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Here’s how to change the oil and filter on a Vespa Primavera, as per the instructions in Vespa’s own Primavera service manual, so you can change the oil yourself, exactly how a dealer would. Because the Vespa Primavera and the Vespa Sprint share the same motors, these instructions will also show you how to change the oil and filter on a Vespa Sprint.
We’ll be following the instructions as outlined in Vespa’s own service manual, so you’ll see how to change the oil and filter yourself, exactly how a Vespa dealer would change it. I’ll also show you what parts and tools I use, and where to get the best price for all of them.
Tools you need for a Vespa Primavera oil change / Vespa Sprint oil change
- 1.43 litres of 5W-40 semi-synthetic (or 5W-40 full-synthetic) motorcycle oil
- K&N KN-183 oil filter
- Torque wrench (even this cheap $35 one promises to be within 4% accurate)
- A 17mm bit (if you have a K&N oil filter currently on your bike), or channellock pliers (like this one)
- A 24mm bit (preferably a low profile 24 mm bit)
- A low profile oil drain pan
- Gloves, rags, and other supplies to clean up any spills
- This Black Widow motorcycle table lift isn’t necessary but it sure made the job easy and it wasn’t too expensive (full review here)
You can change the oil and filter yourself in these five steps:
- Remove the oil drain bolt to drain out the old oil and clear the pre-filter (oil screen)
- Remove the old oil filter
- Lubricate and install the new oil filter
- Lubricate and install the oil drain plug
- Fill with 1.43 litres of clean oil and check the oil level on the dipstick
Before you start your Vespa Primavera / Vespa Sprint oil and filter change…
There are a few things in the Vespa Primavera service manual that we should cover before we get started.
- Your Vespa Primavera or Vespa Sprint should be warmed up, but not hot enough to burn you. Vespa’s service manual recommends letting your Vespa run for a few minutes and then leaving it off for five minutes.
- Your Vespa Primavera or Vespa Sprint is designed for the oil to be changed with the motorcycle in a fully upright position, not on a side stand. Use the stand, a hoist, a vice, or just ask a friend to hold your bike upright.
- I recommend checking your oil level before changing your oil. Checking your oil level lets you see if your Vespa has been burning oil or losing oil since your last oil change. That will be covered in Step 5 of the instructions.
- Your oil cap should be removed before draining any oil out. This both helps old oil flow out, and helps to make sure the oil cap isn’t seized or broken which would leave your vehicle inoperable once the old oil is drained.
Note: If any of the instructions in this walkthrough are unclear, you should watch the video above. The video shows you the entire process, which should make learning how to change your own oil on your Vespa Primavera or Sprint a breeze. If you find you still need help, just leave a comment at the bottom of this page and I’ll answer your questions.
Time needed: 30 minutes.
How to change the oil on a Vespa Primavera / Vespa Sprint
Changing the oil and filter on a Vespa Primavera or Vespa Sprint yourself can save you a lot of money. Follow these five steps to do it exactly how Vespa’s service manual outlines it:
Step 1) Remove the oil drain plug
The Vespa Primavera and Vespa Sprint drain plug is on the right side of the scooter, beside the exhaust pipe, just behind the oil filter.
To remove the oil drain plug you’ll need a 24mm socket bit.
A low profile 24 mm bit will make the job easier without having to remove the exhaust pipe.
When the oil is done draining out, you can pull out the oil screen (Vespa calls it a pre-filter).
Clean the oil screen and replace by putting it in, and turning it to ensure it’s in securely.
Step 2) Remove the oil filter
The oil filter is located beside oil drain plug.
Remove the oil filter using an adjustable oil filter wrench or channellock pliers.
If your Vespa Primavera or Sprint currently has a K&N oil filter on it, you can remove it with a 17mm socket bit.
Step 3) Install the new oil filter
You must first lubricate the new oil filter‘s o-ring (seal) to prevent the filter from seizing on to the motor.
Lubricate the seal by running fresh clean motorcycle oil all over it.
Some advise tightening the oil filter one half turn past hand tight, but the correct torque specification for the filter is 5-6 Nm according to Vespa’s service manual.
Using a torque wrench helps prevent a new DIY’er from over-tightening (which could cause damage) or under-tightening (which could cause a leak).
To avoid problems, you should consider a cheap but effective torque wrench like this one. They’re simple to use: you twist the wrench to the desired specification and then tighten until you hear a click.
Step 4) Re-install the oil drain plug
When the Primavera (or Sprint) is fully drained, you can re-install the oil drain plug.
Make sure that the seal is in good shape before re-installing the drain plug.
Wipe it clean to avoid any debris getting into your motorcycle, then lubricate the seal as with the oil filter.
The torque specification for the drain bolt is 14.7 Nm to 16.7 Nm.
Step 5) Pour in fresh oil and check the level
Finally, pour in 1.43 liters of fresh 5W-40 full-synthetic oil.
Once that’s done, all that’s left to do is to check your Vespa’s oil level.
How to check the oil level on your Vespa Primavera/Sprint
Both too much oil and not enough oil can damage your engine in different ways, so it’s important to always check your oil level after an oil change.
- Place your Vespa on the center stand.
- Take out the oil cap / dipstick.
- Wipe it clean.
- Put it back in and screw it in completely, then take it back out.
- Check the level on the dipstick and make sure it is within the upper and lower level indicators.
If the oil level is over MAX on the dip stick, let a little oil out of the drain plug and check the oil level again.
If the oil level is below the MIN, add more oil in the Vespa and check the oil level again.
Conclusion
Changing the oil and filter on a Vespa Primavera or a Vespa Sport is an easy five step process. By following these instructions you can do it yourself, exactly as outlined in Vespa’s own service manual. If you have any questions, you should check out the video above. If you still have questions, or if you just found this guide helpful, please leave a comment down below!
You might also be interested in these Vespa articles and videos:
What’s best for you? Small frame vs. large frame Vespas
Full review of the Vespa GTS300 + the 5 most frequently asked questions about it
Cheers for this vid, mate! I’ve been putting off that oil change for my Primavera Sport, didn’t fancy the dealer’s wallet drain.
didn’t catch if your Vespa’s a 150cc or 50cc. Is the KN-183 filter the same for all Vespa models? On the N&N site and can’t spot my Primavera 50cc. Help?
It was a 150, the 50ccs don’t use a filter, just a little screen that’s built in, that’s why you won’t find it on the K&N site :)
Fantastic of you to break it down, especially for those not in the know. Anything to prevent someone from getting taken advantage of👍Grazie mille!
Got plenty of Vespas in the workshop. Dunno why, but even with low socket ratchets, that drain plug’s a tough nut to crack. Always super tight. Usually end up taking off the exhaust for some extra leverage. Ever face this challenge too?
Yup, I know how that feels! You can buy a shallow profile socket, or buy a 24mm wrench
Saved a ton of time and cash with your vid. Had my front tire on the street, back tire on the curb for extra oomph. Buddy held the bars while I wrangled the stand. Took 30 mins and $35 (compared to the $240 my local dealer wanted!). Most time? Draining oil and sloooowly pouring in the new stuff. Massive thanks!