[hillram]

Originally Posted by suzuki san

Hi Hillram,

Taking it for granted after seeing your collection that you are the expert on Vespa's on the forum.

I am having a couple of issues with my 2012 Vespa LX125 (also yellow) in Goa.
If I leave the scooter unused for a couple of weeks, I always disconnect the battery. However, when I get back and try to start it, it takes ages even with alternating between kick starter and self start. The battery (Amaron) is relatively new.
Once it starts and I take it for a short spin (1 to 2 Kms) there is no more starting problem. What could be the issue here?

The digital clock also refuses to come on but after a few days it springs back into life. However, it is very dim and almost impossible to read at night.

Even though I had just replaced the front brake pads, after leaving the scooter for a month they were completely seized up. Had to get a mechanic to the house to sort this out. Side stand and centre stand were also seized up. A real pain.

My neighbour has a 10 year old TVS Scooty and when he comes back after a month or more it starts perfectly and has no problems at all.

Your inputs would be appreciated.

Regards,
SS

Hi SS..I wouldnt call myself an expert in Vespa, but have considerable experience in these Italian scooters.
My first advice is not to disconnect the battery as it powers the digital clock to run even when the scooter is turned off.
I have the same 2012 LX 125 and believe me, Im still running on stock battery.The trick to start LX125 on a cold note is as below :
Step 1 : With out turning the ignition key on, use the kick rod 4-5 times and give a 5 second gap.
Step 2 : Open the Choke and kick start (with out turning on the ignition key) 2-3 times and then turn on the Ignition key and kick start with Choke on. Your engine should revv now and all through never raise the throttle as it will flood the carburetor.Once the the engine is revving, turn off the choke and increase the throttle until the idling speed is good(which means that engine has heated up).
This is the trick I use as I too use my Vespa once in 2-3 weeks.

I never had any problems with brake pads and Stand.
Let me know the status..Thanks

[suzuki san]

Hi Hillram,

Thanks for the quick response.
That's an interesting fix for the starting problem. I always used to turn the ignition key on.
Will keep you updated.

Thanks once again.

Regards,
SS

[suzuki san]

Hi Hillram,

I did exactly as you suggested and the scooter started at the first attempt.


Thanks a lot.

Regards,
SS

[DRIV3R]

You'd anyways attempt the same number of kicks to get the scoot started I suppose.

Irrespective of ignition on or off, the motive in the above procedure seems like the scoot should start with first kick when ignition is on, rather than scooter should start with first kick.

Just trying to understand how this works.

[sridhu]

Don't know which thread is the most appropriate for this post.

Mods: please reassign if this is not the correct thread.

Has any body fixed the number plate as demanded by Karnataka police on a Vespa? How did you do it?

My local mechanic has told that the only he can do it is to use the Aviator bracket & plate and fix it to the Vespa by drilling a couple of holes.

Not really keen on drilling, if I can avoid it

[hillram]

10th Service / 12000km / 5 Years
I cant believe that its almost more than half a decade that Yellow Wasp had joined my fleet.
It was time for 19th Service/ 12000km which was long overdue.
I dropped off my Wasp at Ashwam Auto Service centre, who politely received me and took down the complaints (if any) in the job card.
I had asked to change Engine oil and Spark Plug and nothing else as mu Wasp just did 2853 kms in 5+ Years.
I reported a little vibrations when accelerating and it was quickly diagnosed with a possible clutch plate issue.
However after the Service was completed, it turned out that Clutch Plate was okie,but needed little overhauling : Sand Paper Treatment, Resetting Rollers etc and it was fine as the vibrations disappeared.
I got a prompt SMS that my Wasp was ready in the Evening and gave a bill amount of Rs.1045.
Break Down of Costs:
- Engine oil 750ml : 218
- Spark Plug : 125
- Oil Filter : 20
- Consumables : 122
- Labour : 560
My Wasp was given a good water wash and a dash on polish and it never looked more younger.
A quick spin in the city to check for any niggles post service..and all was super duper well
I could not resist some pics at few landmarks of Hyderabad:





This 5 + years of ownig LX125 has been a joyful ride and absolutely no issues.I kept the vehicle in pristine condition with regular Service intervals and ever available opportunity to ride my LX125.
Here are some of the tips,I followed:
1. My LX125 is always covered in original Vespa Cover, there by protecting from dust and dirt.
2. Regular Service done in Piaggio Authorised Service centres only.
3.Every First Start is through a kick start, taking the load off Self-Start. Also Battery will last longer.
4. Less use of Choke there by preserving life of Plug
5. At least run the vehicle once a week for 15 mins. Merely starting the vehicle and leaving in idle state does not help much. When the vehicle runs for 15-20 minutes every week, the current is supplied to all required parts and secondly Brakes, Clutch and throttle are in full capacity to function.
6. At least once in 3 months, I get a water wash done with Sonax Bike Shampoo to remove al l the dirt and maintain a neater appearance,
7, I refrain myself from heavy waxing and polishing on the Yellow surfaces, as it can dull the paint.
8. Check wear & tear on the vehicle like Tyres,Filters etc. New parts breath fresh life into the vehicle
9, Check Tyre pressure every quarter, just to make sure.

Lets increase the tribe of Piaggio vehicles !!! Safe Motoring !!!

[sridhu]

Had anyone identified good alternatives for Vespa mirrors?

My word! They are the worst designed PoS mirrors. They can't be adjusted and vibrate like crazy when the scooter is being driven.

At least, can someone let me know the specs for the thread - 8mm or 10mm. May be better to order something from AliExpress.

[sukiwa]

Originally Posted by sridhu

Had anyone identified good alternatives for Vespa mirrors?

Perhaps mirrors from Aprilia SR150 can be tried. TVS Jupiter classic variant also has round mirrors if one needs to maintain looks.
Don't have hands-on experience just keyboard junkie advice.

[hillram]

Dark Wasp joins Yellow Wasp : Vespa S 125
A sibling always adds fun !!! A pre-owned Dark Wasp decided to join my Yellow Wasp. Dubbed as my own "Notte" version, Vespa S essentially carries the same power Unit (125cc) as my LX 125, but has many cosmetic changes:
- Rectangular Headlight with matching Rectangular Chrome Side Mirrors.
- Wider Seat with white piping for retro looks.
- Bigger Tail Light
- Front Disc Brake
- Alloy Wheels painted in black color
- Front Open pockets for Storage instead of a lockable boot.
- OEM fitted Side Guard and Foot Rest
- O Ring hook to hold carry bags under the handle bar.
I decided to get an original Vespa transparent Windscreen ( as opposed to a tinted one) to enhance the looks of the Dark Wasp.
This Scooter has done 16000 kms, 2014 edition and it costed me 35k with ownership transferred to my name. Mind you, the same costs 105k in the showroom today !!!
The ride is simply phenomenal as the engine is really opened up and smooth as a blowtorch through Butter !!! I carried out a minimal decaling in Italian motifs.




Notte 3D Chrome Badge bought from Vespa Service Centre, clings to the Dark Wasp.

The Quintessential question was, how would the Yellow & Dark Wasp look next to each other; Lets see the juxtaposition..



The siblings get everything to match..from Keyrings to Helmets


It is an immense joy to welcome the Dark Wasp into my Vespa family !!!
Ride Safe..

[cormodore]

Congratulations Hillram. The scooter seems to be in pristine condition and you got it at a great price. I am looking for a Vespa for my Dad and have seen couple of examples in olx which are in pretty bad shape. How do you scan the pre-owned market in Hyderabad, as I am looking one for my Dad. Any inputs from you would be of great assistance as I am looking only for Vespa (he has a LML Vespa NV 1992 model in pristine condition, but now looking for an Vespa automatic due to his age)

[hillram]

Originally Posted by cormodore

Congratulations Hillram. The scooter seems to be in pristine condition and you got it at a great price. I am looking for a Vespa for my Dad and have seen couple of examples in olx which are in pretty bad shape. How do you scan the pre-owned market in Hyderabad, as I am looking one for my Dad. Any inputs from you would be of great assistance as I am looking only for Vespa (he has a LML Vespa NV 1992 model in pristine condition, but now looking for an Vespa automatic due to his age)

Thanks for your words. I will gladly help you in finding a good Vespa for your father.
You can mail me : hillram@yahoo.com.. we can discuss over there and I can give you pointers. Best Wishes

[hillram]

My SR150s being flanked by my Vespa 125s. A Piaggio Corner..



You can follow my SR150s ownershiip here :
https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/motor...e-edition.html (My Aprilia SR150 Race Edition)
Ride always with a helmet..Ride Safe !!!

[S_U_N]

Hi,
Not too many Vespa threads getting updates, so posting my query here.
Did anyone's Vespa come with a PUC certificate?

I am not sure when I should be doing a PUC for the first time.
BS IV engines out of factory don't need PUC for 1 year (I hear that, but cannot find any government site which states that).

[hillram]

Originally Posted by S_U_N

Hi,
Not too many Vespa threads getting updates, so posting my query here.
Did anyone's Vespa come with a PUC certificate?

I am not sure when I should be doing a PUC for the first time.
BS IV engines out of factory don't need PUC for 1 year (I hear that, but cannot find any government site which states that).

A new BS IV Vespa from showroom does not come with a PUC Certificate. It is implied that pollution check is not required for 1 year from the date of purchase.

[S_U_N]

Originally Posted by hillram

A new BS IV Vespa from showroom does not come with a PUC Certificate. It is implied that pollution check is not required for 1 year from the date of purchase.

How is it implied? And how can it be conveyed to the traffic cops?
Do you have a link to such a government notification?