Modern Vespa

I found in some parts I got some time back two clutch baskets what's got scorch marks and it got me thinking what problems can do that to them. One of the things I fort of could that be fuel and the oil leaking from the crank because of a leaking main seal. Can they still be used.

Looks like they got pretty hot. Maybe from sticking plates, riding the clutch? Maybe a PO used a torch to remove? On second thought, if you look at how the tempering (heat affected area) propagates from the top of each of the gaps in the basket, I'm thinking the corks caught fire.

I'm not an metalurgist but as long as the dimensions are in tolerance, I would thing they would be OK to use.

That discoloration is part of the manufacturing process, it's called heat treating. Better to wear out the clutch tabs instead of the basket.

I've also seen baskets get hot from lack of gear oil. Like empty but still flogging it.

Yes it can be reused, and top up your gear oil while you're in there!