Modern Vespa

Hello experts!

I've got a 2018 GTS. Did my 600 mile inspection at the dealer. I noticed the manual has the oil change at 6200 miles. Am I reading that correctly? I'm no expert on small engines like this, but I think I'll hit 6000 miles after two years. I wasn't sure if there was a 'time' or just mileage recommendation. I'd like this sucker to last, but I don't know what is overkill.

I also live 400 miles from the dealer. So I wasn't sure if any motorcycle shop (I have one in town) will work fine or not.

Thanks for any tips?

Every 6200 miles or around one year - whichever comes first. I think most of us come upon a year before we hit 6200 miles. Also, coolant and brake fluid get changed every two years, regardless of mileage.

I'd like to think a local shop can do the oil/filter change and the coolant and brake fluid changes, but that might not be the case. The oil and coolant are of specific types, 5w-40 full synthetic motorcycle oil and OAT coolant, respectively. If you are mechanically inclined (or have a lot of time on your hands), you can do those items yourself. IMO the oil change is the easiest of the three.

Thanks for this information!

For an oil change, you need a filter, 2 quarts of oil, an o-ring, and a drain pan.

You might need a couple odd-sized ratchets - I don't know that year to say.

I'd certainly change my own oil before trying to get to a dealership 400 miles away. My drain plug was stubborn, but it was otherwise easy.

Do the oil change yourself and do it once a year or 2000 miles whichever comes first instead of the suggested intervals, it keeps the engine in better shape. Doing it yourself allows one to do it more frequently as the consumables are cheap. Get yourself a K&N filter as it has a 17mm nut on it for you to put a socket on and wrench it on or off. You can get a gallon of Shell T6 rotella oil and do 2close to 3 changes before you buy another gallon.
Oil drain plug is 24mm, you get a 24mm deep six point socket like this one https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-Drive-6-Point-Socket-SHD13124/dp/B07R9FR9TT
O ring doesn't always have to be changed but having a few on hand isn't expensive either.
You can do the oil change without taking the exhaust off, use the side stand and have a few beers/cuppa tea's etc to have while draining all all out
There are some how to videos on the internets that will help you tackle these routine maintenance yourself.
You will enjoy the work. I know I do .

Just to add the standard caveat of being careful with the drain bolt so as not to strip the threads. It can be alarmingly easy. DO NOT over torque!

And in the meantime, there are oil threads to read here to help confuse you about the proper engine oil to use. Opinions abound.

As for supplies, for the first change you really only need the wrench, oil and filter. I change out my O-ring periodically, but not routinely. And I use an old bread pan for the drain oil...it's easy to manipulate, and large enough to hold the volume of drained oil, and free! You tweak your stuff with time....

I don't understand the 6,000 mile oil change interval. I do oil, filter, CVT filter and air filter clean at 4k. All are pretty damn filthy by that point. What bothers me more is replacing the rear tire every oil change. I have never squeezed more than 4,000 miles out of a rear.

I got 6300mi out of the OEM City Grip and 5300mi out of the City Grip 2 I replaced it with.

The 6300 was literally on paper-thin tread though, and the 5300 had just hit the wear bars.

Gosh! I love this forum. Thanks everyone for these tips!

Drive my GTS250 year round. I change the oil/filter every 3000mi. Has been good for tens of thousands of miles/

... and dispose of the old oil correctly (also the old filter used) by taking it to a collection center or mechanical workshop.