Modern Vespa

Greetings to all-- By the end of next month I hope to be the owner of a brand new Portofino Green LXV 150. I am completely new to the scooter scene and counting on all the good folks here at this forum for much needed guidance and recommendations. I'll throw out some basic questions in no particular order, and then I'll wait for your input.

First of all...... motor oil. I've narrowed my choice down to either Amsoil 10W-40 motorcycle oil, Liqui-Moly Racing 4T 10W-40 partial synthetic, or Liqui-Moly Racing Synth 4T 10W-50. I welcome other suggestions.

Which brand name of filters, oil and otherwise?

As for tires.... I don't know which brand will be factory installed, but from what I've already read here at the forum there seems to be a strong concensus for Heidenau K61.

Are any of the chrome kits worthwhile as finish protection? Or are they just expensive eye candy? Are there any QUALITY accessories that can be purchased other than through a Vespa dealer?

I realize there are probably many other aspects of Vespa scooter ownership and maintenance that I don't even know to ask about. But thats why I'm here.

Thanks very much in advance for your valued experience. I'm looking forward to be a member of a fun community.

For all your quality Vespa accessory needs:

www.scooterwest.com

Welcome, and congrats on your upcoming purchase.

Welcome to scootering and to the forum. The LXV is a really sweet scoot, I believe you've picked one of the best looking rides anywhere, and I know you will love the Vespa vibe.

As for oil, I have my dealer do the maintainance, so they use what they feel is best.

I changed out the Sava original tires after about 1700 miles because the rear was really worn slick. I went with the Pirelli GTS and they I can notice a difference in quietness and conering ability compared to the Sava. We'll see how well they wear.

The only accessory I have installed is the Piaggio flyscreen. I'm happy with the looks and the functionality of it, but I believe your scoot will have a small one on it as standard equipment.
Take your time learning to get the feel of your scoot. I'd suggest getting your motorcycle endorsement as soon as possible.

Good luck, and ride safe.

All those will be just fine if you never experience temperatures below about 5C.

I'd tend to use the recommended:
SAE 5W-40, API SL, ACEA A3, JASO MA Synthetic oil

Most modern cheapo 'diesel' oils do the job just fine. Do not get tempted to pay way over the top for anything else.

Yes, in most cases, the chrome protection bars (rear crash bars, legshield bars) can help protect the bodywork in an accident or tip over. They aren't a 100% guarantee, but many people, many times, have reported the bars saving their bikes. And shiny things on shiny scooters are rarely a bad thing.

Welcome to the world of Vespa! The LXV is a very nice bike.

I have used Shell Rotella-T, full-synthetic 5w40 in my last three BMW motorcycles that also specified 5W40 oil and all three of our present, Piaggio-manufactured scooters. It is very good oil and can be bought by the gallon at Walmart for around $20 per gallon.

IMO: Rear crash-bars are a good investment in case the scooter is ever tipped over. They are cheaper to replace than the cost of bodywork and painting.

Heidenau K61's or K66's are both, very good tires. So are Continental Zippys and Michelin Pilot Sports........................as well as some others.

While I am a big fan of Heidenau tires, don't forget your LXV will only get 2000-4000 miles out of a rear, and maybe 4000-8000 miles from the front.

I would ride the bike and consider changing out the tires when they wear out. Your bike is not really that cheap to run (despite the advertising) so I can't see adding another couple hundred bucks to the cost, especially considering the short lifespan expected from an LXV's tires.

P.

Very appreciative for the nice words of welcome and advice.

I've thought of a few other questions since my initial post. One is whether to have a floormat. Some here claim that it will do more to damage the finish than to protect it because of the danger of getting dirt, grit, and small gravel under the floormat, scratching the finish. I do not anticipate doing any dirt road or trail riding, strictly around town on pavement.

Helmets.... I know to get one that is labeled for DOT and/or SNELL approval (I have no idea what SNELL refers to.) Eye visor? Full face visor? Any other style or variation? Recommended name brands?

Riding gear..... motorcycle riding boots? Elbow and knee pads? Special riding pants, shirt, jacket?

What about an extended full coverage warranty from the dealer? Are there other worthwhile, cost effective extended warranties available from independent companies?

I'm planning on purchasing the first David Hough book about motorcycle riding and safety as soon as possible.

What about anti-theft and alarm devices? This is VERY important to me.

No doubt I'll have more questions when I'm not trying to think of any.

everyone i know who has fitted a floor mat has taken it off soon after. general concensus seems to be that they trap dirt that can damage the finish.

full-face helmets are the safest bet. HJC make some good affordable ones.

riding gear: apart from a helmet, i'd recommend at least an amoured jacket, armoured gloves, and some kind of sturdy leather boot that goes over the ankle. jeans at a bare minimum - if you've never ridden before, there's a good chance you'll drop it whilst learning, so a reasonable level of protection is a good idea. if you use the search function you'll find plenty of gear threads here

there are many differernt options when it comes to anti-theft devices - covers, chain locks, disc locks, grip locks, motion-detector locks .... probably best if you give us an idea of what sort of neighbourhoods you'll be leaving your scooter in, and where it's parked up at night.

Congratulations for buying the coolest color Vespa makes!