Modern Vespa

Am looking for a good and experienced Vespa mechanic somewhere in southern Oregon - preferably close to either Ashland or Medford. I have a 2007 GTV but my former mechanic (who had been a general all-purpose motorcycle mechanic but one with knowledge of and some experience with modern Vespas) has gone out of business (and, unfortunately, also gone incommunicado).

Unfortunately the closest 'official' Vespa dealership to me in in Portland, Oregon (some 5 hours on the interstate north of my home in Talent, Oregon). The former Vespa dealer in Eugene, Oregon (3 hours north of me) closed some time ago.

If anyone has any experience or firsthand knowledge of - or recommendations for - Vespa mechanics, down here in the southernmost part of Oregon - they would be greatly appreciated.

What's the problem that needs a mechanic? Perhaps the MV collective can help.

Thanks for asking, jimc.

The specific problem is that the locking mechanism which catches-and-locks (usually with a satisfying 'click' sound) when the upright seat is lowered or dropped back into a closed position - no longer works. Which means the seat is permanently 'un-locked' now - i.e. opens and closes without first pressing the seat-unlocking-button.

The more general issue is that, not being very mechanically inclined myself in the first place, it's always been a relief to me to have a good local mechanic who could do tune-ups on my scooter, or repairs, when or if necessary. Before buying my GTV from a cool fellow MV'er down in NorCal some years ago, my previous scooters included an Aprilia Scarabeo 200, a Honda Elite CH150, and a Kymco People 50 - which were serviced by several good motorcycle mechanics who used to live in the local area, but have long since moved away. My GTV250ie is far and away the nicest scooter I've ever owned or ridden - but it also may be the most complicated (mechanically speaking), and having a good local Vespa mechanic = peace of mind, for me.

OK. You should be able to fix the seat problem very easily! This happens to many scooters. Remove the fuel cap and the rubber splash ring around it, then remove the rest of the rear cover (four screws). You'll see the latch held in place by two screws, which are located in oval holes so the height can be adjusted. Adjust away!

Thank you for the detailed and clear step-by-step explanation, jimc!
The problem, as it turned out, was that the original two adjusting screws you mention - which actually hold the entire latch mechanism in place and attach it to that part of the frame - had, apparently, long since fallen out or disappeared - with the result that the entire latch mechanism had fallen down too low for the seat to engage with it.

Replacing the screws - which are actually nuts & lock-washer-equipped bolts - did the trick - because it allowed me not only to firmly attach the mechanism in place - but to raise it to a sufficient height that the seat would engage.

Problem solved! Thank you so much, jimc!!!

But, returning to the subject of my original post---

I'M STILL LOOKING FOR A GOOD VESPA MECHANIC SOMEWHERE IN OR AROUND SOUTHERN OREGON.

Preferably close to Talent, Ashland or Medford - or somewhere in or near the greater Rogue Valley. Even as far as Grants Pass would still be almost 'local'---

If any fellow MV'ers know of any Vespa mechanics - or good motorcycle mechanics with (hopefully real) modern Vespa experience -- I'd appreciate you letting me know

Still hoping that someone in the SOUTHERN OREGON area - which includes Medford, Grants Pass, and Klamath Falls - as well as the neighboring Northern California towns of Yreka and Mt. Shasta - knows of either a good Vespa mechanic - or a good motorcycle mechanic with some experience with Modern Vespa's.

Please let me know if you do.

Dang! I was just there. Wish I lived closer.

Hey MiguelATF,

Did you find a Vespa Mechanic in the rogue valley?