sys49152
Well-known member
I purchased a 2005 Vespa ET4 for my wife a few weeks ago, and needed to do a bunch of work on it (front/rear brakes, tires, plastic weld repair, turn signal switch, engine/gear oil, etc, etc...).
I sourced most of my parts from the US before finding out about Vespa Toronto West, which is really unfortunate. When I did locate the shop, I left them a voicemail on the day the shop was closed, but they still called me back promptly and provided a detailed response to my questions.
Long story short, I visited the shop, purchased the additional parts I needed (all in stock!) and had an excellent and helpful conversation with the owner and shop mechanic (Lou and Nick). I subsequently had to order additional parts and visited the shop a second time. I had a ton of questions for Nick and he patiently answered all of them, which included pulling the seat off the resident ET4 and showing me all of the areas he felt I should inspect for each of the issues I discussed.
*Really* outstanding. I have a lot of respect for shops that are willing to help instruct you on how to solve issues (if you're willing) by yourself, without immediately suggesting you bring your bike in for any additional help. Pro6Cycle (Joe, Johnny, Ryan and Sandy) and GP Bikes (Ken Livingstone, aka superman) are the gold standard, and Nick was truly no less -- remarkable! I'd feel really confident suggesting anyone with a Vespa speak to Nick at Toronto Vespa West as well. And talk to Lou if you need to source any parts at prices that usually beat the US prices.
It's fantastic that we have this available to us, at competitive prices with knowledgable staff. We owe it to them to use and support our local shops.
I sourced most of my parts from the US before finding out about Vespa Toronto West, which is really unfortunate. When I did locate the shop, I left them a voicemail on the day the shop was closed, but they still called me back promptly and provided a detailed response to my questions.
Long story short, I visited the shop, purchased the additional parts I needed (all in stock!) and had an excellent and helpful conversation with the owner and shop mechanic (Lou and Nick). I subsequently had to order additional parts and visited the shop a second time. I had a ton of questions for Nick and he patiently answered all of them, which included pulling the seat off the resident ET4 and showing me all of the areas he felt I should inspect for each of the issues I discussed.
*Really* outstanding. I have a lot of respect for shops that are willing to help instruct you on how to solve issues (if you're willing) by yourself, without immediately suggesting you bring your bike in for any additional help. Pro6Cycle (Joe, Johnny, Ryan and Sandy) and GP Bikes (Ken Livingstone, aka superman) are the gold standard, and Nick was truly no less -- remarkable! I'd feel really confident suggesting anyone with a Vespa speak to Nick at Toronto Vespa West as well. And talk to Lou if you need to source any parts at prices that usually beat the US prices.
It's fantastic that we have this available to us, at competitive prices with knowledgable staff. We owe it to them to use and support our local shops.
