Modern Vespa

Hi Guys I know there will be a thread on this subject but unable to find it!!!
My 2004 GT 200 in for a service.The mechanic tells me the rear shocks are leaking (at 7000Km!) cost to replace/fit UK £220 ...............
...............I'm thinking opportunity to upgrade.

If so any reccomendations and would this be reasonably easy task remove/install for a VERY moderate mechanic with limited workshop facilities :?

are you sure the shocks are oil filled ?

i have an 05 GT200...i thought they were just springs....maybe i'm wrong.

They are oil filled. They cost about GBP80 each, and are easy to replace yourself, best replaced in pairs. Five years is about right for them to need replacing, even after such low mileage.

Thanks for the scoop...i'll be keeping an eye on mine as well.

Hey boy,

it's not normal to change your rear shocks abs. at only 7k km...
Try an other specialist to get a confirmation. If he says the same thing, make some noise at vespa (or your dealer who's sold you your ride. If you bought it a 0km...).

Personally i own bitubo's shock abs. simply FABULOUS!!

C U

your mechanic needs money.

Bitubos for sure.

Hi Thanks for advice.It does seem a little early for replacement having had 3000 plus out of bikes in the past ........However I am no longer a lightweight and as I am now enjoying riding the GT as much as my 'big bike' I do feel investment in new shocks may be in order. Anyone else reccomend Bitumos e.g advantages over Piaggio replacement?.....what about the front?

For the front, bitubo's are really better than piaggio's... At breaking, in curve... in all positions.

Bye

It's five years old. As Jim says they deteriorate with age! (Don't we all)

A friend of mine had to replace a his main rear bearing twice on his GTS, and his mechanic (who is one of the best around) suspected that the cause of the failure was the stiffness in the rear Bitubos.

I can't say whether he was right or wrong, but I don't believe he's replaced a bearing since going back to the OEM shocks.

Btw, he puts a lot of miles on his GTS. A rider who rides much less might not notice a problem.