Modern Vespa

Hi all,

I like to ask about how often should the valve clearance be checked and as my mechanic stated needs to change the gasket. This is new to me so I am learning on it by reading on the internet. The mechanic stated it is an $800 job (Australian dollars). So I like some advice on how often should be done? and if it needs to be done anyway or wait until there is symptom noted? I bought my scooter 2nd and had 10k on it and now it is 61k, I am not sure if the previous owner change anything or did the valve clearance maintenance on it. I have not any problems up to now or hear different sounds or faced any funny issues, your thoughts are highly appreciated.

your asking generic questions for a scooter that is not a piaggio product. we know this because you told us you got rid of your MP3.
you probably should start with finding a forum that your scooter can relate to and ask those questions to those folks.

just like a ford person would not go on a dodge forum and ask about a pinto.

It is a general question, you are right but that is not specific to one unit, it is a general issue applies to all motorised two wheel units, and I did post that question into several forums to obtain more answers so I am better informed.
If you noticed in my login name it is clearly stated (RIP) so I am not hiding anything and there is nothing wrong with assisting someone, your time would have better in use if have responded to the question than stating the obvious. I also visit this site and answer questions for other posters even though my scooter is RIP! nothing wrong with assisting someone.... For Your Info, the other site does not have as many responses as this.

The MP3 500 owners manual suggests checking the valve clearance every 20K km/12,427 miles.

I checked mine at 22k km and they were spot on.

specifications are specific to the manufacture of the vehicle. Honda has their specs and intervals, BMW has their specs and intervals so on and so forth.

So again you need to find out those specs and intervals for YOUR particular make and model, or you can shoot with a shotgun and GUESS and hopefully get something to stick.

This is an active site for piaggio products specific to scooters and there is a reason why honda scooter riders don't post and ask questions here because the folks here are piaggio focused .

Like i stated if you want a ford answer go to a ford forum or place.

Thanks for your reply, but you did not seem to understand my question, my question is not when I have to do it, my main point is that if it is necessary to perform it every 40k (for example not actual from the manual), if there are no sounds or any symptoms there. Example, the drive belt needs to be changed every certain number of Ks (20k for my scooter), and I agree to change it, although it looks fine but rubber has a higher percentage of wear and tear unlike metal (which lasts longer), so it is it necessary or not at the recommended intervals per the user manual. I know couple of people in the field of vehicles and know mechanical aspects and they say that some items are there to help the dealership make more money. And that is true, as the dealership I go to, the owner is a certified thief. So that is why I am trying to gather more information to get educated in this issue.

It all depends on what the manufacturer specifies in the service schedule of each respective model

thanks