Modern Vespa

Hi everyone,

So yesterday someone attempted to steal my beloved 2016 Primavera 125. They snipped of the (rather puny) cable lock and attempted to break the steering lock. Remarkably the lock held but the handlebars are now twisted so the headlight points to the 2 o'clock position when the wheel is straight. Completely unrideable and I couldn't bend them back no matter how much force I used. Such a shame because it's completely mint and only done 800 miles

I'm just wondering if it is likely to be a big repair bill or if it's something that can be realigned without lots of new parts. I don't really want to claim on my insurance if I can help it.

Many thanks in advance

Do you have some sort of shop manual? should be stuff you loosen before putting that handlebar back in line, and since I managed to put my handlebars and front wheel out of line with a really stupid accident and had to undo a LOT more than I liked to get the wheel and bars back in line, shop manual, think mine is by Haynes.... and I have learned a LOT from it.

There is one bolt that needs to be loosened and the steering lock barrel may need to be replaced, but usually not.

Look for the steering head bolt.

Thanks really appreciate the advice, will give it a go tonight!

Managed to download the Vespa Service Station Manual from manualslib which gives all the tightening torques and procedures for handlebar and steering column removal and refitting thanks maggiegirl!

Where was the scoot when they tried to steal it?

Anyhow, good luck with the repair. Hope you have no permanent damage.

At the local railway station - been there most days for 3 years with no issue. There is a CCTV dome camera right above the parking and footage is being reviewed by the police. It's very busy and right next to a taxi stand and car wash so I'm guessing they must have been disturbed. I hope they are able to show me the footage. On the shopping list now is a very heavy chain, disc lock and a cover. The strip down will commence tonight, I'm hoping the steering tube isn't damaged

Neil are you in the UK?

If yes an Oxford alarm disc lock might be another good move. Quite cheap, they do a small scooter version and you can tuck it right up by the front calliper so it’s hard to grind.
They’re very sensitive, and it’s recharged battery lasts 6 months!!

Very loud too

This one

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F153277194498

Looks a bit better than the standard grade brake lever lock. Should make it more difficult to steal if in a busy area as you say.

Brake lever locks are useless. Loosen bleed screw, push scooter away.

Read the security wiki to get an idea of what works and what doesn't.

I imagine it depends a bit on where you are located as to the type of theft threat you have. Seems to me, in the U.K and Europe, a couple of maggots will arrive on one or two scooters and try to start yours and ride off with it.

Here in the USA, more likely scenario is two guys arrive in a pickup or van and lift your scooter in and are gone in 15 seconds. (That's been my experiences as a LEO.) Brake lock completely useless.

Hi northernerbill

Thanks for the recommendation on the disc lock, that ebay link was a good price too so I've placed the order!

Will check out that wiki article now as well

Yes in the UK, south east - another one went from the same place yesterday, 2 men dressed in dark clothing apparently. Wheeled the scooter away and ran off when challenged

No problem glad it’s useful to you.

I’m in the SE too, but on the coast, touch wood it’s not too bad here yet.

I’ve also fitted the Monimoto tracker on mine. So between that, the disc lock, steering lock and immobiliser, plus it’s parked right outside my bedroom window.

Good luck anyway

Sounds like you have all bases covered!

Thanks, will update on the damage / repair process

Cheers