Modern Vespa

Just recently I got new tires, and I had the scoot up on the workbench for a couple of days while waiting to get my tires mounted. My friend Matt Gordon recommended that I change the hub oil while it was so accessible. Even though this pic is dark, you can see how easy the access is with the tire off. The plug for the hub oil is just forward of the rear axle. It's less than a 5 minute job while the rear wheel is off.

Yep it is VERY easy to change when the rear wheel is off.

I lightened the pic and circled what I remember to be the hub oil drain bolt.

Yep, that's it, thanks for making that photo more useful. Thanks Matt for the tip, too!

Len

Len,

Did you find changing the tire to be difficult. I would like to do it myself, but the exhaust issue with the GTS has me a little timid.

I removed the wheels, took them to Vespa Riverside where they put the new tires on the rims, and then I re-installed the wheels with the new tires.

I removed the exhaust at the middle connection. It was fairly easy to remove. Once off, I inspected the packing. There was no indication whatsoever of any damage to the packing (at around 4,200 miles,) but I replaced it anyway as Piaggio is now calling the packing a "single-use" item. I think the packing is subject to more abuse on the GTS than the GT, because I believe the GTS exhaust runs hotter than the GT.

As a safety precaution, I plan to order a Moto Amore bearing just to have on hand, because you never know when you *might* need one.

Removing and replacing the wheels was made eaiser by the fact that Matt Gordon had done his, and he came by and gave me some tips.

By the way, if you do take your wheels off for new tires, you can take advantage of the time to paint or powdercoat the backing plate that keeps your rear wheel stable.

Geeze Len. Isn't there a motorcycle store close by that can change your tires, or do you just like Dave's company?

Yep there is. The last time I took my wheels to have the tires mounted at a motorcycle shop, the rims came back all garfed up. I also like to give business to the shops that support the scootering community.