Piaggio 118901 Reverse Gear – Ape P501, P601, P601V and P400V (1978-1983)

The Piaggio 118901 reverse gear is the original replacement part for the gearbox's reversing group for Ape P501, P601, P601V, and P400V commercial vehicles manufactured between 1978 and 1983. This gear reverses the direction of rotation, allowing the Ape to go in reverse. When the teeth wear down or chip, the reverse gear grinds, slips, or fails to engage completely. New, original Piaggio part, available for immediate delivery from Moon Bike S.r.l. — Cercola (NA).

✓ Strengths

• Original Piaggio code 118901 – catalog part, not a reproduction
• Original tooth profile and tolerances – meshes with other gearbox components without play or noise
• Covers the entire Ape P family: P501, P601, P601V, and P400V
• Increasingly rare vintage spare part – new and original, not reconditioned or salvaged
• Restores reverse gear functionality – not a minor detail for a commercial vehicle: without reverse, you can't maneuver in the yard or when loaded
• New product, never mounted · shipped from Italy with protective packaging

Technical specifications

Compatibility

Compatibility source: official Piaggio spare parts catalog (B2B) — Ape P family. As this is a vintage spare part, we ask you to always compare the part before ordering: send us the chassis number and we will check for you.

Recommended products

• Oil seals, bearings, and gearbox gaskets for Ape P – to be replaced when the casing is open
• Gearbox oil – the most economical top-up you can do during the same intervention
• Piaggio front fender 185794 and 183138R – for the same Ape P501, P601, P601V, and P400V
• Replacement screws – to properly close the gearbox assembly

Perfect for

This spare part is for those who own an Ape P501, P601, P601V, or P400V whose reverse gear has become unusable: it grinds, slips out of gear under stress, or no longer engages. For a commercial vehicle, reverse is needed daily — in the yard, on ramps, for loading and unloading — and without it, work cannot be done. It is also the part sought by restorers: on vehicles over forty years old, new and original gearbox gears are among the hardest parts to find, and reassembling a salvaged used part almost always means reopening the gearbox soon after.

Frequently asked questions

What exactly does this gear do?
It is part of the gearbox's reversing group: it is the gear that reverses the direction of rotation and allows the Ape to go in reverse. It is one of the most stressed components of the gearbox because reverse is often engaged from a standstill and under load.

Is it suitable for my Ape?
It is intended for Ape P501, P601, P601V, and P400V from 1978 to 1983. For other Ape series, the code is different: send us the chassis number and we'll tell you which one is correct.

How do I know if this is the part to replace?
Typical symptoms are: reverse gear grinding when engaging, slipping out under stress, or failing to engage, and a metallic noise from the gearbox when reversing. With the gearbox open, you will see chipped, rounded, or worn teeth.

Is it enough to replace only this?
Not always. When a gear is damaged, it usually also damages the gear it meshed with. With the gearbox open, have the entire assembly checked: reassembling a new part against a worn one will cause it to fail quickly.

Can I install it myself?
It requires disassembly of the gearbox assembly and specific tools. If you have no experience with vintage Piaggio engines, it's best to consult a workshop: a sloppy reassembly will quickly prove costly.

Is it original or a reproduction?
It is the original Piaggio code 118901, new and never mounted.

How long does it take to arrive?
The item is in stock and shipped from Italy. You will receive the tracking code as soon as the package is dispatched.