Modern Vespa

I reached my 6,000 mile mark today.

I pulled my casing off today to have a look inside. Is it common to have a groove on the outer most part of the variator? I suppose it is bound to happen when traveling at top speed for long periods of time. At break-in I never really took it to the top while varying the speed. Will this groove eventually lead to slower top end speed, and eventually replacement? Does the variator have a typical life span?

Everything looked pretty good. The belt had no sign of cracking and didn't seem to have much noticeable wear. There was an excessive amount of...mm.. clutch pad dust? I took some fine grit sandpaper and gave the pads a slight sanding and then cleaned them up with non-chlorinated break cleaner. I also notice an etch in the bell housing and an etching into one of the clutch pads. I suppose a little pebble may have found its way in there. There was also a small hairline crack on the outer edges of one of the pads. I just hope a few of these things noticed are not signs of pre-mature failure. I really can't afford any major replacement.

I'm guessing the small groove is due to the Kevlar in the belt. It is pretty tough stuff.

It's normal, and if quite slight then OK. If a deep groove that might then provide a 'projection' on the variator surface then replace. I've only had to replace a variator once on a scooter - both plates, but over 40,000 miles travelled. If you do need to replace a variator, check on what good, recommended and durable alternatives might now be available. Normally the latest and greatest Piaggio one is just fine, but sometimes there are other solutions.

jimc, like the JCosta?

I'd recommend the J Costa for the 500. The jury is still out on the 400, and the 250 questions still haven't been answered as far as I know.

I haven't inspected my J Costa since I last opened it 5,000 miles ago, but it was good then (even if the rear bell wasn't! - Now fixed. ).

I would suppose it may be slight to moderate. Not either one way nor the other. It was definitely visible at first glance though.

And a J costa is on the horizon. However the horizon is not from the cockpit of the Concord, rather a small 2 seater, make it yourself, glider; eventually I'll get there.

Another question about cleaning the clutch with break cleaner. I used it on the pads only. Is there any harm by spraying it in and around the clutch as a whole, or should I just use it on the pads?

Personally I don't use it on the clutch area, I use it for brakes. That's only because I haven't been concerned enough to look up what it actually is or does - for all I know it's just fine.

If you can get to the pads (and bell surface), why use any 'cleaner' - take off any glaze with some scouring pad or whatever, and then get all dust dirt and gunk out of the transmission case. Brake cleaner might be fine for this, I just use a brush or a squirt of air from a compressor.

Did I ever say..I love my MP3 250..

Yes you have, but you haven't said it enough!

I love my Mp3 250..I love my Mp3 250. I love my MP3 250..mjm50cal you don't have anything in your arsenal 2 shoot down a UFO..

Come closer.

Bet he can shoot down a 'Heliscoot' though.