What Not to Do When Cleaning Your Vespa Scooter

There’s something special about cruising down the road on a freshly washed and polished Vespa. The clean lines and classic design of a Vespa evoke a sense of nostalgia for simpler times as the shiny surface catches the sunlight and reflects the world around you.

A clean and polished Vespa can look like it just rolled off the showroom floor. The shiny surfaces and clean lines can evoke a sense of pride in ownership. Taking care of your scooter and keeping it looking its best is a way of showing respect for the machine and the experience it provides. In addition, the time you spend getting up close and personal with all its details and components helps to create a stronger bond between the rider and the machine.  Plus, regular cleaning and maintenance can prevent wear and tear on the scooter, extending its lifespan. 

What to Avoid

The weather is perfect, a fantastic morning as you sit in your perfect chair sipping a perfect latte, but unfortunately, as you raise the hot cup of coffee to your lips, in a glance, you notice the Vespa sitting alone in the driveway in a taint condition. 

You continue reading, but your subconscious visualizes your unique Vespa in dire need of a bath, making it impossible to concentrate on your reading. After a few moments, you surrender and motivate yourself to deliver severe TLC to the bella macchina. 

As you’re about to begin, your subconscious interrupts you, asking if you’re aware of the following six things to avoid when cleaning your Vespa.

1 – Avoid high-pressure washers 

While using a high-pressure washer to clean your Vespa quickly may be tempting, the water’s force can damage the paint, electrical components, and other sensitive parts.

Vespa strongly discourages using a high-pressure washer for engine cleaning and recommends using low-pressure water on painted surfaces. “Use a low-pressure water jet to soften the dirt and mud deposited on painted surfaces,” Vespa GTS Supra 300 Owners Manual.

Vespa Piaggio makes an exception if no other means are available to clean the scooter’s engine, then a high-pressure washer can be used with the following restrains.

1. • ONLY USE FAN SPRAY JETS.
2. • DO NOT PLACE THE WATER JET NOZZLE CLOSER THAN 60 CM.
3. • DO NOT USE WATER AT TEMPERATURES OVER 40°C.
4. • DO NOT USE HIGH-PRESSURE WATER JETS.
5. • DO NOT STEAM WASH.
6. • DO NOT DIRECT THE JET STRAIGHT TO THE WIRING AND SLOT DIFFUSER ON THE TRANSMISSION COVER.

2 – Never with the hot engine 

If you’ve just returned from cruising around town or commuting from work, wait until the engine and exhaust cool down before grabbing the hose. Honda Powersports suggests, “Get a cup of tea and wait until the engine and exhaust system have cooled down….) 

Thermal shock, which can harm engine parts, including the cylinders, cylinder head, and engine block, can result from the abrupt introduction of cold water to a hot engine. These components may bend or crack, as a result, necessitating expensive repairs. Moreover, cold water drops evaporating after contact with heated metal may spot hot surfaces.

3- Direct Sunlight

When you wash your motorcycle in direct sunlight, the water and soap on the surface of your bike can quickly dry out, leaving water spots. These spots are unsightly and can be difficult to remove, especially if left on for an extended period.

The water and soap on your motorcycle’s surface may soon dry out and leave water stains if you clean it in bright sunshine. These stains are ugly and can be challenging to remove, especially if left on for a long time. Moreover, additional water and soap will be needed to complete the cleaning due to the quickly evaporated water. If you have to pay for water, this can be expensive, inefficient, and wasteful.

4 – Avoid Sponges

Using a sponge to clean your motorcycle may be okay, but there are some potential issues. It is difficult or nearly impossible to rinse the dirt and debris sponges can collect in their pores. When you continue to clean with the sponge, these embedded particles could harm your scooter’s paint or other surfaces. 

5 – Never Harsh Chemicals

Corrosive substances, abrasive detergents, and solvents can harm paint, chrome, and other parts of the Vespa. Use a light soap or detergent made especially for cleaning motorcycles or scooters instead.

6 – Never leave the exhaust pipe unplugged.

While washing your Vespa, you must remember to cover the exhaust pipe. While cleaning, if water gets into the exhaust pipe, it could lead to rust and corrosion, which could damage the exhaust pipe and reduce its performance over time.

In Conclusion

Now that you’ve safely washed your Vespa take it for a spin and enjoy the sense of pride that comes from taking care of your ride and making it look its best. When you spend time and effort washing and polishing your Vespa, you’re not only removing dirt and grime, but you’re also showing it the care and attention it deserves.