Kickstart

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There’s no doubt that the classic Vespa is a triumph of industrial design. Unfortunately the technique for changing a rear wheel is not one of its strengths.

Members of Kirika Vespa Club in Vitoria, Spain have grown tired of damaging panels and spilling fuel by laying their Vespas on one side. Setting their collective minds together, they’ve developed the Vespa Survival Kit (VSK) and they believe it’s the perfect solution to roadside puncture problems.

Made in Spain from high strength plated steel, the VSK is a lever jack which raises the Vespa’s rear end by means of a bar which fits through the two rear panel locating holes.

The unit is designed to break down into a toolbox-sized bag which is around the size of a two-stroke oil bottle. There’s a definite knack to assembly but once mastered the VSK can be built and the rear end raised in a couple of minutes.

So long as it’s used on level ground the result is a firm working platform that allows the rear wheel to be wriggled free without the need for further elevation.

Priced at €99.76, the VSK isn’t the cheapest tool on the market but it’s less expensive than repairing the damage caused by laying a PX on its side. The VSK is currently only available to fit P range machines but a variant to suit older models is due for launch shortly.

A useful addition to a scooter club’s armoury and good insurance for anyone who lacks the upper body strength to wrestle a PX up from the ground.