Modern Vespa

Hello all,

I have a 2012 GTS, 26k miles, just did a bit of work and am now having a steering problem. When I ride, the front end feels stiffer, like it doesn't want to come off center and initiate a turn.

2 things changed this week,

1. I remounted my front rack, it was an earlier design that had 1 hook top center and 1 hook bottom center. It was done away with due to rubbing the bottom of the headset paint off in 1 small spot. Had the rack on for years, it did rub the paint off, but never gave any steering problems. It might be rubbing slightly harder, but still not enough to make me think it is the culprit.

2. I replaced the rear shocks. I got a set of BiTurbo rear shocks, There is a weird offset, not sure if I got that right, and if getting it wrong would cause this problem. I also have no idea what the preload settings are, since it is 1 ongoing screw. I am a bigger guy, 300+. I turned the preload up 1 full turn, not sure if that is enough, or if that could be the problem. Riding the scoot around the block the bike handles the big cracks well, just not sure about this steering problem.

Have you tried putting something under the scooter to raise the front wheel off the ground so you can check the steering?

Check both rear shocks have identical preload.

Also post a photo of the bottom of the rear left shock (iirc that's the one with the unusual offset)

this! start there. great advice.

Fast test: put it on the center stand, have someone press the back down enough to lift the front wheel as you rotate the handlebars. If it feels notchy, the bearings need replacing.

That should make no difference. That they should go notchy at the same time as the front rack was remounted seems a stretch...

Take off the front rack again and see if it's now OK.