Modern Vespa

Just have to vent here . . .

I took my BV 250 into the dealer for it's first service last week. They are a Harley dealer, but also sell Vespas and Piaggios. It didn't dawn on me until I got it home and looked more closely at the invoice (perhaps, because I didn't have my cheater glasses on before) that they put in Torco 10W40 instead of 5W40. First frustration. Then I checked fluid levels. The hub oil was a full notch low (just as it was when I got it from the dealer -- I swear, since the LX's and S150's use the low notch, they think that is the mark for every scooter). Then I checked the engine oil. Right at the LOW line of the range. Two more frustrations.

Part of their service includes a test drive. Really - 7 miles for a test drive?!! That's how much had been put on it based on my trip odometer in and out. Interestingly, on the work sheet, the mechanic only noted the out mileage, not the in . . . I know it's a fun scoot to ride. But really, 7 miles for a test ride is not right! Fourth frustration.

I have drained out the oil, put in my favored RotellaT synthetic, topped off the Torco hub oil (Torco's okay, but not my 1st choice). I probably won't have the local dealer do the regular oil service in the future anyway. But still, I want to trust them, think they know what they are doing, and more than that, think they care about what they are doing. I have no inclination to complain for the sake of complaining. What I would like them to know is that they have not inspired my confidence.

Query: do I go and talk to the service manager, or even the general manager? Or do I let life go on, knowing that I trust my own maintenance more than theirs?

Whatever the verdict, thanks for letting me get it out of my spleen.

I'd ask them about the oil and be happy that a real live mechanic may have honestly given the scoot a fair shakedown. When my mechanic returned the scoot he had logged 12 miles. I say good on him!

I've experienced the same level of frustration in technical service since I can remember, except for the BMW dealer when I used to own a 1984 318i coupe in 1989; but for the most part I tried to make lemonade out of the lemons:

Learned mechanics.

Perform most of my service myself, (except body damage, transmissions)

Bought the workshop manual for my Vespa, GMC Jimmy, BMW 318i, Honda Civic Si, Mazda Pickup 1000, which are all the cars that I have owned in my life.

However, electronically controlled fuel injected motors might throw a trick or two considering trouble code diagnosis which you might or might not have, or ever need.

Get into a mechanics course and start from there, a good mechanics book for your Piaggio such as a Haynes manual will be a good solid companion.

Should you vent your frustration with the service manager, I am dubious, human nature could work against you, perhaps if you bring the fluids for your next service, but I would cut in two the fluid changes and do the services myself. And from what I hear you can save on the service bill for you performed the services yourself!

7 miles is a good test ride. My dealers do no more than 'take it round the block'. Frankly, that's OK by me, that's enough to notice any niggles.

Many bike dealers use 10w-40. I shouldn't worry too much about that, as long as it is otherwise up to spec, unless you are expecting extended sub-zero temperatures anytime soon. Even then just allowing 10 seconds warm-up before moving off would do the trick.

Oil levels - again, just like tyre pressures after a tyre change - always check them yourself after a service. Next time you could print off the hub levels for your bike for the mechanics to see - the hub 'dipstick' is a generic one used for many models.

The important thing is keeping the warranty if within it - so getting this checked off on the 'system' is vital. If out of warranty do these services yourself!

Okay. I'll calm down. Good therapy. Thanks. (where's a little emoticon for inner peace?)

Yes with the exception of the weight of the oil which will be just fine until your next service I would say all sounds well. I hunted for a emoticon for inner peace and came up blank.

Lets do this one.

Ride safe,
SDG

Give the service manager a note when you arrive for next service.

One liners nothing too time consuming.

Grade of oil and any other relevant data they may not know, tappet settings, relevant torque settings, state if you want belt/rollers changed (good practice to supply those as a there may be an in stock issue).
Renew the GTS exhaust bandage (supply). The stock issues relate to a motorcycle mainly business.


This can be a double edged sword as they can get upset but if a dealership not dealing with too many scoots they could appreciate the knowledge.
If you are going to continue using them, ask to have a chat with techie shout him a couple of beers.