Vespa Learnin'

It was about that time, time to do something about that nagging problem of slipping out of gear. Anyone owning an older Vespa knows what I'm talkin' about... The shift-cross syndrome! Many a vintage owner has had to endure the gradually increasing frequency of sloppy and erratic gear changes up until the point that the bike is darn near unrideable, then and only then, biting the bullet to change out that small but oh-so-important piece of metal.

And this is an image of the "depth of disassembly" usually required to rectify that nagging little problem.
Really though, it's not that big of a deal except for the fact that you are certain to find all manner of other little things that need fixing, little things that make you wonder how this scooter lasted as long as it did... Furthermore, my penchant for "over doing it" had me improving and tweaking every last little detail as it were, turning a weekend project into a 2 week ordeal.

So here's some of the things I've done:
custom grind output shaft spacers, lapped head and cylinder mating surfaces, port matched carb and case, replace all "tiny bits", cleaned EVERYTHING, lightened flywheel, new points and condenser, all new gaskets, replaced cables. Also replaced tank cap gasket, front shock bolt, tightened seat spring, installed step-thru channel rubber mat, custom made front suspension cover, blah, blah, blah.. I'm leaving so much out here.
And after all that, getting this bike in good running condition, standing back and feeling very smug about it all, I decided to take it off the stand and guess what? The front tire slips off the ramp and bonks the front fender! Ugh, nothing is ever PERFECT.

btw, thanks Scooterworks for having everything I needed in stock. You care for my needs.