OP
UTC

Member
LX50
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8
Location: Fort Worth, TX, USA
 
Member
LX50
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8
Location: Fort Worth, TX, USA
UTC quote
Hello,

I'm a brand new Vespa owner. Strange story about how I came to be an owner. The shortened version is that my parents won an LX50 in a contest last year and subsequently never drove it, because here in Texas you need a motorcycle license and they didn't want to go through all that.

So, I am taking my MSF course this weekend and will be picking up the LX50 in a couple of weeks after charging the battery and siphoning the old fuel out.

So the reason I'm posting is mostly to introduce myself and also to see if anyone has any tips for a new Vespa owner. I realize the LX50 is "only" 50cc and that it seems to be the stepchild model here in the US after browsing these forums. But it was free and so I'll take what I can get

Are there other LX50 owners from the US or Texas on this forum? If so, how do you find that you get around on city streets?

Thanks!
warden62
@benito avatar
UTC

Moderator
2010 Dragon Red GTS 300 Super, 2018 Grigio Titanio Piaggio Liberty S 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 16296
Location: Toronto, Canada, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
 
Moderator
@benito avatar
2010 Dragon Red GTS 300 Super, 2018 Grigio Titanio Piaggio Liberty S 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 16296
Location: Toronto, Canada, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
UTC quote
Welcome to MV warden and welcome to the wonderful world of two wheeled motorized fun.
@wasplover avatar
UTC

Hooked
2016 Vespa Sprint 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 351
Location: New Zealand
 
Hooked
@wasplover avatar
2016 Vespa Sprint 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 351
Location: New Zealand
UTC quote
Welcome to MV! Now, where are the pictures?

50cc's are good fun to ride, I love these little scoots. In Christchurch, New Zealand. they (50cc's) are pretty common on the roads as commuters in the city as our speed limits are 50km/hr (30mph).

Have fun!
@trafficjammer avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
2008 Teal LX125 ... 2007 Red LX150 ... 2010 Yellow LX125ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3311
Location: Tortola, BVI (Caribbean)
 
Ossessionato
@trafficjammer avatar
2008 Teal LX125 ... 2007 Red LX150 ... 2010 Yellow LX125ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3311
Location: Tortola, BVI (Caribbean)
UTC quote
Welcome Warden 62!

The best advice I have is as follows:

Pearls of Wisdom for Newbie Modern Vespa Members - Updated

The following is a compilation of advice to newbies from many Modern Vespa members both past and present - too numerous to mention. This information is updated and added to as and when new things come up which are beneficial to new riders. If anyone has suggestions to help newbies, please speak up and your suggestions will be added!

We were all newbies to scootering at some point, so take this advice as offered ... Free of Charge and with the best of intentions from all of us at Modern Vespa!

Before You Ride:
    Take the MSF course (or equivalent) available in your area. For the USA see: http://www.msf-usa.org/ MSF has some invaluable links online: For Scooter School info see: http://www.msf-usa.org/scooterschool.cfm and for their riding tips booklet see: http://msf-usa.org/downloads/Scooter_tips-screen.pdf

    For Canada see: http://safety-council.org/training/motorcycle-training-program/

    For the UK see: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAndNewDrivers/RidingMotorcyclesAndMopeds/DG_4022430

    Get yourself a copy of Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well by David Hough http://www.amazon.com/Proficient-Motorcycling-Ultimate-Guide-Riding/dp/1889540536 This is an excellent book!

    Before getting on your scooter, practice moving it around with the engine off and then with the engine on. Be very careful not to hit the throttle by accident! I don't even touch the throttle handle when moving my scooter if the engine is on. I use the left handgrip and the seat handrail only.

    Get on the scooter and get a feel for how the brakes work using different hand pressures.

    Use the center stand all the time. It is much safer than the side stand (if your scooter has one). Learn how to put it on and take it off the center stand. There is a technique which is not nearly as difficult as some think. Even a 100 pound woman can easily master this. There are several videos on Youtube. All you need to do is balance your scooter and use your your own body weight to lift the scooter onto the center stand. No muscle and no back strain is involved if you do it right. I find this to be the best video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQ2o3iv3ANE

    Don't try to put the scooter on the center stand while your engine is running. If you hit the throttle by accident, you could run over your own foot! (One of our members did that!)

    Practice! Learn to ride on gravel, grass, sand, wet roads, in muddy conditions, on hills, in tight spaces. Pratice u-turns, tight circles (both directions), figure 8, backing up and practice covering brakes and using throttle at the same time ... (like using heel-toe in a car). Practice stopping quickly.

    Dress for the crash, not the ride and ALWAYS wear a helmet!

    If possible and practical for your location ... wear high visibility safety gear such as this: http://www.aerostich.com/hi-viz-advantages-2 Hi visibility gear can help save your life and perhaps save you from a lot of pain. Toreador Pants = All The Gear, All The Time!

    Remember to apply the brakes before you hit the starter switch. Some newbies have posted that their engine won't start. Often, it is because they simply forgot to apply the brake.

    Do not lose your red/brown key! Use the blue key for everyday use and put your red/brown key away in a safe place together with your keycode card. If you do lose your red/brown key or need spare keys for your scooter, contact Jimh (a sponsor here at MV) https://modernvespa.com/forum/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=4101

    Don't drink alcoholic beverages before or during your ride.
Riding Safety Tips:
    Beware of sand or gravel on the road, mud, painted lines in the rain, railway tracks, wooden bridges, wet leaves, manhole covers, cattle grids, etc. All can be treacherous to a rider!

    Never put your foot down (or leg out) when making a turn. It will not catch you in the event of a fall and you could do serious injury to yourself.

    REMEMBER to cancel your turn signals after you've completed your turn! Leaving your turn signal on can confuse drivers and may end up causing you a lot of unnecessary grief. Just press in on the indicator button to cancel your signal. If you constantly forget to cancel your signal, you may want to get an audible turn signal alarm such as this one http://www.audicator.com/audicator.htm or you can do it less expensively for just a few dollars. Here is a great "how to" by one of our members (addicted) ... https://modernvespa.com/forum/topic449

    Ride with your headlight on even during the day. A headlight helps make you more visible. You may also want to consider getting a headlight modulator such as this: https://www.kisantech.com/index.php?cat_id=2 ... many here swear by them.

    The stock scooter horn on your Vespas is relatively insipid. Many members have chosen to install a Stebel air horn which tends to get people's attention better than the little "meep meep" of the stock horn. I have one on one of my LX's and am definitely impressed with the difference. The more you can do to make yourself more visible and more easily heard ... the better!

    Just because you don't hear anyone or see anyone (in your mirrors), it doesn't mean they're not there; perform frequent shoulder checks!

    If riding on the freeway makes you nervous, then don't do it! Scooters are not just a mode of transportation, they are supposed to be fun. So take your time and arrive safely!

    Check your tire pressure regularly. Riding on tires which are under inflated can make your steering very sloppy ... not to mention dangerous.

    Stay alert at all times. You are not driving a car, you are riding a scooter. You are very vulnerable and the shortest span of inattention could be painful and perhaps fatal.
Riding in the Rain:
    Recommend a full face or modular helmet. Open face helmets can be a problem in the rain as rain drops can really sting ... making riding unbearable and even dangerous! If you do have an open face helmet, make sure you carry a snap on face shield or goggles. RainX http://www.rainx.com/ is helpful in making the rain drops run off your windshield and face shield more effectively. The Vee-Wipe is also a handy little item to have. http://www.bobheathvisors.co.uk/accessories.html

    Wear a high viz vest (over your jacket) http://www.aerostich.com/hi-viz-advantages-2 and make use of reflective tape/stickers http://www.webbikeworld.com/Reviewed-motorcycle-products/flashback/ on your helmet and on your scooter wherever possible!

    If your riding jacket comes with a rain insert, keep it in with your scooter at all times. If not, get yourself some rain gear. (See above)

    If you don't want the full body rain suit or pants, there are Vespa brand scooter aprons/skirts and other brands that will fit a Vespa. http://www.scooterskirts.com/

    A full windshield is very helpful in the rain. It not only helps to increase visibility but it also helps keep you dryer than without a windshield. Some swear by them ... others, not so much. The choice is yours.

    Handlebar muffs help a lot if riding in the rain or in cold weather on a regular basis. They will keep your hands dry and warm. There are a few products suitable for Vespa's such as http://www.hippohands.com/vespa_scooters.htm ... there are others as well.

    Accelerate slowly and gently for best traction.

    Good tires as well as proper tire pressure are critical if riding in the rain. Check your tire pressure and tire condition often!

    Take care on turns. Approach your turns more slowly than normal.

    Leave double the stopping distance between yourself and other vehicles.

    Ride on the left or right hand side of the lane.

    Avoid riding through puddles whenever possible and slow right down if you must ride through a puddle. You don't know if there are any hidden potholes under the surface of the water.

    Whenever possible, avoid painted lines, manhole covers, cobblestone streets, drainage grates and wet leaves. All of these things have similar properties to ice when wet.

    Watch where you put your feet at stops. Oily patches, mud, metal, road paint, sand, gravel, leaves and puddles can cause your foot to slip.
Notes on Cagers (4 wheel vehicles):
    Ride as though you are invisible to cagers (car drivers) - because mostly, they really don't see you!

    Stay out of cager's blind spots - unless you want to become road pizza. Be sure that they know you are behind or beside them. Many of us have been in a situation where a cager has not been aware of a scooter's presence and they will suddenly change lanes right on top of you!

    Save your road rage. You won't win a fight with a 4 wheel vehicle. Even if they cut you off, take a deep breath, let it go and be on your way.
Vespa Maintenance Advice:
    Read your Owner's Manual! You would be surprised how many answers to simple questions can be found in there. You would be even more surprised by how many people are too lazy to bother!

    There are shop manuals available for your scooter. One of our moderators (Jim C) has kindly posted them on his own site at: http://manuals.wotmeworry.org.uk/Vespa/

    Check your oil level frequently and change your oil often. The recommendations for oil change intervals are noted in your owner's manual.

    Don't try to kick start your LX 125 or 150 (if your scooter has a kick starter) as you could incur possible crank case damage. This feature has been removed as of 2009/2010 though some 2009 models seem to still have it for some reason.

    Learn to do the basics yourself. An oil change is pretty simple and there is a lot of "how to" info available on this site as well as on YouTube. Just search for it or if unable to find what you are looking for, post and ask if there are any "how to" posts for your particular project. One of the best (recent) videos I have seen (by one of our own members) is how to change the rear tire on a Vespa LX150: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNSEX7Mx9zg and how to change the oil too! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rczWQ3s2E8U&feature=related

    Carry tools with you at all times. It is also recommended that you carry a tire puncture kit, spare bulbs, fuses and other small parts you can practically keep on hand. A headlamp bulb is hard to find at midnight and could prevent you from getting home.

    Always double check what your mechanic has done. Check the oil level and other fluid levels, air pressure in your tires yourself. Look under the pet carrier and make sure no wires are sticking out in odd places. I got my scooter home after an oil change only to discover my mechanic had put in waaaay too much oil! Thankfully, I hadn't ridden more than about 10 miles. I also discovered that a tire shop had put in 75 Lbs. of pressure in a brand new rear tire and 69 Lbs. in the front. Bloody idiot! The point is, although in most cases, all will be well ... you just never know what someone else might do.

    Don't overfill your fuel tank! This can cause hard starting problems. The method that seems to work best is to position the handle of the filler nozzle over the pet carrier as opposed to out to the side or from the back. Some pumps you have to pull up the collar, others you don't. If you use the correct position with the handle, though, and you keep the nozzle down into the filler neck as far as possible, you shouldn't experience any over-fill mishaps.

    Don't apply your brakes going into a turn. Slow down before the turn. Applying your brakes going into a turn can be hazardous to your health!
General Advice:
    If you have an accident, don't be embarrassed ... almost everyone has had a mishap at one time or another. Don't let fear take hold and prevent you from riding. Just like being thrown from a horse, the best advise is to get your scooter fixed and get back on the road as soon as possible!

    If you filter to the front of traffic, give the cager driver an acknowledging nod. Mutual respect, goes a long way.

    Don't leave a pressurized can or bottle of soda in the pet carrier. What can happen isn't pretty!

    Tighten screws and bolts every few weeks religiously. They can vibrate loose.

    Ride your own ride! Don't let the riding habits of others influence you to ride beyond your own capabilities and experience level.

    Don't try to dry your wet gloves on a catalysed exhaust, they will melt/curl up/catch fire. Carry a spare pair instead.

    If going touring, take a spare exhaust collar (for those that have them between downpipe and silencer [muffler]). They will always fail at the furthest point possible from a dealer that's open and who may have one in stock.

    If going touring take along a spare belt. Almost any garage with an air-gun (impact-wrench) can change it for you.

    Learn HOW your bike works, and how to identify the problems. You don't have to be a mechanical savante, but when you know what the problem is, you'll at least know what is needed to fix it and approximately how much it should cost. Knowledge is power!
About Modern Vespa:
UTC

Banned
50cc Black 2009 Honda Ruckus White 2010 Vespa GTS 300 Super
Joined: UTC
Posts: 482
Location: South Cenral Maryland: Washington DC area.
 
Banned
50cc Black 2009 Honda Ruckus White 2010 Vespa GTS 300 Super
Joined: UTC
Posts: 482
Location: South Cenral Maryland: Washington DC area.
UTC quote
Buy Crashbars. A newbies must.
@eric avatar
UTC

Addicted
Avio Grey '07 GTV250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 571
Location: San Antonio, TX
 
Addicted
@eric avatar
Avio Grey '07 GTV250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 571
Location: San Antonio, TX
UTC quote
Scooterhenry wrote:
Buy Crashbars. A newbies must.
Wish I had taken that one to heart

Welcome to MV Warden!
@masala avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
946
Joined: UTC
Posts: 6165
Location: Acworth, GA
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@masala avatar
946
Joined: UTC
Posts: 6165
Location: Acworth, GA
UTC quote
This will sound ridiculous to the uninitiated, but read up on the proper technique for filling up with gas. In short, you want to hold the handle of the gas filler over the pet carrier (the bucket under the seat). Most other methods result in more gas on your hands, shoes, and scoot than you would expect.
@benito avatar
UTC

Moderator
2010 Dragon Red GTS 300 Super, 2018 Grigio Titanio Piaggio Liberty S 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 16296
Location: Toronto, Canada, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
 
Moderator
@benito avatar
2010 Dragon Red GTS 300 Super, 2018 Grigio Titanio Piaggio Liberty S 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 16296
Location: Toronto, Canada, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
UTC quote
Masala wrote:
This will sound ridiculous to the uninitiated, but read up on the proper technique for filling up with gas. In short, you want to hold the handle of the gas filler over the pet carrier (the bucket under the seat). Most other methods result in more gas on your hands, shoes, and scoot than you would expect.
Here, read this article FAQ: How can I avoid overflowing the gas tank?
@stanny avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
2007 GT200L Graphite Black
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1869
Location: Fayetteville, AR
 
Molto Verboso
@stanny avatar
2007 GT200L Graphite Black
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1869
Location: Fayetteville, AR
UTC quote
I rode an LX50 all summer. It was a great way to get my feet wet, learn to ride, and helped me to find out that I LOVE scootering. I've since upgraded to a larger/faster bike, but really an LX50 did the job on 80% of my riding around the city.

My best advice came from my husband, a lifelong motorcyclist: "Drive like no other driver can see you, yet are all out to hit you." Be aware as you go through intersections, always be ready to break and avoid accidents.

And my second best advice came from the guys on the forum here: "Drive it like you stole it!"


Laura
@scootmom avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
'09 BV250, '02 ET2 '07 LX150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1006
Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
 
Molto Verboso
@scootmom avatar
'09 BV250, '02 ET2 '07 LX150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1006
Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
UTC quote
Stanny wrote:
I rode an LX50 all summer. It was a great way to get my feet wet, learn to ride, and helped me to find out that I LOVE scootering. I've since upgraded to a larger/faster bike, but really an LX50 did the job on 80% of my riding around the city."
Ditto. I just traded my 50 for a 250 because I needed more power, but I really miss the 50. It was the BEST way to start riding! Enjoy!
UTC

Enthusiast
Vespa GTS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 74
Location: NM
 
Enthusiast
Vespa GTS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 74
Location: NM
UTC quote
I couldn't give up the 50cc. I probably ride it more than the 250cc. Somehow it makes me feel like a kid again. Enjoy!
UTC

Ossessionato
GTS 300ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2009
Location: Austin, TX, USA
 
Ossessionato
GTS 300ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2009
Location: Austin, TX, USA
UTC quote
There are a fair number of people from Texas on the board. I don't remember any with a 50cc. I think there's a dealer from Dallas or Ft. Worth that posts.

Where in Ft. Worth are you? You will probably be fine as long as you don't go on the highways in town.

Good luck. Have fun.
UTC

Hooked
lx50
Joined: UTC
Posts: 106
Location: london
 
Hooked
lx50
Joined: UTC
Posts: 106
Location: london
UTC quote
Hi there,

I ride an lx50 in london. A lot of people say that the Lx50 can't keep up with
traffic etc but its not true at all. I live in central london so my journeys are basically all in and around the centre and to be honest I don't know what i'd do
with a bigger bike if I had one.
I love the 50cc bike because it makes you feel like you've got the best toy any boy could wish for and it's enough if you enjoy the ride and don't mind sitting behind a car very occassionally. Tootling along feeling that you're sitting on a beautifully styled machine is enough pleasure.
I'd recommend hugely that you de-restrict the bike asap though because it will
improve everything about the ride.

Best wishes

James
OP
UTC

Member
LX50
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8
Location: Fort Worth, TX, USA
 
Member
LX50
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8
Location: Fort Worth, TX, USA
UTC quote
soniam wrote:
Where in Ft. Worth are you? You will probably be fine as long as you don't go on the highways in town.
I'm in north Ft Worth -- but the great thing about this city is that I can get downtown using city streets and avoiding highways in a short amount of time.

My wife is from Austin and I used to live down there when I went to grad school at Texas State! Good to see the diversity of people from around the world (and from around Texas) on this board.
OP
UTC

Member
LX50
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8
Location: Fort Worth, TX, USA
 
Member
LX50
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8
Location: Fort Worth, TX, USA
UTC quote
Thanks everybody for your input, especially those that gave thumbs up to their 50cc scoots.

One thing I haven't been able to clarify by browsing these boards....

I'm familiar with the whole de-restricting thing, but what doesn't seem to be clear to me is whether LX50s sold in the US are restricted in the first place. Can anybody confirm whether LX50s sold in the United States are restricted, and if so, do dealers in the US typically de-restrict?

Thanks!
@hotboxdeluxe avatar
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Ossessionato
'09 S50, '79 V50
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2105
Location: Heidelberg, Germany
 
Ossessionato
@hotboxdeluxe avatar
'09 S50, '79 V50
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2105
Location: Heidelberg, Germany
UTC quote
londonfun wrote:
I love the 50cc bike because it makes you feel like you've got the best toy any boy could wish for and it's enough if you enjoy the ride and don't mind sitting behind a car very occassionally.
I love that sentence 8)

Congrats on your freebie scooter, and welcome. If it won't go much over 30, it's restricted. Around 40 is unrestricted. If it's a zero-miles scoot you'll have to break it in properly for the first 1000 or so, then it'll be as fast as it can be without tuning stuff.
OP
UTC

Member
LX50
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8
Location: Fort Worth, TX, USA
 
Member
LX50
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8
Location: Fort Worth, TX, USA
UTC quote
HotboxDeluxe wrote:
Congrats on your freebie scooter, and welcome. If it won't go much over 30, it's restricted. Around 40 is unrestricted. If it's a zero-miles scoot you'll have to break it in properly for the first 1000 or so, then it'll be as fast as it can be without tuning stuff.
Thanks for the clarification. I believe it has 5 miles on it, so it might as well be 0. Sounds like I have a lot of good times ahead of me.
@hotboxdeluxe avatar
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Ossessionato
'09 S50, '79 V50
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2105
Location: Heidelberg, Germany
 
Ossessionato
@hotboxdeluxe avatar
'09 S50, '79 V50
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2105
Location: Heidelberg, Germany
UTC quote
I wish you plenty of fun I started with a zero-miles scoot in the Spring and I've loved every minute of it 8) and found 50cc enough for the city.
@tom_lx125 avatar
UTC

Enthusiast
LX125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 51
Location: Brussels, Belgium
 
Enthusiast
@tom_lx125 avatar
LX125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 51
Location: Brussels, Belgium
UTC quote
Stanny wrote:
And my second best advice came from the guys on the forum here: "Drive it like you stole it!"

Laura
I second that! Clown emoticon
@dutch avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
LXV 150 GTV 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2471
Location: Logan OH USA
 
Ossessionato
@dutch avatar
LXV 150 GTV 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2471
Location: Logan OH USA
UTC quote
I was born in Ft. Worth but really only "lived" there in the late 60's. I wish I would have had a scooter then !

You should be OK riding around town. Lots of city streets and connectors to get you where you need to go.
UTC

Hooked
lx50
Joined: UTC
Posts: 106
Location: london
 
Hooked
lx50
Joined: UTC
Posts: 106
Location: london
UTC quote
'drive it like you won it'
@judy avatar
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World Traveler
2007 LX150 Daring Plum Leonardo Da Vespa
Joined: UTC
Posts: 29303
 
World Traveler
@judy avatar
2007 LX150 Daring Plum Leonardo Da Vespa
Joined: UTC
Posts: 29303
UTC quote
WARDEN aloha and welcome. This thread it makes me miss my 50cc scooter If it weren't for the 2 mountain roads outta here i wouldn't need the 150's. Most of the time my 150 does 35-40 but i need the extra oomph to get out of here. Have fun and ride safe
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UTC quote
Hi everyone

I'm looking into getting my first Vespa, too, after deciding against starting with a bike. The shop sells both a separate warrantee that covers the scooter for two years, and a service plan that offers complete service coverage for the same time period. They're each roughly $500. I'm good with my hands and did everything on my truck before getting a BMW. I'm getting the scooter because of a recent engagement and the sudden need to free up my income I'm confident that I can do everything but valve adjustments. Do you need to do those on the Vespas? In general would you say yay or nay to the service plan, warrantee, or both?

Thanks!
@crashtest avatar
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Addicted
Scooter Model: Occasionally
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Posts: 506
Location: On the perimeter
 
Addicted
@crashtest avatar
Scooter Model: Occasionally
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Posts: 506
Location: On the perimeter
UTC quote
Tips? It's getting to be tweed jacket weather and you look cool riding in that to work, but don't leave your keys in there, 'specially if you work at the looney bin.
@stanny avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
2007 GT200L Graphite Black
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1869
Location: Fayetteville, AR
 
Molto Verboso
@stanny avatar
2007 GT200L Graphite Black
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1869
Location: Fayetteville, AR
UTC quote
JamesO wrote:
Hi everyone

I'm looking into getting my first Vespa, too, after deciding against starting with a bike. The shop sells both a separate warrantee that covers the scooter for two years, and a service plan that offers complete service coverage for the same time period. They're each roughly $500. I'm good with my hands and did everything on my truck before getting a BMW. I'm getting the scooter because of a recent engagement and the sudden need to free up my income I'm confident that I can do everything but valve adjustments. Do you need to do those on the Vespas? In general would you say yay or nay to the service plan, warrantee, or both?

Thanks!
Is this a new or used Vespa? New ones have at least a one year warranty already, so I don't think I'd go for a 2nd year for $500. If you are competent around engines, I'm sure you can do the maintenance work as well.
@judy avatar
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World Traveler
2007 LX150 Daring Plum Leonardo Da Vespa
Joined: UTC
Posts: 29303
 
World Traveler
@judy avatar
2007 LX150 Daring Plum Leonardo Da Vespa
Joined: UTC
Posts: 29303
UTC quote
JAMEO aloha and welcome to the forum.. I agree with STANNY and you have the wiki section here that gives you a pictorial on how to do most things. The big expensive stuff will probably come after your extended warranty. Have fun choosing your new scooter.
@dannyh avatar
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Resident Gentleman
--------2008 LX150-------- Sold
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5045
Location: Brady, TX
 
Resident Gentleman
@dannyh avatar
--------2008 LX150-------- Sold
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5045
Location: Brady, TX
UTC quote
Welcome, Warden, from another Texas rider. I was just in Ft. Wort from Monday afternoon until about 2:30 today, but somehow hadn't read your post until just now. In addition to soniam and myself there are Midnight Rider, astromags, Jim L., onsiteaudio, AlexBv200, awareness, RexSilver1906, BIGDDY, jerryw, MLCrisis, Moto Mark, JohnJay, Bootscooter, SurFrogs, Eric, and probably several others I'm not remembering at the moment in Texas.

As far as tips for the new rider, I think TrafficJammer pretty well covered it. I haven't ridden a 50, but I'm sure it will get you around just fine on the city streets.

I kind of envy you being able to take the MSF. There isn't one available out here in the boonies where I live.

Ride safe,
Danny
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Lurker
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2
UTC quote
Thanks guys! Do you need to perform valve adjustments on Vespas?
UTC

Lurker
2007 Red LX50 (now 70) 4 stroke.
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2
Location: Vancouver BC
 
Lurker
2007 Red LX50 (now 70) 4 stroke.
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2
Location: Vancouver BC
UTC quote
I've had my LX50 since August. Can't say enough good things. Last weekend I upgraded to the Malossi 70cc kit. I highly recommend it - the pickup off the line went from sluggish to 2-stroke-esque and the top speed now feels much safer in traffic.

Funny, I found mine on Craigslist, and the sellers had also won it in a contest.
@moto_mark avatar
UTC

Hooked
Vespa 75th Anniversary GTS 300, Vespa 70th Anniversary PX150, Vespa 946, Vespa Rally 200, Vespa PX150, Piaggio Liberty 125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 365
Location: Sarasota, Florida / Trento, Italy
 
Hooked
@moto_mark avatar
Vespa 75th Anniversary GTS 300, Vespa 70th Anniversary PX150, Vespa 946, Vespa Rally 200, Vespa PX150, Piaggio Liberty 125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 365
Location: Sarasota, Florida / Trento, Italy
UTC quote
Hello from a fellow Ft Worther!

Be sure to go over to Vespa FTW if you haven't been there already. Robert and Robbie are great guys to deal with and they have a good selection of gear and accessories for your 50.

See you there, ride safe!
@mybloodyzombie avatar
UTC

Member
Vespa GT200L
Joined: UTC
Posts: 28
Location: City of Hate
 
Member
@mybloodyzombie avatar
Vespa GT200L
Joined: UTC
Posts: 28
Location: City of Hate
UTC quote
North Ft. Worth, huh? i grew up in Azle! good stuff. There's a lot of us over in Dallas, too. Oh, and be sure to check out the local forum, as well: http://www.dfwscooterist.com
OP
UTC

Member
LX50
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8
Location: Fort Worth, TX, USA
 
Member
LX50
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8
Location: Fort Worth, TX, USA
UTC quote
Well, I passed my MSF course yesterday, so now I just need to set aside 4 hours to wait in line at DMV/DPS to get my license.

Thanks for your insights everybody. I hope to post pictures of my scoot (I'm sure you've seen one just like it many times!) once I get some miles on it.
@stanny avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
2007 GT200L Graphite Black
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1869
Location: Fayetteville, AR
 
Molto Verboso
@stanny avatar
2007 GT200L Graphite Black
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1869
Location: Fayetteville, AR
UTC quote
No need to wait for miles to post a picture. And every scooter picture is a good one, as far as I'm concerned.

Congrats on finishing your course! My tip on the DMV is to get there the minute they open. Ours opens at 7:00 am and there is NEVER a line then.

Modern Vespa is the premier site for modern Vespa and Piaggio scooters. Vespa GTS300, GTS250, GTV, GT200, LX150, LXS, ET4, ET2, MP3, Fuoco, Elettrica and more.

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