Modern Vespa

...I'm also fast becoming apprehensive about the engine service due at that mileage, meaning the valve clearance check procedure, which I'm forced to perform myself because of the infeasibility of hauling the GTS300 350-400 miles south to the nearest servicing Vespa dealership in Colorado, which I suspect would require a hotel, up to three days away from home, lots of expensive gasoline for the F-150, and of course, a fairly hefty service tab.

I figure that, altogether, I would be spending a bunch of money well north of $1000 before I had the GTS back in the garage and ready for it's next 6000 miles.

I HAVE to do this job myself.

To prepare my feeble brain for this event, and to find some encouragement, I have watched Robot's YouTube video on this procedure, and if I take my time, I think that I can handle it.

It appears that I will need to order a special tool or two for this job, so I'll go ahead and get them on the way.

Last fall, I did the 300 mile valve clearance check on my Royal Enfield Interceptor, and it went quite well, but due to the confined space and smaller components involved in working on the Vespa single, it might take a lot of 'finesse' and dexterity to do it right.

Any info, insider hints, or encouragement, from those of you who have performed this service procedure will be very welcome.

What are you going to wear though?

I think pristine white overalls, plus bow tie.

I was thinking about wearing a smartly-ironed white lab coat, a steampunk top hat with brass-framed aviator goggles, khaki cargo shorts, and, of course, argyle socks but no shoes.

Who's going to ride the Vespa the 350 miles to the dealer if you're driving the F150?

The Vespa would be hauled in the bed of the pickup, or on a light-duty trailer pulled by the pickup.

But neither will be necessary.

I find it worthwhile to have a pair of reading glasses so I can see at arms length when I'm lying on my back on the floor. I usually use bifocals, and they are terrible for any sort of complex engine work.

It's not quite as involved, but I did manage to get this oil sight glass engine cover on without any problems....and it hasn't leaked a drop since.

And you get that wonderful sense of satisfaction from
1. Getting the job done yourself and
2. BUYING TOOLS!

I might just go with my 'Glassless Slat Goggles'... they're not much good for riding because they still let a lot of bug chunks through, but they should work ok in the garage.

Big fan of this look ^

I like that look too. Reminds me of Max Headroom.