Modern Vespa

So I've reached 625 glorious miles on my MP3 250 and it's been fantastic so far. I called my dealer's service department and they told me it would be $150 for the oil/air filter change and other first service checkup requirements. I'm okay with that. However, they proceeded to inform me that they would also need to check the bearings (didn't specify which bearings) and that would cost about $240 for the labor. Is this really necessary? I would love to read your opinions and stories.

Eric
Walnut Creek MP3 Owner

the bearing check should be a warranty item.

Hmm, Bearings... Like the ones they already have a service bulletin out on? Is this the dealer you got it from?

Thanks guys. I am taking it to the dealer that sold me the scooter. When did the service bulletin come out about the bearings? I'm not sure whether they are referring to the steering or the suspension? Either way, can I inform the dealer/service that I should not have to pay for the labor to inspect the bearings because the matter should be a warranty related item? The service manager informed me that it would cost about $1000 to replace bad bearings if they should fail. Not sure what to do.

the Piaggio service bulletin came out about 2 years ago and the procedure should have been done when they sold you the scoot , part of the PDI. Tell them you want to talk to the regional Piaggio tech and find out why it was not done prior to you receiving delivery of the scoot.

Two things you want done with the steering bearings. Both are covered by Piaggio tech notes to their dealers. One is to pump grease into both of them and the other is to torque them to the correct spec.

(I can forward the tech notes to you by email if you wish - PM me)

I found it interesting that the steering notch issue was not even a list item on the dealer checklist. Should it be there? Is it on a checklist for everyone that purchases an mp3?

By 2010 the steering bearings torque was OK from the factory - but the bearings were still not greased adequately. So you could ask them to just grease the bearings using the Piaggio-supplied Zerk bolts, or buy one of those bolts yourself and DIY, shouldn't take more than 15 minutes.

I personally wouldn't pay for the fluid changes, they are ridiculously easy to do. It's nothing like trying to do fluid changes on a car.

I would take care of the oil change myself. However, my warranty book states under a "NOTE:" clause that my warranty will be invalid if any of the recommended services aren't performed by an authorized Piaggio technician. I purchased the MP3 last month.

that is not legal in the usa. consumer protection laws.

All you need to do is to keep receipts, keep a log of what you did, dates, mileage, ect. you can even take some pics if you want to.

You are in the US - that clause is worthless there, they cannot demand that. However, it's a good idea to have the service entered into Piaggio's database by the dealer - and the first service should be pretty cheap, or even thrown in as part of the sale.

That is what my dealer did, they only charged me for the oil and filter - which was around $15 if I remember correctly.

As others have noted, that clause means nothing in the U.S. because of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. If your dealer-already suspect because of the attempt to charge for a bearing inspection-insists on the point, go somewhere else if you can.

Thanks for the wisdom about the warranty. Knowledge is certainly power. I ended up paying $150 for the oil change and other first service items. I had the three water hose clamps replaced as well.

However, I did not have them take care of the steering bearings. I will definitely have it done, but not until I hear back from Piaggio USA.

I called Piaggio to file a complaint about the issue. They are sending a report to Italy with my claim that the customer nor the dealer should pay for a warranty workmanship issue. I will wait two weeks for them to respond and hope that they take care of any incurred charges for what Piaggio needs to take care of.