Modern Vespa

I have a 2023 Primavera 150 that I haven't really had any problems out of (with the exception of the broken turn signal cancellation button). It's got something like 550 miles on it. But this past weekend, a friend and I were riding to the Lynchburg, VA Mods vs. Rockers rally and I started to notice the bike having a bit of a left bias. The ride out there was a bit breezy, so I attributed it to wind. I noticed it the next day too, but it was wet and rainy. I thought, maybe it is my imagination or the water on the road or something. But it did it on the following day in the dry, at higher speeds and at low speeds. Everything from highways to back streets to country lanes. If it were a car, I'd say the front end is out of alignment, just so. I've felt this on bicycles before.

I feel like I have to kind of sit a tiny bit off center to keep it balanced. I feel like I have to put a tiny bit of forward pressure on the left handlebar. It is more pronounced during deceleration (just letting off of the throttle, no brake). I also feel like it wants to take a low speed left turn a heck of a lot easier than a right turn.

I checked:
1. Tire pressure: front was at 1.86 bar and the rear at something like 2.04 bar.
2. Tires (Mitas MC16) don't show uneven wear. Albeit with only about 550 miles.
3. To the naked eye the handlebars and wheel all seem to be straight.
4. Tried riding with overnight bag, and without.
5. Had my friend (much more experienced rider) ride it. He noticed a slight bias to the left as well.

What could be causing this? Previous to this, I had just run a couple of errands on it. I did run over some cobblestones and took a speed bump a little too fast, but it was exhibiting this behavior BEFORE that. The bike has never been dropped. The only thing is that the switch was replaced. But that shouldn't matter because they should have not touched anything but the mirrors and the plastic cover.

Anyone else got any ideas? Anyone else experience this with their Vespa?

The steering is adjusted on the 620 mile service. It's quite an important service, as they also adjust the engine valves, but you can finally go full throttle after it's done!

Stand in front of the bike and straddle the front wheel to trap it. Tweak the headset/handlebars to straighten them out. Nothing is bent or broken. It is meant to yield a bit and is held fast with pinch bolts I believe.

Well....I've gone full throttle a few times, to make it up hills without being run over. That really won't hurt anything will it?

There tends to be quite a few metal filings in the oil, so I would try and avoid any more full throttle until the service when they can change it all out.

I also noticed a difference in both engine note and a jump in fuel economy after the first service.

I've been trying to follow the advice in the manual, which basically just says to avoid speeds in excess of 80% of maximum. Problem is, it doesn't say what the maximum speed is, nowhere in the manual. I think it also says to avoid constant speeds for too long too. I generally avoid maximum throttle, if I can help it. But if you are in traffic, you are going to have to ignore some of that sometimes. Safety and going with the flow of traffic take priority.

I have tried to keep the speed at or under 48mph. And I've avoided full throttle. But I've had to ride 60 miles at a stretch sometimes at about 45-50mph just to not run over. And there were some hills that I had to twist it to the stops to keep from going so slow as to become a statistic.

It's nice to hear about improved mileage. I'm already getting between 86.5 and 97.0 mpg (US).

Back to the original question: So, it isn't something to worry about and that it will probably be addressed at the first service, right?

Thanks!

Everything looks straight, at least to the naked eye.

I've got the same problem on mine. Slight pull to one side.

My interpretation was that 80% was 80% throttle maximum for the first 620 miles.

The first service definitely does include adjusting the steering, but definitely let them know you feel it's moving to the side. The garage will also perform a road test, so should spot if something is wrong.

Admin: May I ask why BlueWasp23 has been banned? Are they coming back?

Not a mod, but BW23 won't be back, at least with that moniker or without trying to hide their IP.

As for why, look at the last page of the Speedometer thread.

Like the needles of our speedometers so are The Days of our Lives

adults in the living room: kids are you in the cookie jar?

kids in the kitchen: noooooo

adults in the living room give each other knowing looks

The thing is, why come back with a different name but still be argumentative and trying to get a rise out of people. Especially after saying things like there is one on every forum.

And, back to the question. 550 miles on it, take it back to the dealer you bought it from and get it checked out. Thats not rocket science, just common sense and the question doesnt really need asking. - Or if it does, maybe on facebook along with - what should i have for tea tonight or what colour socks should i wear today.

Crikey, and rants in another diffrent thread as well. Its like a soap opera scattered across the whole forum!