Modern Vespa

I was following the post related to my issue (loose switch connection, etc.) and ordered new switch...when I went to install it I found that trying to put the retainer clip back on was a PIA...before I made myself crazy I decided to see if the switch was working so I just held it in place...nothing happened...the switch seems seated correctly and there's resistance from the key but no lights...no nothing...is it possible that I have another issue? All symptoms seem to point at a faulty ignition switch...battery is topped up.

Does your brake light come on when you pull each brake lever (one at a time)? If not, you have a faulty brake light switch - the bike will not crank unless the lever is pulled. A faulty switch makes the bike think the lever isn't being pulled, and thus, it won't crank.