Winter check for Vespa & scooter

Created by Ralf Jodl at 09:10 on October 1, 2024

We have put together some tried-and-tested and simple tips for winterising your Vespa or scooter. If you prepare your scooter well, you will be rewarded with a problem-free start next spring!

If you winterise your Vespa thoroughly, you will have far fewer problems when you start it for the first time in spring. Of course, you can also ride your Vespa on dry winter days, but be careful: Road salt finds its way onto metal and Rubber even in dry weather and can cause damage. It is therefore advisable to clean the scooter thoroughly after every ride.

To prevent rust from forming during storage, the scooter should be thoroughly washed before winter storage. Dirt that collects on the base plate in particular retains moisture and thus promotes corrosion. Small scratches that reach the Plate should be covered with Paint. Alternatively, a coat of anti-corrosion oil provides additional protection against rust.

1. Cleaner / chrome care

Fly dirt and grime can attack the Paint and metal of your vehicle in the long term. It is therefore important to remove these residues thoroughly before winterising. Particularly stubborn stains should be removed to protect surfaces. Chrome parts should also be polished again before winter to ensure shine and protection. In our range you will find tried and tested Care productsthat ensure thorough cleaning and care of Paint and chrome. This will keep your vehicle in top condition throughout the cold season.

2. Battery charging

With our intelligent Charging Devices the process is made much easier: the Battery can remain in the vehicle while it is automatically recharged as required. The device switches itself on and off automatically to optimise the battery's state of charge and prevent overcharging. This means that the Battery remains ready for use at all times without having to be removed.

3. Radiator

Check the coolant level regularly and top up with Antifreeze top up if necessary. Especially in the cold months, both in the garage and outdoors, it is important that the coolant contains enough antifreeze to protect the Engine from damage caused by freezing. Antifreeze not only prevents freezing, but also protects against corrosion and overheating. Make sure that the mixing ratio of the antifreeze matches the season and use a Cooling Fluid that is suitable for your vehicle.

4. Tyre pressure

To avoid a flat tyre, the tyre pressure should be increased by around 0.3 bar. This is particularly important when the vehicle is stationary for long periods of time, as the higher pressure helps to distribute the weight more evenly across the tyres. With our precise Air Pump the pressure can be precisely adjusted and monitored to ensure optimum results.

5. Filling the tank

All metal tanks should be filled to the brim with petrol before winter storage to prevent corrosion inside the tank. Filling the tank completely minimises the contact of moisture in the air with the inside wall of the tank, which prevents the formation of rust and corrosion. This is a proven method of keeping the tank and fuel in perfect condition, especially for vehicles that are not used for long periods of time.

6. Storage

To reduce the load on the Tyres, the vehicle should be placed on the Centre Stand. Of course, you can also jack up the scooter completely, e.g. with our Parking Trolleys! Ideally, it should be stored in a dry room (garage, cellar). In any case, we recommend that you cover the scooter with scooter Cover to protect it well to protect it well.

7. Winter tyres

If you also want to ride your scooter in winter, you should use appropriate winter tyres Winter tyres tyres. There is now a large selection of tyres specially designed for scooters, which ensure greater safety on cold and slippery roads.

Important note: Our video is no longer up to date, as winter tyres are no longer mandatory for scooters in Germany since 2017. Nevertheless, it is advisable to use winter tyres in winter conditions. However, the situation is different in neighbouring countries such as Switzerland and Austria: There, winter tyres are still mandatory for scooters in the cold season.

8. Never freeze

"There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing". Yes, an old saying, but still true. Tucano Urbano offers clothing with chic and lots of function that make scooter riding a pleasure even in cold temperatures: TheWind/weather protection "Termoscud®" is the ideal water and cold protection for all seasons. The cover is attached to the scooter in a few simple steps. Legs and lower body are thus optimally protected. The coat is cosy and warm under the padded, waterproof material!
Grip cuffs from TUCANO URBANO. The ideal protection against wind and weather in the cold season. The handlebar grips keep your hands cosy and warm. Controls such as Light and Indicator Switch are still easily accessible.
The "Linuscud" from TUCANO URBANO is the ideal wind/weather protection on short journeys. It keeps your legs, chest and hips cosy and warm, especially in the city or on short journeys, and is 100% waterproof.
The "Panta-Fast" is the ideal wind/weather protection for anyone who finds a "Termoscud" too bulky or is looking for additional protection from the wind and weather. It is worn like an apron and is not permanently attached to the scooter.
Thermo Skirt "Cool Hot from TUCANO URBANO: Easy to put on and take off, this skirt offers reliable protection from the cold and wet. It can be worn over skirts and trousers and its generous cut does not restrict your freedom of movement.
Wind/weather protection "Termoscud® Passenger" from TUCANO URBANO, we recommend the "Termoscud Passanger" to keep the pillion passenger dry and warm. This is attached to the rider's "Termoscud" with Velcro or placed around the rider's hips.

9. Lighting

In the darker months of the year, it is essential that your scooter has powerful, functioning lights. It is therefore important to check the lighting system thoroughly and replace defective or weak bulbs if necessary. If your scooter is still equipped with a weak 6-volt ignition, it is worth upgrading to a modern, powerful 12-volt ignition, such as the SIP PERFORMANCE Ignition with 110 watts. This not only offers better lighting, but also a more stable power supply, which is particularly advantageous in winter.

Cover picture - Hand Book Classic VESPA Scooters

Hand Book Classic VESPA Scooters

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Maintenance, repair

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Ralf Jodl
Ralf Jodl

Ralf is managing director and co-founder of SIP Scootershop. He has been riding Vespa since 1990 and even today the working day starts best for him when he rides to the SIP headquarters in Landsberg on his Rally 200. Otherwise he owns a 180 SS, a 160 GS and a VM2 fenderlight Vespa.

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