Modern Vespa

perhaps i'm stupid but...why do vespa make it so difficult to check the pressure of the rear tyre? as the valve is on the side of the exhaust i have to bend the valve outwards away from the wheel to get e my tyre pressure tool to fit.
It's the same with filling up with air - i have to pull the valve outwards. Having done this a few times i think i may have damaged it - the tyre pressure guage reads zero, and when i depress the nipple in the middle of the valve no air escapes. grrrrr

I think it's pretty bad, myself. The other day on the way to work, some guy told me the air was low in the back, so I stopped to fill it up. I had to do it with my glove on so as not to burn myself. Getting the right amount was difficult. Usually, I use my bicycle pump and it's a lot easier.

this is the only thing I don't like about my LX150.

Huge design flaw. I'm pretty much laying on the ground to check/fill up that tire. I can't wait till winter. I don't know what to tell you. I have not come up with a solution either.

yep, lying on the ground in a service station forecourt isn't that nice eh? oh well, glad it's not just me. i'm a bit worried i've broken the valve tho

Yes, everything is a "design flaw." Or maybe you're trying the wrong kind of tire gauge. Try one that has the tip angled at 45 or 90 degrees. Huge design flaw...catastrophic.

tried it and most others. that is the one that works the best, but it is still difficult.

Maybe something like this could help. There are lots of different designs but they make them for dualies. Search for valve stem extenders.

http://www.dual-star.com/index2/Equipment/valve_stem_extensions42.htm

Check your clearances before you do anything like this. On my GTS even an oversized valve cover will whack hard parts.

P.

one of my ETs has a similar issue - the valve stem is bent over at 90 degrees and actually rests against the rim. I have to wedge my foot under the wheel to stop it turning, and pry the valve stem up with a screwdriver in order to read the pressure and fill the tyre.

when the valve stem is at an awkward angle like that you have to make sure that the pressure gauge is seated properly on the valve, otherwise you'll get a zero reading. on mine, i need to push it down pretty hard to get it seated properly.

Personally, I'm a fan of the 90 degree head for the Vespa. Gets in there real cleanly, with plenty of room to spare.

Btw...if you're taking the scoot to the gas station to use the station pump...keep in mind that your scooter tire is a low pressure, low volume application. There's probably less air in your scooter tire than there is in a mountain bike tire. It takes about 3 strokes on a floor pump to top it off.

Edit for those who didn't know the LX...the valve stem is mounted to the rim at the angle shown in the picture. It's not being bent one way or another.


Oh, hey...I forgot to mention...if you need a new valve core...they're like $2 at the car parts store. Takes 20 seconds to replace.

It is hard to get in there. My Topeak smart gauge works well in that small space without having to bend the stem. A good bicycle pump will work much better than the gas station pumps will. It is always best to check tires when they are cold, so doing it at home before you leave is a good idea.

I also use my bicycle pumps for the GT. You never have to put more than a few pounds in. I check mine regularly so it might only need 1lb or so. Only time I use my compressor is when I change tires.