Vespa advice for newbie needed!

[irnsck]

I am looking to change to a Vespa LX150 as my next ride, however I have never owned an automatic bike before. I have some questions, would appreciate if experienced riders can help me! 

 

- Anything to look out for when viewing the bike? 

- What's the routine maintenance like? I guess it will be different from naked bikes. E.g. engine oil, filters, etc.

- What's the average cost for maintenance?

I tried searching around on the various forums, but can't seem to find a good answer regarding it. Would appreciate if a veteran could answer these questions.

 

Thanks!

[SBF]

On 4/23/2021 at 10:57 PM, irnsck said:

I am looking to change to a Vespa LX150 as my next ride, however I have never owned an automatic bike before. I have some questions, would appreciate if experienced riders can help me! 

 

- Anything to look out for when viewing the bike? 

- What's the routine maintenance like? I guess it will be different from naked bikes. E.g. engine oil, filters, etc.

- What's the average cost for maintenance?

I tried searching around on the various forums, but can't seem to find a good answer regarding it. Would appreciate if a veteran could answer these questions.

 

Thanks!

@irnsck Fantastic choice. I've owned an LX150 so i can advise!

There are a few on the market right now, left 1-2 years COE, asking for 1-3k, i think those are FANTASTIC deals. After you renew COE, you'd be looking at 9-10k for a 10 year lifespan bike so it's a VERY good price for an LX150.

There are a few models of the LX150 so be sure to choose the right one, from what i know:

1) Carburator - Try and avoid
2) Fuel Injected 2-Valve - Trouble free, slightly lower power and higher fuel consumption, easier to tune
3) Fuel Injected 3-Valve - Latest model, better fuel economy, slightly more power, harder to tune

You can tell whether they are fuel-injected as the side fender will have a "i.e" logo. Harder to tell between the 2 and 3 valve models so best you bring to a workshop to check.

Things to look out for:

1) Smooth idling
2) All switches working
3) Starts on first try (especially fuel injected models)
4) Strong battery
5) Wear and tear (tyres, outlook, etc)
6) Moving off from a start (whether any vibration, dragging, or smooth accelaration)
7) Outlook (less important, can always do with a respray)

Routine maintenance no different from any 2B scooters. Plenty of packages available from (Mah Pte Ltd, Modern Vespa/Scooter Narcotics or Waste Garage). Servicing around $30, battery around $90, belt/roller/bearing probably $100+ so pretty affordable.

You can't go wrong with an LX150, excellent choice go for it and enjoy the Vespa lifestyle!

Waste Garage's Facebook page has a lot of poison for you to choose from so be weary!

[Omarzahir]

Hey just out of curiosity you mentioned to try avoid the carburator models could you touch on this looking to get a lx150 myself but I’ve been in a dilemma as of late 

[SBF]

On 5/19/2021 at 9:20 AM, Omarzahir said:

Hey just out of curiosity you mentioned to try avoid the carburator models could you touch on this looking to get a lx150 myself but I’ve been in a dilemma as of late 

@Omarzahir Carb models are older generation, harder to start during cold weather, higher fuel consumption, more finicky, rough idle, etc.

Fuel injected models are better because.. technology!