Modern Vespa

I just got my new 2022 MP3 500 Sport (blue like the one in this thread) 2 weeks ago. I have put 325 miles on it breaking it in so far. I have had one of these before and know how they work but sold it a few years ago.

So far:
1.) the left-hand mirror has fallen off yesterday
2.) today the front wheel warning light has just gone red and the scooter won't start. The garbage truck warning beeper sure works! I called the dealership and they said it might be the sensor for the front wheels since this is a common problem on older models. I would have assumed they would have fixed it by now. I now have to get a flatbed truck to haul it 20 miles and then wait for at least 3 weeks to have it looked at. The dealership doesn't even answer the phone (unless you call sales).

Question 1: does anybody know a hack so I can drive it there? I get that it is a sensor problem that has been common on earlier models. But this is a brand new scooter just off the showroom floor! It should not have this basic a problem!
Question 2: are there general quality problems with these MP3 500's? I am happy to take it in the pants, get rid of it now and trade for a reliable Japanese bike or scooter. I am not a happy camper.

Quality control issues on a Italian vehicle? This is news.

I had to completely disassemble mine and put it back together when it was brand new due to poor build quality.

I would avoid trying to hack your way to the dealer, since Piaggio and/or the dealer will do anything and everything to avoid trying to fix the issue under warranty.

Pay for the tow if you need to, and then they own the problem. If they cannot fix the problem, then push to have the vehicle exchanged for another one. If that doesn't bring resolution, start thinking and letting the dealer know about a lemon law buyback.

Did you get the extended warranty? IF so, then you can ride this out for a while.

Otherwise, I'd sell it as soon as it is "fixed" and get yourself a Honda.

Have you checked the battery? Voltage at rest, as well as when attempting to start.

I have 300 miles on my scooter and also had my left mirror come loose while driving on the highway. I was able to get it tightened before I lost it. I've no had the front wheel warning light problem (knock on wood). I'll ask about it when I go in for service.

It's always a useful to keep a spanner (wrench) on your scooter for occasions such as this.

The loose mirror thing is simply a case of sloppy dealer pre delivery.

in all fairness to Piaggio or Vespa they are no different from even the big price motorbike assemblers, sloppy hands exist everywhere, and quality of parts is basically the same as even the top end Ducatis or BMW,s

I've yet to come across a Japanese bike that was put together as if it was amateur hour.

well my last Honda was in the 80,s so from what I hear you are probably bang on, not so for our EU made bikes

I don't think this is a EU thing, but more of a Italian thing. The Italians may have invented electricity, but they mastered the art of electrical failures. I know somebody who owns a Maserati, and the car has become a permanent resident at the dealer because the fault (random misfire) cannot be found.

Example: In 1912 the Titanic hit a iceberg and the lights stayed on until the moment she went down. Fast forward 100 years, and the Costa Concordia (built, owned and operated by Italians) hits a rock 100 yards offshore. What's the first thing that happened? Instant electrical blackout. I don't think it can get more Italian than that.

Why not wait for the new MP3 530.. seems to look better and have more gizmos (mind you electrical.. italian made..), better lights and breaks .. Guess Yamaha and Kymco put the scare into Piaggio and they decided to update this old dinosaur with a bunch of stuff.

The stuff you are describing seems more like poor dealership preparation. They delivered mine already scuffed and justified that this is how it's supposed to look.. turns out the front pannel got bumped in the delivery truck and the dealership's owner tried to cover up for it's employee's mistake.

I have mine for about 2 years now and it sounds like a bucket of broken bolts.. donno if the exhaust pipe or muffler are coming loose... I had a new MP3 Sports Advanced for a day to play while mine was in shop and there's a huge difference between a new bike and one that's only 2 years old. New one felt more.. tightened and precise for a lack of a better word.

Anyway.. so far, except for the broken sound when the engine is cold and overall feeling sloppily built I never had a breakdown.. I'm not mechanically inclined so I found a good service and take it regularilly.. I've made 20k km's in 2 years mostly on highway speed.. while also being in lockdown for the better part of a year