Modern Vespa

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Thanks.

Yes. The front wheels from an MP3 (any MP3) fit on the GTS. The rear wheel from all MP3s are incompatible with the GTS.

Also, the rear tire size on the GTS is different, but the wheel rims themselves are the same size. No idea. I would be surprised if they were very different, though. I've seen them in silver (MP3 250, probably others) and black (MP3 500). I'm planning on a swap between my MP3 500 and my 300 Super. You could purchase them from a dealer (who would have to order them) but they would be expensive. Best bet is someone who is parting out a salvage bike. I think the 12" Piaggio Fly wheels are compatible, though they are steel and wouldn't be my preference. I can't think of any others off the top of my head.

Look for VEZPA. He has the black ones on his white GTS 300 Super. He has posted several pics on the board.

True to what Jess said, the wheels are expensive...try to find someone who is parting out a bike.

Why did Jess say the rear wheels are incomparable yet Vezpa has the mp3 wheels on front and back?

The MP3 wheel is incompatible with the GT/GTS. So you use two front wheels from the MP3 on the GT/GTS.

Fly wheels are pretty different. They have front forks and axles instead of a hub and a swingarm like a Vespa. I can't imagine they'd be compatible. Maybe with a typhoon.

Compared to a GTS Super wheels the MP3 wheels are quite cheap. The GTS Super wheels are Grimecas. I sold my Super wheels on ebay and completely offset the cost of the new MP3 wheels. It was a wash.

Any thoughts on the relative weights of the two wheels??

True, dat. What about the rear wheel on the Fly? Still mated to the LEADER engine, isn't it?

Right. The two fronts on the MP3 are what you want for the front and rear of a GTS.

straight swap after fitting the right sized tyres/




no idea about weight etc but I noticed no difference in handling or behaviour on my scoot.

The shaft and brake is the same as an LX, but I'd imagine you'd have similar clearance problems to the ones Patrick encountered with rosebud.

I've never taken apart a Fly, but I would imagine it uses the alternate gearing position in the LEADER case, just like the GT200 does. Same cases, different output shaft positions.

Has anyone verified, from an engineering perspective, that the load rating of the stock GTS/Super rim is the same as ONE front MP3 rim?

Would hate to find out the hard way that a single MP3 rim would collapse under heavy rear load where the stock GTS style rim would be fine under the same conditions.

Unless you can confirm, you're being an SS...

I would think it's the same or close enough. Plenty of people have done the swap, and the worst complaints I've ever seen about it is the cost and issues with actually finding the wheels somewhere. If there is an engineering problem with the wheel swap, someone here would have found it by now.

Do us a favour - do you know how much the MP3s weigh? And the forces on those front wheels under heavy braking? Of course they'll work for a GTS, no problemo.

I would be more wary of swapping the other way round.

So out of curiosity, how much should one expect to pay for the MP3 wheels in USD?

For the last time, the front wheels from a Mp3 will fit both the front and rear of a GT or GTS. They have been on my bike for over a year and many others have used them as well with great success.

What engineering criteria did you have in mind? Given that this is a scooter forum, and we're mostly hobbyists and dabblers, I kind of doubt that anyone has tested either wheel type to the point of failure to see what that limit is.

I think I'd even be a little surprised if Piaggio had tested either wheel type to the point of failure.

So I think perhaps you're asking for a lot. Too much, in fact. The wheels fit. Use them or don't.

The black ones are $229 ea from your dealer.
I ordered a pair which will arrive Thursday. As an engineer I was thinking more along the lines if anyone in MVland had factual factory data on the rim load limits.
It's not impossible to find this data on other motorcycle forums. From a group where many advocate all gear all the time, this is a surprising response, Jess.
That white helmet saves your head, but a rim keeps you and possibly a loved one off the asphalt.

A GTS weights 326 lbs dry, toss in fluids, add myself and wife (160 + 105) and we're looking at ~610 lbs. Under emergency front braking the single front rim/tire would need to support at least that - so one assembly 610+ lbs.

An MP3 500 weights 538 lbs dry, toss in fluids, add myself and wife (160 + 105) and we're looking at ~820 lbs. Under emergency front braking on an MP3, the front TWO rims/tires would need to support that. Divide by two or ~ 410 lbs for each rim/tire.

That is a 200 lb theoretical load difference, that was my original question.

No - *each* front wheel should be able to take that load of ~820lb, as it's impossible to predict what the contact differential is between the wheels, especially in unusual circumstances such as that which requires extreme braking. And the instantaneous impact force could easily be a lot more, such as when hitting a pothole etc.

As long as there's an inflated tyre on the rim, my 'guessimate' is that those wheels (GTS or MP3) can take a hell of a lot more load anyway.

"They fit, use them."

jimc, good point.
Thanks for taking the time and helping me think through this.

Well the MP3 500 weighs about 550 lbs. and has a load capacity of 400 lbs., so it has to be able to handle at least 1000 lbs. And with one wheel bouncing around on bumps, one wheel would have to be able to support that 1000 lbs., so I would say the weight limit of one wheel is over 1,500 pounds. Is that enough for you

I would hope!

I suppose I need to ride more and think less...

Speaking of which their are gobs of aftermarket custom rims for motorcycles.You can pretty much go with your own design or choose from a gob of pre-made designs for motorcycles. I just thought to myself hey thats one mod I havent seen done thus far with the Vespa or MP3's.Why? Cost? Rims To Small?

Athens Scooter Company is selling for a little less than 200 each
http://www.athensscooterco.com/eshopprod_cat_4797-48548-48426_product_603074.405_FRONT_WHEEL.htm
I work hard for my money but if it's a 20-40 dollar difference I would support your dealer if I could.
Or at least order the wheels directly to them and pay them a few bucks to balance it and put it on for you.

I wonder if the wheels from the new MP3 City share the same bolt pattern and will fit GTS/V's? My guess is yes.

If you look at the early MP3 test mules, even those on the original press DVD they had GTS wheels on... And IMO looked good... Especially as they didn't have the plastic arches so looked much slimmer.