Modern Vespa

Mine came off. How critical is the part?

(Using the name SIP assigned to it, may not be the US colloquial but photo may help)

From what I understand, this piece is so that any oil or water residue is stored there and is easy to remove just by removing this. But it is there to prevent dirt from entering there, so I would say it is better to put one on it, they are very cheap.

part is cheap, shipping to the US is about 10x the cost of the part though. and they only have the glass, the clamp is out of stock.

You could find some tubing at the hardware store and fasten it with a zip tie. The other end can be heated up then pinched with a pair of pliers to seal. This is poly tubing but the vinyl does that too.

or maybe i'm upgrading to my 13" wheels sooner than originally planned

Why get it from SIP? https://scooterpartsco.com/300-piaggio-c-801_836/oil-bubble-for-vespa-air-filter-box-p-10496.html - and I'm sure Motovista would post it quite cheaply.

i searched 96 different ways on that site, using all the terms everyone else uses.

maybe if they adhered to the standard used by others, they wouldn't have to trash talk their competition so fiercely on this site.

ETA: also 10 bucks to ship 3 dollars worth of parts.

ScooterWest.com has the bubble and clamp for about $12 plus shipping.

I totally agree their search function is very lacking. Even if you look for parts under 'air and fuel' - it'll show all sorts of things (air filters, etc) but no bubble. But search under the part number (you have downloaded the relevant parts list, haven't you?) and all is sweetness and light. That's always the way to go if possible.

Yeah nah.

never search any site by part name. always search by part number. else you'll fail on most sites.

ever tried searching for 'Pet carrier'? Or of course searching by Swingarm will give different parts on different sites.

My goodness, you're a poet!

If it doesn't have to be clear, go to an auto parts store (or hardware store) and find a "vacuum cap" that's the right size. They're used to cap off vacuum fittings on car motors when people remove emission related hoses and tubing.

I would certainly replace it before riding too long as two things will happen . Your air filter will get shit up with dirt from the rear wheel, plus you will run leaner. The suggestion of a crimped piece of silicone tube looks a winner to me, or as above any suitable capping fitting 👍