Modern Vespa

Hey guys,

last night two young men tried to steal my Vespa LX50 4t right in front of my house. I was able to watch them from the 4th floor and I think they just tried to move the handlebar by force, to destroy the steering wheel lock (at least that's what it looked like in the few seconds I saw).

The Vespa does not actually look damaged now. Most importantly, the ignition lock looks quite normal, so they probably didn't use a screwdriver or anything (they didn't look like "professional" thieves either, but more like teenagers). My problem, however, is that I can't turn the key when I put it in the ignition lock. The lock is in "lock" position and the handlebar is also normally turned to the left (steering wheel lock activated).

My problem, however, is that I can't turn the key when I put it in the ignition lock. The lock is in "lock" position normally and the handlebars are also turned to the left normally (because I had activated the steering wheel lock, of course).

Do you guys have any tips for me? I have of course already used the forum search but I am not sure what to do in my case. I tried turning the key while moving the handlebars at the same time, but that didn't help. I also saw on the forum that in some cases you also need the brown key. My problem is that the previous owner of my Vespa only gave me the blue key (I didn't know there was also a brown key and he said he lost his second key).

If you're worried that I might be a thief myself (I've already read on the forum that you're understandably cautious with advice about the lock), I'll be happy to prove that the Vespa is mine. Of course I have the operating license.

Thanks a million for your help!

The brown key has nothing to do with turning the lock. It has a master chip that allows the engine to start.

Don't be afraid to push on the handlebars, one way and then the other. Have a helper try to turn the key while you work the bars or vice-versa. They will slip a little as per the design and can easily be aligned if needed later on when everything is freed up.

If it proves impossible to free up then you could replace the lock set. You'd also need to get a cloneable key cut to match the new keys, and cloned to the new master (brown) key. Then you can make new service keys, as you'd have a new master key, albeit not coloured brown!

Guys, does an LX50 have a chip in the key? I have heard that the 50cc has no imobilizer….that makes this simpler.

The locked column has nothing to do with the immobilizer. The only way it would be simpler is if he had to drill the lock. A new lock-set and appropriate keys would be all that's needed.

I get you....my point is that a cloned key is not needed, if he can't get it unstuck. It's just a mechanical thing and a new cylinder and key should do it.

Agreed. Always worth checking if the keys have a chip first. It not, a new cylinder/key set is cheap to buy and easy to install.

Piaggio's own workshop manual suggests drilling the cylinder. Surprised they didn't try that during the theft (quite a common method on un-chipped bikes).