Modern Vespa

Hey everyone.

So... I bought a BV 250 about 3-4 weeks ago. I've already put 600 miles on it, and it's time for my first service. From what I understand, the only thing that gets changed in the 620mile service, is the engine and hub oil. I know the rest of the checks are fine, since I had to take it back to the dealership a week ago for steering tightening -- they did an overall check just to be safe.

I understand that I need to have this done along with the other checks, to keep my warranty. The thing is, I lost my job a week after I bought the scooter (Think Ford First!) and the only two Authorized shops within two hours want to change between $125-150.

So essentially I'm taking the scoot in just for an oil change that is so expensive it actually makes up for the difference in gas that I'd get driving 20mpg in my regular car. Not that mpg was the only reason I bought it of course -- but it certainly helps now that I have essentially no income.

So, I'm torn. I really can't afford to get the oil changed, and no "quick oil" shop will touch it. I'm at the point where I'm really thinking that I don't care about the warranty, since it's up in 11 months anyway.

I need advice. I really need to be able to drive again. So, do I learn how to do basic service on my own, and just take it to a shop when I'm out of options? If so, any suggestions where I can look to learn the basics?

Thanks in advance.


- KeVin

Sorry to hear about your job! Not sure what to say as far as service goes but if you can't afford it, you can't and I would do the service yourself then. Keep the receipts of your materials and notes with details dates in case you have to provide some sort of documentation in the future. Hopefully you won't have too and like you noted only have 11 months left of the warranty.

Here is the link to a GTs oil change report. Not sure of difference with BV...could be identical.
Good luck
https://modernvespa.com/forum/topic9864

Did you seriously take it to a quick-shop oil place to find out if they would change it? That's adorable.

Sorry to hear about your bad job luck. I suppose there's no joy in knowing that the rest of those who still have jobs in Detroit will likely be soon joining you in the unemployment line.

My opinion : 11 months left on the warantee is a long time left to just void it to save some money on an oil change.

Sorry to hear about your (no longer) job.

As far as I have read in other posts on this forum, doing the services yourself will not void the warranty. Just keep the receipts of the oil and filters, and document it in some way.

Hope I am right, because that is what I am going to do...

Word...throw this in the stupid idea but might be worth a shot pile: I would either A. Keep calling shops...even ones far away being honest about the job deal until I found a softy that would let me make payment to keep it under warranty. Got a friend with a truck that might be down for a fun not to far road trip? Or B. Get my best buddy with a credit card and an 860 credit score help me out until I've payed him back...complete with baby sitting or pet sitting...windows...carwashing...what-have-you...

11 months is a long time...

Best of luck...

DD

Thanks for the thoughts guys.

So, I guess my question now becomes: Is $100+ what the rest of you are paying for oil changes and basic check-ups?


- Kevin

For sure...140 just the other week. Sucks...especially when you can change your own oil and what not for 10 bucks or less on my vintage scoot...

DD

That's my game plan while the scoot is under warranty.

You can do the basic service yourself. Keep the receipts for your oil, filter, hub oil, etc. Document the date you did the service and the things you checked. You're good to go.

Thank you everyone. I appreciate the advice.

- Kevin

I just emailed my dealer about do-it-yourself service a couple days ago. Here is his response:

"-It does not effect your warranty per se to do your own maintenance. It is important to keep documented records (like a receipt showing you purchased oil) to verify the date and mileage of the service. Also, if something major goes wrong with the bike, and Piaggio feels it is because a service issue was done improperly by an uncertified mechanic, that could cause them to deny a claim. However, in most cases I feel that it is a non-issue.

Hope this helps,

David

Vespa Alamo Heights"

Danny

Also keep in mind that an ENTIRE warranty cannot be voided based on DIY maintenance or the addition of aftermarket accessories to 1 part of the scooter (i.e., the engine). In other words, if you do your own oil change and the engine grenades 100 miles down the road, you may be out of luck. But if you do an oil change and some other part of the bike unrelated to the oil change fails, Piaggio must still pay.

Ref: Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act