Modern Vespa

I am finally getting my scooter delivered tomorrow and I had a couple questions I hope you guys don't mind.

1. While at the dealer, he said that if I don't intend on riding it during the winter and its going to sit in my garage, that I should fill the tank with gas and then add a gas stabilizer bottle to the tank and let it sit for the winter. Is this the preferred method for dry storing a Vespa for months at a time?

2. Will a Battery Tender Jr. do the trick to keeping the battery fresh, or is there a better recommendation for keeping the battery health over longer periods of non-use?

3. Is the Prima Mid Windscreen difficult to install for someone who's not owned a scooter before?

4. Is there a preferred way to break in the engine? I've read two schools of thought - (get on the throttle for the first 20 - 50 miles and thrash the engine) or (never ride it more than 3/4 throttle for first 625 miles). Are either of these right or is there a better breaking for the 300?

5. I will order oil and lubes online to keep them on hand. Are there some to stay away from or are definite musts?

Thanks again for all the help and support.

Jesse

Just a quick thought.... the dealer should be your expert. I would ask them for advice on how to properly winterize your scooter, break in the engine and what type of fluids to use.....

I know it sounds elementary.... but your dealer really should be a good resource for you....

I agree the dealer should know, but I just wanted to ask the veterans. The dealership I bought my Vespa from is an authorized dealer, but they are primarily a Honda motorcycle shop. They only had 4 Vespas in the place so I don't know if these guys are as knowledgeable about Vespas as they are the more popular street bikes. The sales agent I bought from is covered in tattoos and has the long hair and made a few comments today about Harley Davidson being the only true motorcycle, so again, I come to the vets to straighten me out.

The prima is fairly straightforward. Just look at the online instructions or check out some threads here.
I don't see why a battery tender and stabilizer shouldn't work for a scooter. That's how I store my motorcycles november through march with no problems.

Sorry, I wasn't trying to be a smart ass. Here's what my Service Manager in Maryland used to say:
1. Full tank with the appropriate amount of fuel stabilizer, let the engine run for about 10 minutes to make sure they are thoroughly mixed.
2. Trickle charger (you can install a BMW accessory outlet for added convenience)
3. If the weather is warm enough or you can take it for a 10 mintute ride once a month even better.
4. Make sure the tires have a few extra pounds in them, and check for proper inflation before riding next season.

The carburated models have a tendency to have the needle jets clog after sitting for any little bit of time, so th running in #3 was important, you won't have to worry about that with your Super300, which is fuel injected.

I hope that helps a little bit....
Congrats on your new scoot! I hope you get some miles in before the winter hits.

As far as the break in period goes, don't flog it too bad, don't baby it. Enjoy it, vary the RPM's a bit (as much as you can) until you have that first service done at te 625 mile mark. Nothing too trickly.

some people prefer to drain the tank but that method will work fine. a trickle charger battery tender jr. will be fine adding a windscreen is just about the easiest mod you can do to your scooter. if you have any problems you'll find lots of help here. you'll find opinion divided on this one. some people prefer to stick with the second method, others prefer to ride it like they stole it. if you're at all worried, go with the recommendations in the owner's manual. again, as long as you stick to the spec in the owner's manual, you'll be fine. i don't recall reading anything about particular brands to stay away from but others may want to chime in on that.

Read this article Winterizing Your Scooter, it will answer a few of our questions.

I am of the mind that one should break in ones scooter by riding it as if you stole it. I have been doing so with my new Super, and I think it will ultimately perform better for it.

A trickle charger is NOT the same thing as a battery tender. A trickle charger maintains a slow charge that will, if left on, eventually boil the battery dry. A battery tender contains circuitry that cuts off the charger when the battery is fully charged, and turns on again if the battery becomes slightly discharged. A trickle charger must be connected and disconnected. A battery tender can be left on all winter.

If you are going to add a small polarized plug and cord to the battery and the charger, be sure to run the wire from the male portion of the plug on the scooter to the negative battery terminal. That way, if you accidentally short the plug to the frame with the safety cap off, you will not get a spark. The polarized plugs with short cables attached are available at any Harley dealer. They include fuses.

Cheers and good luck,
Bob

my mistake - i should have simply specified the Battery Tender Jr., which is what i have. thanks for setting the record straight.

You can find out more about proper break-in here:
FAQ: How should I break in my new scooter?

Pay attention to changing out the oil right after doing your break-in ride.

Spend some time going through the Wiki, there's a ton of info to get you up to speed.


Enjoy!

Harvey