Modern Vespa

Hi everyone! I'm the proud owner of a new 2023 Primavera.

I've been riding smaller (50-70cc) scooters for the past dozen or so years, this is my first time both with a Vespa and larger engine.

I'm wondering about the first maintenance at 600ish miles. The dealer, of course, wants me to bring it to them, I've been wrenching on scoots for a while now and watched a YouTube video about the valve adjustment and it looks simple enough and I feel confident to do it.

I've got the tools and the time but does anyone know what, if anything that does or I should I document, to retain the 2 year warranty?

I bought extra oil filters at the time of purchase and I am planning on doing that myself.

My other scooters were all two strokes so I know what oil I'd use in those. Is the Castrol Power1 motorcycle oil good?

The final question is about wind. Obviously a larger engine has opened up new roads and speeds to drive, I am not used to the wind that becomes pretty significant at 45-50+ mph. A new helmet is in order for sure. Does a half windshield help with this at all? I
I don't want the full size but would a half direct the air up and over me, or just channel it more into my face?

I appreciate any insight people could provide.

Obligatory picture attached.

Welcome to MV! Love that color on the scooter!

My understanding is that you can do your own work...keeping receipts for supplies is a good idea. I was lucky, I think-had my dealer do the service, and I could sit it on it and watch and ask questions, so no regrets. Money well-spent. But I think I was lucky. If you do your own work, there's a wealth of experience here.

On the screen, I think the midsize is the sweet spot for me. It makes a world of difference over 30 mph or so. You shouldn't need a full size unless you're planning on riding in cold weather (for me under 45 degrees or so).

Hope that helps.

Congrats!!!!

Your height on the saddle makes a difference on windscreen performance/needs.

You seem up on the info, but I'll mention the final drive oil change just in case.

As long as the oil has the rating(s) per the manual, you are good. Oil discussions are dangerous on forums!!!!

Get a valve cover gasket, then you won't need it

I can see a real love relationship developing with this scooter already.
That red looks almost as good as my blue

Congrats on the new scooter! Sounds like you have the tools and ability to perform the first service, as others mentioned keep receipts and dates on your self performed maintaince.

Personally, I always take my vehicles to the dealer for that 1st service, reason being that a trained Vespa mechanic will have more knowledge about break-in adjustments (that I would not know) or things that may need to be re-torqued or possible hoses or cables that may be close to rubbing something, etc.

Add to that, the dealer will have any last minute service bulletins that you won't have if you do the first service yourself. I've done all the service on my Primavera, including the first, and I'm pretty confident that I got it right. On the other hand, for peace of mind, and to save some time, I had Scooterville service my BV400.

FYI, changing the oil on a newer Primavera is kind of a pain. See my comments and solution under this thread: https://modernvespa.com/forum/topic164706. Look at the last post where I use an adapter threaded into the filler hole. I've used the Castrol Power1 in my newer scooters as well as other brands of motorcycle oil. All seemed to be okay (over 40k miles on most of my bikes and no blown engines ).

My Primavera 150 came with a short windscreen. It's always been on the scooter so I don't have any comparison to riding without it, but I've seen no negatives to having it. In my opinion, a windscreen on any scooter improves the performance (a few mph faster) and comfort.

Ride safe and have fun!

Castrol motorcycle oil is good stuff, but many on here use Rotella T6. Motorcycle oil is designed with a higher shear factor because it lubricates the gear box as well as the engine. Whereas in the Vespa, is is just used as an engine oil as there is a CVT and a separate gear box that needs gear oil specifically. When a windshield is installed, it is basically redirecting the air to another area. Sometimes around you, sometimes right up under your helmet. You will have to figure out where you want the air to go. There are many Youtube videos that explain this further. Also, you may find with the right full faced helmet, that you don't need much of a windshield at all, maybe just a flyscreen.

Congratz on the bono red vespa , it shall bring you much joy

I have ridden my Sprint 150 for 800 miles now. I had the dealer add the following before delivery:
1) windscreen (I chose the short one because I wanted to see over it easily). I have found that it keeps the wind off my chest. The wind swirls around my helmet...not sure how much of that is because of the windscreen.
2) side stand (this is really useful, since I sometimes kill the engine that way, but also because when I dismount my right foot occasionally snags for a split second on the slight hump over my battery on the floor. It's a bad scenario for balancing the scooter at times, and I don't want to drop the scooter, obviously.
3) rear rack...I haven't used this yet, but I'm sure I will on a longer ride eventually.
I have a full-face helmet. I love to have the shield up. I also wear Wiley-X motorcycle glasses with prescription (they are safety rated). If you ride early in the morning, you don't have to worry about bugs hitting your face, but at other times, I have found it wise to have the shield down.
I had my 600 miles service this past April:
This is what the service technician did:
-replaced oil filter and oil
-cleaned air filter
-checked air pressure in tires
he did not check valves.

1. Fly screen, directs the wind up toward my head, but keeps the pressure off my chest and likely improves fuel efficiency (hard to tell, because I almost always refill them myself at home from 5 gal (US) containers). Earplugs can be helpful in this regard.
2. Rear rack and color matched topcase. Not enough space for my full face helmet, but plenty for groceries, beer, gear, etc.
3. *Current service/technical bulletins from the manufacturer, which the dealer will have, can be helpful. Also, the dealer will enter the service record into the Piaggio database to verify warranty coverage.

Congratulations, and happy/safe riding.

Bob

Hi, there.

On the engine oil to use:
You say it is a new Vespa, then you should have the owner's manual.
Just follow what is prescribed.

If the manual format is still the same as for my BV 300 you should find the information at the rear in the manual. Just make sure the oil you use has the correct viscosity and is according to the correct specification. Brand is at your choice.

Hello and congrats on the new scoot. Yours looks like the 'Red' unit but doesn't have the logo by the front Vespa badge. My better half gets compliments on her 'Red' all the time.

Depending on how tall you are, a fly screen would help keep the wind off your chest. If you wanna ride later into the season, I'd recommend a mid-height windshield. Some of them have a small wing to direct wind off your hands. Shop around.

Watch Robots videos on YouTube and you should be able to tackle anything. I prefer fancy oil like Motul 300V for my scoots but the one mentioned above is perfectly fine.

Thanks everyone I appreciate the replies so far!

I'll investigate some of the info provided. I'm still on the fence about the service at the dealer or not, I've got a couple hundred more miles to decide!

It is actually the 'Red' model. I didn't like the sticker Vespa decal so I had them remove that and put the Vespa badge on instead.

Good advise here. I would have the dealer do the first 600 service because they are aware of any tweaks that need to be done. You can then go "wrench head" for everything in the future. One opinion, money well spent.

Bob Copeland

If you have the skills, do it yourself. That way you know it was done and done right. Keep receipts and document date and mileage. In my youth I worked in the automotive service industry and have trust issues with dealerships.

Run the best oil you can find, it's the life blood of an aircooled motor. I like Motul 300V, on my last scoot when I would drain it at 2-3k it looked like it just came out of the bottle.

Windscreen? An alternative is the tuck. Scoot back on the seat and put your chin on the speedo. I even move my left hand inboard on the headset for even better aero.

Now that you can do 60mph for hours on end start trying some different types of ear plugs. Different styles and different noise reduction until you find a favorite one and use them. You'll thank me in 20 years lol

The Primavera / Sprint has 4 computer modules. These will have various updates during main dealer servicing. During my last service, there were a few different updates that the Vespa went through. One of the modules is the Bluetooth, I can't remember what the other 3 covered.

Also curious was that the main dealers often reset the ECU parameters during a service, so as the Vespa can accurately see the amount of air / spark etc when new items are installed. This will slowly adjust over time, but the reset means it takes full effect immediately.

I'm not sure if a temporary battery disconnect would have the same effect.