Modern Vespa

Hi all hope your rides are safe and sweet. Ok a question, having no experience whatsoever how do I use a multimeter, specifically the settings as always many thanks in advance😎

It all depends on what you are intending to do with it hence the name "multimeter". What are you trying to test?

Here's a decent overview.

http://www.genebitsystems.com/david/MotorcycleElectrical/

Just an FYI- when I tried measuring household voltage I got arcing & damage to the leads!

What? If it's a "Multi Meter" it can test AC or DC. Why did you get arcing?
I suggest a Fluke 77, will last for ever and test just about anything you would want too.

WOW, price on the Fluke 77 has gone way up. Had mine since 1990, but an employer paid for it

Sounds like you were trying to measure Voltage but either had the setting on current or the leads in the current position.

Some cheap multimeters don't have a fuse for the current setting, ones that don't have the fuse (usually 10 Amp) let the smoke out instead.

Exactly. Many basic multimeters will not have current testing, which prevents that problem. But cheap Fluke-imitations will have it and it poses a risk.

long story short I have a 2010 Lml that has sat on street for nearly two years had stopped working a few months before that. I am going to attempt to fix have bought new battery and will start with that picked up multimeter having read other posts re electrics

Go on YouTube and search "How to use multimeter." Plenty of videos for digital and analog meters.

For most battery-related tests you would set the meter on its 20 volt DC range. If you can tell us exactly what you're trying to do and post a picture (or model number) of your multimeter, we'll be able to tell you more about how to use it.

Good luck & have fun! 8)

There are a lot of auto ranging meters out there for under $50.00, with fuse protected amp and milliamp circuits.
The confusion comes when you have to change the positive (red) probe over to voltage. This can be forgotten when doing measurements from volts to amps.
Please don't ask me how I know this.