Modern Vespa

Wasn't quite sure if this should go on "Not-So-Modern", but since my Vespa is a 2007 LXV50 (2T) I'll post it here in General Did a quick search but didn't find any threads to really answer my question...

I know the following three facts:

- no oil = uh oh.
- 2T engines use lots of oil for burning, not just lubrication or cooling.
- no oil warning light is useless.

So... how often does one top up the oil on one of these babies, for example is there a commonly accept routine such as "once every four gas refills" (figures off the top of my head here)? On my Piaggio Zip 50 (4T) and Honda Hornet (also 4T) I never really had to bother with it except changing the oil at regular intervals.

Cheers.

Easy solution... check every time you fill-up with fuel. Better safe than sorry, remember?


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You should have a reliable oil warning light I think?

The ratio is around 30:1 usually, so topping up once every 3-4 fills should be plenty, assuming a 1L oil tank and 5L of petrol every fill.
Monitor it for a few fills and see how much oil you need to put in vs gas.

Not a fact - the oil is not there to be burnt - it burns as a consequence of the process - the oil is there for lubricating!

How much burns depends on;
- the mix (or method of mixing/injection)
- the knackered-ness of the engine
- if it is running in its design parameters

Older two strokes smoked more because of (not exhaustive)
- Crap construction
- poor maintenance
- crap design
- crap oils

When Vespas and Lambrettas came onto the Strine Market, they oiled badly and were unreliable - they were burning the wrong oil - right oil most problems solved.

My oil light seems pretty reliable to me... don't blindly rely on it though, but certainly check it if it DOES come on
The autolube system is also pretty reliable, and doesn't really need maintenance for the most part.
A tank of oil should last you upwards 1600 Km. I don't think I got that far on my tanks, but it lasts a long time... far more than 4 fillups for me.

As the man said check it when you fill up,also use the best fuel (highest octane) and a good 2 stroke oil TTS or scoot R i use fully synthetic with 102 octane in my 1983 pk 125s automatica i find it runs cooler/no smoke , during a recent rebuild i removed the head for a look and it was very clean no coke etc. My rule is if its your toy buy the best you can afford good luck bill

I always carry a little one shot of 2 stroke with me and as i premix at 2% this is good for 1 (UK) gallon .Even though you have autolube on your scoot it means if your light comes on you have enough to get you home..ish lol

And because older designs generally used a higher proportion of oil mixed into the gas.

No it's 50:1 or 2% or 20ml to 1 litre fuel .

Good spot - +1

My first Vespa was a new 150, circa 1965. It was a two stroke, of course, but there was no tank of oil. Vespa dealers sold Vespa oil in little plastic pouches. One pouch per tank of fuel. Easily carried in the trunk and no measuring was required. Rip one open pour in the tank and then fill up.

On my Stella I check the oil level every day before I ride.
I also carry some T2 oil with me and top it up when I get gas.

Thanks for the replies, everyone! Good idea to bring a bit of oil for ride and check often for oil levels. Just have to make it a habit. Cheers!