[imagesource: Vespa Garage Nürnberg/ Facebook]

With nowhere to go and trips out the house limited to a short jog or walk in the morning, or a quick dash to the shops, your Vespa probably hasn’t been getting the love that it’s used to.

The hibernation period may help with flattening that curve, but it could also be detrimental to your beloved two-wheeler.

A couple of things happen to a bike or scooter when it sits for too long without use.

The paint starts to peel on the tank, the seals and gaskets shrink and crack, tyres become brittle, the battery drains, and condensation build-up in the carburettors and engine can cause rust.

So while you might be starved for a project, a full restoration of your once pristine Vespa is probably not high on the list of things you want to tackle.

That’s why Car and Bike put together a simple checklist for keeping your Vespa in fighting form.

• Keep it clean: Keep your scooter clean and covered. Apart from protecting the paint and chrome, this will also prevent the tires and other rubber parts from drying out.
• Make use of the centre stand: If your Vespa has a centre stand, use it when parking. It will keep the fluids in your scooter balanced. It also helps to prevent it from falling and getting damaged.
• Keep a full tank: You should ensure the tank is full and that the cables, springs and chain are well lubricated. Check them at least once a week.
• Protection: If your scooter is parked outside it’s worth investing in a chain and lock to protect it.
• Disconnect the battery: The battery needs to be disconnected to avoid depletion.

If you’re unsure how to disconnect the battery, it’s easier than you think:

Alternately, you can start your Vespa every three to four days and let it idle for some time.

Finally, when venturing out to check on your baby, make sure that you’re masked, carrying hand sanitiser, and that you wash your hands immediately when you’re back indoors.

For those of you who covet a Vespa, remember that this lockdown won’t last forever (we hope).

When it’s over, drop Seth a line at editor@2oceansvibe.com and he’ll set you up with a great deal on your own two-wheeled beauty.

[source:carandbike]