Modern Vespa

Some weenie knocked over the GTS last night. Who cares how. Luckily, no physical damage, but it won't start. The dash lights flash, the fuel pump kicks in, but when I hit the button...nothin'.

Bastards! Did you check the oil, gas, etc? Please keep us updated. Thank you.

Oil looks fine, gas gauge registers, no fluids on the ground.
It fell on its right side, maybe the kill switch or starter button was damaged?

I commented on your FB post about this with a GIF but man, how FRUSTRATING!

Hopefully you can get her to kick over. I'm learning more on the mechanics of these machines from the forum here. I hope it's just a simple thing like a flooded line that's easy to clear.

Awaiting other posts with helpful suggestions.

does your model have a safety switch/ tip over switch?
if so it needs to be reset...look in your owners manual


also might have vapor lock...open your gas cap to vent

The book says it should reset when the bike is put upright and the ignition turned on and off.
I disconnected the battery for a minute and that didn't work.

I feel like my blood pressure immediately rose upon seeing that picture! Maybe check to see if the starter relay got knocked loose?

Imagine me walking out of my front door to be greeted with the sight.
I did check the relay and wiggle it around...no dice.

We have had a few bikes flopped over. It was due to wind catching the cover and using it like a parachute. My blood pressure goes up every time I look at your picture.

You checked the kill switch is on?

check for bubble fuel line = vapor lock

OP says when he hits the starter button, he gets nothing at all. He didn't mention a starter motor sound but no engagement. So that's not a fuel issue. "Nothing at all" is electrical. Sounds like something important upstream of the starter motor got disconnected. The good news is that it should be a simple and inexpensive fix. Should be easy to diagnose too.

But damn that's a shame what happened. So sorry. Makes me cringe.

^^^ this. I betcha it is electrical problem. Kill switch, brake switch, relay, or maybe a simple fuse.

Def the road I'm going. Checked all the fuses. Wiggled the relay. Both brake lights work. This weekend I might tear up the floor to check out the tilt switch.

Good man, buy a simple tester if you don't already have one. Still, I'm bummed for you.

my heart goes out to you!!!

hope it simple once you get to take a longer look at it !!

I can see why it got hit. Practically invisible, except for the big orange pylon, the reflective silver cover, the post and tree within 3 feet, and all those blinding porch and street lights.

Maybe somebody tried to steal it and the chain jerked them up short...

Good luck.

Agree with snakeoiler's suggestions on the kill switch. Does your bike have a side stand with a kill switch. Make sure that the side stand is all the way up if so. Also, you did pull the brake lever when you hit the ignition, right? No insult intended but you wouldn't be the first person to miss that

Best
Miguel

Most, if not all, Vespa side stands are self retracting so no switch is present.

Always hate to see photos like this. Happy your bike suffered no damage and that you figure out the no start thing quickly!

How do some people live with themselves?? Too bad there’s no camera to see who did it.

???? Try engaging the brake lever that was on the up side???

Some of my neighbors have cameras, but what good would it do? I know Philly cops wouldn't care and it would hurt to watch it get bowled over.

Check that the battery didn't get knocked loose and that the cables are tight.

Yep...nope

Gotta be the connection to the starter yeah? If there's no action at all when you hit the button?

Reseat connection to spark plug. Are the oil bubbles on airbox full of oil? Did all the gas spill out and evaporate overnight? lol.

That's a good point. My Super Sport came with a side stand which kills the motor when flipped down. It could be something there? don't know. Definitely sounds electrical though.

Do the lights work?

It might a help to watch it to be able to see if anyone knocked it over at all. It could be a huge relief not to be mad at anyone if indeed it was just wind that knocked it over.

Thanks for all your concern and great responses. I haven't really had time to figure out what's going on other than knowing it's an early electrical problem. Maybe a solder broke somewhere.
I'm probably going to have to take it to the shop.

Several people have asked if you checked the kill switch and I don't see a post that you replied yes to that question.

Been busy, this weekend I'll have time to pull the handlebar cover and check. But other than a busted wire, which I can't solder back, not sure what I can do.
I've been wanting to adjust the throttle play anyway, so it will be worth it to pull it.

Have you flipped the kill switch on and off a few times?

I doubt it is a broken wire, bet it is something simple.

My scooter blew over from a high gust of wind while covered and on the CS-it's the sail effect. Started right up.
OP-do you have a wet cell battery?

[quote="WEB-Tech"]Have you flipped the kill switch on and off a few times?

Yes, also wiggled everything I could get hold of.
Sealed battery.

Check the kill switch wires for continuity?

[quote="Big Daddy SnakeOiler"] perhaps disconnect the kill switch, if it was damaged then jumping the wires will let you know if it is bad.

The evap container is full of fuel. Drain it or wait a long time for the fuel to evaporate.

That has nothing to do with the loss of ignition.

Maybe I should be as blunt as you, but I won't...

It was a statement of fact. No need to sugar coat it. Sorry if you were offended.