OP
@darqmommy avatar
UTC

Lizard Brain
2007 GTS 250, "Vorga"
Joined: UTC
Posts: 800
Location: NC
 
Lizard Brain
@darqmommy avatar
2007 GTS 250, "Vorga"
Joined: UTC
Posts: 800
Location: NC
UTC quote
So... from my previous posts you may be aware that I do NOT patronize my local Vespa dealers. I bought Ms. Eldritch from a private citizen and I have no need to maintain a warranty. Also, the dealerships are quite far away and I want the convenience of riding Eldritch to the shop myself.
I chose a local shop that services mostly Chinese scoots, but whose owner is confident enough in his skills to take on a Vespa (with the bench manual supplied, of course).

First, the parts I bought from ScooterWest:

1.Variator overhaul kit (belt, rollers, sliders, nut)
2. Brake pads
3. Titanium spark plug (sounds high-end, no?)
4. Assorted extra bits in case
5. Canister filter

Second, the service highlights:

All service instructions per the manual
Replace variator parts
Brake job
Remove/check clutch bell (it was fine)
Remove/exorcise a dirt dauber nest that was built into an outside oil line (like, what is that even?!)
Remove engine to replace spark plug

The total cost for everything was like, $280.
That's pretty good, right?
⚠️ Last edited by darqmommy on UTC; edited 1 time
@cdwise avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
GTS 300, Buddy 125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8870
Location: Knoxville, TN
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@cdwise avatar
GTS 300, Buddy 125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8870
Location: Knoxville, TN
UTC quote
Maybe but I had everything other than brakes done except the brakes but rear tire and bushing (not including price of tire shipped directly from Motorcycle Superstore to dealer)installed for $280 at my last regular Vespa service before Vespa Houston changed ownership.
UTC

Enthusiast
GTS 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 81
Location: Beautiful West Texas
 
Enthusiast
GTS 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 81
Location: Beautiful West Texas
UTC quote
"Remove engine to replace spark plug?" What model do you have?
@jimc avatar
UTC

Moderaptor
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44238
Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
 
Moderaptor
@jimc avatar
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44238
Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
UTC quote
Vintage MX wrote:
"Remove engine to replace spark plug?" What model do you have?
S 150 - it's in her profile...
UTC

Hooked
Now own a Moto Guzzi Cali 1400. Wife has a Buddy 125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 342
Location: New Jersey USA
 
Hooked
Now own a Moto Guzzi Cali 1400. Wife has a Buddy 125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 342
Location: New Jersey USA
UTC quote
I can just picture the design team selling that design to the head honchos...
"Just think of the killing we'll make in increased service billing!"
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
Joined: UTC
Posts: 7388
Location: Tega Cay, SC
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
Joined: UTC
Posts: 7388
Location: Tega Cay, SC
UTC quote
I was wondering why you had the belt, rollers, and plug changed out at 3750 miles or 6000km. Seems a little early, but it's our money of course. And for what you got done, I think you did ok. Mechanics have to eat too. A side note: if you tilt the engine up, you can get to the plug. But with a titanium in there, you should not have to worry about changing it for a long, long time.
OP
@darqmommy avatar
UTC

Lizard Brain
2007 GTS 250, "Vorga"
Joined: UTC
Posts: 800
Location: NC
 
Lizard Brain
@darqmommy avatar
2007 GTS 250, "Vorga"
Joined: UTC
Posts: 800
Location: NC
UTC quote
Sorry for the confusion.
I don't do KM well.
My ODO read 6,100 miles when I brought it in.
Also it's a 2009, so I wanted to be safe from any concerns about dry rot. At 60 mph, I don't want anything disintegrating on moi.
After my scare on the way home from the beach, I found it hard to fully trust Ms. Eldritch, and that was crampin' my style. Now I'm carefree again. Totes worth the $280.
@jimc avatar
UTC

Moderaptor
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44238
Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
 
Moderaptor
@jimc avatar
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44238
Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
UTC quote
darqmommy wrote:
Sorry for the confusion.
I don't do KM well.
My ODO read 6,100 miles when I brought it in.
You might consider editing the title of your first post to reflect this.
OP
@darqmommy avatar
UTC

Lizard Brain
2007 GTS 250, "Vorga"
Joined: UTC
Posts: 800
Location: NC
 
Lizard Brain
@darqmommy avatar
2007 GTS 250, "Vorga"
Joined: UTC
Posts: 800
Location: NC
UTC quote
FINE I WILL THEN
@mr_f avatar
UTC

Hooked
2013 BV350
Joined: UTC
Posts: 453
Location: Sacramento, California
 
Hooked
@mr_f avatar
2013 BV350
Joined: UTC
Posts: 453
Location: Sacramento, California
UTC quote
service price
Darqmommy,

I'd say that was a darn good price. I, too, use a non Vespa shop for any big problems. It is within walking distance from home and has been servicing Italian cars, bikes, and scooters for only about 50 years. Belts, rollers, oil and filters I do myself.

Also, Km.s are easy; it 's about half a mile!


Mr. F
@larrytsg avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
1979 P200e
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2665
Location: Lock Haven, PA
 
Ossessionato
@larrytsg avatar
1979 P200e
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2665
Location: Lock Haven, PA
UTC quote
KMs are hard for us "standard" retro 'mericans....

I always remember that 100kph is 62 mph

And a 5k run is 3.1 miles.

Run with that and you can do a lot of conversions in your head.

I drive to Canada regularly, and I finally have a car (my daughter's car) that will change from MPH to KPH with a button on the dashboard. Very convenient when you have a 70kph speed limit on side roads.
UTC

Hooked
2012 Vespa GTS 300 Super
Joined: UTC
Posts: 168
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
 
Hooked
2012 Vespa GTS 300 Super
Joined: UTC
Posts: 168
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
UTC quote
I performed my own 6,000 mile service on my unnamed 2012 GTS 300.

I bought the kit as well from Scooter West and followed Robot's excellent video.

I replaced coolant.
Replaced engine oil and filter.
New belt, rollers
Cleaned clutch case (air/wipe)
Cleaned/regreased airfilter
Changed rear tire

I'll eventually get to the spark plug..

I feel that someone with even basic skills can follow him along and know the work was done correctly. You really should learn. Then again, it does require an investment in tools and having space like a garage.

If Scooter West happens to read this, can you please send me a private message with instructions as to how to send Robot a gift certificate for a few beers from me to express my ongoing thanks to both him and to SW? Thank you!
@nautiker avatar
UTC

Addicted
'14 Piaggio BV 350
Joined: UTC
Posts: 995
Location: Seacoast New Hampshire (USA)
 
Addicted
@nautiker avatar
'14 Piaggio BV 350
Joined: UTC
Posts: 995
Location: Seacoast New Hampshire (USA)
UTC quote
My local Piaggio/Vespa shop won't install parts from anywhere else, unless it's something they can't get. They said they'd give me a one-time exception to install the Scooterwest belt & rollers for $50, since I was buying a couple of tires through them (the shop)... I wish I had a local/independent shop nearby...
@web-tech avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2008 MP3 500, 2013 BV350, 2020 Vespa Sei Giorni, 2008 Vespa S150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8951
Location: Ashburn, Va. Home to the Internet
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@web-tech avatar
2008 MP3 500, 2013 BV350, 2020 Vespa Sei Giorni, 2008 Vespa S150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8951
Location: Ashburn, Va. Home to the Internet
UTC quote
Look on craigslist under motorcycles for sale, see if anyone is advertising for scooter repair.
@wleuthold avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2006 Vespa GT (Rocket): 2007 Vespa GT (Vanessa): 2009 Yamaha Zuma 125: 2018 Yamaha Xmax (Big Ugly), 2023 Vespa GTS300 (Ghost)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5251
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@wleuthold avatar
2006 Vespa GT (Rocket): 2007 Vespa GT (Vanessa): 2009 Yamaha Zuma 125: 2018 Yamaha Xmax (Big Ugly), 2023 Vespa GTS300 (Ghost)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5251
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
UTC quote
It is great that you tackled all of that yourself. After years of having a great mechanic to do my work, he is moving soon so I am learning to do it myself.
UTC

Ossessionato
2016 Vespa GTS300ie abs/asr/ess Settantesimo '70'
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3766
Location: East Anglia, UK
 
Ossessionato
2016 Vespa GTS300ie abs/asr/ess Settantesimo '70'
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3766
Location: East Anglia, UK
UTC quote
darqmommy, $280 is about right for the work you had done. No problem there. I doubt they removed the engine but just had to tilt it. You have to disconnect a few pipes and bits, and the suspension to do this. It's not hard though and you could do it too.
OP
@darqmommy avatar
UTC

Lizard Brain
2007 GTS 250, "Vorga"
Joined: UTC
Posts: 800
Location: NC
 
Lizard Brain
@darqmommy avatar
2007 GTS 250, "Vorga"
Joined: UTC
Posts: 800
Location: NC
UTC quote
I think I speak for a lot of people when I say this: for my peace of mind, whizzing down the highway at 60 miles per hour, I want the confidence that a seasoned mechanic has done it "right."
I don't doubt that I could learn to wrench, had I the tools or space. Right now I have neither, and it's not killing me. That's what mechanics are for.
What's important to me is getting back on the road in a timely manner, not drinking brewskies and sorting out itty bitty metal findings that could have a life-or-death impact on me.
Not to be defensive, but women are expected to have it all, and to be it all.
I categorically reject that notion because I know my limits.

I will not be doing major work on my scooter. If you like, I could instead:
Bake a loaf of bread
Create handmade jewelry
Describe in detail the NC 1915 (c) Medicaid Waiver
Continue rearing my children
Continue being the primary breadwinner for my family
Sing you the Soprano part of a variety of classical choral compositions
Ride my scooter with a smile on my face

After all, we cannot be experts at everything.
@web-tech avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2008 MP3 500, 2013 BV350, 2020 Vespa Sei Giorni, 2008 Vespa S150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8951
Location: Ashburn, Va. Home to the Internet
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@web-tech avatar
2008 MP3 500, 2013 BV350, 2020 Vespa Sei Giorni, 2008 Vespa S150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8951
Location: Ashburn, Va. Home to the Internet
UTC quote
darqmommy wrote:
[b][i]I think I speak for a lot of people when I say this: for my peace of mind, whizzing down the highway at 60 miles per hour, I want the confidence that a seasoned mechanic has done it "right."
In most shops you have the kid just out of high school working on them with no training.

When I got a job as a motorcycle mechanic, I was applying to be a boat mechanic but they didn't have any opening and asked if I wanted to work on motorcycles as I had experience working on my own Hired me that day
OP
@darqmommy avatar
UTC

Lizard Brain
2007 GTS 250, "Vorga"
Joined: UTC
Posts: 800
Location: NC
 
Lizard Brain
@darqmommy avatar
2007 GTS 250, "Vorga"
Joined: UTC
Posts: 800
Location: NC
UTC quote
Hmm, sounds dodgy.
I don't find that to be true at all. My mechanic was the shop owner. I had a discussion with him beforehand.
Am I missing something here?
I think it perfectly reasonable to expect and get good work from a professional.
Folks who want to get their brick foundations laid properly ask a 40-year master mason, like my dad.
Building houses is a big deal.
Hurling down the road at speed: again, a big deal.
At least, I think so.
UTC

Addicted
Vespa GTS Super ABS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 861
Location: Oceanside
 
Addicted
Vespa GTS Super ABS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 861
Location: Oceanside
UTC quote
The only shop I have been to is ScooterWest. They don't look or seem like they are just out of high school? I am trying to do all my own service work because 1) I have the tools, 2) The dealer is 30 miles away (in traffic), and I enjoy when/if I get it right myself. I wouldn't even consider trying to:

Bake a loaf of bread
Create handmade jewelry
Describe in detail the NC 1915 (c) Medicaid Waiver
Continue rearing my children
Continue being the primary breadwinner for my family
Sing you the Soprano part of a variety of classical choral compositions
@madison_sully avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
MP3 500, GTS 250 (both 2008 MY), 2013 Piaggio BV 350, 2014 Can Am Spyder RT
Joined: UTC
Posts: 7638
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@madison_sully avatar
MP3 500, GTS 250 (both 2008 MY), 2013 Piaggio BV 350, 2014 Can Am Spyder RT
Joined: UTC
Posts: 7638
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
UTC quote
WEB-Tech wrote:
darqmommy wrote:
[b][i]I think I speak for a lot of people when I say this: for my peace of mind, whizzing down the highway at 60 miles per hour, I want the confidence that a seasoned mechanic has done it "right."
In most shops you have the kid just out of high school working on them with no training.

When I got a job as a motorcycle mechanic, I was applying to be a boat mechanic but they didn't have any opening and asked if I wanted to work on motorcycles as I had experience working on my own Hired me that day
Similar for me but my job was assembling new bicycles. 16 years old I was, and by the end of the summer I was put in charge of all of the new bike assemblers. But, I was trained, and I will say pretty well (or at least it took well).
@dooglas avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
GTS 300ABS, Buddy 125, Buddy Kick 125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 13464
Location: Oregon City, OR
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@dooglas avatar
GTS 300ABS, Buddy 125, Buddy Kick 125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 13464
Location: Oregon City, OR
UTC quote
WEB-Tech wrote:
In most shops you have the kid just out of high school working on them with no training.
My dealer is a small Vespa/Piaggio shop with a two person service department. All work on my bikes has been done by the service manager, who has attended quite a few Piaggio training workshops. His assistant has less training but mostly does clean up and prep work.

Some shops are better than others and you certainly need to know the skill levels of the people working on your ride. It is not a given, however, that they are bozos.
@trotter avatar
UTC

Banned
Roughhouse Sport. Buddy 150(sold)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1615
Location: The OBX.
 
Banned
@trotter avatar
Roughhouse Sport. Buddy 150(sold)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1615
Location: The OBX.
UTC quote
I'll take a loaf of bread, some handmade jewelry, and any cash you can spare, darqmommy.
@raputtak avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
2016 GTS 300 Super - red, of course.
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4755
Location: Hertford, North Carolina
 
Ossessionato
@raputtak avatar
2016 GTS 300 Super - red, of course.
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4755
Location: Hertford, North Carolina
UTC quote
darqmommy wrote:


I will not be doing major work on my scooter. If you like, I could instead:
Bake a loaf of bread
Create handmade jewelry
Describe in detail the NC 1915 (c) Medicaid Waiver
Continue rearing my children
Continue being the primary breadwinner for my family
Sing you the Soprano part of a variety of classical choral compositions
Ride my scooter with a smile on my face

After all, we cannot be experts at everything.
As they say in Nowth Carlarna:

"Well, bless your heart"
@kshansen avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
GTV300 (wife's)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1923
Location: Central New York
 
Molto Verboso
@kshansen avatar
GTV300 (wife's)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1923
Location: Central New York
UTC quote
darqmommy wrote:
I will not be doing major work on my scooter. If you like, I could instead:
Bake a loaf of bread
Create handmade jewelry
Describe in detail the NC 1915 (c) Medicaid Waiver
Continue rearing my children
Continue being the primary breadwinner for my family
Sing you the Soprano part of a variety of classical choral compositions
Ride my scooter with a smile on my face

After all, we cannot be experts at everything.
Well if you send that scooter up to Central NY with a couple loaves of homemade bread in the pet carrier and do some reading up on Medicare for me I'll be glad to do the basic service work on it!
@mmehren avatar
UTC

Addicted
'08 GTS (75k+ miles)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 629
Location: San Diego, CA
 
Addicted
@mmehren avatar
'08 GTS (75k+ miles)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 629
Location: San Diego, CA
UTC quote
deprived...
I feel like I'm missing out on excitement and adventure that other forum members get to experience. It's rough having Motorsport (Scooterwest) just down the road

@judy avatar
UTC

World Traveler
2007 LX150 Daring Plum Leonardo Da Vespa
Joined: UTC
Posts: 29303
 
World Traveler
@judy avatar
2007 LX150 Daring Plum Leonardo Da Vespa
Joined: UTC
Posts: 29303
UTC quote
Don't knock kids. I have found a place that will work on my Vespa. The owner is knowledgeable and this college kid Aaron is too. I saw him looking up stuff on YouTube. Nothing wrong with that. They charge $25 a hr for labor. Can't beat that either
@kshansen avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
GTV300 (wife's)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1923
Location: Central New York
 
Molto Verboso
@kshansen avatar
GTV300 (wife's)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1923
Location: Central New York
UTC quote
judy wrote:
Don't knock kids. I have found a place that will work on my Vespa. The owner is knowledgeable and this college kid Aaron is too. I saw him looking up stuff on YouTube. Nothing wrong with that. They charge $25 a hr for labor. Can't beat that either
Yes most of us were kids once! It almost scares me to think of some of the stuff people, parents included, let me work on when I was a teenager!
DoubleGood Design banner

Modern Vespa is the premier site for modern Vespa and Piaggio scooters. Vespa GTS300, GTS250, GTV, GT200, LX150, LXS, ET4, ET2, MP3, Fuoco, Elettrica and more.

Buy Me A Coffee
 

Shop on Amazon with Modern Vespa

Modern Vespa is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com


All Content Copyright 2005-2024 by Modern Vespa.
All Rights Reserved.


[ Time: 0.0173s ][ Queries: 3 (0.0026s) ][ live ][ 318 ][ ThingOne ]