Modern Vespa

Happy Halloween to one and all,

I had a run of bad luck with my 2016 Vespa GTS this past summer. The latest issue seems to be an oil leak which my local moto shop has diagnosed as a bad oil sensor. (They think the oil is leaking out of the sensor.) They have ordered a new one for me and told me I should be able to continue riding as long as I keep good tabs on the oil levels. It has been running quite well though the oil light does give me the creeps.

The good juju seemed to end the other day when I rode for about 2 hours. I noticed an "unsmooth deceleration" when I was coming to a stop, so I decided to check the oil once more. It was low but still showing up on the dipstick. I decided to call it quits and make the 10-mile trip straight home, just in case.

When I arrived home and slowed down to enter my driveway, I noticed a new screeching sound. I immediately shut off the Vespa, and topped off the oil. When I attempted to push the Vespa into the garage, it gave me quite a bit of resistance. I started it back up, and – though the screeching sound persisted – it became easier to push.

Check out this short video of the screeching Vespa:

Any ideas on what could be happening? Do you think the oil issue and the screeching are related or separate issues?

Many thanks in advance for any insight you can provide.

Almost sounds like the starter bendix is engaged and locked.

w.

Thank you. I will mention this to the moto shop when I take it in.

I'm the furthest thing from a mechanic so don't be surprised if I'm way off base. Be curious to know the outcome. Please update.

w.

That sound to me like starter motor being turned over by the drive train.
I'd agree with stuck starter bendix.

Start from the CVT side. Probably a broken clutch spring. There's no way for the belt, crank, etc. to turn from the wheel without the clutch being engaged...

Indeed, it seems the clutch is engaged, but at standstill that should never be the case.

You say you were able to start the engine, but with an engaged clutch that would be impossible.

So I would start by putting it on the center stand and checking out that rear wheel.

Can you turn it manually, and what do you feel and hear then? Is the wheel completely free? What about the brakes? Did anything get in between the brake pads and the disc?
Start the engine and see what is happening to the rear wheel. If it starts to turn a little tension on the brake should stop that.

I do not see a relation to the oil issue. Actually you kept the oil level at the correct level and the engine therefore did not experience any oil issue.

ohhh... that sounds like the nut that secures the clutch pack has come undone and it's rubbing against the bell.

pull the transmission cover and see what you've got going down.

Firstly, it's a GTS 300 - THERE IS NO BENDIX! It has a sprag clutch instead, and these can indeed seize up/disintegrate and cause horrible noises. However, I doubt it's this as the bike was hard to push - that sounds like the belt has decided to come apart and gum up the works.

Whip off the transmission cover and inspect the transmission.

I will definitely update – thanks again for your input!

I have had starter issues this year – I'll add your thoughts to the list I share with the moto shop. Thanks for chiming in!

Good thoughts. I have a friend who agrees with your assessment. Thanks for chiming in!

Good thoughts, Peter. I have not had a chance to follow through on your suggestions, but I will give it a try. I'm glad to hear you think the oil issue is unrelated.

Thanks for chiming in!

Good thoughts, Greasy – I've got a couple friends who may stop by and help me do this. Thanks for chiming in!

Nothing to add, other than my curiosity.

Good thoughts, Jim. To my shame, I have had two belts disintegrate and snap while riding. You could certainly be correct, but the noise of the bike and its response when I use the throttle seems different than during those experiences.

I like where you're going with your comments on the clutch. I will look into that further!

Hey Guzzi Gal – thanks for following along!

following along for the ride. always intrigued as to what happened to give odd sounds.

post up pics of the carnage, at the very least I can commiserate with you!

popping the belt cover off is easy and you'll know fairly quickly what's going down. good luck amigo!

DING DING DING DING DING!!

Greasy, you win whatever prize Andy is giving out.

My friend Paul and I dragged our sorry asses over to Andy's house this afternoon along with some tools and deconstructed the scooter. Pulling off the clutch bell it was immediately apparent that something was rubbing in a manner it should not be doing. Being old and slow it took some time to figure out exactly what to do. But eventually I squeezed the clutch together so Paul could tighten the nut.

Andy took the scooter for a spin and all seems as it should be. The belt is due to be changed in another thousand miles so I suspect we'll be taking everything apart again. On the bright side, Andy has a Harbor Freight lift table!

He took some pictures so I suspect he'll be posted them soon to show what was going on.

a scant bit of experience pays off on this one!

I can't help but notice, you schlepped yourselves and tools over so I hope he provided the beer!

you'll probably be okay with just knocking it back together but a little drop of red loctite is always a good idea on those clutch pack nuts!

good work though. top marks all around!

We have all been suitable informed and suitably empowered
regarding the starter on a GTS 300.
Thank you

Who would doubt the oracle?

haw! hardly!

let's go with: getting lucky on an educated guess!

As my father liked to say after some mechanical success, "Even a blind squirrel finds an acorn every once in awhile."

Greasy–you nailed it! Crazy to me that you could identify exactly what was happening by watching/hearing a video. Many thanks again to you for taking the time to write.

Here are some pics and video of Steve (VESPAsfw3) and Paul lending me their skill and expertise!

Thanks again for your help, Steve. It was a relief to know my Vespa was in good hands.

I'm glad we could help Andy. And that you didn't have to wait for weeks to have a dealer fix things. This time of year is too pretty to wait for repairs!

Here's my video documentation of two fools and a Vespa...

https://youtu.be/pHd2_FEdQ5Y

Really great how you guys helped Andy out.

Hey Steve,
My slogan is "Slow far, slow good"

Lovely video and soundtrack!