OP
UTC

Enthusiast
2011 Vespa GTV Espresso
Joined: UTC
Posts: 67
Location: Toronto, Ontario
 
Enthusiast
2011 Vespa GTV Espresso
Joined: UTC
Posts: 67
Location: Toronto, Ontario
UTC quote
I just recently bought a motorcycle that uses a chain and one of the extra things that I have to do is to clean the chain every few fill ups.

Is there something that we need to be doing to our scoots between maintenance schedules?

Thanks!
@bob_cowley avatar
UTC

Addicted
GTS250, P200E
Joined: UTC
Posts: 777
Location: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
 
Addicted
@bob_cowley avatar
GTS250, P200E
Joined: UTC
Posts: 777
Location: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
UTC quote
Your scooter is a motorized machine, and would do better with constant care just like any other machine. This includes checking the following whenever you think about it:

- battery fluid level in each cell (for standard batteries)
- coolant level
- brake fluid level
- tire air pressure
- engine oil level
- transmission oil level
- straightness of the handlebars
- brake pad thickness
- underside cleanliness
- tire condition, e.g. cuts
- tightness and condition of the alternator connector at the front of the of the pet carrier
- all signs of leaks
- exhaust bushing (you will hear this one)
- light bulbs
- clock accuracy
- battery terminal tightness

The list goes on forever. You can ignore these quick checks at your own peril, if you trust your luck. I don't.

Cheers,
Bob
@shebalba avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
2009 GTS250, Ducati Monster M900, KTM 390 Adventure, Honda CR125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1767
Location: Oceanside, CA
 
Molto Verboso
@shebalba avatar
2009 GTS250, Ducati Monster M900, KTM 390 Adventure, Honda CR125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1767
Location: Oceanside, CA
UTC quote
Bob Cowley wrote:
Your scooter is a motorized machine, and would do better with constant care just like any other machine. This includes checking the following whenever you think about it:

- battery fluid level in each cell (for standard batteries)
- coolant level
- brake fluid level
- tire air pressure
- engine oil level
- transmission oil level
- straightness of the handlebars
- brake pad thickness
- underside cleanliness
- tire condition, e.g. cuts
- tightness and condition of the alternator connector at the front of the of the pet carrier
- all signs of leaks
- exhaust bushing (you will hear this one)
- light bulbs
- clock accuracy
- battery terminal tightness

The list goes on forever. You can ignore these quick checks at your own peril, if you trust your luck. I don't.

Cheers,
Bob
This is a good list and a nice reminder, especially the underside cleanliness. Very important. Clown emoticon
OP
UTC

Enthusiast
2011 Vespa GTV Espresso
Joined: UTC
Posts: 67
Location: Toronto, Ontario
 
Enthusiast
2011 Vespa GTV Espresso
Joined: UTC
Posts: 67
Location: Toronto, Ontario
UTC quote
Thank you this is a pretty good list to start.

Appreciate your time.
@tiffan33 avatar
UTC

Member
Lx 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 34
Location: Van Nuys CA
 
Member
@tiffan33 avatar
Lx 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 34
Location: Van Nuys CA
UTC quote
Bob Cowley wrote:
- underside cleanliness
- exhaust bushing (you will hear this one)
Can you be a little more detailed with these two I dont think I understand. please and thank you!!
@bob_cowley avatar
UTC

Addicted
GTS250, P200E
Joined: UTC
Posts: 777
Location: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
 
Addicted
@bob_cowley avatar
GTS250, P200E
Joined: UTC
Posts: 777
Location: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
UTC quote
Tiffan33 wrote:
Bob Cowley wrote:
- underside cleanliness
- exhaust bushing (you will hear this one)
Can you be a little more detailed with these two I dont think I understand. please and thank you!!
Underside cleanliness is just a general term. There are plenty of scoots that are shiny on top and filthy underneath. It's also a good time to check whether paint is chipping off underneath, especially behind the front wheel.

The exhaust bushing or graphite collar allows for expansion slippage between the downpipe and the silencer. When it reaches the end of its service life, it wears out leaving a hole for the hot, noisy exhaust to go through. This is a throw away item that has been recently updated. You may NOT want to replace it with a solid collar, as the expansion forces will now shear your downpipe bolts from the cylinder exhaust port.

Cheers,
Bob
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