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Vespa Engineers - What were they thinking?
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Bjorn Toulouse
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mmmm.

stands on the left side, cool works for me, Old Bony's left handed fettish never made it over here so thats kerb side. Key on the right, sounds right but then I'm right handed. Kick start on the left...perfect.

So far all is perfectly logical.
on the twisties though the kick is on the right. Is that not because the engine is on the right?
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Raputtak wrote:
It is not the position of the key I find awkward but the operation of the center stand. I wonder (without going out and looking) if something could be welded to the right leg of the stand so that it could be worked from the starboard side of the scooter.
Muffle is in the way.
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I don't think too heavily cerebral about it.
What a weight off of my shoulders
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All Vespas lock to the left.

you're supposed to get on the bike from the left.

Sidestands on vespas are great, if you want them to fall over.

column locks on Vespas have always been located to the right of the column.

With the introduction of the integrated column lock ignition switch, the ignotion switch has been located on the left side of the column as well.

They've also designed the headlamp warning light to stay on all the time as well.
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jimc
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demonlarry wrote:
With the introduction of the integrated column lock ignition switch, the ignotion switch has been located on the left side of the column as well.
ITYM 'right' there...
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ScooterTX
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I find it awkward. From the left side where I stand, I have to reach under/around the handles that are locked in place to insert the key to unlock.

I also want two helmet hooks, one on each side, under the seat. The Buddy has two and it is so much more civilized.

But, it is a Vespa. Italian engineering. I've learned it doesn't always mean better (that would have to be a Honda Vespalike thing), it just means quirky.

And really, why can't these great Italian engineers make an accurate speedometer and fuel gauge?
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ScooterTX wrote:
And really, why can't these great Italian engineers make an accurate speedometer and fuel gauge?
Probably the same reason the German engineers didn't put an accurate speedo in my BMW 328i Convertible. In Germany, if your speedometer shows you going slower than your actual speed the manufacturer gets fined according to the explanations I've seen posted when that question is asked.
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ScooterTX wrote:
I also want two helmet hooks, one on each side, under the seat. The Buddy has two and it is so much more civilized.

My Vespa GTS250 has two helmet hooks, one on each side. I guess the LX doesn't -- maybe they really targeted that one for single-riders?

-Dan
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Re: Vespa Engineers - What were they thinking?
dave92029 wrote:
"

Does anyone else find this placement of the ignition key, handle bar awkward?
Be thankful, look where they were on 70's Hondas.... right by the spark plug wires, exhaust pipes and air cooled engine block!

Definitely want to grab for it with gloves on:

External inline image provided by member with no explanatory text
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