Modern Vespa

Can I run my scooter with the transmission cover removed from the bike? I would like to see it in action, and possible find out where my clank.clack noise is coming from.

I think the bike can run without the cover on, although one of the bearings is integrated with the transmission cover so I think it can damage the transmission to do so. Someone who really knows should be along any minute.

You might need to put some spacer on the clutch axle to tighten the nut all the way down if the the threads are not longer than the bearing in the transmission cover. Run it on the stand to see how it works. You might not learn where the noise is coming from if the clanking is on the transmission cover. I would keep actually driving it like that to a minimum, if at all.

Have you recently completed some transmission work and now have this new noise?

I think the transmission cover is actually part of the rear swing-arm construction.

I wouldn't drive without it.... the transmission crankcase could break when hitting a speedbumb or damaged part of the road.

I'll go on record as believing this to be a bad idea. Without the clutch shaft being supported by the bearing in the transmission case, you'll be putting strain in the shaft and the opposing bearing just by having normal tension on the belt.

And I definitely wouldn't ride it like that.

The proper way to do this test would be to cut a spare cover in half, keeping the rear half mounted over the clutch.

+1

The clutch shaft requires the tension against the bearing. Without it, you will damage the final drive. Great idea about the cut down case though! On a similar note, don't start the bike without the clutch bell in place. The springs will quickly get overstretched. I had a customer try to do his own belt and make several of these mistakes, including reusing his variator nut.

To the OP, what kind of clacking is it, and during what type of action, some roller clacking during decel and idle is ok.

You can't start the scooter without the transmission case on anyway as the starter bendix is supported one end by case & would just fly out of place

yeah. Absolutely correct. That case is a brace.

Would not try that at all.

partially true. QUASAR bikes like the GTS don't use a starter bendix. But yes, on the LEADERs this is another reason to not do it.

This is the noise that I am getting during idle only. The camera makes it sound louder than it is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZmNdzLLeqs

Original Post:
https://modernvespa.com/forum/topic53033?highlight=transmission

The Vespa/Harley service department is open today, so I am going to make an appointment today. As far as I can tell, it's coming from under the transmission cover, tough to tell.

That is no big deal, it's just your rollers clicking. You can get rid of that when it's time to replace the rollers, by replacing them with Dr. Pulley Sliders and you can get them here
www.scootertrap.com

Wayne B

It's a brand new scooter Trouble is he kinda has to bring it in to the village idiots at the local dealer No certified vespa techs there. Hopefully they will have some new mechanics. Good luck jeff.

Really bad idea, the klickity clack noise is the variator rollers, perfectly normal. If you do start the bike without the transmission cover, be prepared to get a flying benndix gear and clutch bell in the head, I would wear face protection and be ready to spend some money repairing the bike, and be laughed at while explaining what you did to the mechanic....