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Checklist before signing the paperwork for your new Scooter:

• Visual Inspection, is this the scooter you thought you were buying?
• Check every panel for scuffs, scratches and marks.
• Start the engine.
• Check all lights, indicators, gauges and the horn. Turn the headlights on and check that they aren't pointing too high (as best you can). While you are checking the lights, ask if the replacement bulbs can be bought at a petrol station. If they can't, it's probably a good time to buy a spare set.
• Sit on the scooter and "play ride", indicating, braking etc (for as long as you can without feeling stupid). Remember stupid is a relative thing. Think how stupid you will look hitting the kill switch instead of indicating while doing an overtaking man-oeuvre.
• Be aware that your tires are likely to be brand new. Take extra care because they will not have full grip (especially in the wet) until they have been bedded in a bit. Check that they are correctly inflated.
• Spin the front wheel to see if the speed meter is working.
• Good quality dealers will often clock up a couple of dozen kilometers bedding in the tires and testing the bike on your behalf. However check the speed meter, if it has what you think is excessive kilometers on the clock you should find out why. A scooter however does not have 100 Kilometers on the clock. If yours does it is not a new scooter and you should either demand a replacement or a hefty discount.
• Paperwork. You should get a owners manual and a warranty book. The warranty book should have the dealers stamp, engine, chassis and model details at the barest minimum.
• It is best to flick through the pages and insist that ALL sections are completed.
• Keys, there should be at least two sets and a note of the key number.
• Additionally, before you ride off... Have a quick read of the running in section, to start off on a good foot.