Modern Vespa

Hey fam
Oil Filter change recommendation is every 6200 miles

Let's say in don't come close to reaching that in a year

Would I be wise to change the oil every year but leave the filter till I hit the right mileage mark?

I also do low mileage and make sure that I change the oil and filter yearly ,it is easy work and I feel happier to do this , and does'nt cost much to do .

once a year or at the interval, whichever comes first.

don't forget the other maintenance items of checking, adjusting and lubricating even if you're not doing the mileage it's wise to stay up on those things as well as the yearly items.

ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

The reason for this is that the oil collects engine combustion byproducts that change its pH, and potentially some moisture, which break down the lubricating properties of the oil and that the engine alloys aren't designed to withstand contact with.

Honestly I'm not sure how horrible 18-month-old lightly-used modern oil really is. But would it be worth $15 to screw around and find out it's pretty horrible? Not to me it wouldn't be.

there's also the fact that while you're changing the oil you're actually putting your hands on the bike and looking at other things. this is when you notice that little drip and catch it before it becomes a real problem, when you see a rusted, loose or damaged component, a bad fuel line, see that your tires are cracking or something needs adjusting, all that.

that's why it's important.

but to your note, I wouldn't want to screw around and bet $15 on ruining a motor.

Actually the OP didn't ask whether to change the oil every year if he doesn't achieve the mileage interval. He asked whether others thought he should change the oil filter every year even if he was at only a fraction of the mileage interval when he changes his oil. I admit I have done this with some powered vehicles I own including inboard boats. With my GTS, however, I do change the filter along with the oil annually even though I am not exceeding 6K miles.

I am really cheap and very lazy. But I am not $9 cheap and three minutes lazy when I have already gotten the synthetic oil, tools, rags, and containers out, and lowered my carcass down, to drain the oil.

But that's just me.

Actually I did forgo the oil filter the first time I changed my 150s oil. But that was because I'd bought the wrong size filter and was intending the ride the scoot the next day. It bugged me for the next 3k miles.