Modern Vespa

hi
im almost in tears .. bought the bike to work ... went to start it when i had finished ... was firing but would not start .. after a few attempts gave up .. managed to get the bike into the stock room and left it overnight .. returned the following morning .. it started but only for a couple of seconds , second time was the same and third it just kicked but did not start ... anyone with any tips , all i wanna do is get it home

Hi

Have you done all the usual check, fuel, spark plug lead etc, how about the kick start ?

Russ

yes ... i checked the fuel put a rod in and its showing 2" .. so i assume thats good .... fuel economy is not good , it has erractic idling at times .. if its left for a couple of days it starts on second or third go .. and i have been having intermittent fuel leaks , usually a cup full [mug size]...seems to happen more so when i fill the tank , never full mind u

Hmm...Carburettor?

That's what I was thinking,has some crap found its way through

Russ

i let you know the outcome .. cheers russ

How old is the battery? The condition of the battery is rather important on the 125, as the charging system is only just up to snuff at the best of times. If one or two cells have gone south then it'll be a complete bugger to start even with the kick-start, though a jump-start might work to get the bike home.

If the battery is more than two or three years old, I'd replace it - and make sure the new one was given a full forming (equalising) charge before first use.

I replaced the battery a couple of weeks ago and guy in the shop told me that he'd have it equalised before I came to pick it up.

OK - next thing is to check it's being charged properly by the bike. If the bike starts after the battery has been charged up (a battery tender is very useful if not essential kit) then ensure that the volts rise to a minimum of 13.4V and a maximum of 14.6V when the bike is revved. A multimeter will be required.

Replaced the carburettor due to various ailments ... slight jerk when releasing throttle .. fuel leaks .. poor start up ... poor fuel economy and something that had plagued my bike for sometime .... every time I filled it up .. Most often than not it would leak petrol .. easily a mug full when I turned off the scoot ... These probs seemed to have been remedied and have had a new spark plug ... fingers crossed