Modern Vespa

Bought a 5 year old used Vespa GTS300 with 4000 miles. When I pulled off the exhaust I was surprised to see the bushing shoved almost an inch down the pipe. I've seen Robot install a new bushing and he keeps the bushing flush with the end of the pipe.

Is this how it's done from the factory or the previous owners mistake? When I install a new bushing in the future should it be flush or shoved all the way in?

It depends how old that bushing is. As they wear, apart from getting thinner the end 'down the pipe' gets more and more ragged, so on exhaust removal it's often a good idea to shove it a bit more down the pipe so the ends of the slots get closed. When a bushing first starts to give up the ghost, it's at those slot ends that it gives way first.

You'll find it nearly impossible to get a new bushing so far into the silencer that the end is flush - but you can make a tool from a couple of bar-ends (one standard, one heavy) that aid in gently hammering the bushing in place.

it would be cool if you could show us that trick, jimc

Thanks for the detailed answer. The rear tire is original based on the date on it and I would think the bushing is too.

I have a 30-45mm pipe expander already so that should help getting a new bushing flush.

I guess as long as these slots are covered with bushing is more important than how far down or not down the bushing is.

Often with an GTS HPE the exhaust is removed for an oil change to make easier access to the filter. Not sure with your model of GTS

I didn't even think of that. I was thinking I was the first to remove the exhaust because the tire is original. Mine is a non HPE 2018 but someone might have removed the exhaust for an oil and filter change.

You wouldn't remove the exhaust to do an oil change on your GTS. I expect it's really worn down and has migrated all by itself. Time to change it - and keep a spare on hand.

I'm glad you said to change it because I thought it would still be good because it has less than 4000 miles on it. Is about 5000 miles the average lifespan of an exhaust bushing on a non HPE?

I have found that covering the bottom of the slots and seating the exhaust manifold well helps the bushing last longer. I've seen exhaust push through the graphite and out the slots when the clamp was put on high.

I install the bushing flush with the end of the pipe. I have a pipe expander I got from Scooterwest that is a perfect fit. Don't over expand it, it should fit snugly. You have to remove the exhaust to remove the rear wheel. I've had mine off 4 times, three to remove the wheel, and one to replace the water pump. I have only use two of those bushings so far. If they are fairly new, and you are VERY careful removing the pipe (don't let the weight of the exhaust surprise you and cause you to drop it, it's heavier than it looks) I keep a couple of those bushings on hand, they are considered a normal wear part.

Anywhere between 5,000 and 10,000 miles - all depends on how often tyres or brake pads get changed, how well it was installed in the first place, and if the clamp has been snugged up at regular intervals (every 1-2,000 miles).

As soon as exhaust gases can escape around a worn bushing, it'll deteriorate very rapidly. A matter of tens of miles.

Thank you all for the valuable info.