Vespa PX part attack

One wondrous joy of buying (or owning) a Vespa PX is the extensive shopping list that always seems to go with it. If we’re being truthful, rarely do we buy a scooter just to ride. I for one feel that an empty glovebox or sparsely stocked scooter shed is l

Having spent the last 27 years painstakingly riding, servicing and fixing these cult classics, I have also wasted many hours battling with aftermarket parts – some of which have left me holding two pieces of what is supposed to be a one-part item! I've also had parts sellers claiming their aftermarket stuff to be ‘top notch' but in the next breath advising me to ‘buy two in case one breaks'… I despair! So with that said, let's have a brief look to see what it's all about, because after all, it can make or break our scooters and our sanity!

We first need to clear up the definitions of OEM and aftermarket parts and what they both mean. I've sourced an official definition for one, and sort of thrown together the other (see if you guess which one is which)?

OEM: Here and everywhere else, OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. This means the OEM automotive components are the official, genuine parts produced directly by your vehicle's maker.

AFTERMARKET: These are the items that have, on occasions, been knocked up in various backstreet joints where the staff shout at each other, have one tooth and smoke whatever cigs they can lay their hands on. Oh, and the so-called Friday afternoon work ethic! These are often the parts to watch out for as the quality of these parts can vary from being superbly excellent to downright crap!

I've spent quite a bit of time collating the following information from personal experience, roadside breakdowns, cold garage nights working on mates' scooters, along with a job file thicker than a church bible – all have contributed to the madness!