A New Video Series for the Hands-On Rider
If you’ve ever had a job on your Vespa that was meant to be simple… but turned into a battle of wills between man and machine — this one’s for you.
🔧 Real-World Maintenance, No Nonsense
Spannering the Vespa is a new video series on my YouTube channel, where I take you through the jobs I’m doing on my 2021 GTS 300 following its 600+ mile ride for Dave’s Day 2025. No workshop. No fancy lifts. Just real tools, real effort, and a few stubborn bolts for good measure.
Whether you’ve been spannering bikes since the ’70s or you’re just now having a go — this is a space for sharing, learning, and probably laughing at how something “quick” always turns into a saga.
📺 Episode 1: The Suspension Saga
In the first episode, I tackle what should’ve been a 5-minute job: adjusting the rear shocks from position 1 to 4.
Only they wouldn’t budge. At all.
Cue a 16″ metal bar, a lot of 3-in-1 oil, and a fair bit of muttering under my breath.
The result? Victory — and some genuinely useful tips for anyone else trying the same.
📹 Watch Episode 1 here: [The Suspension Saga]
New Episode: EP.2 : Spannering the Vespa – LUNG SERVICE is now live!
After the 600+ mile Dave’s Day ride, it’s time to let the Vespa breathe a bit easier. In this one-job episode, I swap out the air filter, go for a test ride, and nip to Halfords for a bit of gear oil (and probably a look round I didn’t need to take 😄).
🎥 Watch it here ➡️ LUNG SERVICE
Oil Be Back – Ep.3: Engine Oil and Filter Change
In Episode 3 of Spannering the Vespa, we return to basics with the essential engine oil and filter change. Despite being one of the more common jobs, it’s never quite as simple as the manuals make it sound. Between tool improvisation and a bit of good old-fashioned wrangling, the episode offers a realistic look at what actually happens when you do it yourself. Perfect for anyone looking to service their Vespa at home — or just enjoy watching someone else do it!
Gearly Beloved – Ep.4: Changing the Vespa GTS Gear Oil
In Episode 4 of Spannering the Vespa, we tackle the gear oil — often overlooked, but crucial for keeping your Vespa smooth and reliable. With a bit of patient spannering (and a fair bit of cleanup), this episode walks through the process from start to finish. Ideal for Vespa owners curious about maintenance or just wanting to follow along with the real-world ups and downs of DIY servicing. It’s another laid-back ride through scooter care — brew in hand, of course.
Flushed With Success? – Ep.5 – Changing the Coolant on the Vespa GTS
In Episode 5 of Spannering the Vespa, it’s time for a little preventive care — a coolant flush and refill on the GTS 300. While not the flashiest of jobs, it’s one of the most essential for keeping the engine running smoothly and reliably. Expect some awkward access, a few laughs, and the usual honest take on DIY Vespa maintenance. If you’ve ever wondered what’s involved or need a nudge to do your own, this one’s for you.
Spannering the Vespa GTS 300 – Ep 6 : Changing the drive belt and rollers
“Time to delve into the heart of the transmission. In this episode, I tackle the drive belt and roller change on the Vespa GTS 300. It’s a job that takes a bit of patience (and maybe a stuck nut or two), but one that makes a big difference to how the scooter rides. Join me as I wrestle, wrench, and finally get things turning again.”
🛠️ What’s Next?
Next up: the air filter… once the special oil I forgot to buy turns up. 🙄
This series will continue as I work through:
- Air filter & servicing
- Coolant and oil changes
- Tracking down the mysterious low-speed judder
- And whatever else needs sorting
👥 Join In
If you’ve got advice, questions, or just enjoy watching others get their hands dirty — join in. Drop a comment on the videos, or reply to the community posts. The more we share, the more we all learn.
And if you’re here for the retro aesthetic, don’t worry — the 70s-style title cards are staying. 😄
🧰 Thanks for stopping by — and stay tuned for more spannering.
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