Modern Vespa

Hello- New Vespa owner (actually my wife's, but I'm the maintenance/tech guy). A couple of questions- The scooter is a 2023 GTS 300 supertech hpe that we found new in the showroom with 5 miles on it. And yes, we were lucky to find it Here are my questions:

1. What is the break in period/schedule? I've read the manual, but frankly, it didn't say much that I found. The format of the manual isn't really super easy to find specific info

2. Even though the engine has only 5 miles on it, woudl you change the oil since it's been sitting? I always have a fear about oil older than 12 months

3. How do you guys ride these things with the 12" wheel? I've ridden many full size road bikes and those small tires scare the heck out of me over 20mph (that's why it's not my scooter).

I know every forum has it's rules and SOP's so if this is in the wrong place, please let me know

Thank you to all

Hello,
1) 1000 km of running-in without exceeding approximately 90 km/h then a first maintenance (oil change and filter)
2) carrying out an oil change and a filter change every year is a very good habit.
3) do not ask yourself any questions: it drives itself and it is much more stable than you might think.
Welcome to MV

Thank you---so, you would change the oil now since it's been sitting for at least 18 mos even though it's never been riden?

As for the questioning myself, I'm a good rider, I just didn't feel stable over 20......but, this is coming from a 1600cc Kawasaki Nomad--it's a bit of a different scale I guess

I personally don't see any reason to change the oil now. I would wait until the 1000 km (600 mile) service to change the oil and filter.

A 1600cc bike is not the same as a scooter, that's for sure. The 12" wheels feel different at first but you and your wife will get used to it and won't have any problem riding at 60+ mph. Ride safe & have fun!

Do you throw away unopened cans of oil that you bought a year ago?

The oil is fine. Your fears are unfounded.

Fair question, and there are 2 answers-

I usually don't have oil sitting around for any length of time as I buy and use for specific oil changes

My concern is/was that oil interacts differently with the metals over time that it does in a plastic container. Studies have shown that oil can and will break down over time if left in a motr, especially if not being run due to moisture, humidity, and contaminants, even though the contaminant threat is probably low in this case as it's a new motor. I'm more concerned about the loss of lubricity due to time in crankcase and the initial wear period.

It may be overkill, but for the price of a quart of oil, I'll sleep better. Thank you

If you knew all this ^^^^^^^^^^^ why did you ask the question in the first place. I agree with the other posters for three reasons , one because I feel they are right and secondly I spent many years in a tribology dept.

Lastly certain manufacturers use mineral oil for the initial break in period , if you change the oil and do not replace with like for like the motor will not break in as effectively.

Well, as a new member and owner, I thought I would get some good healthy debate and conversation......instead I got you.

You could have simply said that you had years of lubrication experience (yes, I have a good vocabulary as well) and that would have sufficed. I get the message. I won't post again

Thanks to those who responded

Goodbye!

welcome to twitter

Oil threads tend to create more friction than healthy debate.

Damn you for slipping that in there

They cause great tribulations too.

Maybe it's time to pour some oil on these troubled waters to calm them

personally I would change it for the very reason it has been sitting for 18 months. IMO oil is cheap and at only 1.5 quarts it not like your dumping a couple hundred on it. Then I have always changed my oil and filter after the first 100 miles as those miles are where you will get any bits flushed out from break in.

on break in some like to use the baby method , easy does it.
some like to use the hard and fast, run it up let er come back down run er up and hold for a few sec and back it down, rinse and repeat for 50-100 miles. then after that just ride normally.