How to Bring Your Vespa Out of Storage

Image: Manu / iVespa

For those of us compelled to take a break from riding our bella Vespa during winter hibernation, spring brings with it not only sunshine and renewal but the start of a new riding season. It’s great to get back on the road and enjoy the freedom of riding after months of cold weather and being cooped up indoors.

Suppose you ride in a county with year-round riding season. In that case, you can enjoy the thrill and freedom of your Vespa anytime without waiting “patiently” for the start of your area’s riding season.

If, on the other hand, your Vespa has been in hibernation, there are some steps you should take to ensure its safe return to the open road. Here’s a general checklist to help you get started.

Step One: Visual Inspection

Making sure the scooter is in good shape and safe to use requires starting with a visual assessment. You should keep an eye out for the following throughout your visual inspection:

Tires:

Examine the tire pressure and keep an eye out for any cracks, bulges, or other wear indicators. Verify that the tread is still intact and that there are no holes or other damages. Check the tires’ beyond due date.

Brakes:

Look for any evidence of wear or damage on the brake pads, rotors, and brake lines. Ensure there are no leaks and the brake fluid is at the proper level.

Lights:

Inspect the motorcycle’s lights, including the headlights, turn signals, and brake lights, to ensure they all function correctly.

Filters:

Examine the air and fuel filters. If they are dusty or clogged, clean or replace them.

Belt Drive: Check the belt drive for signs of wear, proper tension, and lubrication.

Check the battery: Examine the battery for any corrosion or damage.

Before you leave, fully charge it if it’s running low on power.

Controls and Cables: Ensure that the clutch, brake, and throttle cables operate correctly and make any required adjustments.

Suspension: Ensure the suspension is correctly adjusted and inspect it for leaks or other damage.

Bearings: Bearings require lubrication to operate smoothly and prevent wear and tear. Examine the bearings.

General Condition:

Look for any wear, damage, or corrosion in the Vespa’s overall condition, including the frame, bodywork, and accessories.

Clean the Vespa:

Wash and polish the scooter thoroughly, paying particular attention to the wheels, body, and undercarriage. In addition to looking excellent, a clean ride runs better.

Unusual Sounds or Vibration:

Run the scooter and let it idle for a few minutes to warm up. Check for any unusual sounds or vibrations.

Stefan Rohrer Orange Vespa

Step Two: Fluids and Lube

Fluids:

Check the oil, coolant, and other fluids to ensure they’re at the correct level and have no leaks.
Ensure that the oil, coolant, and other fluids are at the proper level and free from leaks. Engine oil is critical for healthy engine operation and should be replaced along with the oil filter at the start of every riding season or when placing your bike in storage. Over time, the oil can become contaminated and lose its effectiveness.
Coolant helps regulate the temperature of your Vespa’s engine. Check the coolant level and color; if necessary, top-up or flush and replace following the owner’s manual recommendation.
Brake fluid is vital to your motorcycle’s braking system. Over time, it can absorb moisture and lose its effectiveness.

Lubrication:

As wine lubricates life, greases and oils lubricate your Vespa, ensuring the longevity and effective operation of its moving parts. Proper lube is essential in moving parts to lower friction and prevent wear and tear. Moreover, lubrication aids in heat dissipation, extending the lifespan of your scooter’s parts.
There are certain best practices for lubricating your motorcycle in addition to following the manufacturer’s recommendations. Using too much grease, for instance, might collect dirt and debris and cause wear and tear. Instead, apply lubricant evenly and avoid over-lubricating. As they might affect the environment, used lubricants and oils should also be disposed of appropriately.

Step Three: Get Physical

Test Ride the Vespa

After you’ve completed the above checklist, a brief test ride in a calm and safe environment is essential. Check the cables, handling, clutch, throttle, and brakes. The short ride can help you determine your Vespa’s overall condition. Look for mechanical issues such as loose bolts or suspension problems. Try to assess any general wear and tear. The test ride will help you determine if additional maintenance is required.

Remember to perform the test ride in a safe, quiet area to ensure everything works correctly before entering traffic. Take your time and thoroughly evaluate any issue before making a decision. If the Vespa doesn’t sound right or feel right to you, it probably isn’t. Trust your instincts!