Modern Vespa

Hi I'm new to scootering but been riding motorcylces for 30years. I'm now enjoying a LX125 in London with the benefits of a place to put my helmet, shopping etc that the little Vespa offers, rather than strangling myself with bags round my neck etc. I'm also enjoying the lap apron from keeping the chips & peas warm and dry this winter.

Now can I remove the engine hatch in front of the cylinder head to let warm air flow into the apron area? Or will this have some adverse affect on engine cooling and will I just get cold air blowing over my legs at speed!

Is there some other method to funnel heat into the lap apron area?

I'm just thinking out loud at a possibility on cold mornings at 1 or 2 degrees Celsius.

I know I can wear my thick motorcycle trousers but I wanted to see what others do.

Thanks in advance

Hello Melt, an interesting question. I could imagine removing the small cover would let some heat rise and perhaps collect under the apron, at least while standing still. Any warmth collected would disappear probably once you're moving again.

But a city Vespa rider in Europe should become adept to not standing for any periods of time anyway, which is the main reason to ride a Vespa anyways in a big city.

True, the cold and damp early mornings are trying, many years I've experienced the same in Frankfurt.

Never an apron though, but if I'd worn a suit then I probably would've considered one as the winters are often wet.

With a ride of more than 10 minutes, I would just strip the slacks off and wear a good thermal trousers and change upon arrival. I have a trouser that is good for below freezing temps. Get to destination and make the change is the best way, my opinion.

About the engine heat, the fan blows the heat away and down to the left side, to the ground. So I don't really see a way to reasonably use the heat for a convenience.

melt, welcome to MV!

I haven't a clue about your question because I live where it is stupid-hot over half of the year. I'm sure someone will be along soon to led a hand. We love scooter pics so post a few for us.

It'd be interesting to see if just removing the pet carrier would provide any heat. I suspect not because the seat will insulate you bum from the engine. But worth a shot.

Best
Miguel

Content deleted by tenders. A forum where management/moderators repeatedly quash and delete well-intentioned, constructive concerns about governance issues raised by multiple users does not deserve my participation.

Strange that's how I dry my hair.

I would highly doubt it. If the engine compartment doesn't get warm enough to distort of melt the pet carrier, I wouldn't think it would generate enough heat to radiate up through the seat.

I would think the engine compartment stays relatively cool due to the airflow across the engine while in motion - a tribute to the engine placement and body design.

So that's what I've been doing wrong! Damned 3/4 open-face.

I've never owned an LX, but I used to heat my fingers with the side vents on my SYM.

The heat should flow though the vents on the leg shield on the LX and provide heat.

The LX is air-cooled - no side vents in the leg shield.

I suppose you could try the louvered engine cover to see if that makes a difference but I doubt it.
https://www.scooterwest.com/black-lx-lxv-vespa-s-louvered-door-6221365l-90.html

Meee twO - diDn'ttt affffekt mee nun.

I think your idea is a creative and lateral thought. If you could fashion a duct that brought the forced-cooling air from the engine to beneath your apron, you could be nice and toasty under there. I'd only be concerned about any fumes collected by the cooling air stream finding their way under your apron and collecting on surfaces; not likely.
I did this with the radiator ducting on a Kymco People 250. There's a hot air duct in the knee guard on the People that is easily ducted under an apron. I worked great!

A quick update I have removed the engine cover and am enjoying some warm air under the apron. It works and at speed doesn't seem too draughty. I'll try this through the winter and give another update. Plus here is a picture of the scoot today! Second picture shows the cover removed!

Looks like a comfy place to be!

I used to hop off my mp3 at stop lights and put my gloved hands n the output from the exhaust. It was hot enough to penetrate the gloves but the gloves offered protection from burning yourself.

now a days that i'm not stupid and in my 20s I use a battery operated vest I got off amazon for cheap, thick bomba socks, and a cheap seat heater (again off amazon). to keep my hands warm I use hippo hands (the best!)

Seems like a great idea to me. Even a little heat is nice in the winter. And with the apron down I wouldn't think you would get much spray or slush in the engine through the opening. At least not any more than you would from underneath.

Trade it for a Helix. With the radiator in front its easy to capture the heat coming from the exit ducts. When summer comes, trade back.

The air vents in a Gilera Runner would generate a bit of heat, but without a cover over your legs most went direct to the atmosphere.