Modern Vespa

Watching this video and others on this channel will teach you so much. Yes this video is probably more than you want to start with but it'll give you an idea

One SHOULD expect that degree of reliability from a premium scooter priced at $7000+. I would expect any premium scooter to be reliable. Genuine figured out a 3 year warranty and 1 year roadside assistance... And at a much lower price point (and, granted, lower cc's).

https://www.genuinescooters.com/warranty/

Like most things these days, after the initial quirks you expect from a bespoke hand crafted artisanal scooter you should have many many miles of trouble free riding before old age sets in.

See how it works before you admire it.
A Vespa is a Piaggio scooter wrapped in a hard outer shell. That hard outer shell is what you pay a premium for. Go on any Italian scooter forum and ask if Piaggio scooters are reliable. Then go to a Honda scooter forum and try to find mechanical failure threads that don't begin with, "I took my scooter apart and tried to clean all the parts in the dishwasher. Now it won't run."
The selling dealer isn't obligated any more than the supermarket that sold you salmonella salad. They didn't make it and didn't give you a warranty. And won't get paid to go and get it. But in a case like this, the manufacturer will almost always make a good will exception to the warranty and arrange to have the bike picked up. That's who needs to hear from the OP.

My dealer said Tuesday morning. They didn't mention a price, so I think they are doing the right thing.

What constitutes "the right thing" is subjective. It sounds like some issue with the fuel pump and it sounds like it's probably a warranty issue. However, it is possible that the issue is a shorted wire from a chipmunk chewing on it in your garage. In that case, "the right thing" is probably to offer to pay for the transport.

Hahahaha So, when Hyundai or Toyota (or even Genuine) makes good on their roadside assistance, who gets paid for the service call/tow? I'm assuming someone is paid by the manufacturer for the roadside assistance provided…

477 miles……..brand new…..we have basic expectations when spending the big bucks on a scooter……and it's that it will work. This shouldn't have happened, and the dealer understands and so far from what I can tell agrees with me and feels bad.

Of course, if a chipmunk did gnaw at a wire, lol, I will take ownership and make it right.

Roadside assistance is a service offered by a third party dispatching network, and white-labeled to tie it to an affiliated organization. Genuine signs up with that company and pays, say, $3 a year per scooter sold. In exchange the service's dispatcher answers a special phone number with "Genuine roadside assistance, we're here to help, exactly where are you stranded with your killswitch turned off?" and then calls the nearest towing company in their network. If fewer than 1 in about 50 covered Genuine scooters need towing in a given year, everybody's happy.

I used the AMA-branded roadside assistance program once and was not impressed. Took them six hours and many broken promises to realize that the road I was on was a limited service road with only one company authorized to do the towing. They couldn't figure out who that was, and once I did, the program couldn't call them and couldn't cover the tow. Worse than useless.

I have a hitch carrier and my family can come get me around town if something happens. It would work even if I needed to take it to the dealer (God forbid). I just hate waiting on AAA towing when I can be more proactive.

Not telling anyone what to do, just something to think about that may help prevent a hassle.

If you have AAA then towing it to the Vespa dealer should not be a problem.

This forum is made up of helpful Vespa enthusiasts. Not many of us are certified mechanics, but I have found many solutions to my Scooter problems here, and I am grateful to have this forum. With all that said, my suggestion is.

1. pull out the fuel injector. It sits right on top of the motor.
Video on how to do this 2. Place it into a cup or some sort of reciptical.
3. Place a towel over the cylinder hole
4. turn the key to the on position.
5. Does the fuel injector spay fuel?
a. No- Bad fuel pump, or clogged injector.
b. Yes- Lack of spark. Check sparkplug next.

If you don't want to try these basic steps, then call AAA and get the bike in line at the shop.

I don't think that an owner with no mechanical experience should be pulling the fuel injector out of a new GTS with 477 miles on the clock. This is a warranty job. If the dealer can help transport the scooter - great. If not, use insurance, or ask a friend with a trailer to help, or rent a U-haul van, or whatever it takes to get the scooter to the shop.

There were two threads operating on this subject. One was shut down directing
comments to this thread.

1. Most roadside assistance coverage from auto insurance is limited to towing
to the nearest repair facility with also a cap on how many allowed miles before
you are responsible.

2. As an insurance agent, I do not recommend having or using roadside assistance
on your auto insurance policy. Reason, it goes against your claim history that is
shared by all companies. Even though a roadside assistance claim does not impact
your premium costs with your current company, it would go against you if you
wanted to competitively change companies. Additionally, most companies hate
having to offer roadside because they are losing their shirt on it.

3. Answer: Buy AAA Motor Club roadside assistance. If you want it for your
scooter/motorcycle you need to purchase the Plus RV level. Benefits (a) you
can use this motor club for any car/scooter even your neighbors Tows, Jump
Starts, Lock outs, Tire Changes. (b) your auto insurance premiums will not be
impacted and the Plus level gives you 100 mile towing.

Obviously, the AAA Membership is not designed to turn you into a towing company.
If you have more than 5 usages in a year you are shut down until your next annual renewal. My daughter has used hers on many of her friends car - all you have to
do is be there.

Prices in each State may differ, annual membership $100 and they give you a
second membership free for the first year.

You could simply call AAA Motor Club Membership direct or go online.

I agree with those that have already posted. Warranties cover the repair but
usually do not cover towing.

My Dealer Scooteville has a scooter pick up van - about $250 to come and get
mine (I am 24 miles from the dealer).

So buy a AAA membership Plus RV level.

Sorry to be so long winded on this post.

Bob Copeland
Minnesota


At my Insurance Agency Office.

GTS300 Water Pumps,

My GTS 300 came new from the factory with the gasket for the water pump
installed poorly. It over heated immediately with the fan blowing constantly.
You folks on Modern Vespa diagnosed the problem right off.

I called my AAA Motor Club, had the scoot towed to my dealer who
promptly replaced the gasket under warranty.

I also have the ability to use my AAA Motor Club on anyone in my
riding group that breaks down.

Bob Copeland

I'm confused. Yesterday the OP said the dealer was coming to pick up the scooter Tuesday.

Understandable. This thread has been around the block a couple of times.

Yes! Dealer is coming.

Apologies for the confusion. Dealer is supposedly coming on Tuesday. If that doesn't happen I have triple A as backup……either way i hopefully will be riding again soon!! Not having my scoot is killing me

That is very good to know. It seems sometimes that so many of the extras offered and designed gather information that can be used to justify raising your rates down the road. Thank you for teaching me something today.

Let me ask you this, Bob: When I purchased my one vehicle, it has a 24 hour roadside assistance number. Hence, I would view that assistance similar to AAA, right? On a separate note, my other vehicle has roadside assistance on the policy. I have never used it. Though, my agent is a member here on MV; however, sold the stable, and is not active like previously. Like Motovista, good to know; thanks for sharing.

Big_Boys_Mother,

You are right, most new cars provide "Roadside Assistance' along with the
warranty. I am not aware of time limit or coverage for this new car perk.
I expect it is to the nearest repair facility with a limit of miles. Not much exposure
to the manufacturer because new cars very seldom break down.

Again, in the USA, I do not encourage people to buy roadside on the personal
auto insurance policy. Buy a AAA Motor Club Membership. Then tows, tire changes,
jump starts, and lock outs will not impact your auto insurance premium. Remember,
your current company will not uprate you for roadside usage if you stay with the
same company. It can prevent you from qualifying for your company's top
preferred pricing tier.

You need the Plus Membership (cost more) to use it on your scoot/motorcycle.

Something I do not broadcast - as a ride leader in my scooter group, I can
use my AAA Membership on any scoot along on the group ride.

You regular ride groups should all pitch in and buy one membership (Name someone
in the group). You could then tow any breakdown in the group. As long as
the person with the name on the card is present - it can be used on any vehicle.
Don't be so silly as to reveal the purpose of group use.

Bob Copeland

What did the dealer say about the bike.
Inquiring minds want to know?

Hi All

Thankfully the dealer came by on Tuesday and picked up Mr. C free of charge.

They just called me today - My bike needs a new fuel pump. Said I can pick up tomorrow. Said it came from the factory with this flaw, but we are all set now.

Fuel pump woes!!
Glad you will be back on the road soon, and headache free.
Good luck and keep 2 wheels on the ground.

Thanks! It's crazy how much I missed it. On a rainy day, I was happy because I didn't consider it lost opportunity.

Have you read "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance?" your stance on fixing things fits the character John to a T. I can dig it, but I don't understand it. To me, working on the bike is fun as long as I can take my time.

But, different strokes... It's all good.

I will get the book, sounds interesting to me. Thanks for the recommendation. The thought of learning things like that is super interesting to me, but I know what I am good at and am just not mechanically inclined at all. I come from a long line of men just like me. As you said, it's all good.......I get your thoughts though and am jealous of your ability to work on your bike.

I will leave it up to the experts. It gives me peace of mind and I feel safer that way so just like working on your bike adds to your overall experience, for me, knowing that I had a vespa professional work on mine it adds to mine