Vespa purchase help required

S

sdbones

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Hi fellow riders,

First off my apologies for posting on the motorcycle forum but there is almost nothing out there for scooter riders. I will point out though that I do know how to ride a motorcycle but for the city I've decided to just purchase a Vespa.

I am wondering if anyone can help me with the following since I am an extremely new rider - this is my first purchase.

I am looking at a 2007 Vespa LX150, 3200km.

Do I need to take it to a mechanic to get it checked out? Do I need to get new tires? The tread looked ok but again I don't know much about tires but they weren't worn down by any means.

I tested it and it worked, brakes work, there are minor cosmetic scratches, only one that's taken the paint off, but it's extremely small.

So do I need to take it to a mechanic outside of the safety inspection?

Thank you, any help is great appreciated!

- SD
 
If you are uncofortable with the functional condition of the scooter, obviously, take it to a good mechanic for a check-up. That same mechanic can safety the scooter too if it needs to be done.

If those tires are original tires from 2007 (5+ years old), then I'd consider changing them. Look closely at the condition of the side walls, and rubber overall - check for cracks in the old rubber.
 
ViperZ said:
If you are uncofortable with the functional condition of the scooter, obviously, take it to a good mechanic for a check-up. That same mechanic can safety the scooter too if it needs to be done.

If those tires are original tires from 2007 (5+ years old), then I'd consider changing them. Look closely at the condition of the side walls, and rubber overall - check for cracks in the old rubber.
Click to expand...

Thank you! I checked and the bike looked to be in really good condition. I will look into the cost of getting new tires. Thanks!
 
If I may add. The 150 is a Tank. They can go 100,00 KMS no problem. With only 3500 kms you have no worries. If it starts and runs nice than your good to go. Having said all that, being 5 years old and if your not sure if all the fluids were changed I would do all that, the Engine Oil, Gear Oil and Coolant. Then you can be maintenance free for a while. Tires are usually good for 10K or more depending on how you ride and drive so use the rubber you got first. Your Belt and rollers should also be good to 10K. You will know when they need changing by the way the bike starts to take of from a stop, you will feel a shudder. Good Luck.
 
There's no law or regulation for the age of tires.
5-10 years is generally the norm to take them off the street, however, if the scooter has been stored indoors, the rubber has much better chance of being acceptable after 5 years.
Sun is a major tire killer. Dries them out and causes cracking.
If you're not capable of checking their condition - change them.
FYI, a lot of mechanics know **** all about tires, holding on to some prehistoric urban myths. ... And for safety, all you need is tread depth, so they may pass it with bad cracks and uneven wear.
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