Modern Vespa

I moved my Vespa out to Vegas with me from MN in 2018. I drove it around some when I was first here last fall. It has been parked and covered since mid April last year (so almost one year now). I was going to go for a ride a couple months ago and it would not start. Just a bit of a click when turning the key. Took out the battery and took it to an auto-parts store to be fully charged. That did not make a difference. Someone suggested it could be the starter. ???? Any suggestions?

I am not any kind of mechanic - but thought I might be able to take care of it if not too complicated.

Thank you

When batteries get to be that dead (discharged) they often can't be brought back to life. All you need is a new battery, Good luck!

It wasn’t dead per se. They told me it had quite a bit of charge but they “topped it off”. So - according to them - the battery was not the issue and is why they suggested possibly the starter.

They may have "topped it off" but it isn't holding a charge. The clicking you hear when you turn the key is the starter trying to turn but there isn't enough juice from the battery.

Some of the people at the auto parts stores don't really know what they're doing and they only measure the charge on a disconnected battery. The battery looks like it has a "full charge" but it isn't capable of putting out enough power to start the scooter. The battery should be tested under load to determine its real condition. The "Batteries Plus" stores, if you have one near you, can properly test a battery and they'll usually have a new one in stock. That's where I go for batteries.

Really, if your 2015 Vespa has its original battery, it is due for a new one.

Ok. That actually makes more sense. Thank you!!!

Turn on the headlight and see what happens when you turn the key? or turn signal or brake light or....
Battery is toast buy a new one.

Thank you!

I found a video I recorded earlier. It’s actually more than a click. It makes a grinding sorta noise. So it’s more than a clicking noise. It’s like a series of many clicks - if you will.
I tried to attach the video and won’t work.

I would still start with the battery. Do you know if the auto parts store actually tested the battery, or if they just put it on a charger for a while? Do you have a Batteries Plus store nearby where you could take the battery?

Is the sound a really grinding, chewing metal sort of noise, or is it more like rapid clicking? When it's just the clicking of the starter relay, whether a single click or a chatter of clicks, it's likely to be a kaput battery -- and that's easy to fix.

Good luck!

PS If a new battery doesn't help, next I would test or just replace the starter relay. Easier than changing a starter and a lot less expensive.

Yea - it’s more of chewing metal sorta sound - sort of.
I will start with the battery as you advise. And go from there.
Thank you so very much. I greatly appreciate your responses!!

PS - if you know of anyone or place in Vegas that could help me let me know. I did a google search for Vespa dealers or mechanics and come up with nothing. 😊

There are two factory authorized dealers in Las Vegas - Vespa Las Vegas and Euro Cycle. And there are 5 Batteries Plus stores in Las Vegas.

I just replaced the Nighthawk battery two weeks ago. Every week I start the bikes to keep things stirred up. The previous week it started quickly, no problem. The next, dead.

I pulled it to get at the terminals with my volt/ohmmeter. No load-12.5 volts. Turn on the key so the lights come on-11.5 volts. Hit the starter button-5.7 volts. How they they look unloaded is not the same as what they got under load. The battery was four years old, never saw a trickle charger and was drained flat two years ago when they key got left on and the lights killed the battery. Sometimes it's just their time.

This is mostly my own fault as I did not start it at all for too many months. And I know better!! 😣😔
Once I get it going I will likely sell it.
Traffic is too crazy to ride it around here. Dang it.
Thank you again for all of your help. I really DO appreciate it.