The right fuel / Steering Lock / Running in / Getting your scooter serviced / Locating the chassis number

The right fuel

The scooters must be filled with 2 stroke fuel. You will need to buy a fuel container with a long spout. The 2 stroke fuel mix should be mixed with 3 to 4% two stroke oil for the first 1,000km. After you feel sure that the motor is run-in you can go as low as 2% mixture.

If your country has done away with lead based fuels, you need to add the correct amount of additive to the fuel mix to compensate. Vespa's have an 8 Litre tank and, depending on the way you ride it, will average out at 200 km a tank.

A little tip for starting your scooter, especially when the engine is cold:
1: Approach the scooter from the right side and lean the bike towards you a little for about a minute..
2: Pull out the choke and kick without using any accelerator.
3: When the engine fires do not over rev, just rev it gently and let warm up for a few moments then reduce the choke.

Steering Lock
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There is a special method with the Vespa steering lock ...
The handle bars will lock only when you steer the handle bars all the way to the left. Please make sure to check this because many accidents happen when users don't realise when the lock is applied and when riding, turn a tight corner, and have an accident because the steering locks.

Running In
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VERY IMPORTANT PLEASE READ.....

For the first 2000km (1200 miles) DO NOT PUSH THE SCOOTER - TAKE IT REALLY EASY. You can easily ruin the motor if you accellerate too hard or go too fast before it is run in. Be gentle in the beginning. If you push it while the pistons and rings are new and tight you can seize the engine because the oil will burn up from the heat and not lubricate.

Also if you dont put enough oil in the fuel mix you will seize the motor. 3 to 4% is a good amount during the first 1000km. However it may blow a little 'smoke' - dont worry about that as it is better to keep the motor well lubricated. Too much oil can kill the spark plug regularly.

If you are riding along and the back wheel feels like it locks up a little, this is because the motor is newly restored and the rings and pistons are tight and you are pushing it too hard or have accellerated to quickly. You need to be aware of this and if this happens, squeeze the clutch lever, pull-over, and stop immediately and let the motor cool down.

Run your scooter in properly and it will purr along without any problems at all. These motors are very reliable.

1st Gear: Do not exceed 25kms/hr (15 mph)
2nd Gear: Do not exceed 40kms/hr (25 mph)
3rd Gear: Do not exceed 65kms/hr (34 mph)
4th Gear: Do not exceed 70kms/hr (44 mph)

Do NOT hold these maximum speeds for long periods.

Do NOT use full throttle.

Whenever forced to reduce speed, immediately engage a lower gear.

Change gearbox oil after 1000 km's (600 miles)

Services
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First service after 500kms (300 miles). Thereafter, service every 4000 km's (2400 miles)

Locating the chassis number
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The chassis number is located on the left side below the cover. Sometimes you will be able to see the number at the bottom of the cover. However, in some cases you might need to remove the cover as the rubber may hide the number.

Remove cover by undoing the nuts on the inside. Access is via the glove compartment.

The chassis number can be seen along the base of the guard panel.

Alternative location:

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