Modern Vespa

I'm trying to lurk and read through threads to get information so I don't ask dumb questions, but I'm starting to get a little overwhelmed. I bought a 2007 MP3 250 (21,000mi) a few weeks ago--or rather, my husband drove to VA to get it for me. Now that I'm actually riding, I can think of a million questions I wish I'd had him ask the previous owner.

* The local motorsports shop took care of the Maryland inspection and replacing the front tires. Should I look for a shop or dealership who specializes in Vespa/Piaggio, or is it normal that a general shop would be familiar enough with Vespa that they can handle engine issues?
* I tend to want to do things myself. I'm not a mechanical genius but can figure things out, given a manual or instructions. How much of the maintenance is DIY-able? Or am I just stuck with taking it in if there's a problem?
* On the maintenance note, I've realized that I have no idea when the last maintenance/servicing was done. From what I remember, the owner used it for his daily commute (hence the high mileage), but was selling because he got a new car and so hadn't really ridden for the last couple of years. Should I work on replacing fluids/belts/whatever else before I start using it to commute to school?
* Not MP3-specific: I'm not yet comfortable enough to take a passenger, and I'm not going to even attempt it for a while. Eventually, though, I'd hoped to be able to bring one of my 3 younger kids with me. I understand ATG ATT and take it seriously; I really do like my skin where it's at. My kids, however, won't be riding enough for me to justify buying them ATG to wear ATT. I totally get that you can't put a price on safety, etc etc and believe me I was raised to be extremely safety-conscious, but I live in the Land of the Merry Tax-everything-in-sight, so the principle and the reality don't always get along. If you have a kid as a passenger, what are your suggestions as far as protective gear? (Helmets are a given.)

Any & all advice or info is greatly appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to read this far...

Welcome to the interesting and unusual world of the MP3. About shops to use for service. The engine is fairly straight forward. A Vespa/Piaggio dealer certainly knows them best but others can do routine work as well. The bigger issue is the stuff that makes an MP3 an MP3. Other shops are really not familiar with necessary maintenance procedures or repairs on the front end. In my experience, not all Piaggio shops are either and you need to choose with care. Now, about safety. You mention gear. You don't mention training. Does that mean you have not taken an MSF basic course or equivalent? If not, I would suggest that be high on your list.

MSF BRC completed, yes. Would love to take the BRC2 as well, but it's getting difficult to find anything offered in the winter (am still looking).

New 400 owner, have questions?

you got the basic done, congrats. now put some time in on the scooter and wait till late spring to do the ERC.

maintenance manuals can be found here in the wiki section.

most things you can do your self with the proper tools. oil and filter changes, air filter servicing and even belt changes and varistor rollers. some have even ventured into doing their own valve adjustments.

do some searching on reading on the MP forum and even over in the general discussion area as your engine is the same as the GTS 250/300 vespa's. so a lot of that pertains to you as well.

doing your own tires can be a bit much for folks but removing them and taking just the rims and tires into a shop can save you some money. the question you need to ask the shop doing the tires is can they balance them. if not you need to go somewhere else. don't let them say oh its just scooter tires they don't need balancing. WRONG. I do a lot of tires changes for folks and they all get balanced. even brand new scoots come from the factory with them balanced.

Read read read grasshopper and if you can't find the answer to your question please ask.
Enjoy those new floorboards. I only have 2 sets left.

Plenty of history here, the search works very well on MV.

Many questions have been answered over and over again.
Your Year / Model is very similar to a MP3/400 body style.
So many questions about the external body parts are similar to your bike.
Your Engine, is very similar to the Vespa GTS/GTV 250, so if you have curiosity from the engine perspective, you can visit the history in the other section. All else fails, ask here...

Keith,
Marietta, GA

I'll give my opinion on the gear for kids as passengers. Obviously if you're carrying your children you will be extra cautious, other drivers around you may not share your concern.
Helmet really needs to fit correctly and be full face. Gloves need to be substantial and fit well to stay on if sliding on pavement occurs. Boots same criteria as gloves, substantial and a type that zip, buckle, or tie. These items can't provide protection if they don't stay on the hand or feet. It sounds simple but these items come off if they aren't properly fitted or constructed.

Jackets and pants should be motorcycle specific with armor. Find good used gear. It's out there. Other parents have had kids outgrow gear too, they'd likely feel good about having it continue to protect other loved ones.

Make sure you know the state laws on carrying passengers. Absolutely every call I received asking about age/size for child passengers involved non-custodial parent or grandparent raising the issue.

Consider the route and weigh the risk. Only begin carrying passengers when you are so comfortable as a rider that you can direct 98% of your attention to scanning your surroundings and path of travel (don't forget your mirrors, oblivious texting drivers are a common threat). The other 2% can be used to operate and select lane position. Be visible. But don't count on anyone seeing you.

Practice swerving and braking in a clear parking lot like you had for your BRC. Start slowly and gradually watch your comfort level rise. Build muscle memory for all of the situations you are likely to encounter. when an uh-oh moment happens, you'll do what you have practiced. If you haven't spent time devoted to practicing and building skill and muscle memory you should for yourself then the kids. This is the continuing value of the BRC. The exercises are able to be duplicated on your own if you're willing and serious about riding to invest the time.

Rinse and repeat. It's skill building you have the good fortune to get to do on a motorcycle. Winning.

I hope there's some value in there for you. Sorry it got long. But I like your enthusiasm.

tl;dr wear gear, practice critical skills, expect fun and bonding