Modern Vespa

This is not a commuter bike ...

I've just passed 50,000km in almost 4 years and am wondering what non service parts could be badly worn that I haven't thought to inspect or have already replaced. Ideas?

Here's a list of parts I have replaced that jump to mind

* front (variator) and rear pulleys
* clutch + bell
* swingarm (exhaust bracket) bearing
* bearing in transmission cover
* steering bearing (top)
* kill/start/indicators/asr switches
* front and rear brake discs/rotors
* front and rear pads (and then swapped to different callipers with different pads)

and less obvious

* throttle body (yes it should not have worn out but it has twice - please leave discussion for other threads - I have previously started these)
* hose from top of cylinder head to under left floorboard (was missing bracket causing it to get worn almost all the way through)
* rear mudguard (bounces too much so was wearing against the rear tire...)
* top bushings on front and rear shocks (not worn out but wanted stiffer)
* idle/dump pulley (the one between the drive and driven pulleys)

Upates: Some more at 53,000km

* head gasket
* that short rubber between the throttle body and the intake manifold cracked all the way through when I took it off. Might not have been already cracked but was old enough that cracked easily?

And real soon:
* Swingarm bushing / silent block are next

Seems like a lot, given the mileage.

I abuse my bike. regular country riding at speed and rough roads in the bush. even rode in the snow last weekend (check my Instagram or Country riding in Australia

I'd be checking your main swingarm/engine mount (silent block) bushing for wear and also your steering bearings considering the amount of off-road riding you do.

That's only 31,000 miles. How many belts have you replaced? I've put 118,000 miles on a bought new motorcycle, and haven't replaced that many parts. HPEs seem to eat parts.

that's a very apples and oranges comparison

that does't seem all to outrageous given the type of riding that you're doing.

most of that list is general consumables that are designed to wear. the switches and throttle body could possibly, maybe, probably be chalked up to the offroad action.

the mud guard and hose are known entity, but still aggravating.

anyway, it's great to have some feedback and data points to draw from!

I still have an issue with belts on the HPE. Someone recently had a belt shred at 6,000 miles. I checked the maintenance schedule for a 600cc Honda Silverwing, which is much bigger and heavier than the GTS HPE, and is designed for long distance highway riding. The manual recommends replacing the belt every 16,000 miles. The CVT drive system is virtually identical to the Vespa. Vespas are expensive high end scooters. Why do they need so much more maintenance and replacement of parts? And why do the HPE models require twice as much maintenance as non HPE models? I have yet to hear an explanation for that yet. I think that is a legitimate question. New technology is supposed to be better than old technology. That's what I keep getting told. Yet the HPE models with newer technology seem to wear out parts way faster than older non HPE models.

silent block - good idea.

steering bearings - already did

serious question: have you seen the belt for a 600 Silverwing? it is quite literally twice the size and easily double the mass.

a better comparison would be from a bike with the same size engine.

except for honda elite/helix 250's. those don't count because nobody maintains them ever, because they never break.

That explains a lot.

How often do you clean your Vespa, and how do you do it? Wondering if the bearing failures were through dust build up, or from use of a jet wash?

Have you got a price list of the work so far? Roughly how much has the maintenance been per year?

* water pump if you don't change coolant every two years.
* exhaust bushing

Oils (all of them; engine, gears, brake, fork, etc.), tires, coolant, blinker fluid, spring to mind. But I'm sure you've done that.
Double check all bearings and bushings.
Fork oil and dust seals.
Drive belt.

No bushing as i use an aftermarket sports exhaust

The HPE is basically the Air cooled 125cc Leader engine with a whole lot of stuff added over the years. The transmission is not quite as robust as what you see on most 300cc scooters.

I would check the swingarm bushings, where the engine mounts to the frame in front. They often lack for lubrication from the factory. Hammering the bike hard on rough roads does wear parts like that out faster. Also, be careful with the extra firm shock bushings. They are meant to have a little give, and I've seen a shock or two break where it's welded at the bottom.

no power wash. bucket of warm soapy water and a garden hose. and a leaf blower to get the significant build up of dust out of the engine bay. it needs it often.

I do virtually all the work myself - cost would be painful otherwise. I've got a good source of parts who gives me discounts, eg a new throttle body CM291706 for AU$540 (US$750 at scooterwest) or a set of rollers for AU$25.50. iirc the throttlebody is the only expensive part I've had to deal with rest are cheap or normal service parts

I have wondered about the shock bushings being a good/bad idea but they feel so in the twisties
I also wondered about "sports" shocks being firmer than stock contributing to my steering bearings dying.

is there a good thread or wiki for inspecting the engine mounts? I'll have a search soon https://cheekythoma3.wixsite.com/itsme/swingarm

I would consider that a more advanced maintenance procedure, the average DIY mechanic would struggle to service the swingarm bearings without help.