Modern Vespa

Hey guys, Ive decided on a 2010 Vespa LX 150. Brand new. I am picking it up at the dealership on Thursday.

My question is, when riding for the first time, should I take it slow with the new machine or crank it up?
What I mean is, should i go under 30mph for x amount of miles and break it in slowly, or can I take it and not beat the crap out of it, but can i kick it up to 50 or 60 mph the first 100 miles or so?

Thx guys!

The bike will not care how it is ridden....fast...slow....its all good.

The rider on the other hand may need some attention.

Be comfortable....be safe, learn all you can about how to ride.

Do NOT run into things.....do NOT let things run into you.

Simple.

Enjoy.

Rinse.

Repeat.

R

8)

Ok cool
I heard from someone that I should never go over40mph when first riding it. I didn't know if any of u guys had any other suggestions. How did u guys ride ur scooters once u got it?

Like I stole it.....

*smile

R

8)

I started by going as fast as I can.... then I went 10mph faster..... Best break-in job I had ever done.

EDIT: Oh, and welcome to the forum.

Mrlinemaker,

Some of us break it in differently -- gently -- meaning we follow the Owner's Manual on that. I have never ridden ANY new vehicle (car or 2-wheeler) hard...I figure if the manufacturer doesn't know how their new vehicles should be broken in, then no one does.

So, you have two choices: Ride it hard or ride it as recommended in the Manual.

And if I ever bought a used vehicle, I'd prefer to buy from someone who broke it in as per manual, not otherwise. While I don't coddle my vehicles, I don't thrash them, either. And I wouldn't want to buy something used from somone who rode them hard...even though they'll never admit it to the next owner when it comes time to sell it. To me, that's abuse and I don't abuse my vehicles.

So it's your choice...good luck.

This is not my dumb idea its stuff I have heard from engineers.

Avoid constant throttle openings for extended periods. Vary the revs.
Full throttle for extended periods or when the engine is cold should be avoided during break in.

What you are trying to avoid is extreme hot spots in the engine. There will be small manufacturing irregularities in the metal such as high spots. Where the moving parts rub together this can heat up past the ability of the metal to retain its integrity. Then this will always be a weak spot for wear.

So during break in warm the motor for a few miles then vary your speed. Riding in the city is good as you are constantly on and off the throttle.

After a few hundred miles or so the high spots are worn down and the engine "beds in" Then just ride it how you want to when its warm.

Even after break in full throttle on a cold engine should be always avoided as the oil has not reached operating temperature yet. Engineers say that hard acceleration on a cold engine will increase wear some huge factor which I don't remember.

Beware though some advice you get. its a bit like smoking advice. You always get someone saying "My grandad smoked 40 a day and lived to 90." Some owners get away with flogging a new or cold engine but mass produced engine parts are not all perfectly made. You cant know how yours is until it lets go. So do the smart thing and you have a way better chance of a long happy relationship with the new toy.

Enjoy enjoy enjoy

good stuff, thx guys!

Here's a good read: http://www.ntnoa.org/enginebreakin.htm