Modern Vespa

Ok, here's the skinny:

Moving to Duluth, Minnesota in a week, and once we get settled in, my wife and I want to take our first Vespa tour up the North Shore, maybe to Canada. We're thinking 4-7 days on our two vespas.

My Vespa:
2009 GTS 250 (purchased new)
3000 miles
Needs an oil change. It had the 600 mile break in maintenance. Looks like the wiki says its about time, along with a brake fluid check...

My wife's Vespa:
2007 GTS 250 (purchased used at 2700 miles)
~ 3000 miles
Should definitely change the oil/brake fluid. I know it had the 600 mile maintenance, but beyond that, I don't think anything since 2008.
I haven't figured out yet if she had the exhaust recall part replaced or not. Is this a really big issue that absolutely should get taken care of before a tour?

I'll be adding some towing numbers/repair shops to my phone, just in case something happens.

So, my questions:

1) Tires should be fine? Should I see about getting some spares?
2) I should bring along a tire patch kit, alan wrench... what else? And it's no good to me unless I can get it in a week and a half?
3) A few weeks ago, I had done some research and thought that Duluth had an official Vespa dealer. Now... I can't find it... and Vespa USA doesn't list one in Duluth at all. Could Vespa USA just be wrong?
4) Any other advice?

We're really looking forward to it! It's gonna be our 'honeymoon' trip, as we didn't have the funds or time to last year, so we're excited! I'll try and post some pictures of the gorgeous North Shore. Thanks!

I wouldn't strees over the brake fluid chnges. if the level is good you should be fine. tires inspect for weather cracking and that kind of thing. replace if you think your going to need tires while on the trip due to mileage. PITA if you have to get and replace tires while on a trip. Oil changes yes do them both. Basic tools are only good if you know how to wrench on the scoot. Tire repair kits are a very good thing to have for puntures. stop and go make a great kit with mushroom plugs and they have the CO2 also with them. If you want to take tools allen sets are good, phillips and regular screwdrivers, metric wrenchs- say 8mm thru 17 should do for most things. Road breakdown coverage either on your current policy or if your an AMA member call them to ensure your covered.

Check your rear tires, depending on what they are (Savas?) and how you ride, they may be getting close. If they are Savas you're probably have more fun switching both front and backs for another brand.
It's worthwhile to get a spare graphite muffler bearing for each scooter (and the tools to change them out).
Here's a pic of the old and replacement style exhaust manifolds:

If you are not handy enough to do all your own repairs, a cell phone and a roadside assistance plan is a must - either through your insurance policy or AAA. If you are going up into Canada make sure you are covered there. Also need your passports and to check your medical coverage, just in case.

I'd definitely consider mounting new rear tires before you head out.

I know my LX eats rears faster than a GTS does, but I wore out one brand new Michelin Pilot City rear in 2000 miles getting from the east coast to Colorado, and completely wore out another new one on the way back. Don't know how much luggage you'll be carrying and what your weather will be like, but I suspect my luggage load and the 95-degree+ heat had something to do with it.

+1

Definitely check your tires closely and replace them if you plan on covering lots of miles. They will wear much faster if you are carrying lots of luggage.

Take a towel. Nothing is quite like a towel. If it rains a bunch while your eating, you can save your tail end from wear. I find it handy on a frosty morning to sit on and the moisture gets in to the towell and not my gear for the first hour or so of riding.

Cheap rain gear is better than nothing. A couple garbage bags are also better than nothing in the rain.

Oil in need of a change isn't too bad short term. Provided it doesn't have enough grit in it to wear etc.. (such as a major part of the motor was wearing away....) But not enough oil....I think that is a big deal. I personally would change the oil, but more importantly, know how to check the oil level and do it ever thousand miles or so....

-Carson-