OP
@robertitaly avatar
UTC

Member
PX-150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44
Location: Italy
 
Member
@robertitaly avatar
PX-150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44
Location: Italy
UTC quote
I got a flat tyre today whist riding through an old industrial area. So, I'd like to share my trick for changing the rear wheel on a Vespa PX. Changing the wheel is usually difficult because you can't lift the rear of the bike very high. It can be a real fight to get it off and on again because the wheel doesn't clear the frame. Yet, two small blocks of wood can make this easier.

In your tool bag you'll need two 50mm (2 inch) square blocks of wood. Place the bike up on the centre stand. Rock the bike sideways and place one block under the foot of the stand. Then do this for the other side too. These blocks of wood will allow you to raise the rear wheel higher off the ground, usually around 6 to 8 cm. And this is just enough to slip the wheel off and on again without too much struggle.

A scooter jack isn't really necessary. You can usually find some rocks or scrap wood to lift up the rear of the bike. I was lucky today as there were a couple of old wood posts nearby. Whatever you use, just make sure that it's solid and won't collapse with some slight rocking motion.

The rest of the procedure is straight forward. Remove the nuts and washers, remove the wheel, put on the spare, and put the nuts back on.
50mm (2 inch) wood block under centre stand foot
50mm (2 inch) wood block under centre stand foot
Use scrap wood, bricks, or rocks to lift the rear wheel
Use scrap wood, bricks, or rocks to lift the rear wheel
Blocks allow you to lift the wheel higher off the ground
Blocks allow you to lift the wheel higher off the ground
A puncture this size can cause the bike to become dangerously unstable and require an emergency stop.
A puncture this size can cause the bike to become dangerously unstable and require an emergency stop.
Remove the 5 nuts and then the wheel by sliding it back and sideways.
Remove the 5 nuts and then the wheel by sliding it back and sideways.
Mount the spare wheel and finger tighten the 5 nuts. Tighten the nuts with a wrench in a crisscross pattern.
Mount the spare wheel and finger tighten the 5 nuts. Tighten the nuts with a wrench in a crisscross pattern.
Finish up the job and then continue on to your favourite pub for a cold pint.
Finish up the job and then continue on to your favourite pub for a cold pint.
UTC

Addicted
SilverWing 600-- 4nprevious Vespa
Joined: UTC
Posts: 567
Location: chattanooga tn
 
Addicted
SilverWing 600-- 4nprevious Vespa
Joined: UTC
Posts: 567
Location: chattanooga tn
UTC quote
PX bought new---had 2 of them, had in tool kit prop for right ride to raise wheel----worked well and bike equipped with spare tire and wheel=wonderfull! Enabled you to keep going on trips! Modern scooters requiring exhaust system remova, suck---I am on 11th new maxi scooter since 1990.
@green_60 avatar
UTC

Member
GTS racing 60
Joined: UTC
Posts: 40
Location: So Cal, Lake Forest
 
Member
@green_60 avatar
GTS racing 60
Joined: UTC
Posts: 40
Location: So Cal, Lake Forest
UTC quote
Thanks for tips
@halijaro avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
'99 PX200 & GTS300 HPE SuperSport
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1465
Location: Cheshire, England, UK. Still European
 
Molto Verboso
@halijaro avatar
'99 PX200 & GTS300 HPE SuperSport
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1465
Location: Cheshire, England, UK. Still European
UTC quote
Good advice. It also makes it easier to get the wheel out (and back in again) if you take the plastic bumper off the back of the frame and pull it out that way.
UTC

Addicted
Joined: UTC
Posts: 922
Location: Planet Earth
 
Addicted
Joined: UTC
Posts: 922
Location: Planet Earth
UTC quote
Beware of blocking under rear engine as scootcan teeter forward and come off stand. Agree, rears are bitches ar side of road to fit.
@scooterist avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
71' Sprint Veloce , 05' Vespa PX150, 1978 P200E
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1487
Location: Tucson, AZ
 
Molto Verboso
@scooterist avatar
71' Sprint Veloce , 05' Vespa PX150, 1978 P200E
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1487
Location: Tucson, AZ
UTC quote
Thanks for sharing but my prefer method has always been laying the bike on it's engine side. The down side is that depending on how much gas you have it might spill slowly but if you know what you are doing you should have the tire changed between one and two minutes tops. The rest is pulling the cowl, removing the spare, etc, etc but I am referring to the time to remove the 5 nuts and swap and tighten the 5 nuts again.
@mike_holland avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
GTS300 Super 2015 Blue, GTS300 Super 2023 Beige
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3350
Location: Sydney, Australia
 
Ossessionato
@mike_holland avatar
GTS300 Super 2015 Blue, GTS300 Super 2023 Beige
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3350
Location: Sydney, Australia
UTC quote
It's much easier than all that. Remove the spare wheel, then lay the scooter on it's side with the spare wheel propping it up at the saddle, so that the rear is off the ground. Remove the rear wheel. Then, standing across the scooter with left hand supporting it, swap over the two wheels so the flat one is propping up the scooter. Then fit the spare.

Done it this way many times.
@v_oodoo avatar
UTC

Style Maven
'74 50s x3 '78 P200 E '84 Cosa '91 PK50XL2 - & - '58 AllState '68 Sprint '66(?) Super125 and '72 DanMotor Super150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 9512
Location: seattle/athens
 
Style Maven
@v_oodoo avatar
'74 50s x3 '78 P200 E '84 Cosa '91 PK50XL2 - & - '58 AllState '68 Sprint '66(?) Super125 and '72 DanMotor Super150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 9512
Location: seattle/athens
UTC quote
I've done similar, but leaning scooter over into a signpost, catching handlebar between grip and lever instead of all the way down so no gas issues. Good thing I had a 13mm with me ! Razz emoticon
OP
@robertitaly avatar
UTC

Member
PX-150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44
Location: Italy
 
Member
@robertitaly avatar
PX-150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44
Location: Italy
UTC quote
Mike Holland wrote:
It's much easier than all that. Remove the spare wheel, then lay the scooter on it's side with the spare wheel propping it up at the saddle, so that the rear is off the ground. Remove the rear wheel. Then, standing across the scooter with left hand supporting it, swap over the two wheels so the flat one is propping up the scooter. Then fit the spare.

Done it this way many times.
This is an interesting alternative that I've not tried before. Can you explain the part about how to swap the two wheels in more detail? I couldn't quite visualize that step.

Regardless, thanks everyone for sharing your alternatives as they provide a range of different options.
@mike_holland avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
GTS300 Super 2015 Blue, GTS300 Super 2023 Beige
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3350
Location: Sydney, Australia
 
Ossessionato
@mike_holland avatar
GTS300 Super 2015 Blue, GTS300 Super 2023 Beige
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3350
Location: Sydney, Australia
UTC quote
Switching tyres. With the scooter leaning, propped up by the good tyre under the saddle, put the flat tyre/wheel down in front of the good one where you can reach it while standing astride the leaning scooter. Then raise the scooter with the left hand and using the right hand remove the good tyre. Grab the flat one and insert it upright under the saddle to support the scooter. Then fit the good tyre/wheel.
UTC

Hooked
PX150E
Joined: UTC
Posts: 243
Location: Florida, USA
 
Hooked
PX150E
Joined: UTC
Posts: 243
Location: Florida, USA
UTC quote
No one seemed to mention it here, but:

before laying the scooter over or put blocks under the engine, break loose the 5 wheel nuts while the flat tire is still on. Much easier to fully remove the nuts without holding the rear brake pedal to prevent the wheel from spinning.

And, of course, final tightening of the nuts on the replaced tire is easier to do with the scooter up on the center stand again.

And, it goes without saying:
ENSURE ALL WHEEL NUTS ARE TIGHT!!
@subetherbass avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
1997 Italjet Formula 125, 2 matching N.Z. '69 VBC Super, 177cc Racer, VespaCross Bodge, Puch SRA150, Piaggio Zip 100! & others
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4720
Location: Australa, Mate
 
Ossessionato
@subetherbass avatar
1997 Italjet Formula 125, 2 matching N.Z. '69 VBC Super, 177cc Racer, VespaCross Bodge, Puch SRA150, Piaggio Zip 100! & others
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4720
Location: Australa, Mate
UTC quote
Disconnect fuel... lay riding jacket on ground... push damn scooter gracefully only jacket... remember to actually disconnect fuel & close fuel cap... change whatever broke
OP
@robertitaly avatar
UTC

Member
PX-150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44
Location: Italy
 
Member
@robertitaly avatar
PX-150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44
Location: Italy
UTC quote
There's a related thread called:

Roadside Tire Change - Recommended Method?
Roadside Tire Change - Recommended Method?

There are basically two choices: (1) lay the bike down partially or completely or (2) use a jack of some kind.

In the end it comes down to personal preference and your riding environment.
UTC

Member
P200E, Rally 200
Joined: UTC
Posts: 38
Location: Ohio
 
Member
P200E, Rally 200
Joined: UTC
Posts: 38
Location: Ohio
UTC quote
You can get those Bajaj-style jacks for between $10-$15 on eBay shipped from India. Here's the cheapest that I can find now: https://www.ebay.com/itm/294030773112

Fits in the glovebox and works well.
@moto_mark avatar
UTC

Hooked
Vespa 75th Anniversary GTS 300, Vespa 70th Anniversary PX150, Vespa 946, Vespa Rally 200, Vespa PX150, Piaggio Liberty 125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 361
Location: Sarasota, Florida / Trento, Italy
 
Hooked
@moto_mark avatar
Vespa 75th Anniversary GTS 300, Vespa 70th Anniversary PX150, Vespa 946, Vespa Rally 200, Vespa PX150, Piaggio Liberty 125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 361
Location: Sarasota, Florida / Trento, Italy
UTC quote
Or you could try this:

https://www.sip-scootershop.com/en/product/mounting-stand-vsk_89004300

I ordered one for my PX yesterday
@corradino avatar
UTC

Enthusiast
Motovespa PX200E "iris" elestart. Motovespa 160
Joined: UTC
Posts: 52
Location: Madrid, SPAIN.
 
Enthusiast
@corradino avatar
Motovespa PX200E "iris" elestart. Motovespa 160
Joined: UTC
Posts: 52
Location: Madrid, SPAIN.
UTC quote
Here in Spain a popular way to change a vespa tyre without laying the scooter is to hold the bike with a full 500 cc. beer can (16 oz). Fits well under the selector and you can refresh after the tyre change. Cheap and fits in the glovebox.
@xantufrog avatar
UTC

Moderibbit
1980 P200E - "Old Rusty", 1976 ET3 Primavera
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8892
Location: Atlanta, GA
 
Moderibbit
@xantufrog avatar
1980 P200E - "Old Rusty", 1976 ET3 Primavera
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8892
Location: Atlanta, GA
UTC quote
CORRADINO wrote:
Here in Spain a popular way to change a vespa tyre without laying the scooter is to hold the bike with a full 500 cc. beer can (16 oz). Fits well under the selector and you can refresh after the tyre change. Cheap and fits in the glovebox.
Laughing emoticon
@scooterraton avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
2 - Many
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3164
Location: Boca Raton, Florida
 
Ossessionato
@scooterraton avatar
2 - Many
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3164
Location: Boca Raton, Florida
UTC quote
robertitaly wrote:
There's a related thread called:

Roadside Tire Change - Recommended Method?
Roadside Tire Change - Recommended Method?

There are basically two choices: (1) lay the bike down partially or completely or (2) use a jack of some kind.

In the end it comes down to personal preference and your riding environment.
Or instead prop the bottom of the motor at the selector on a curb and lean it over, it doesn't have to lay down.
@velasquez avatar
UTC

Addicted
1978 P150X; 1982 P200e
Joined: UTC
Posts: 579
Location: Toronto
 
Addicted
@velasquez avatar
1978 P150X; 1982 P200e
Joined: UTC
Posts: 579
Location: Toronto
UTC quote
CORRADINO wrote:
Here in Spain a popular way to change a vespa tyre without laying the scooter is to hold the bike with a full 500 cc. beer can (16 oz). Fits well under the selector and you can refresh after the tyre change. Cheap and fits in the glovebox.
I will have to test that method this weekend. Just to make sure it will work on the road. Probably a test that should be run 4 or 5 times, just to make sure results are sound and statistically significant.
@pdxjim avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
2005 PX150 In a Part-time Relationship with a 2-Stroke Vespa Since 2007
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1866
 
Molto Verboso
@pdxjim avatar
2005 PX150 In a Part-time Relationship with a 2-Stroke Vespa Since 2007
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1866
UTC quote
I've done this in a parking lot with nothing but one of these, which I carry in the toolbox anyways.
https://www.scooterwest.com/vintage-vespa-large-frame-t-wrench-tool-toolt.html

1) Use tool to remove spare tire.
2) Use tool to loosen wheel nuts to finger tight.
3) Use tool to support engine and wheel off of ground by setting short side of T on ground and using long side of T under engine, making sure short side of the T is fore and aft, not abeam, otherwise the risk of the bike rolling forward off the stand is increased.
4) Taking great care not to encourage the machine to move forward, gently use the rotate-wheel-towards-the-rear trick to ease the wheel off the hub and out from under the tail.
5) Reverse moves to install spare, finger tighten wheel nuts, remove T-wrench from underneath engine and torque up nuts.
6) Ride to nearest bar, pub, or tavern and order a beer to congratulate yourself.

I should've taken photos at the time, but smartphones weren't available yet and my flip-phone didn't have a camera. Besides, I was too p*ssed off at the time after finding an upholstery brad in my tire at the end of a work day to want to take pictures anyways.
@aiosi avatar
UTC

Hooked
2005 Vespa PX 150 Serie America #107 of 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 408
Location: Houston, Texas USA
 
Hooked
@aiosi avatar
2005 Vespa PX 150 Serie America #107 of 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 408
Location: Houston, Texas USA
UTC quote
smn81 wrote:
You can get those Bajaj-style jacks for between $10-$15 on eBay shipped from India. Here's the cheapest that I can find now: https://www.ebay.com/itm/294030773112
Fits in the glovebox and works well.
I have one of the "Bajaj-style jacks" and it has come in handy a couple of times already.
I thought there was someone here on the forum that was replicating them but I can't seem to find the correct post.
I did find a post with a picture of it....
Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
OP
@robertitaly avatar
UTC

Member
PX-150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44
Location: Italy
 
Member
@robertitaly avatar
PX-150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44
Location: Italy
UTC quote
pdxjim wrote:
I've done this in a parking lot with nothing but one of these, which I carry in the toolbox anyways.
https://www.scooterwest.com/vintage-vespa-large-frame-t-wrench-tool-toolt.html

<snip>
Great idea! I already have one of those in the tool bag, but didn't think to use it as a jack.

I'll give this a try next time. I am curious about the stability. The problem with jacks is that they pivot the front wheel into the ground. And if you raise the rear too high then the bike comes off the centre stand. The small wood blocks I use help avoid that problem.
Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
@vintage_red_matthew avatar
UTC

MV Santa
GTS250, 1975 VBC, 1980 P200E cutdown
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4733
Location: Sedgwick, Kansas
 
MV Santa
@vintage_red_matthew avatar
GTS250, 1975 VBC, 1980 P200E cutdown
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4733
Location: Sedgwick, Kansas
UTC quote
robertitaly wrote:
There's a related thread called:

Roadside Tire Change - Recommended Method?
Roadside Tire Change - Recommended Method?

There are basically two choices: (1) lay the bike down partially or completely or (2) use a jack of some kind.

In the end it comes down to personal preference and your riding environment.
I was making and selling stands based on this thread. At the end of page two you can see what I came up with.

I think I sold about 10-15 of them and I made a few extras. I would get another request every six months or so. I just shipped one off last week.

I have one for 8 inch wheels that I use on my VBA and VBC and one left for ten inch wheels. I don't have a bike with ten inch wheels but someday I might so I had better keep that one.

I was wondering if I would have to go back into production but if you can get them delivered for less than $13 there is no way I can compete. The material and shipping alone cost me $10.

If anyone else wants one I am going to tell them to buy from Amazon or eBay.
@pdxjim avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
2005 PX150 In a Part-time Relationship with a 2-Stroke Vespa Since 2007
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1866
 
Molto Verboso
@pdxjim avatar
2005 PX150 In a Part-time Relationship with a 2-Stroke Vespa Since 2007
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1866
UTC quote
I only used the T-wrench because it was the only thing available I had that looked about the right length to lift the wheel off the ground and lo! was I surprised when it turned out to be just about the perfect length. After that discovery I no longer worried about road side tire changes.
⬆️    About 3 months elapsed    ⬇️
OP
@robertitaly avatar
UTC

Member
PX-150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44
Location: Italy
 
Member
@robertitaly avatar
PX-150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44
Location: Italy
UTC quote
Some posters recommended laying the Vespa down on the ground to change the tyre.

I never liked that idea, but I want to report back that I tried it and it worked great.

I got a flat last week way out in the countryside at night. And rather than mess around with jacks and blocks, I laid the scoot down and was able to quickly make the change in the dark.

The only problem I encountered was trying to get the motor started again. I switched off the fuel, but I'm guessing there was still enough in the carb to flood the motor. So perhaps it would be better to run the engine dry before laying it down?
@moto64 avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
'64 Motovespa 150S (177) , '65 VBB, '66 Allstate SF, '66 180SS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1754
Location: S.Salem, NY
 
Molto Verboso
@moto64 avatar
'64 Motovespa 150S (177) , '65 VBB, '66 Allstate SF, '66 180SS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1754
Location: S.Salem, NY
UTC quote
" So perhaps it would be better to run the engine dry before laying it down? "

Certainly couldn't hurt. And having a piece of plastic for under the tank cap is simple enough.
UTC

Member
P200E, Rally 200
Joined: UTC
Posts: 38
Location: Ohio
 
Member
P200E, Rally 200
Joined: UTC
Posts: 38
Location: Ohio
UTC quote
robertitaly wrote:
The only problem I encountered was trying to get the motor started again. I switched off the fuel, but I'm guessing there was still enough in the carb to flood the motor. So perhaps it would be better to run the engine dry before laying it down?
How full was your gas tank? I'd guess that the level was over the breather tube so that there was a fuel flow even in the off position.
DoubleGood Design banner

Modern Vespa is the premier site for modern Vespa and Piaggio scooters. Vespa GTS300, GTS250, GTV, GT200, LX150, LXS, ET4, ET2, MP3, Fuoco, Elettrica and more.

Buy Me A Coffee
 

Shop on Amazon with Modern Vespa

Modern Vespa is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com


All Content Copyright 2005-2024 by Modern Vespa.
All Rights Reserved.


[ Time: 0.0393s ][ Queries: 4 (0.0126s) ][ Debug on ][ 313 ][ Thing One ]