Modern Vespa

So do you always pump your tyres with your own pump - or do you sometimes use the electronic pump at the petrol stations - also do you know of any petrol stations that let you pump for free?

I never use pumps at garages unless I get a leak a long way from home - always my own. I use an electric pump with a digital gauge. Surprisingly, it agrees within a percent or so with my trusty 20-year old Dunlop pencil gauge - which I always carry on whichever bike I'm using. Each bike has its own plug repair kit though. These have CO2 cylinders ("Sparklet" for those who remember that) for re-inflation.

i never use the pump at the petrol station because i can never find one in working order and have given up looking

i have a foot pump that i got at argos for £6. it works brilliantly and is small enough to be chucked in the pet carrier if needed. the pressure gauge is wildly inaccurate, however, so readings should be done with a proper gauge. you can get those at argos too.

I generally use pumps at petrol stations. The ones near me are free, and I need to fill up about once a week, so (when I'm a good boy, which isn't as often as it should be ) I fill up and check my tyre pressure at the same time. I've got a pump at home, but I seldom use it.

However, I NEVER TRUST THE GAUGE ON A GARAGE AIRPUMP. I've had a couple of experiences early on in my scooting life where I filled up to the "correct" pressure as per the pump, only to find that it was WAY OFF a true reading (resulting in a scarily bad ride).

So I have a little pressure gauge that lives in the pocket of my bike jacket (cost less than a fiver at some or other bike shop, a few yrs ago). I use my own gauge to check the pressure, and then use the pump at a garage to add air if I need it.

Well I pumped it up and it seems fine. Just checked it again and has held the air all day. I vow, from here on in, to be metter to my scoot

Glad to hear it, on both counts.

Did they not teach you about checking the oil? tyres etc when you did your cbt/test.

Service every 500 miles? How much does he charge you for that. Have you got more money than sense? He probably just tops up the oil a bit and gives it a wipe over, he'll be laughing all the way to the bank.

I agree. Every 500 miles is a waste of your money & time. You need to learn how to check your oil, tire pressures and coolant levels. It's extremely easy and requires no mechanical expertise. Then, just follow the recommended service intervals and your scooter will be no worse for wear and you will have a lot more money in your pocket.

there isn't even any coolant to check in the ET4 come to one of our 'take your scooter to bits' days and we'll show you everything you need to know. invest in a pair of marigolds and your manicure needn't suffer either. the first time i took out the pet carrier and looked into the engine i was completely lost. now i actually enjoy fettling with it.

Oops! So, the ET4 is not water cooled? I've never seen one. We don't have too many scooters around here even though we live in the largest city in SC. Lot's of motorcycles but very few scooters.

Certainly do. Get out of jail free = RAC card and mobile phone. Gives you the confidence to go anywhere. 8)

(within the UK anyway, might need extra cover for the continent depending on your membership)

Thanks for confirming that

oooo - a take your scooter to bits day? That sounds really cool - how often do you have these? I'm up for that

When's the next one?

they don't run on a regular schedule, but we can probably organize something in the next few weeks, before the snow flies... watch this space (well actually, not this space - i'll start a new thread)