Modern Vespa

HELP! The oil light flickered on this morning when I started riding so I thought I'd check the oil level. Don't quite know how but the dipstick tip broke off. Can I ride it or at least start it without it being pulled into the oil pump?

If not, do you think a normal scooter tech can get it out or do I need Piaggio to disassemble?

It won't get pulled into the oil pump - no worries there. Buy a new sump gasket now, and wait until the next oil change to open the sump and clean it out, then reinstate.

Consider getting a sightglass-equipped sump cover.

What was the oil level, and did the light go out?

The light warns of low oil pressure (not level), and it's pretty unusual (even concerning) for it to come on.

Phew! Thanks Jim. I was worried there that I wouldn't be able to turn it on, and have to get it trailered to the dealer!

I am not sure - it broke off as I was reinserting the dipstick to check for the second time. Because the first time I checked, I couldn't see anything. Just a few draggles of oil on the side above the markers where it doesn't make sense so I assume it was just oil that caught on the side. I probably had not reinserted it properly.

The oil light just flickered on and off. A bit like the low petrol indicator does when you are low and you go up a slight hill.

you might be able to not worry about the dipstick as jim said, but don't ignore any suggestion of low oil ...

Use a chopstick from last night's takeaway and these measurements
HPE 300 Oil Dipstick Broken? Here are pictures of the inside (Post 2617259)

If the pump stops in certain positions, the oil will fall out of the pump & it will take a moment to reprime when you start the motor

Thank you

Just by way of update and in case it helps others, bike is fine as everyone has said with broken dipstick tip in. I screwed the dipstick back on but seemingly not properly as on my first ride, at 70mph, the dipstick came off and oil was being spluttered everywhere including on the discs. I limped home at 20mph and bought another dipstick, but Vespa branded. This is much better quality - made of metal. An oil top up and bike is working, although I am going to need to change the rear brake pads this week along with the rear tyre. Will wait for service for the next oil change.

Thanks again everyone for your tips and reassurance.

Thanks for reporting back.

Great news, now better get a couple of tins of good brake cleaner and get as much of that oil off the tyres and discs as possible.

I guess I'm joining the broken dipstick club. Mine snapped while checking oil this weekened on my 2025 GTS SS. Ordered a metal replacement, and hoping it doesn't cause issues until then. I emailed my shop for their feedback on it. Plan to upgrade pan to a sight glass black one anyways, so this just cements the need. Hopefully I can get the broken tip out then.

It'll be there waiting for you. It can't cause any problems except your own irritation that it broke in the first place. Bloody stupid design.

Oh nuts, I just realized this is the MP3 board. My dipstick broke off in my 2023 GTS Super Sport, not an MP3. Hopefully it's all the same though and I'll still find it in the sump.

It is all the same - no worries.