Modern Vespa

It happens that when I start my Fuoco usually after I have not ridden for a couple of weeks that the horn starts sounding as she she fires up. It usually takes a few start up then this stops. Its not a continual sound but rather regular bursts almost like an alarm.

The only common denominator is that it only seems to happen after its been standing for a while.

Any thoughts or an explanation would be appreciated.

Sounds like a pressure sensor.

I'd suggest you store your scooter on the centerstand with the tilt lock OFF.

The horn is likely due to low pressure alarm, caused by tiny leak in the pressure sensor. Of course, the leak could be anywhere, however it is pretty common to leak at the sensor.

Not needed, scooter will wobble if you get on but won't fall over. It's like a Weeble, it will wobble, but it won't fall down.

Agreed, but the horn won't go off, and you won't keep the hydraulics under pressure for long spells.

before starting your scooter just turn the key on and cycle the tilt lock on/off 4 or 5 times

Thanks but as you switch on it starts tooting. On a side note I upgraded to an airhorn so its quite a hectic disruption when it happens.

Is it worth replacing the pressure sensor - She's never 'wobbly' after standing?
Where/ what/ how is the pressure sensor - is it something I can do at home or best left for a dealership.

Placing on the centre stand is an option if the consensus is not to leave her locked for any length of time.


Thanks for the interest shown.

re modify your air horn set up. at the stock horn find the connector with 2 wires one of those is the trigger wire from the horn button cut that one and use it as the trigger wire for your air horn. this way your stock horn stays in place as the low pressure and other faults horn.

You can replace the sensor your self , you have to take off the front end plastics to access it and it is center of the scoot behind the handle bars. other have posted pics on the forum and you can search those topics and find them.

I always put mine on the center stand after turning on the tiltlock,then I turn the tiltlock off and then back on. I have found that this procedure takes the pressure off the front wheels so there is less chance of a leak in the tiltlock. You could leave the tiltlock off after you put it on the center stand, but you'll have to remember to turn it back on before you take it off of the center stand. Otherwise it might fall over on you. Remember, these Bikes are pretty heavy .

Any time the tilt lock is activated the whole system is under pressure, so if there is a leak, the horn will sound when you turn it on. The only part that is no longer stressed due to above is the front suspension.

Some folks have a reminder they put on the handlebars, like a little flag or such (sort of like the wire that some wheel locks have), to remind the tilt lock is off.

I had Matilda for over 6 years before trading her in and buying Missy and I`ve never had any problems with developing any leaks in the tiltlock even after leaving it on long periods of time (Winter). It must be the luck o`the Irish.

Wait a minute, I never heard the Vespa has a horn toot if there's something wrong. What causes the toot and where is that in the owners manual?

Vespas don't. MP3s do, as part of the tilt-lock system.