walk away from this bike...yet.

I did debate the Malossi head quite a bit but it's coming down to $$$ right now. The used head for 50% off is allowing me to be able to afford the belt and roller service and get it all done at once. I already stocked up on oil change stuff so my riding partner and I can take care of that in 3000 miles. I asked the mechanic if the hoses look good (Being the second owner and it being a 2011...I'm just being overly cautious I know.) SO far they do not appear to be cracking nor worn in a way that needs replacing.

I'm still mulling over getting that performance Piaggeo pipe from Scooterparts in SC...

As you are trying to do this at lowest practical cost, I'd leave out the "performance" pipe. They don't really do much on the Quasar engine except looks and perhaps sound. A chance to save some money and still get the job you need done.