Like most Vespisti with a love for the PX, we also find it hard to believe that it's now a decade since the last model rolled off the production line. That ten year anniversary’s important because in the automotive industry that’s generally the point at which it’s accepted that a manufacturer is released from the obligation to supply spare parts. As a consequence some items, such as the speedo which we‘ve had remade, are disappearing from Piaggio's spares catalogue. One item that’s becoming increasingly difficult to find is the Disc model’s front hub and as a result some manufacturers have jumped in to fill the gap. Here’s our guide to the options we offer.
Please note that our recommendations are based on using Piaggio forks and hub carriers. LML models have different fits and advice should be sought before buying components for those machines.
The original
When Piaggio launched the disc model back in 1998, the upgrade was marked by the introduction of a star shaped front hub. This was the first major change in the front hub design since the wheel fastening system was introduced on the GS and it’s fair to say that it’s been a topic of discussion amongst enthusiasts ever since.
Whether you like or loathe its aesthetics, there’s no doubt that its performance was a major improvement on the drum set up. Unfortunately, new old stock disc hubs are becoming increasingly difficult to find.
The good news is that if you’ve a disc hub that you want to rejuvenate, rebuild kits are readily available at very little cost. Fortunately, rebuilding a disc hub isn’t a complicated task and can be completed with a normal tool kit.
Because this is the ‘mother’ design, all aftermarket components such as upgraded callipers and discs, tubules rims, and hub carriers are compatible.
Pros:
- Original appearance
- Piaggio quality
- Compatible with all standard and aftermarket rims, callipers etc
Cons:
- Availability of NOS examples
- Price
FA Italia
Next in line is the FA Italia hub, and we sell a LOT of these. At first glance this is very similar to the original star hub, but FA Italia has stamped its own mark on the design. This results in a more softer appearance than the original component, but one that’s still very obviously ‘Disc’.
We’ve supplied and fitted hundreds of these hubs and rarely get any complaint. Considering that they come ‘ready to go’, complete with bearings they’re very competitively priced.
They are available in black and silver (Despite its appearance in the photo, this is actually very close to OEM silver) but if you want a more exotic colour the casting is fine enough to take paint after no more than normal preparation for spraying.
Like the Piaggio component, the FA Italia hub is compatible with all after market rims, discs and callipers etc and is a straightforward fit.
Pros:
- Price
- Quality
- Compatible with all standard and aftermarket rims, callipers etc
- Ease of fitting
Cons
- Non standard appearance
Grimeca
If you’re in the camp that believes there’s nothing like the look of a drum brake, then Grimeca has the solution.
As one of Italy’s leading producers of brake systems, and formerly an official supplier to Piaggio, it’s fair to say that Grimeca knows it’s way around the PX’s disc. In creating a disc hub that looks like a drum, Grimeca has brought something very different to the market.
Although it’s not the most inexpensive alternative to a Piaggio component, it is supplied complete with bearings and there’s no doubt that this is a quality product. It’s only supplied in silver but, like the FA Italia item, only requires basic preparation for paint.
We’ve fitted quite a few of these hubs and can confirm that it’s a straightforward fit, and is compatible with SIP’s uprated callipers. Although we’ve successfully fitted ‘wavy’ discs to a Grimeca hub, it wont accept ‘floating’ discs.
Importantly, Grimeca has chosen to beef up the original design by adding shoulders to the fixing points. Whilst this adds strength, it does mean that the hub is not compatible with all aftermarket components. This is particularly relevant for users of Pinasco split rims, which will not fit without major surgery to the rim and/or hub; something that we would not recommend.
Pros:
- Unique ‘old school’ appearance
- High quality
- Strengthened construction
- Straightforward fit
- Compatible with standard and one-piece tubeless rims
- Compatible with uprated callipers
Cons:
- Incompatible with Pinasco split rims and after market floating discs
Whether you’re rebuilding your existing hub, or looking to freshen up the look of your PX, we hope that our guide’s been of help in getting ready for your next adventure. If you need more information, please head over to our parts listing or give our team a call on: 01226 203377
