Modern Vespa

My vespa 250 is in the shop and they gave me a loaner. Genuine buddy 125. I drove it home and the next day I was going to go for a ride and the key will not go into the ignition. I drove maybe 2 miles. Anyone have this problem? What did you do?
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call the dealer

My old buddy used to be a pain to get the key in. Then I used WD40, no more issues. Good luck!

I tried the WD thing. NADA.
It is obvious that one of the tumblers has moved. I have no problem getting it in about half way then I hit a tumbler wall.

Damn. I bought this thing friday at about 330p. Drove it home and tried to go for a ride 24 hours later could not get the ignition Tumblr return.

Isn't there some kind a lemon law.? Where you buy something and 4 miles later you can't even freaking get the key i to the ignition? It just seems so wrong!

Sounds like it's the shop's problem. Call them, let them know you're displeased and the key won't go in; ask for a tow and a new loaner. After all, they're getting your money on the Vespa. This is a loaner, correct?

I don't think any kind of citrus law will help you here. Seriously just call the dealer and make it their problem. There are products better than WD40 for this sort of thing but talk to the dealer first. Not so good a Buddy, huh? I've had a few like that in the past but have since learned to be a loner.

We are talking about the loner here? There is also I'm pretty sure a Genuine Buddy forum on the interwebs that may also help.

I have had this happen to our Buddy a couple of times over the years. I freed it up with WD40 as you suggest, and then lubed the lockset with TriFlow. Back in business.

Tried that. I think I am going to gave to order a new ignition switch and install myself. Thank you for your response.

Are you saying you plan to order parts and attempt repairs on a loaner bike that you don't own? What am I missing here?

It's a loaner for f!%&'s sake. It is NOT yours. Phone the dealer and get them to bring a new loaner and take away the duff one.

Do NOT do anything to it. They may even get antsy that you put WD40 (the WRONG STUFF) in the lock.

Did you buy it or it a loaner??? Something fishy here.
And NEVER use WD40 in an ignition.

Yes, and it's not just the WD40.

I had buy it with a buy back agreement. So it is mine but they are buying it back when my scooter is repaired. They called it a loaner.

Okay, I'll bite; If not WD-40, assuming we're not all gearheads, what do you suggest?

Is this actually a thing?

A penetrating oil, BP Blaster, anything but WD40 that leaves a residue.

This is one of the stranger help requests. You had to buy a loaner?! My Piaggio dealer just tosses the keys at me and tells me which bike it is, usually a GTS 300.

Good luck but again this should really be the dealers problem, just call them. Certainly don't do anything that may damage the scoot.

I'm thinking that this could be erm.........fabricated ?

Bill x

It's true that WD-40 over time leaves a residue so it's less than best for fishing reels, firearms and lock cylinders. On a shiny bolt action rifle the stuff begins to look like a built up of tan/yellow colored crud.
The old lock goop was always graphite in solvent but there are newer lubes now. The springs in a lock cylinder are tiny as are the pins, so much crud jams them up. Weather is the worst of all.
An ignition can be freed up by blowing compressed air in the slot with the proper lube. ATF & acetone works ok but I'm not out to start a "best" lube thread...

Something isn't kosher here.

My best guess is not about kosher->the first owner sells it to the 2nd owner thus the insurance goes on the "borrower", not the lender.
Back to the key part?

Tri-Flow

I like this stuff on locks and keyways: https://blastercorp.com/product/graphite-dry-lubricant/ I like Tri-Flow on cables, etc.

Okay, I've been without my scooter for a month so far with it being at an independent shop. How common is it for dealers to offer a loaner scooter? This would be enough to get my business. Anyone know of dealers in Southern California that do this?

I hope it's covered by your insurance when/if you do ride it, I don't think it's covered by theirs any more.

An independant shop is it? You may not like it but I think maybe I get it: cutting corners, saving money and staying alive and out of court while trying to keep you satisfied. Their insurance may specifically exempt coverage beyond business hours.

Given a choice of no loaner or this deal for several days, I guess I'd do it too.

That was just food for thought. I'd let them know NOW that the lock is wacko and see what they say. Maybe there's a simple trick to it and at least you've notified them so shouldn't be your problem when they get it back.