Modern Vespa

whats the average front brake life for the 500 i just hit 4000 miles and my dealer is telling me, i need new ones, but when I asked how much for brakes and labor could not give me a quote. Im getting tired of my shop and trying to get a second opinion..

Brake life greatly depends on driving habits. 4k miles is a little early for pad replacement so a second opinion is probably a good idea.... especially if your dealer can't get a quote. Brake pad replacement is a pretty easy do-it-yourself project in case you wanted to tackle it.

Matt C.

After really pushing my bike last week on the Dragon and doing a lot of braking coming fast into turns, I noticed this week that I can hear a slight "hush" sound when I have the brake handles pulled in. No scraping yet, and braking seems normal. Oddly enough, I too am coming up on 4K miles. I'll have the shop look at them, and I'll report back their findings. Just wondering if its the use from the recent ride, or if its a 4K thing. I mean, obviously less use=less wear, but what I want to know is that with 'normal' use is the lifespan about 4K?

I've got 5k and I've been hearing a tiny squeal when coming to a stop. Is that an indication of worn pads or just debris? Not too loud of a squeal, but noticeable.

could be just dirt but you need to pull the front wheels off and inspect the pads. If you let this go you could end up having to replace the rotors.

Thanks for the info. I'll put it on my to do list.

don't forget when you order front pads order 2 sets. I screwed up and just ordered 1 set and then had to reorder. Matt at scootertrap has them in stock and his prices include shipping. Or you could just ride up to Orlando and pick them up.

Never done this before, even on cars, so I think I'll be taking it to the nearest service station and keep the economy going. Changing the oil is the extent of my mechanical abilities.

I would actually say pulling the pads is faster and easier then oil changes! Really easy to do, and convienant for being able to clean them yourself without having to bring the bike in. Do you know the trick of leaning the bike hard right, locking tilt lock, then up on center stand. Your right wheel will fly nicely up and off the ground once its up on the stand. Reverse for left side. I forgot who on here taught me that. Then take off the tire and two bolts on the caliper and tada there are the pads.

edit: do NOT disengage tiltlock until both wheels are back on!

Are both wheels coming off at the same time for brake inspection, or do we do one wheel at a time?

One at a time.

Thanks Shawn

No problem. Good luck, and as always, if you can, post pics to help others who may/may not know how to check their brake pads. You'll be surprised at how easy this check is.

Oh yes...do post detail pics...I'm learning to do mechanic work, wiring, body work, co-ordinate quality emsembles and ride like the wind...

I need pics.....Thank you....jacquie

Manfetti..I am back on the road thanks to the Vespa dealer..

Awesome UFO, with your permission, I'd like to use that as one of my screensaver's.

+1

That is excellent!!!

Matt C.