Modern Vespa

Good morning!

tldr: The stem for the back tire on my Liberty 150 is pretty darn close to the wheel hub. How do I check and refill the pressure without bending the stem?

I'm new to the scooter world... got my license in August, and was riding a NIU until last weekend as my commute vehicle. Got a brand new 2022 Piaggio Liberty 150 last Sunday after a ton of research, and I am in love! (It was raining when I bought it, so they didn't do the dealer test drive. Took it home on the back of the car. I am literally the only one who has ever driven it! Husband pouted a little, but he loves his GTS, so he got over it fast.) I want to do the work myself (after the first 600mile service), so I know I have a learning curve.

I went to do my weekend routine of checking oil and tires... oil is perfect, front tire is perfect, back tire... the end of the stem is too close to the hub! I can check the pressure with just the smallest wiggle, and it's low. Like 30psi instead of the recommended 40.6. Whoops? I was able to refill using our bike pump, but had to pull the stem out at a 45 degree angle to get the thingie to flip up and seal. I know that's not a good long term solution, because it can cause the stem to leak. So... anyone have a recommendation for how to do this right? Better pump? Right angle valve adaptor?

Any other advice for a newbie?

Thanks!

First suggestion, use an extension or a 90 degree to help. Here's an Amazon link to one, I got it to help maintain tire pressure in a Xiaomi M365 e-scooter since the stems are absurdly hard to get to.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B093F5LNZC?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Option two is for when you wear your tire out in several thousand miles:

https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/puig-90-degree-valve-stems?gclid=Cj0KCQiAnNacBhDvARIsABnDa6_RagfYVlqFUN7fAgpExh2RZtKnZJEk_hO3cfLRgthq4pee1sm8Se0aApyYEALw_wcB

They come in two sizes, 8.3mm and 11.3mm, so you might check which the Liberty uses. They're also offered in multiple colors. Best to install with fresh tires since the tire would have to be unmounted to fit these, but they're easy to access for pressure checks and adjustments. There practically a godsend for the 10" alloy on the rear of a Honda Helix.

Congratulations on your new wheels, please share pictures!

I was actually looking at that same link!

Dumb question (newbie, remember!): The 90degree brass thing. Do I leave that on the bike, or only put it on when checking/refilling pressure? I'm assuming I don't leave it on, but you know what they say about assuming

Scooter tax picture included! Don't mind the messy garage... I have spawnlings (children).

Strange you have trouble checking the rear tire pressure. I've been checking/topping mine up everyday for the last week until I finally found my air loss cause and fixed it. I'll try to get some pictures of what I use and post it up later today. I have to use my phone to post pictures on this site.

Congrats on the new ride! I like the chocolate model colors. The Liberty is reliable and sturdy and it doesn't hurt that its pretty stylish.

Congrats on your purchase! I absolutely LOVE my Liberty!

If you enlarge the picture below, you can see the valve position, it does not seem that close as on yours. I have no problem checking the pressure. And btw, if you are riding solo, it's 32psi. 40 is for two people.

Happy riding!

I sometimes take one of my kids with me on the back. (They have all their own gear - husband uses his Vespa to take them to school usually!) So... The 40 is what I will usually aim for!

Not the best pics but it gives you an idea of what side to approach from, valve position and best chuck style.

Cool pictures of your Liberty's!

Was thinking - if you end up with a leak from the bendo' rear tire valve - this might be an worthy bit of kit to keep under your seat.

https://colby-valve.myshopify.com/collections/colby-valve-tire-valves/products/ultimate-valve-system
Instructions say to use 7/16th socket or wrench. But a pair of pliers will turn the tightening nut to seal these. Just keep pressure towards the rim as you turn.
My motorcycle shop put my new Angels on - and broke the tire valve. I didn't notice this until after I had reinstalled the rear wheel!
I bought a set of these Colby valves and installed it at home and have been riding on it for quite some time. Has not leaked a wit!

There are emergency 'external' valve stems like these ("off-road use only") - but only these Colby claim to be a permanent solution. So far - so good on my Liberty!

O.S.