Modern Vespa

Hi,

I'm having problems lately starting my 2006 GTS250ie, especially on cold morning. It won't start on the first try but on the second try it usually does. I have recorded the problem, but sometimes it's even worse than this:
https://www.flickr.com/gp/st-jean/158B2T

I have a new battery, I have replaced the faulty pump fuel, the spark plug has been changed about 2000KM ago and the valve adjustment has been done at about the same time.

Should I prioritize changing the spark plug wire and then cleaning the throttle-body air bypass? Or should I investigate something else?

Thank you for advises.

Check the voltage on that battery. It seems like it barely has the juice to turn over. Even a newish battery, left for too long without a charge, can get weak. Could also be a failing starter motor. Once it starts it runs ok? Also, did this start right after your valve adjustment?

w.

The battery readings are perfect and even after being on the battery tender for the night it won't start easily. No, I didn't have that problem after the valve adjustment.

For the starter motor, is there a way to check if that's the problem? Thanks.

Hopefully others will chime in. You can also pull the starter relay and see if the contacts all look good. Also put a multimeter on your battery as you're starting it and see if the voltage nose dives. I had an old battery that was maintaining a voltage above 12V but because of a bad cell the voltage couldn't provide enough juice to turn over the bike.

If your GTS is otherwise running fine after starting then your list of possible causes is limited. You said you have a newish plug so unless the boot is loose or you have a bad lead I don't think spark is the issue. You also said the fuel pump was replaced so I don't think it's fuel starved. Maybe have a look at the air filter but I don't think it's that either.

Just seems to be barely cranking, which to me points at power or something not right in the wiring or relay.

w.

Most times a battery tender will take a long time to bring a battery up if jt is very discharged. Also a bad battery will not hold a charge.

You should have an auto parts store test the battery under load. It can show. Just because it reads 12.5 volts sitting in the scooter, doens't mean it has enough strength to run the fuel pump and turn the starter. Pull the battery and let it charge for 24 hours. Take it into Advanced Auto or similar.

And those readings are what, exactly? Particularly when attempting to start, the volts at the battery terminals and at the same time at the starter motor?

I'm on a trip for the weekend, but Monday, I will document the battery readings and let you know.

Thanks again for the tips.