Modern Vespa

I have just returned from a 2 hour ride and have some reflections after 26 months and 18,000 miles of ownership of a LX150.

Best improvements (so far):

190 kit (11,000 miles on it)

38 carb jet

Bitubo shocks-front & rear

Heidenau tires (7,000 miles on rear)

fly screen

rear rack

1/2 gram lighter DR sliders

LED bulbs

synthetic fluids

added chrome bling

side stand

Thoughts:

the worst ride is better than no ride

you don't have to have 100HP to have fun

a 1/2 hr errand tuns into a 1hr+ ride often

the LX'S seat is the most comfortable seat ever put on a bike

check into "Modern Vespa" often, even if you're only a "lurker"

many maintainence chores are easy enough for most people

get a service manual on paper or cd

be prepared for complements from surprising sources;
Harley riders, women who could care less about anything
mechanical.

lighter bikes are more fun than heavier bikes with more HP

always carry gloves even if you don't think it's that cold

always carry your cell phone

find a good shop for any repairs you can't do

get a towing rider on your policy

surprising how much you can tote between the pet carrier & rack

if scooter is used when purchased replace every gas & vacuum line
with new

Scooterwest is the best parts supplier in the USA

you'll find yourself admiring it's lines everytime you go in your garage.

This is one of the annoying things about a Vespa. First of all if I decide to run up to the store to get something half the time I don't remember what it was and even if I do I'm done for the day as all I want to do is go for another ride.

It's actually more economical to return a book to the library with my pick-up (16 MPG) than the vespa (65 MPG) because of the extra distance involved. The vespa thinks it's about 20 miles to the library but the pick-up manages to get there and back in about 2 miles.

That is some serious mileage in that time span. I've had my et4 for a year and did 3,000 miles.

congrats. I have 21k on mine and loved every mile. Here's to another 18k,

Congratulations!

As a relatively new LX150 rider, that's a help and inspiration. I'd better get to those blasted hoses soon.

That's awesome. Congrats. I went to go out for a quick ride tonight at 6pm, 100 or so miles later, and in the dark, pulled into my driveway. Ready to go out again.

Thumbs up to you! I know some of those miles came under some 100+ days! I keep the gloves also, but usually to put on before I grab that brake while starting! Took 2 times before I realized how HOT that lever can get..ouch!

The malossi 190 kit cylinder is made with a "Nikasil" bonded inner wall. You are familiar with Arizona extreme heat. That coating was developed to dissapate heat, so the kit not only gives more displacement but better protection in our 100 plus days. I will give up before the kit will under those circumstances!

18,000 miles on a 150,,,,in 26 months?
Your serious stuff!
You have my total respect.