OP
@jbacklund avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
2020 GTS300 HPE/2022 Triumph Rocket 3R/1981 Honda CB900C/2019 Triumph Speedmaster
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1885
Location: Black Hills South Dakota USA
 
Molto Verboso
@jbacklund avatar
2020 GTS300 HPE/2022 Triumph Rocket 3R/1981 Honda CB900C/2019 Triumph Speedmaster
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1885
Location: Black Hills South Dakota USA
UTC quote
My Triumph Rocket is down with a suspiciously low rear tire, and I'm just about flat out of rideable machines, so all this has added a measure of urgency to getting the valve clearances checked on my GTS300 so I might be able to ride it tomorrow during the predicted sunshine-y sixty-six predicted degree temperatures (F).

On went the front wheel chock for the lift table, then onto the table went the GTS, then under the GTS went one of my new scissors jacks.

I removed both lower rear shock bolts so that the engine could pivot upwards when the jack raises it.

I strapped down the front wheel to the chock and table, then, with Trixie adding some welcome stability to the bike, I applied some scissors jack therapy with a ratchet and up she went, dropping the rear wheel while pivoting the entire engine/drive train upwards to allow some workable access to the cylinder head area.

The bike is surprisingly stable as it sits, and I don't feel that further strapping will be necessary for this project, but I'm ready if it does.

I shall continue reporting my progress as it develops.

Remember, I am not a Vespa 'Tech', so this could go in all manner of unpredictable ways.

So far...
Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
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Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
OP
@jbacklund avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
2020 GTS300 HPE/2022 Triumph Rocket 3R/1981 Honda CB900C/2019 Triumph Speedmaster
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1885
Location: Black Hills South Dakota USA
 
Molto Verboso
@jbacklund avatar
2020 GTS300 HPE/2022 Triumph Rocket 3R/1981 Honda CB900C/2019 Triumph Speedmaster
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1885
Location: Black Hills South Dakota USA
UTC quote
I'll also use this opportunity to clean up the engine area, it's pretty dusty in there.
@az_slynch avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
'07 GTS250, '07 LX150, '81 P200E, '78 P200E, '74 VBC1, '64 V90 and 3 Ciaos
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1404
Location: Tucson, AZ
 
Molto Verboso
@az_slynch avatar
'07 GTS250, '07 LX150, '81 P200E, '78 P200E, '74 VBC1, '64 V90 and 3 Ciaos
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1404
Location: Tucson, AZ
UTC quote
JBacklund wrote:
My Triumph Rocket is down with a suspiciously low rear tire, and I'm just about flat out of rideable machines, so ...
Wasp Dad coming in with the subtle jokes.

Some food for thought: most of us didn't start off as Vespa techs. Kudos to you for embracing the challenge and best wishes for success!
@kawzak avatar
UTC

Addicted
New 2023 BV-400
Joined: UTC
Posts: 699
Location: S. Texas
 
Addicted
@kawzak avatar
New 2023 BV-400
Joined: UTC
Posts: 699
Location: S. Texas
UTC quote
Like one sports shoe company says- " Just do it". The more you think about it ,the worse it will become (in your mind). Once you get started doing most anything ( you dreaded doing) the easier it will become IMO. Also if needed -for tougher jobs ….consult Yoda !.
@fledermaus avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2007 LX150 2015 GTS (running like a charm!) 2017 BV 350
Joined: UTC
Posts: 12418
Location: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@fledermaus avatar
2007 LX150 2015 GTS (running like a charm!) 2017 BV 350
Joined: UTC
Posts: 12418
Location: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
UTC quote
Ah, memories. Not a bad job, but it was much easier having the engine out on the bench. OTOH, it adds a couple of days to the project.

I find myself rechecking my feeler gauge work a half dozen times too...
UTC

Molto Verboso
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1159
 
Molto Verboso
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1159
UTC quote
nope
⚠️ Last edited by skids on UTC; edited 1 time
@fledermaus avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2007 LX150 2015 GTS (running like a charm!) 2017 BV 350
Joined: UTC
Posts: 12418
Location: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@fledermaus avatar
2007 LX150 2015 GTS (running like a charm!) 2017 BV 350
Joined: UTC
Posts: 12418
Location: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
UTC quote
skids wrote:
I realized right away that I could not hold the stud still while tightening the keeper nut.
Interestingly, you don't have slots for a screwdriver to keep it from turning!
@az_slynch avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
'07 GTS250, '07 LX150, '81 P200E, '78 P200E, '74 VBC1, '64 V90 and 3 Ciaos
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1404
Location: Tucson, AZ
 
Molto Verboso
@az_slynch avatar
'07 GTS250, '07 LX150, '81 P200E, '78 P200E, '74 VBC1, '64 V90 and 3 Ciaos
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1404
Location: Tucson, AZ
UTC quote
Something like this is very handy for that job. I use them on old Hondas.

https://www.amazon.com/Motorcycles-Engine-Tappet-Adjusting-Wrench/dp/B09MYKKFDQ
UTC

Molto Verboso
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1159
 
Molto Verboso
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1159
UTC quote
nope
⚠️ Last edited by skids on UTC; edited 1 time
@fledermaus avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2007 LX150 2015 GTS (running like a charm!) 2017 BV 350
Joined: UTC
Posts: 12418
Location: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@fledermaus avatar
2007 LX150 2015 GTS (running like a charm!) 2017 BV 350
Joined: UTC
Posts: 12418
Location: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
UTC quote
skids wrote:
Even if you manage to hold the stud perfectly still it seems like it moves to be just a little looser as the keeper nut is tightened.

True, that, but I'm anal enough to check my work 6 times before buttoning things up.
OP
@jbacklund avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
2020 GTS300 HPE/2022 Triumph Rocket 3R/1981 Honda CB900C/2019 Triumph Speedmaster
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1885
Location: Black Hills South Dakota USA
 
Molto Verboso
@jbacklund avatar
2020 GTS300 HPE/2022 Triumph Rocket 3R/1981 Honda CB900C/2019 Triumph Speedmaster
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1885
Location: Black Hills South Dakota USA
UTC quote
fledermaus wrote:
True, that, but I'm anal enough to check my work 6 times before buttoning things up.
Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
@copeland avatar
UTC

Enthusiast
2013 Vespa GTS300 Super, 2022 Kymco AD550
Joined: UTC
Posts: 62
Location: Eden Prairie MN
 
Enthusiast
@copeland avatar
2013 Vespa GTS300 Super, 2022 Kymco AD550
Joined: UTC
Posts: 62
Location: Eden Prairie MN
UTC quote
I got nothing. Turn the key and drive to the local scooter service department. I'm convinced this has nothing to do with saving money - you guys really like tinkering around with this mechanical stuff. Some satisfaction in; "Holy Crap, I actually fixed that".

Bob Copeland
Wrenchless in Minnesota
@petercc avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
Piaggio Beverly 300 ie - 2012
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1333
Location: Belgium
 
Molto Verboso
@petercc avatar
Piaggio Beverly 300 ie - 2012
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1333
Location: Belgium
UTC quote
JBacklund wrote:
My Triumph Rocket is down with a suspiciously low rear tire, and I'm just about flat out of rideable machines, so all this has added a measure of urgency to getting the valve clearances checked on my GTS300 so I might be able to ride it tomorrow during the predicted sunshine-y sixty-six predicted degree temperatures (F).
(...)
Why did you decide you need to check the valve clearances in the first place?
@petercc avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
Piaggio Beverly 300 ie - 2012
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1333
Location: Belgium
 
Molto Verboso
@petercc avatar
Piaggio Beverly 300 ie - 2012
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1333
Location: Belgium
UTC quote
Copeland wrote:
(...)
Bob Copeland
Wrenchless in Minnesota
What has happened, Bob.
You joined 2 days ago and so far had 6 posts?
OP
@jbacklund avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
2020 GTS300 HPE/2022 Triumph Rocket 3R/1981 Honda CB900C/2019 Triumph Speedmaster
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1885
Location: Black Hills South Dakota USA
 
Molto Verboso
@jbacklund avatar
2020 GTS300 HPE/2022 Triumph Rocket 3R/1981 Honda CB900C/2019 Triumph Speedmaster
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1885
Location: Black Hills South Dakota USA
UTC quote
PeterCC wrote:
Why did you decide you need to check the valve clearances in the first place?
It certainly wasn't my idea, but Piaggio says that they want those little flippy motor things looked at every 6000 on the HPE models. My GTS has 6700 on it, so I'm doing it to humor our guys in Italy.
@dooglas avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
GTS 300ABS, Buddy 125, Buddy Kick 125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 13505
Location: Oregon City, OR
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@dooglas avatar
GTS 300ABS, Buddy 125, Buddy Kick 125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 13505
Location: Oregon City, OR
UTC quote
PeterCC wrote:
What has happened, Bob.
You joined 2 days ago and so far had 6 posts?
I know how he ended up with the new date and the short post count. I'm wondering how that bought him half of a roundel already?

[MVFR] Anyone having trouble logging in?
@pigletpilot avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
Gina, 1965 Vespa 180SS, Bella,1968 Vespa 150 Super, Mia, 2017 Vespa Primavera 70th Anniversary 150ie, Gabriella, 2017 GTS300 ABS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1941
Location: Hamilton/Kirikiriroa, NZ
 
Molto Verboso
@pigletpilot avatar
Gina, 1965 Vespa 180SS, Bella,1968 Vespa 150 Super, Mia, 2017 Vespa Primavera 70th Anniversary 150ie, Gabriella, 2017 GTS300 ABS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1941
Location: Hamilton/Kirikiriroa, NZ
UTC quote
Dooglas wrote:
I know how he ended up with the new date and the short post count. I'm wondering how that bought him half of a roundel already?

[MVFR] Anyone having trouble logging in?
I suspect that there's some jess factor at work here.
@jess avatar
UTC

Petty Tyrant
0:7 And counting
Joined: UTC
Posts: 38087
Location: Bay Area, California
 
Petty Tyrant
@jess avatar
0:7 And counting
Joined: UTC
Posts: 38087
Location: Bay Area, California
UTC quote
Dooglas wrote:
I know how he ended up with the new date and the short post count. I'm wondering how that bought him half of a roundel already?
Roundels are awarded on a curve. The first half roundel is quite easy. They get progressively harder -- a lot harder -- with each new half.
OP
@jbacklund avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
2020 GTS300 HPE/2022 Triumph Rocket 3R/1981 Honda CB900C/2019 Triumph Speedmaster
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1885
Location: Black Hills South Dakota USA
 
Molto Verboso
@jbacklund avatar
2020 GTS300 HPE/2022 Triumph Rocket 3R/1981 Honda CB900C/2019 Triumph Speedmaster
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1885
Location: Black Hills South Dakota USA
UTC quote
jess wrote:
Roundels are awarded on a curve. The first half roundel is quite easy. They get progressively harder -- a lot harder -- with each new half.
I have three roundels, two 'norma'l ones, and a third with the number 5 in it.

What's the number 5 in a roundel mean?

Is it simply a higher 'denomination' roundel than the single roundels?
@pigletpilot avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
Gina, 1965 Vespa 180SS, Bella,1968 Vespa 150 Super, Mia, 2017 Vespa Primavera 70th Anniversary 150ie, Gabriella, 2017 GTS300 ABS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1941
Location: Hamilton/Kirikiriroa, NZ
 
Molto Verboso
@pigletpilot avatar
Gina, 1965 Vespa 180SS, Bella,1968 Vespa 150 Super, Mia, 2017 Vespa Primavera 70th Anniversary 150ie, Gabriella, 2017 GTS300 ABS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1941
Location: Hamilton/Kirikiriroa, NZ
UTC quote
You earned 5 roundels and have achieved 2 more.
@jimc avatar
UTC

Moderaptor
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44524
Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
 
Moderaptor
@jimc avatar
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44524
Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
UTC quote
JBacklund wrote:
I have three roundels, two 'norma'l ones, and a third with the number 5 in it.

What's the number 5 in a roundel mean?

Is it simply a higher 'denomination' roundel than the single roundels?
It means five roundels. Before Jess coded that, the number of roundels became - um - excessive. So you have seven in total. The curve is pretty exponential.
@jess avatar
UTC

Petty Tyrant
0:7 And counting
Joined: UTC
Posts: 38087
Location: Bay Area, California
 
Petty Tyrant
@jess avatar
0:7 And counting
Joined: UTC
Posts: 38087
Location: Bay Area, California
UTC quote
jimc wrote:
It means five roundels. Before Jess coded that, the number of roundels became - um - excessive. So you have seven in total. The curve is pretty exponential.
Or logarithmic, as the case may be.

In truth, the numbers that the forum software actually uses are defined in a discrete table, rather than a perfectly smooth formula. And the table numbers are slightly -- only slightly -- off of where a proper mathematical formula would be. For performance reasons, I might yet switch to a formula, which might alter the roundels a bit. But really not by much.

I expect many howls, though.
Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
@znomit avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
LX190 Friday afternoon special, [s]Primavera[/s], S50, too many pushbikes
Joined: UTC
Posts: 10787
Location: Hermit Kingdom
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@znomit avatar
LX190 Friday afternoon special, [s]Primavera[/s], S50, too many pushbikes
Joined: UTC
Posts: 10787
Location: Hermit Kingdom
UTC quote
jess wrote:
I expect many howls, though.
Switch to decimal roundels at the same time to confuse em.
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