The Complete Scooter Maintenance Guide
Mile-by-mile care for the bike that gets you everywhere.
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Backed by Real Service Manuals
This guide is based on research from approximately 100 service manuals across major scooter manufacturers, categorized by displacement class (small urban and maxi). While we recommend always checking your specific service manual for exact specifications, these schedules represent real-world best practices that work for everyday riders.
Every Ride: Quick Check Routine
Three minutes of inspection before you ride prevents problems that strand you miles from home.
Track Your Commute Miles
Log your daily rides and know exactly when service is due.
| Service Task | Pre-Ride Every ride | 600 Miles Break-in | 2,000 Miles Regular check | 4,000 Miles Oil service | 8,000 Miles Major service | 12,000 Miles Belt service |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Check tire pressure | — | — | — | — | — | |
Inspect tire condition | — | — | — | — | ||
Check oil level | — | — | — | — | ||
Test brake lever and pedal | — | — | — | — | — | |
Check lights, signals, horn | — | — | — | — | — | |
Change engine oil | — | — | ||||
Check valve clearance | — | — | — | — | ||
Inspect/clean air filter | — | — | — | |||
Inspect brake pads/shoes | — | — | — | |||
Inspect spark plug | — | — | — | — | ||
Check throttle cable play | — | — | — | — | ||
Change gear oil (final drive) | — | — | — | |||
Check coolant level (liquid-cooled) utility | — | — | — | — | ||
Replace spark plug | — | — | — | — | ||
Flush brake fluid | — | — | — | — | ||
Flush coolant (liquid-cooled) utility | — | — | — | — | — | |
Replace fuel filter | — | — | — | — | ||
Inspect/replace V-belt | — | — | — | — | — | |
Inspect variator rollers | — | — | — | — | — | |
Inspect clutch shoes | — | — | — | — | — | |
Check wheel bearings | — | — | — | — |
Never Miss a Service
Set reminders for oil changes and belt replacement. LookOver tracks miles and time.
Engine Oil: Simple but Critical
Scooter engines work hard in stop-and-go traffic. Regular oil changes keep them running.
CVT Transmission: Your Automatic Drivetrain
The continuously variable transmission is what makes your scooter twist-and-go. It needs attention.
Track Belt Mileage
Know exactly how many miles are on your belt. Replace before it fails.
Brakes: Stop-and-Go Champions
Scooter brakes work harder in city traffic than sport bike brakes on the highway.
Front Disc Brake
- Inspect pads every 2,000 miles
- Replace below 2mm thickness
- Check rotor for scoring
- Most stopping power here
Rear Brake (Drum or Disc)
- Drums: inspect shoes at 4,000 mi
- Discs: same as front
- Adjust cable tension as needed
- Drum brakes fade when hot
Brake Fluid
- Flush every 2 years
- DOT 4 standard
- Check level at sight glass
- Low level = worn pads or leak
Winter Storage and Spring Startup
If you store your scooter for winter, proper preparation prevents problems.
Storage Prep
- Fill fuel tank, add stabilizer
- Change oil before storage
- Charge battery or use maintainer
- Inflate tires to max PSI
Spring Startup
- Check all fluid levels
- Inspect tires for flat spots
- Test brakes before riding
- Run engine, let it warm fully
Battery Care
- Remove or use battery maintainer
- Store in cool, dry place
- Charge monthly if removed
- Test voltage before install
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