Modern Vespa

But they destroyed the ignition, trunk lock, and top box lock in the process.

The ignition is totally destroyed, the key doesn't even fit anymore.
Added to that, the steering turns left, but it is locked to turn right...

Now i have the unenviable task of repairing the damage.

I'm looking for any help and advice on how to repair. Do i need to buy a new ignition or, can i just get a new barrel. How do i even get to the ignition switch ?
Thanks in advance..

At a minimum you'll need to replace the ignition lock barrel. May be better to replace the lock assembly entirely. You'll also have to deal with the electronic key issue. Hang on to your old key. You may be able to transfer the chip to the new key.

To get to the ignition lock the knee panel needs to come off. To get the knee panel off, most of the rest of the body panels need to come off.

Clear a space in the garage and gather your tools.

Thank You for replying. Yes i have all the keys including the brown one.. It sounds like i have to do more research.

I forgot to mention the panel damage. The dashboard is completely destroyed..

Unbelievable. What was the point of doing that? Absolutely crazy.

The 'dashboard' (gauge surround #623072000C) is surprisingly affordable. I replaced mine when I bought it due to an ugly crack.

https://www.scooterwest.com/dashboard-surround-mp3-250.html

https://www.af1racing.com/DASHBOARD-623072000C


If the gauges are damaged you're on your own. #640386

If it's just the clear cover over the gauges, that's not so bad. #640434


The ignition lock assembly unfortunately is a significant investment you can't avoid. #654165

Thank You. That's interesting - The part numbers are invaluable. It looks like there are lots of interchangeable parts with other MP3, but ScooterWest may be the way to go..

Yes, many of the parts for the older generation MP3 are same across the models.

There are a couple of different web pages with the parts diagrams where you can get the Piaggio part numbers. --> https://www.parts-piaggio.com/

Scooterwest and AF1 are good choices for general items. What they don't have in stock they can usually special order.

I managed to extract the ignition switch today.. How correct you were, i had a driveway full of parts i had to strip off to get to the ignition switch, and so many screws, screws in places that were so hard to get at..
Unfortunately, I discovered another expense..
I may need help with this.. there were 3 exposed connectors - i'm guessing these were ripped off the immobilizer antena. If anyone can confirm that id appreciate it.. Now i know why the dashboard was broken. I'm sure whoever did this, took a long time trying to take it..

Looking at your picture I don't see another connector between the 3 pins and the rest of the wiring harness. So I would have to say that they disconnected the way they were meant to. Maybe a little worse for wear but they should plug back in where they came out.

Where did they come from? Good question. I've not personally had to deal with the ignition or the immobilizer, so my advice may be suspect.

If you don't have it yet, one of the members has graciously made service manuals available to download. There is a wiring diagram there that may be helpful.

https://manuals.wotmeworry.org.uk/Piaggio/Piaggio%20MP3/

The immobilizer ring looks like the prime suspect.

Maybe the pins pulled out of the back of a larger connector plug? With a little finesse they can probably be put back in.

WOW - Thats Fantastic Thank You.. - That's exactly the part. I have looked through all of the microfiche parts slides and can't find it. I guess my only hope is the local dealership . Maybe Piaggio send them some as service items. I'm sure they break sometimes during servicing.. The wiring diagram is really useful too but its too blurred to see on my cell-phone. I did buy a workshop manual, maybe its in there. If you want a copy, message me I'm sure I can forward it. In the meantime, I have to work out how to lift the seat with the battery dead.. I did pull on the cables in the ignition switch - one moves but no click the other is stuck.
I did manage to find this web site that seems to sell the parts a little cheaper that the US companies - but, I had to email for shipping prices.. Lets see how they respond..

https://www.racing-planet.com/piaggio-mp3-400-ie-4v-07-08-nafta-zapm590t-oem-spare-parts-c-2773_43843-1.html?newcPathco=125

The webpage with the manuals has a wiring diagram pdf that you can zoom in on.

The colors jive with your picture.

We may have to take a picture of one that's intact to know which order the colors go.

Yes.. Thank You.. i saw that after i replied. Today i remembered it has a 12v outlet. After plugging in a small 12v battery, i was able to use the remote to open the seat.. Joy!!

Just wanted to chime in that it really sucks this happened, but I am glad you're taking the time to resurrect the bike!

Thank You - All forms of encouragement are gratefully received..

Because inquiring minds want to know...

The connector is labeled "AMP". If you can't get the original pins to reinsert and stay put you can probably by an new connector with new pins.

How about that - once again you come through. Thank You
They look to be available on Amazon.. AMP appears to be the style of connector.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RMCVVXV/ref=twister_B08JTRZ31B?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Is that the actual antenna wire from your MP3? the wiring diagram tells me the color of the wires but not which way they fit into the antenna.

By The Way - Still waiting for a reply from Racing Planet.

In the meantime, I'm going to rig the damaged ignition to see if I can get the scoot to start. The manual says without the antenna it will only rev to 2000 rpm. This will at least tell me if anything else was damaged.

That's a picture of the pigtail on the main wiring harness. I just unplugged it from the immobilizer antenna.The 3 wires match your original pictures. I would 'assume' that your actual connector is still there and they just yanked the wires out. If the connector is missing that's an added complication.

My hope is that you can just plug them back in. The clip side faces down. The immobilizer that it plugs in to is visible at the top of the photo.

Nice ongoing work towards helping a fellow scooterist get running again!

Here are some pictures of what's left of the antena - it was totally ripped out along with the pigtail. So, I know the order of the wires but not the position.
I just found out out today that the cover for the ignition is also sold separately.
The bill just keeps getting bigger, ('') so your help and encouragement is priceless. Thank You again.

I don't think the pinout is going to help you with that damage unless somehow you can decipher which tail of the antenna coil went to which terminal.

The bandits certainly gave it the old college try. Too bad they didn't do their homework first to know that the security system is a tough nut to crack.

Three wires attached to a single coil of wire that acts as both a transmitter and receiver- it will probably be a center tapped single coil of wire. If somebody has one that hasn't been destroyed they could measure the resistance between the pairs, and let us know what the resistance is between each pair. Then you could check the resistance between each pair of stubs and solder the right wire color to the right stub, and you're back in business.

I'd do it, but I really don't want to remove all that plastic. But somebody here must have their bike stripped right now.

Already put mine back together.

Not sure I'd be able to get test leads on the antenna connector without going all the way to removing the knee panel. Not a lot of room in there.

Also wouldn't be surprised if the clump on the side of the antenna housed an additional circuit board. Maybe not just a direct connection to the antenna.

Thats Very Kind .. On Reflection, its probably best i just purchase a new one..

I am grateful for all your help..

It houses a decoder as well as the coil.

Today i got another step closer.. i rigged up the ignition to work with a screwdriver by removing the outer barrel. All the electrics work but the starter button is non functional without the antenna. I also got the trunk to lock and straightened the top case lock. Unfortunately i broke the top box key. Thankfully i have a spare..

I'm going to take a break for a while to concentrate on some other jobs ive been postponing.. So, thanks for your help everyone.

Stay Safe Everyone - I'll update as soon as pick back up again..

I swap antennas on gts250, gts300, mp3 500. its just an antenna.

Jimc is correct if you look at my pictures - the sender is missing..
But, you must have read my mind.. i was surfing eBay while my wife was watching Bravo (as you do).. i noticed this.... i'm sure it will fit my MP3. I noticed it has a broken tab, maybe i can negotiate shrewdly....
You have just sent me down a wormhole- will it fit? AND does it send the signal from any key or, do i have to reprogram? And... if i know the color wire for the center connector will i damage it woking out which wire goes left and right??

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PIAGGIO-VESPA-GTS-IE-300-2016-IMMOBILIZER-KEY-READER-AERIAL-/174011703300?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49292

vespa and mp3 use entirely different key setups, but use same antenna.

I wish i knew how to use the function ..
So, JerryD what you are saying is, the antena is generic but the transponder and key chip have to be compatible ? I have all the keys for my MP3 so, if i buy the eBay antenna and have the key close, it should fire up my scoot ??

yes. the chip of key just needs to be inside the antenna to send the correct signal. the chip may need to be oriented correctly as well. the chip for mp3 didnt work laying flat. it had to be oriented as if it was in the key.. however the vespa 300 was less sensitive. the chip was read taped anywhere near the antenna.

Okay. Thats a HUGE help, thank you... I'm buying the UK antena..
As i don't have the connector, only the wires, do you know the sequence of the wire fitment? I guess i need a picture of the ignition switch with antenna fitted ?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Piaggio-Beverly-250-2007-Ignition-Immobiliser-Ring/254752093087?hash=item3b5068739f:g:dQ0AAOSwa1xfi9Fy

I can orient the wires. I just need to look at my mp3

Red front, black in the middle, orange to the rear.

That's Great Information - Thank You..

I ordered the antenna from Australia so, progress will be on hold until lit gets here..

^^^^
This - true for all Piaggio FI scooters I believe. Antennae from carb'd ones will NOT work.

Today I received the replacement Antena.. DHS rocks - only 4 days from London to the San Francisco Bay Area...
I was very careful to double check the wiring advice you guys offered. The first few times i tried to start it the horn would sound like a car alarm.. Then miraculously it fired into life.. That's about the highlight of my day. What was to happen next put a dampener on all that..
The old gal revved freely and made all the right noises. As i pulled off the driveway it just didn't feel right.. Sure enough, the wheels were straight but the bars were pointing to the right.
It was a lovely smooth ride around the block though..
After i parked it, it stalled. On trying to restart it, it went into 'limp-home' mode not idling and not revving past 2000rpm.. I have read somewhere in the manual that is something to do with the key signal. However, the only thing that changed was i drained the battery attempting to start it.

You guys have all been really great and helpful.
Now, i feel i have to re-evaluate what i'm going to do next. I'm certainly happy i didn't spend $500 on a new ignition..

Hopefully i'll be back soon.
You're comments, as always will be gratefully recieved..

Im not sure the alignment picture is very good.