Modern Vespa

the rear tire on my 2001 vespa et2 went flat...does anybody know how to put the tire flat against the rim so it holds air...also what is the proper air pressure for the fron and rear tires? Thanks.

Do you mean set the bead? The proper way is with compressed air into the valve stem, but some may post links to people doing it with flammable material, sprayed inside the tire then lit. Frustrations can occur if the bead overlaps the base of the inside of the stem such that the air pressure all escapes. Bouncing the tire/rim against the ground in various places will cause the tire to shift. When it shifts over the valve stem base, fitting the air hose on the stem should cause it to pop onto the rim. It helps if you have the valve core out and a higher velocity of compressed air, i.e., not a portable mini-compressor.

Use a tie down strap wrapped around the tire to force it into place

I also use Windex to get it on to the rim and help seal the bead.

"The proper way is with compressed air into the valve stem, but some may post links to people doing it with flammable material, sprayed inside the tire then lit."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fO9M6W6XxMM