Modern Vespa

Hello Everyone,

I finally got my GTV back after having the front fender and light replaced after the collision with the dog. It took a long time for the parts to come from Italy. (The cost was roughly $1300, with the insurance paying all but the $500 deductible).

While I was there, I asked the mechanic how much the 6000 mile service usually ran, since it involved replacing the rollers and checking the belt. The mechanic said that their experience was that was very conservative. He recommends changing the rollers and checking the belt at 10,000 miles. For the 6,000 mile service, he said that an oil change would be sufficient.

I appreciate that the shop is not trying to hit me up for extra work, but is that everyone's experience on the board? Can the rollers and belt wait until 10,000 miles? I'm concerned since I may be scootering some long days on the interstate this fall on a cross-country trip.

Thanks.

Most riders experience is that the belt typically lasts well more than 6,000 miles. The problem with this comment is that breaking a belt while riding is not a great experience. I think something like 8k is a good number but I'd replace at 6k if I had a long trip coming up. What I have most often done, is had the CVT opened up to clean out dust, look for abnormal belt wear, and for clutch glazing at 6k. (none of this applies to the BV350, of course )

The manual states the 300 belt should be changed every 15,000 km, i.e. 9,000 miles. In practice they will *mostly* last until well after 12,000 miles - but I tend to change at 8,000 or so, especially if there's a big trip coming up. Just not worth being stuck en route for the cost of a belt.

It's a relatively easy DIY job.