Modern Vespa

Does anyone know or can recommend the preparation procedures for moving a vespa, we are moving from South Africa to Europe , the bike will be in a container on board, should we drain the oil and put preservation oil or leave with normal engine oil. Expected time between Departure and destination points is 57 days.

When I shipped bikes in the past, it was minimal/no fuel and leave oil full.

I am trying to remember about the battery, but I would disconnect either way unless going by air. Might disconnect negative cable.

Having shipped my GTS twice before, I highly recommend that you have your ET4 case packed (put into a bespoke timber box)*. This will give it full protection and it can then be moved around by fork-lift truck. If you 'lose load' it inside the shipping container, you run a high risk that other items inside the container will come into contact with your scooter and dent or scratch your paintwork. Run the fuel down, but leave a few litres of petrol in the tank. You don't need to do anything with the oil. Disconnecting the battery is also a good idea as marret suggests.

*Make sure the timber used is heat treated and marked as such to comply with EU important regulations.

**You can use wasted space around and on top of your scooter with items such as bedding/cushions/pillows/clothing. Filling out the space in this way will also prevent any movement of your scooter inside the case.

I can't advise on importation procedures, but you will probably need to produce a copy of the vehicle registration certificate (log book), and maybe a certificate of export from the SA vehicle licencing department.

Is there any chance a local Vespa dealer will sell / give you the packing crate from a new delivery?

I agree pallet it up and build a wooden box around it with a frame.

Put blocking and bracing underneath so there is no movement, and you relieve tension from the suspension. Movement = Damage.

Turn off the fuel and send it. Maybe cover it with a moving blanket.

If the battery is the older liquid filled type, I would remove it. If the battery is a gel cell type, I think you can leave it in, but I would still disconnect the negative lead as marret suggests.

Good point on liquid filled batteries, would be best to remove those.

I shipped a scooter from Colorado to Hawaii via air freight. The carrier would not do it unless the scoother (Elite SR50) was crated by a Honda dealer. You should be asking the carrier this question.