Scheduled Maintenance Costs

[aprilatlanta37]

I just got a used Italia with 1220 miles on it. The guy I bought it from says he did take it in for the 500-600 mile service. I got a quote from a dealer nearby who says he'll do the 1200 mile service for $80. I'm wondering if this is a decent price for the second service.
I know there is a dealer further away that would do the service for $65, but I don't want to travel so far in such heavy traffic.
Any insight?
Thanks,
April

[pdxrita]

I think the second service really only consists of an oil change (including oil filter), and maybe a gear oil change. You could easily do this yourself for about $20-$30.

[aprilatlanta37]

Thanks for responding

The thing is, when I bought the scooter, the seller mentioned that it "idled funny" so I would feel better off getting the idle adjusted. I've got the checklist for everything that's supposed to be checked in the 2nd service (from the Buddy 150 manual), and I aim to get more out of this service than just an oil change. I especially want the brakes (for safety's sake) and the battery checked.
Also, and this is SO LAZY, I still have the scooter loaded on the back of my truck and thought it'd be convenient to go ahead and take it in!

--april

[ericalm]

1200 mile service? No need.

After the first service, you can go another 2K miles before the second. Second service really is mostly just oil and filter changes, but if you're having any issues, good to get it checked out then (especially since you bought used). Idle adjustment takes about 2 minutes.

The third service, at around 4K, is your next "big" service which involves a number of checks of the transmission, valves and so on and will run you a bit more.

Unless the scooter isn't running properly, there's not much need for a 1200 mile service. If all that's off is the idle, it's a very easy fix requiring nothing more than a screwdriver.

Instructions here: topic4153.html

$80 isn't an unreasonable price for an oil/filter change and general checkup. The price varies by location/dealer but that's not too high.

That 4K service will run more, though, as it's much more intensive.

[Scalpel]

I'd suggest taking it in, and having them adjust and check everything. That way you have confidence that it's in running order before you ride it.

After you get it back, come back here and check the how-to section on how to change the oil yourself. It'll save you money, and half the fun of owning a scooter is being able to tinker with it yourself.

[aprilatlanta37]

Thanks guys!

Well, I took it in and they worked on it for more than 3 HOURS. Something about the idle wasn't right, and they worked on that and cleaned the carb, etc. They ended up telling me that the idle still wasn't optimal, but that it should get better as I ride the Italia. Weird, huh? I hope it does resolve itself.

Also, my very first mod is going to be cutting down the seat. I'm 5 feet tall and I've had hip surgery, so I'm not comfortable with tippy-toe riding. I haven't decided yet whether I'm going to have it done professionally or follow the AWESOME tutorial I found on this site.

I'll keep in touch,
--april

[iMoses]

Also, my very first mod is going to be cutting down the seat. I'm 5 feet tall and I've had hip surgery, so I'm not comfortable with tippy-toe riding.

How about a shaved seat AND boots with thick soles... plenty of the shorter variety of riders around here exercise that combination leg lengthening.

[DonkeyScoot]

1200 mile service? No need.

After the first service, you can go another 2K miles before the second. Second service really is mostly just oil and filter changes, but if you're having any issues, good to get it checked out then (especially since you bought used). Idle adjustment takes about 2 minutes.

The third service, at around 4K, is your next "big" service which involves a number of checks of the transmission, valves and so on and will run you a bit more.

Unless the scooter isn't running properly, there's not much need for a 1200 mile service. If all that's off is the idle, it's a very easy fix requiring nothing more than a screwdriver.

Instructions here: topic4153.html

$80 isn't an unreasonable price for an oil/filter change and general checkup. The price varies by location/dealer but that's not too high.

That 4K service will run more, though, as it's much more intensive.

I bought my Buddy used and it had been sitting in a garage for over a year unused so I did the full service tune up and it cost me $230 from a dealer in SF. I'm glad I did, lots of piece of mind came from it.

They said I should do another one in 2k miles or a year but I'm nearing my 2k miles after just 5 months since I ride it every single day back and forth to work and on the weekends. I'm thinking of just doing the oil change myself then going in after a year or 4k from the original tune up and get another one done.

[aprilatlanta37]

I have 2 pair of boots with thick soles. One pair is Magnum (like cop boots) and the other pair is Milwaukee. I measured my inseam last night and it's 28 inches. I sent an email to PirateUpholstery.com to check their rates. My dealer said that they cut down seats and replace the pads with gel. I'm waiting to hear from 'em.

april

[dsmith65]

April, I'm a tad taller than you at 5'2", but only have a 27" inseam. When at I'm stopped I usually only put my left foot down and am flat foot when I do that, and can support the bike comfortably. I can't flat foot both feet but I've never felt unsteady on the scoot when doing that. In fact if you observe people on motorcycles, becuase the rear brake is operated with the right foot, most of them only put the left foot down. That being said there are times when it is nice to have both feet on the ground.

[aprilatlanta37]

Yes, I have tried leaning left and putting one foot down. I'm pretty comfortable with it, but I know I'd be even more stable if I got the seat lowered.

april