Modern Vespa

A friend of mine picked up a used vespa 250 a couple years back. It's very beautiful and she got a good deal. Black with a mocha seat.

After this winter it wouldn't start. She was lamenting that someone told her it would take a new battery for $120 (what?!).

She has also never checked/changed the oil (they told her it didn't need it) or any other maintenance. No seafoam over the winter either.

I advised her that she should take it in for a tuneup, buy a battery, and then get a service manual/join up here. Pointed her to a couple REPUTABLE local shops. She's not a high-mileage rider but puts on enough to need at least an annual oil change.

Why don't you make her an offer ?

Bill xxx

I second this.

I also second a new friggin battery. I had to put in a new batter this past November. It happens.

Can there be some sort of scooter social services that can place neglected bikes in safe, loving homes? Cause i know a couple that would certainly provide a loving home to that bike. It would have a sibling and a step-sibling to play with and everything.

Third the battery ouch. Had to replace the original from my 2005 gt, yesterday. Things just aren't made to last anymore!

I helped a neighbor fix his Metropolitan scooter that had sat for months and would not run and he gave it to me.

She sounds lie someone i know. Shouldn't be riding if you can't keep up with the maintenance on your scooter. Very dangerous to the person IMHO. Maybe you'll get a free scooter or deeply discounted.

Annual oil change.

Heh.

Well, I have PLENTY of bikes, but it is black, so...

Really I just want her to realize that it's a nice machine, and it's not that hard to take care of. If you do low mileage, an annual tuneup is hardly the end of the world. If you're a high-mileage rider, I think it pays off fast to learn!

I think there should be some sort of agreement that you will ride it more than 100 miles a year .

I've parked next to two different Metros in the past few months with completely bald rear tires. Unfortunately the owners weren't about so I couldn't give them a friendly safety talk.

Don't make her an offer, that's silly. Give me her number and I'll do it!