Modern Vespa

I have worked on cars since i was a young teen. I usually do all the maintenance myself on every vehicle i own. However, this is my first scooter/motorcycle and i am not familiar with it. I tried looking online for any advice, and no luck.

Here is my question.

The engine is now "broken-in" on my GTS 300 Super (660 miles exactly).

It is time for a new oil change, so should I do it myself, or pay the dealer to do it for me?

Any advice or write ups on how to change your oil in a scooter, or overall maintenance, would be TERRIFIC!

The first service is (should be) more than just an oil change. It involves oil and filter change, transmission oil change, checking all critical fasteners for proper torque and checking and adjusting the various systems. It is pretty much a "physical" and if done properly, will help the scooter give you many, many trouble free miles. That first service usually runs about $150. Check with your dealer and confirm what they will do.

Yes, you can do it yourself, but IMHO, the first service should be done at the dealer. After that, routine oil changes are a bit messy, but doable.

Check our Wiki for procedures.

https://modernvespa.com/forum/wiki-oil-change-gts

By all means, let the dealer do the first oil change, You may wish to
purchase the oil filter yourself from Alex in San Diego at motor sports
and take it with you, this will save you some money. Good riding and
enjoy you scooter. 8)

Yes by all means have the dealer do the first oil change it will void the warranty if you dont. You will have plenty of enjoyment changing your oil in the months and years to come!

Wrong, It is against the law in the US to require a vehicle owner to use OEM parts or bring vehicle back to dealer for server to maintain warranty. As long as parts used meet manufactures spec warranty can not be voided. Keep receipts.

Wayne B

Do it yourself....warranty will still be good. More satisfying knowing you get to know your scooter. I only had one vehicle that I had the dealer do the first service. I felt I got ripped off. $12 for the oil, $25 for the filter and labour came to about $160. I don't make $90/hr so why should I waste my money when I can spend it on some good tools. Besides the warranty is only good for 1 year isn't it? Timothy

I agree with Nightwing and Yardsale. Have the dealer do the first service and run through the entire bike. Meanwhile, download a service manual and read up the maintenance section. Do the next one yourself.

thanks guys. I will let you know what i decide to do ( i will call them for prices).

The 1,000 km service is listed as 60 min of work. That's why it's as expensive at it is.


Harvey

Which, of course, means that they actually do it in 20!

I think most conscientious and mechanically inclined owners would actually do a more thorough job than most shops... if they study up and know what to look for.

I whole heartedly agree with Scionman. Roll up your sleves and have at it. Scooters West, as well as many others, sells all you need for the job. Oil, filter, gear lube, etc. They also have the shop manuals from Piaggio that are written in English. All the parts numbers, torque specs, and volume measures are there. It even includes pictures for guys like me. I saved well over a hundred bucks by doing it myself, and of course, the warranty is still good. Not to mention, Cara Mia likes it to. Good luck.

Get oil filters on line, get your oil locally unless you are buying by the case from American Agip. You can get the right oil locally.

The Manuals, don't buy them, you can down load them for free from here.
www.wotmeworry.org.uk/manuals/

Wayne B

Beyond the wiki there's a few YouTube videos that go through the process of an oil change on a GTS. I used both the Wiki and the videos during my first oil change which helped verify I was doing everything correctly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJ2Y8Ux7E8s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Avz4nlzu1ns