Moped - Infrequent use

[Hammer]

Hi all, I’ve inherited a Vespa scooter and fancy keeping it as a bit of a toy but won’t be using it very frequently, probably only every few months. It’s about 5 years old and hasn’t been used much, probably only a few thousand miles on the clock. Is there anything I should be doing to help it stay happy given it’s lack of frequent use?

[Zacs-Master]

run it up to normal temp every now and then.
Put it on a trickle charger.
rotate the tyres
check the brakes
make sure you only use arabica beans.

[Hammer]

Cheers ZM. Arabica beans?

[Graham-W]

When you know you are putting it away for a while, turn the petrol off about 1/4 mile from home and run the carburettor empty. Reduces the chance of gumming up the slide and jets.

[Zacs-Master]

Coffee Grinder ;-)

[JimmyCooper]

Just turn the fuel off and thats it.

I leave mine standing over the winter for between 3 and 4 months without even turning it over and it starts first time

[Hopkirk]

With a car that is left standing, I believe there is a worry of creating flat spots on the tyres if it isn't moved or put on stands.

However I doubt a moped is heavy enough to have such worries.

[MantaRay]

1. Keep it in a dry environment,or spray WD40 on any parts that look like they are getting rusty or pitted
2. Keep the battery charge topped up with a battery conditioner/charger
3. Check and reset tyre pressures before they run flat
4. Start up and run the engine for a minute or so every month, and up to temperature say, every three months. If the scooter remains taked and insured then run it around the block every month.

[MantaRay]

Ooh I hasten too add...brake discs go rusty on vehicles left standing...but don't apply WD40 to any brake components.

[Baldric]

enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKnoffPV8m0

[Hammer]

Thanks all, looks like I'll need to find an excuse to use it every month or so. And WD40 on the brakes - now I don't profess to know much about these things but even I know that is a bad idea!!
Just need to work out how to turn the fuel off now...