Modern Vespa

I had a 2018 Primavera used with 1000 miles that never had its valves adjusted, it ran fine, at about 2000 miles and after a ton of research, minimal tools and you tube videos I checked the valves, exhaust valves were a little loose, after adjustment it ran fine maybe slightly quieter.

Same story with a 2015 Sprint I still have, that thing ran great and quiet before and after the valve adjustment, exhaust was a tiny bit out/loose.

Also got a 2018 GTS with 4700 miles, valves have never been inspected, the Haynes manual says first valve check at 15000 miles for this era GTS 😱,
It starts on first bump every time & purrs like a hovercraft but will definitely check valves before the 15000 mile mark or if anything changes with the starting or running.

*When in doubt follow Jim C's and Greasy125's advice.

unless you suspect a problem: noise, poor performance, hard starting (cold or hot), stalling or poor fuel mileage-- follow the mfg's recommended intervals contained in the FSM.

*for bikes ridden exceptionally hard, I'd shorten the intervals considerably; preferably during another part of service, say a rear tire or trans work.

To add another data point, San Jose Vespa (south of San Francisco) also incorrectly said no valve adjustment needed at 625 miles for my 2018 Piaggio Liberty, which shares the same 150cc 3V engine with the Primavera. I ended up doing it myself and didn't find it particularly difficult. On the Liberty it's not even necessary to tilt the motor.

Does anyone know if you just loosen the rear shock bolt or remove it all together? I do not know if it is pre-compressed and will fly into my face if I remove the shock at the bottom bolt all together?

Thanks,
B

The nut is removed and the bottom of the shock is slid off the stud that remains in place. The shock is not pre-compressed, it will be at its furthest extension when on the centre-stand. Very quick and easy to do.

nope

Well, I can't agree to this statement.
One needs to remove the center panel under the front of the seat (easy), and the cover on the CVT to turn the engine over (easy), maybe release the bottom of the rear shock.....and then you are looking at the valve cover.

O.S.

nope

Truth be told - if a LIBERTY valve adjustment required a bunch of panels to remove - I'd have never purchased it!
I bought the Piaggio service manual to check things out - before I decided to buy the scooter.

Why release the shock?
Because you can then tilt the engine up/down to make it easier to access the bottom fasteners. And maybe make it easier to work in there with the feeler blades? (I reach underneath for those fasteners)
Sometimes I do - sometimes I don't. Depends on how clever I'm feeling that morning....

Sorry - no intention of being flippant with how easy the front panel is to remove. Never saw robot's method. (I've read that the valve adj. on a PCX requires starting at the tail light!!)
Hope this helps.
O.S.
OK, center panel removal....
4 screws...

nope

On our Primavera valves weren't checked during the first service and I wasn't charged for it as I was told it's not necessary.
I know from my own experience when I owned BMW GS 800, the manual says valves should be checked every 20 000 kilometres but all dealers do the first check after 40 000 kilometres.
My Pajero's manual says the valves should be adjusted every 40 000 kilometres but the first check is carried at 80-90 000 kilometres and then can be left till 200 000 kilometres.

From the experience here, the German forum and what my dealer says, it is absolutely necessary to check the valve clearance on the air-cooled engines in the smallframes at the first inspection and adjust it if necessary.

Well, I've got the statement what was done and if anything goes wrong the dealership will have to take the responsibility for it.

I booked for the next week first service at the different dealership where we bought our second Vespa, asked the dealer if they're going to check the valves as well and been told no, it's not necessary.
Just in purpose I'll ask to have the valves checked when I take our first Vespa for an annual service in August (it should have around 3000kms) to see if they'll be within the specs or not. I'll keep you posted.

You are like a new dad. Enjoy the ride. Open it up. See what it haves.