Modern Vespa

Hi, parked my 2012 500 sport up on Sunday, went to go out yesterday, nothing on the starter button. When I checked everything, there were no front lights either. Indicators, rear lights, horn etc all work.
Any ideas would be gratefully received.
Cheers.

1st question is "how old is the battery?", followed by "did you leave anything on accidentally?" such as the underseat light.

Motorcycle batteries are not forgiving for going flat, and if your battery is pushing or past the 3 year mark then chances are it is done for.

Toggle the kill switch several times. It could have dirty contacts.


Check all fuses with a multimeter.

Battery is spot on. Even if it wasn't, why just the front lights not working. It's a puzzler. 😀

Done that, even got some switch cleaner inside. 👍
I've removed all the fuses one by one and cleaned them.
My workshop manual mentions a 'hidden fuse' near the battery.
I'm blowed if I can find it.

Dirty, corroded contacts can allow the smaller lights to work but not provide enough current for the headlight and starter. Try cleaning the battery terminals, and be sure they're tight.

Done and terminals greased up.
I'm wondering if it's a brake sensor problem. Hitting the starter doesn't even produce a click.

Have you tried both brake levers?

Big clue if the brake lights don't work!

Check the fuses - the circuit diagram will help:
https://manuals.wotmeworry.org.uk/Piaggio/Piaggio%20MP3/MP3%20500/

I always use the left lever to start. I've spent the day cleaning relays, fuses etc. tried it again, nothing. So, as you've mentioned I pressed the foot brake. Solenoid is now clicking, also with the front brake. Still nothing on back brake though
It's an improvement though!
Battery is spot on and holds its charge.
I shall return tomorrow 😉
Cheers.

Thanks for that. It's a better manual than the one I've got. 👍

Tedex - you have encountered a problem that we all face from time to time. Your brake light switch on the rear brake lever has become dirty and high resistance. Replace it. They are not expensive - always buy two in the first instance, always keep a spare!

If you add a bleeper to your turn signals and have the bleeper ground connected to the brake light side of the brake light switch circuit [1], you'd know straight away if a brake light switch or bulb has gone faulty.

[1] The bleeper is wired so that if a turn signal is on it will bleep unless a brake light switch is activated - this stops the bleeping being very annoying at traffic lights etc. If you don't hear the bleep when the lever is pulled, then you know the switch is faulty. If the bleep doesn't stop when the lever is pulled, you know your brake light is open circuit. A very good safety addition, as it also reminds you to turn the indicators off when you've completed the turn.

Excellent advice. Thanks very much for that.