Rocket Breaks a Belt

One weakness of the Vespa GT is the belt drive.  Vespa calls for them to be changed every 8000 miles.  I have had one break in 30 miles (2014 Cannonball after changing it on a bad variator), and around 2500 miles years ago.  They usually last until the change but with the miles on Rocket, it goes through them quicker than before.

I decided to ride Rocket to a jobsite meeting at the beach a few days ago. While passing almost everyone on Butler Boulevard heading out, I got that pause in the stream of power that indicates a belt going south. But it didn't break so I slowed a bit, to mid 60 mph and continued. It stumbled on Ponte Vedra Boulevard. At a light I could smell it burning and looked down and saw a piece of belt thrown onto the roadway. But I rode slowly and made it to the house in Sawgrass. 

Of course, I had left tools and spare parts at the office to make room for the drawings, tape measures and work related things. When the meeting was over, I arranged for Dave, the builder, to let me ride back to town with him. But before we left, I cranked up Rocket to use its power to help me get into the house. It groaned a little and wouldn't push at all. Definitely in need of replacement, that I will do later in the week. 

Here are photos of Rocket in its temporary home, the guest room at a Sawgrass house.

My client is going to be in town this Saturday.  She offered to pick me and the tools up and drive me to the beach.  There I will replace the belt and drive home.