Modern Vespa

I have an electrical issue. My battery is in excellent shape, but there is a glitch somewhere in the ignition which comes and goes. It's in the low 60's here today, so I decided to take the GTS out for a spin. I got about a mile from the house, and the engine sputtered and died going up a hill. I was able to coast to a flat place and check the wires and relays under the seat, and after a few minutes, it started back up. I have had a problem with the starter not engaging until I turn the key on and off a few times, then the kill switch.Today was the first time the engine quit while running. Happily I was able to get home, so I guess the next step is to haul her up to Cincy for an exam. I suspect it might be a loose or worn connection on the kill switch.

Could be a couple of issues...check to be sure the HT lead is snug on the spark plug - that could cause some of the issues you've seen.

Also, check your kill switch contacts. That could also cause an intermittent issue.

Seth and team at Metro in Cincy can also sort you out I'm sure.

my gts did this same thing this a few times this past year. turned out just the fuel pump relay.

You played the voicemail, didn't you?
I got nothin' that hasn't already been suggested, so here's hoping it's simple and easily found/fixed instead of complicated and drawn out. Luck in battle to you and your mechanic.

I spoke with my mechanic today, and he suggested checking the brake lever switches, which have to be depressed upon starting. I'll have a look at that, also, the spark plug cap seems a little wobbly, so I might try to snug it up, although it's in a devil of a spot to try to move it. Thanks for your suggestions and good wishes.

Check the HT lead connection at the coil end. Check ignition is not loose. Check kill switch is not loose or dirty.
Could also be a crack in the intake manifold, I've had that happen once.

Once it is running the brake light switches do nothing but activate the brake light.

I rode with a friend down the west coast from Seattle to Morro Bay last year.

Early in the ride, the starter would go off every time he hit the brakes.

We were stumped at first until he realized the problem.

The starter button was stuck in the on position.

Because you have to hold a brake to make it start, the two were connected and pulling either brake lever would activate the starter.

He figured it out as we were heading into Vespa Portland. He could pull out the starter switch to stop the madness.

As for Warren's issue:

Do the instrument panel lights come on when you turn the key to the on position?

Do those lights flicker when you jiggle the key?

When the scooter stops running while out on a ride, do those lights go off?

If so, it could need a replacement ignition switch...the one behind the key barrel.

It is an inexpensive part and changing it does not require replacing the key or the CDI.

Bill

Not sure if you're aware, but Commonwealth recently picked up Vespa. I doubt that Chad will be scooter wrenching, but Ed said they hired a local scoot guy who is quite talented. You might take it over to them? We also need to get together when the weather warms a bit.