Modern Vespa

My Vespa LX150 wouldn't start yesterday morning and I am assuming it is the battery. The bike is a 2006 and I bought it in 2009 (3rd owner) and it is the same battery that it came with.

Can anyone direct me to a good video on how to change the battery?

Thanks

Never mind!!

Very odd! Yesterday morning I got all bundled up for a 29 degree commute and Vespa would turn over at all. So I assumed dead battery, unbundled and hopped the train

Tonight I noticed that the light that flashes on the speadameter panel was flashing (which is normal, but not apparent yesterday)

So I grab the key and it turned over and started right up. No issue

What is up with that??

A little warmer? Metal shrinks in cold.

Or maybe a gremlin.

I know that DSL can have problems in the Aerial cables when the sun drops, which is why some people have speed drops in the night.

I might still at least check your battery if it's the original in a 2009 bike. It's easy to remove and take to an auto parts store and have them load test it and replace if need be. You don't want to be caught out in the cold this time of year because you are trying to get the last spark out of a 3-4 year old battery. You'll have to replace it sooner rather than later at this point.

No need for a video! On the LX there is one screw to open the battery compartment (at rear of pet carrier). There should be a restraining strap - remove that.

Now the important bit - undo the negative connection first, and ensure the cable is tucked out of the way when you undo the postive connection. This ensures any slip of a screwdriver or wrench that might touch the frame when undoing the positive can't do any damage.

Likewise when replacing, do up the negative last.

And that's it.

If you think you'll ride it this winter replace it now of not you can always wait til spring. Throw the one you have on a tender. I suspect it might go dead on you anyway. I can even change out my battery so you don't need a video. Note theirs not much room in there so be careful not to squish cables. Oh and the fuse box hangs nicely on a little nook on the left side of the housing (left being when your standing at the back of the scoot looking towards the front). Good luck

Yes, I was thinking I should probably change it regardless. The Vespa dealer quoted me $79 for a new one. Does that sound on target? Is it a battery that I can just pick up at an auto supply store?

I recently replaced the battery from our BV250, just because it's an '07 and this is 2012. Being stranded is no fun. Listening to a wife who has just been stranded is even less so.
Noting the part number printed on the front of the battery, I just called the nearest motorcycle dealer (Honda, where you meet the nicest people) and they got one in for me by the next day. It cost around $55.00-$60.00

Riding when the temp is 29°F. You go!!!!!

I can destroy anything. When I got my used Savage, in late 2004, it needed a battery. Not knowing then, I got a regular Yuasa battery. It arrived, installed the acid, charged it, everything OK.

Batteries do not like going totally flat. Three times in 3.5 years killed it. Knowing better now, I ordered an AGM battery. It arrived charged ready to used and I was riding within 5 minutes after the UPS man handed the box. That was April '08. Over the years since I have left the keys on, lights on, and flattened the battery about 5 or 6 times. So far, so good. Killed the engine. crank -crank - crank, charge, crank - oh bother! Got the Vespa. A month later try again... crank - crank, nah, ain't happening. *BUT* The four year old battery that had been abused and left sitting for a month -- was still able to crank the motor.

I LIKE AGM Batteries.

You can get one from Amazon for $33.49 delivered. Probably Chinese. If you don't trust Chinese made, Made in Viet Nam for $56 delivered. Or whatever. Just make sure it is a real AGM battery.

Horse pucky! A lead acid just requires more maintenance and can last just as long as a good quality agm.

I happen to have a model that only has one AGM readily available. I went back to the OEM setup after trying cheap AGM batteries.

$79 if the dealer does the install is a good price. Motobatt may have a fit, perhaps silverstreak or another can advise specific to your scooter.

If you know the battery number someone here can advise on what is available, perhaps in your area.

If you don't already own one, you may want to purchase a battery tender.