Modern Vespa

I am going to change my oil and my variator weights for my 3K service. I do this at a fully equipped garage (with a lift and tire changer to boot) at a friends house (the stuff used to be mine).

The house is in Live Oak in Santa Cruz.

I'd like to know how many folks would be interested in stopping by so they could learn and observe.

If there is interest, I will get approval (he's easy) from my friend and I will provide refreshments (usually done on a Saturday or Sunday morning).

PM me if interested and I will email you the time and date.

88

I'd love to go, but I am all the way up in Washington state.

I still want to be a part of the party. I own a restaurant and will ship to you via FedEx (PM me your address) two full racks of ribs and a load of sauce.

I guarantee they will make you happy.

Bob

*MP3 owner since June 26 and an MP3 500 already on order

That sure is a generous offer 88. Obviously, being in florida I would not be able to come but maybe you could take some pictures of the process with captions and post them here. I would even volunteer to take your pictures and words, build a photo gallery and set up a page on my website for others to download.

Good offer - but FFS, *What Frigging 3k Service!!!!*.

It does not exist. It is a check of levels, no more, even on 'abused' bikes like mine!

I would like to see how that is done.
I live in Santa Cruz and I have an MP3 250
I also need a new tire, and was about to have mine changed
maybe I could order one
you can email me at
healingherbsandpoints@gmail.com
thank David

I know that you need to do a 'check' before you ride each time, and I check the tyres before I head out, but...

what else do you check on the MP3's? I don't know where the oil thing is (I check the lights - if oil light comes on, etc).

I know I sound 'girlie' but I really don't know.

Thanks to all. One of the reasons I love this forum!

Bit tough for me to get up there for an AM session but the ride up Hwy 1 would be nice eh? I may head up there some day and drop by and visit you 88 but probably won't be able to make this show. I hope you have lots of people available to stop by.

JIMC:

good point!. I do an oil change at 3K miles (no matter what a service manual indicates). I never run motorcycle oil longer than 3k miles or 6 months.

And, since I have no idea what kind of wear the J. Costa variator weights are exhibiting, I'll pull the variator and take a look.

And, every oil change I inspect brake pads (visual only) and check for any loose bolts or undercarriage issues.

When you have a bike on a lift, it makes it easier to do an inspection. Even get a 360' look at my front tires.

My maintenance philosophy is simple:

a. change fluids regularly as it is cheap insurance
b. always inspect brakes and tires.
c. check torque on key bolts
d. check brake lights, horn, throttle cable et. al.

The whole servivce will take maybe 60-70 minutes.

88

I am close to you and will be happy to spin over the hill to check this out. Please let me know when.

And Ill take pictures...lots of pictures...

Thanks - sp

It is a bit of a ride for me, but I would like to make it if timing worked out. Let me know your date and time and I'll see if I can make it...PM me.

John

I would be intested in attending just let us know when, as long as it does not interfear with next wseekend laguna wsb/ama racin

No need to worry about sounding "girlie;" I'm sure there are guys here that may not know, either. It's a good question that you ask.

What I do: a roundabout check, which basically means tire pressure (as you do) and play with the lights to make sure all are working well. I also check my trunk to make sure it's closed (I have left it unknowingly open before, I'm embarrassed to say).

But also once a week I check the oil, coolant level, and the cables (from what I read here in the forum, I probably should do that more often).

Look in your owner's manual for the location of the oil cap. You'll want to take the oil stick out, wipe it off and put it FULLY back in place (not just dipped in), then out again to see what the level is.

I think I'm doing the check properly, so I'm curious to see what else folks here say. I may be missing something important.

POWDER check before every journey:

Petrol (not so daft!)
Oil (If no drops on the ground, probably OK, so weekly)
Water (I do this very irregularly I'm afraid)
Damage (If the bike is parked with public access)
Electrics (Brake light is Very Important!)
Rubber (Correct Pressure is very important)

Mine gets a complete check-over every time I clean it, at least weekly in Winter and every 2-3 weeks in Summer.

88, I have no worries about changing the oil early, it can only help longevity. I was just reminding the others it isn't essential.

Thanks!