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Ossessionato
Vespas 1964 GS160, 1965 SS180, 1977 V9A1T, 1983 PX150E
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Posts: 2537
Location: Siam
 
Ossessionato
Vespas 1964 GS160, 1965 SS180, 1977 V9A1T, 1983 PX150E
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2537
Location: Siam
UTC quote
The SS180 clutch that I have has a large brass bushing that the gear cluster spins on.

I've noticed in the parts book that I have shows there are 40 needle bearings where this brass bushing is on mine. The parts book indicates these needle bearings are for both the GS and the SS, but it shows no option for a brass bushing.

Were there two different versions of this clutch? Are the bushing and needle bearings interchangeable? In other words, could one remove the bushing and install the 40 needle bearings in place of the bushing?

Or is this bushing in my clutch a bodge from the past owner?

Any information is appreciated.
@birdsnest avatar
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VNB VSC 09C VMA VSX - vbc vmb
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Not So Moderator
@birdsnest avatar
VNB VSC 09C VMA VSX - vbc vmb
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UTC quote
Hmmm...parts book definitely shows two versions but doesn't make clear which version goes with what model?
*scratches head*

Will be watching for more learned replies...
OP
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Ossessionato
Vespas 1964 GS160, 1965 SS180, 1977 V9A1T, 1983 PX150E
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2537
Location: Siam
 
Ossessionato
Vespas 1964 GS160, 1965 SS180, 1977 V9A1T, 1983 PX150E
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2537
Location: Siam
UTC quote
I found a bit more information. Scooterwest offers an SS180 clutch rebuild kit that has a caged set of needle bearings they claim can replace the bushing. They say Piaggio put the bushing on later models (I assume SS) to cut costs.
@lynnb avatar
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1963 VBB2T
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@lynnb avatar
1963 VBB2T
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Posts: 2542
UTC quote
I would think the caged needle bearing replacement would be less friction than the brass bushing.
OP
UTC

Ossessionato
Vespas 1964 GS160, 1965 SS180, 1977 V9A1T, 1983 PX150E
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2537
Location: Siam
 
Ossessionato
Vespas 1964 GS160, 1965 SS180, 1977 V9A1T, 1983 PX150E
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2537
Location: Siam
UTC quote
Lynnb wrote:
I would think the caged needle bearing replacement would be less friction than the brass bushing.
Yes, and maybe thus quieter. From what I've found out, the bushing can be removed and replaced with a set of needle bearings.

There always seems to be some odd ball thing with these SS and GS engines. It's as if a renegade engineer at Piaggio was let loose in the early 60s. I like it though. 🤪
OP
UTC

Ossessionato
Vespas 1964 GS160, 1965 SS180, 1977 V9A1T, 1983 PX150E
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2537
Location: Siam
 
Ossessionato
Vespas 1964 GS160, 1965 SS180, 1977 V9A1T, 1983 PX150E
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2537
Location: Siam
UTC quote
On a side note, does anyone know if SS/GS clutch parts are interchangeable? Specifically, I'm wondering if a GS back plate can be used with an SS gear cluster, SS basket, and SS spring cups. My back plate is toast (old bodgism) so I want to obtain a GS back plate and use it with all the other SS bits I have.
@danie avatar
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Hooked
1957 VN2, 1970 180 Rally, 1980 P150X and P200E
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Hooked
@danie avatar
1957 VN2, 1970 180 Rally, 1980 P150X and P200E
Joined: UTC
Posts: 351
Location: George, South Africa
UTC quote
According to the SIP website, both clutches are interchangeable.
OP
UTC

Ossessionato
Vespas 1964 GS160, 1965 SS180, 1977 V9A1T, 1983 PX150E
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2537
Location: Siam
 
Ossessionato
Vespas 1964 GS160, 1965 SS180, 1977 V9A1T, 1983 PX150E
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2537
Location: Siam
UTC quote
danie wrote:
According to the SIP website, both clutches are interchangeable.
I appreciate that. No offense to SIP, as they are a great source of parts, but I've been misled by their product descriptions enough times to be somewhat reluctant to believe what they write.
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