Things fly apart

[fhauler]

I have ridden my bitsa 250 about 800 miles since build completion this Summer. This includes two Motogiros. Have lost bolts and cracked tin (tank attachment and tail light/ license bracket) and most recently lost the lens, gasket and bolts on my tail light. A number of bits (exhaust nut, brake light switch etc.) have been safety wired. Luckily I found a NOS tail light assembly on the Vespa Forum. My 250 is a rider and not a living room display.

Any suggestions for better part attachment? Can't safety wire everything. Loctite? zip ties? Crazy Glue? Duc tape? Band Aids?

PS: I am in awe of you guys who can tear apart an engine and do the serious rebuild stuff. That's not me.

[Ventodue]

Any suggestions for better part attachment?

Well, the Good News is that most of the stuff that is gonna come lose does so in the first 800 miles ! More seriously ...

I'll tell you what helps a bit - at least to stop screws and such like backing out. That's a little dob of clear silicone - RTV, if you like. It's just enuf to hold things against the curse of vibration ... Every chance it would have worked for your tail light. Another trick is copious use of rubber washers to mount things like tail light brackets and tanks.

Otherwise - well, I reckon you just have to do a quick whip round with the spanners every 500 miles or so. It is amazing what seems to come lose ...

HTH

Craig

[fhauler]

Hey Craig,

Will try the silicone cure. Am using more rubber. I visited in Aix in 2010 . You sure live in a nice part of the world!

Doug in Virginia

[Scrambler]

Doug, i have a 66 250 "bitsa" as well. Seems like i am always having to either tighten or put someting back on. Worst so far was the carb falling off on the freeway coming home from work one day. A great guy pulled over in his contractor truck and asked if i needed help. A quick allen wrench and i was back on the road. Needless to say i now carry a small tool kit. Lock tite and silicone are both good ideas. Saftey wire is for sure way to keep things tight. I ran my bike at El Mirage dry lakes for the land speed racing event and had to saftey wire "everything" so not much can come loose now. Post a picture of your bike, as i do not see many bitsa's on this site. Seems to be more of the "correct" restorations and originals. Nothing wrong with that at all. As long as people keep riding them thats the main point in owning a classic bike.

Mike Mc

[fhauler]

I have set up an account on Flickr with an image of my 250 but don't know how to post the image to forum.

[DanM]

Nylon insert lock nuts.

[Scrambler]

Jim F helped me get pictures posted. You have to save in a reduced "size" format. Then they will attach no problem.
If you open a picture, right click and open in Office, click file, then export. click web size, save as web large and they will upload.
Obviously i am not a whiz at this but it works.

Mike Mc

[fhauler]

Motogiro South 2012.jpg

How about this file? On my 250 bitsa at Motogiro South during 2012 Barber.

[fhauler]

Another try.

[Scrambler]

Nice looking bike. Who did your motor work?
Mike Mc