Modern Vespa

Greetings,

I bought my scooter in June 2021, I use it daily. I took it to the service for a 500 km check, it was alright. It is now at 6000 km and I went to the service for its first periodic maintenance. After the technical guy did the generals such as oil change, filters etc., he said that the clutch drum is "burned" - the surface deteriorated and needed to be replaced. I am not sure if this is necessary or not. I know that the clutch lining wears out over time and is changed at about 10-12,000 km, but I do not know in what situations the clutch drum should be changed. If you have any experience on the subject, I would be very grateful if you share it.

Vespa Primavera 150 Model Year 2012 6000km
Clutch Drum Part No: 1A004103

WS

The clutch drum can be very simply refurbished with a Scotchbrite or similar abrasive. You just need to get the inevitable glaze off. Same for the clutch pads which should last far, far longer than 6000km (4000miles). Mine at over 43,000 look just fine, and I nearly always do jack-rabbit starts.

Is your mechanic *really* au fait with modern Vespas?

I believe you are being fed shit and told it is chocolate pudding. 3,728 miles, and they are telling you the clutch drum needs replaced? Do you use the throttle as a brake, constantly giving it gas when stopped on a hill to avoid rolling backward? 40,000 miles out of a piaggio clutch drum is not unreasonable. Is this happening at a Vespa dealer? Head over there. Ask to see it. Is it blue and warped? Show us a photo. Welcome to MV.

The only way I can see the clutch bell needing to be replaced is if it is warped or stripped. But it doesn't sound like that's what your mechanic is telling you.

As I thought, it was the the first time at that dealer. Mine was very busy I tried my chance, they tried to rip some money off.. Clutch drum was blackened naturally but not warped or stripped. Thank you though I will keep my scooter away from that dealer. Happy to join MW.

WS

I'll go one more. What business do they have opening the CVT unless you went in complaining of problems in that area? I don't know of a scooter made with recommended service of the belt, rollers or clutch at anything less than 6,000 miles (gotta love the HPE).

It's not going to be warped or stripped. If it's blued, a lot of people replace them. Some obviously don't. On a small bike like the Vespa 150, it won't make a lot of difference one way or the other. It's on bigger bikes that you really notice the difference once it warms up. The mileage does sound early, but a photo of the clutch bell might indicate why the dealer wanted to replace it more than just idly speculating that they wanted to rip you off. Telling someone they need a new clutch bell is not the typical modus operandi of dishonest shops.