Modern Vespa

I don't have clue how often to renew the exhaust bushing on my 2017 GTS.

I'm getting a new rear tyre next week: it's done about 3,000 miles, but I'm going on a 3,000 mile trip next month and that would be pushing it on the old tyre.

I last changed the exhaust bushing 3,000 miles ago, when I installed the current tyre.

Should I get a new exhaust bushing again now that the exhaust is coming off?

If I recall correctly, the service life of the exhaust bushing is typically about 5000 miles, assuming it hasn't been taken apart. So it would be prudent to just replace it now, especially since you are planning a long trip. If you decide not to replace it now, at least pack a spare and take it with you in a suitable crush-proof container.

A colleague has a GTS 300 for years and did already over 100k km with it. He is a schooled mechanic and does everything of servicing and repairs himself. Therefore I value his advices.

Everytime when he replaces his rear tyre and has to remove the exhaust he also puts in a new bushing.
According to his explanation this bushing is very close to the engine outlet and gets rather hot which explains why it does not live long.

I think it is good advice that when you have the exhaust off to also put in a new bushing.

He also explained that putting in a new bushing is not so easy. The exhaust is clamped on the bushing and you have to widen the entrance of the exhaust to fit the new bushing and get everything well fixed in place.

On my BV 300 I have the same bushing, but the distance to the exhaust is a lot longer than it is on a GTS. That is probably the reason why the bushing on my BV does not need replacement that often.

I get well over 9,000 miles with exhaust bushings. The last one went in 10,600 miles ago.

If you always remove the exhaust with care, the bushing will slide out without damage, and the same for reinstallation.

In my experience, exhaust bushings die earlier when they haven't been fully inserted into the silencer. On the GTS with it's flanged downpipe, I also add a suitably cut-down section of old bushing so the current one can't creep out.

It's the hot exhaust gases escaping at the back ends of the slots that kill the bushings.

Mines good after tens of thousands of miles and multiple exhaust removals. I keep a spare on deck just in case.

Thank you guys, for the advice.

As said, the bushing has only done about 3,000 miles. I'll check it out when I remove the muffler in a few days and if it looks good, I'll just reuse it. And of course take an extra one on my trip, so I can always replace it if necessary.

I was going to answer that it might be a good idea considering the circumstances you might be in when it needs a change, but, really, on a decent reinstall, you should easily go well past your trip mileage on the original.

Ultimately depends on your risk-adversity and roadside mechanical skills.