Modern Vespa

Were they listening to you guys?

http://manuals.wotmeworry.org.uk/Piaggio%20MP3/Random/3%20wheel%20grease%20tool.pdf

now that is impressive that some one in the land of wine and pasta came up with this.

Thanks cheeky for giving us the first look at the tech bulletin.

That is amazing. Where do I get one!

Is there a similar notice like this that explains the issue (and how to resolve it - torque values etc.) that I could bring to my mechanic here in Spain.

I just about understand the problem from reading the threads on here (I have the notch but living with it for now) but I don't understand it enough to explain to a mechanic.

It's too bad you would not purchased these bolts and leave them installed?
I assume one on each side?

Thanks,
Keith
Marietta, GA

I have seen these left in place on many other equipment/vehicles, why not admit they are correct and save some suspensions? Piaggio.... you have the strangest bean counters.

'We are using these for over a year already.
1 of our club members made them and even some dealers are using them.

You cannot leave them in place because the bolt is not as strong as the original because there is a hole in it.

This is not just a grease fitting. It is also a bolt to hold the suspension together. Maybe it is believed that this "tool" with a hole through it is not strong enough to be left in as an actual bolt.

Are they buying these from MJM50Cal or at least paying him a royalty?

I love it when they give specific torque values next to a picture of a box wrench.

I was thinking the same thing.

I sent an email to AF1 about purchasing a couple.
If someone knows another source PM me.

Glad you sent an inquiry. If someone finds a source, a lot of us are hoping they'll post the info. Let us know what you find out. Thanks.

Were you thinking to use them instead of the standard bolts, or just to have one as a spare? I don't think they could stand the higher torquing that the standard bolts require, because of the hole through them. On the other hand, two would be required per side.

the source was posted over a year ago.( mjm50cal) don't think he has any left though.

No...
I just wanted a spare...
They look small enough I could lose one in the tool box.
I will use just as the Piaggio letter describes.

For those who haven't seen the original thread:

A modification to increment the live of the bearings sistem

Email from Ed Cook @ AF1.
He is working with Piaggio Parts right now, to get this in stock.
He is supposed to let me know when its available, I will post here once I know.

Great that Cheeky posted this new tech note to the wiki (and great that I already got the greasebolts from mjm - thanks again). This discussion caused me to look at the wiki and I noticed that tech note 19-2010 (the one about the preload adjustment) never made it to the wiki. Maybe Cheeky or someone else with access to the Piaggio materials could touch that base (for the good of the order).

Parts Available for Order @ AF1

Bingo! Thanks friend.

The part is on backorder (none in USA yet), but we are ordering plenty for stock. We expect them to start rolling in about 2-4 weeks. Get your order in now.

$8.95 for shipping?!?!!? REALLY?!?

How much is your shipping cost?

LOL great minds think alike....AT THE SAME TIME baha

you could always for go the shipping costs and ride down and pick it up.

its a $8.95 flat-rate USA shipping charge. Add some oil filters, crush washers, or other small bits to the order and its still $8.95.

In fact it is not IMHO - that's why I just use it to insert grease and then remove just like the bulletin.
Mike or the Dutch riders shoulda patented it.

Mike made a batch - MM50cal.
I bought 4 off him, gave one to PapBear, broke one - so I have 2 left. I know plenty of us bought a set of 4 as some folks just wanted to install and forget - so I'm sure they're around.

How did you break one?

yup inquiring minds want to know.

It just twisted off. It looked like the hole was drilled off center so the side was too weak. The rest are just fine.

So the nipple is considered the weak link and the bolt will hold up? (Or No?).

As I understand it, the drilling and threading for the nipple somewhat weakens the bolt and it can fail where the head of the bolt joins the body of the bolt. That is why there has been some hesitation about permanently installing 4 "grease bolts". Of course, if you only install one for greasing (per the tech note), none of that is an issue.

Per the tech note you remove it when greasing is complete.

Thanks for posting this info guys. I no longer have a dealer in my area, so if it wasn't for this forum I would've never found out.

I find the chatter very interesting! I've removed the four bolts, had them drilled and grease fittings installed. (Had it done at a local shop where the man drive a horse & buggy!) They have been in and done well for 2500 miles. I LIKE IT !

It seems that theses are popular as I submitt and order to AF1 online and got a reply that they are on back order from Italy.

yup just talked today to the dealer in Atl and they also have some on order and they are B/O as well.

Something I've always recommended!

I am currently out. Will make some late spring early summer time if the interest is still there.

Your prices were more reasonable - and now they have the stamp of legitimacy!