Modern Vespa

I was able to easily remove my 2008 GTS's wheels with Sava tires and re-install them mounted with Heidenau K61 tires easily, thanx to the great tutorial provided on this site by "windbreaker".

Thank you, windbreaker!

With the aid of windbreaker's detailed procedure, the removal and re-installation of the wheels took less than an hour for each process. In fact, with the 2008 GTS, I think the process is easier because of the newer/simpler exhaust design.

I was able to remove the wheels by myself, then took the new Heidenau K61 tires (130/70-12 and 140/70-12) to a local bike shop for mounting and dynamic balancing, and then did a quick re-install. I was careful to use a new cotter pin as instructed, and I also used a torque wrench where required.

Just completing the switchover last night, I have not yet ridden with the new tires, but I am anxious to experience the improved performance of the Heidenaus over the stock Savas (which only had about 700 miles on them).

I was instructed by the dealership that mounted and balanced the new tires, that I should ride carefully for the first hundred miles - and this was also clearly stated in bold letters on my bill.

Any recommendations on front/rear tire pressure to be used with these new tires would be appreciated; I'm using 26 psi in the front and 33 psi in the rear right now. I ride 2-up about 20 percent of the time with a combined weight of less than 300lbs for me and passenger, and the rear shock setting is at 3.

Thanx.

A very good thread indeed!

https://modernvespa.com/forum/topic10536

For the record the second time I changed rear tires on my GTS i ran into a problem. The bearing on the support bracket was frozen (rusted) on the shaft. A good thing to have on hand is a 6" pulley puller. I would have never gotten it loose without one. And always lube (grease) the bearing diameter on the shaft before installing the bracket to keep the water from rusting them together

That's a good tip; thanx.

Perhaps because my scooter is so new, and it has never seen the rain, I noticed the bearing was well-greased and it easily slipped-off the wheel axle.

I'll be sure to grease it next time.

Thank you for the kind words, pjmartone. I'm glad it was helpful and you got your job done. Please do report about your new tire, we're always interested in different opinions.

Yes, oiling the bushing and bearing surfaces is a good idea (but use the correct oil). Removing the supporting plate has become easier for me, after continuous use of what I think is called installation oil.

Anybody need a pry bar?

I am thankful we have a guy/store close where Massimo will change the rear tire for $25 while you wait (must call for appt). Now that is hard to pass up.

Will the same wheel removal procedures work on a GT200?

I followed Windbreakers tutorial on my GT200 and it went very smoothly. The one difficulty I had was with the exhaust pipe to the head. For some reason I couldn't get the nuts to move so I went ahead and broke it at the muffler joint being very careful to not damage the graphite gasket. I am getting ready to do a valve lash check and will investigate why I was having trouble with the flange nuts to the header.

Thanks to all that have posted so many valuable tech tips here. I have been able to do the following maintenance actions on my own so far:
- Change the oil and filter
- Change the hub oil
- Clean the air filter
- Put an LED brake light in
- Disconnected evaporator hose
- Changed to iridium spark plug
- Changed the rear tire then balanced with Dyna-Beads
- Cleaned the variator and the clutch
- Changed out variator rollers and belt
- Hopefully have made myself a safer rider with the tips and lessons learned here.

Molto Grazie a Tutti!!!