Winter Storage Tips for your Vespa.

If you're planning on parking your Vespa for the winter, here are a few tips to make getting rolling again in Spring that much easier.

FUEL SYSTEM. Unleaded gas has a shelf life of only a few weeks before it begins to deteriorate in quality. It will turn into a lacquer that will clog everything, if left for long enough. So, run the fuel level down low, add some stabilizing fuel additive in the tank and run the bike for a few miles to get it through the fuel system. Fuel stabilizer can be bought at any auto parts store or at Cycle Gear. MAKE SURE you READ the INSTRUCTIONS! Come the Spring, first stop is the gas station to fill up with fresh fuel.

WASH IT. Give your Vespa a careful washing using car wash soap. DO NOT use dish washing detergent! I use Meguiar's brand, available at O'Reilly Auto Parts. I also use a microfiber wash mitt to wash the scooter and a synthetic chamois to dry. AVOID using high pressure "do it yourself" car wash places. When washing your Vespa DO NOT REMOVE the under seat storage bucket to wash the engine. Seriously, don't do it. After washing carefully apply the brakes when riding as the braking surfaces will be wet and it will take longer to stop. If you want to go for a complete detail, you can also give your scooter a polish. I use terry cloth covered sponge applicators, and microfiber polishing cloths. A wash and a polish takes only about an hour start to finish.

TIRES. Make sure your tires are correctly inflated, 26PSI FRONT and 32PSI REAR, I cannot stress the importance of correct tire pressure enough. If you are going to park your Vespa for an extended period without any use whatsoever, I feel that it's a good idea to over inflate you tires to 36PSI front and rear. Tires often lose air when sitting unused so this will hopefully keep tires inflated enough while it's sitting for the winter. JUST BE SURE to correct pressures BEFORE you ride again.

BATTERY. If you have a garage or a place to park with an electrical outlet, get an automatic battery tender installed on your Vespa, this will keep it fully charged as well as extending the life of your battery. Come the Spring the scooter will start and it will save you $$$ from calling to get your bike towed in for a service. I sell them here at the shop for $41.99 and installation is FREE!. Get one, It'll save you money and grief later.

COVER IT. Use a modern breathable type, that won't encourage condensation which leads to rusted chrome. I have them here at the shop for $49.99 + tax.