Modern Vespa

My 2005 LX50 suddenly cut out and refused to restart (a few months back, now). The engine turns over fine on the starter, and there's the smell of fuel in the engine after trying to start it..

I've established there's no spark with one of these spark plug tester thingies just in case my 'rubber glove holding pliers holding spark plug against the engine' method was suspect.

I still have no spark despite replacing the spark plug, HT lead and cap, and most recently the ignition coil (albeit with a second-hand replacement in the case of the coil).

Is there some thing else I should try before deciding the replacement coil was also no good, before spending more money, (this time on a new coil)? I would love to be able to bring it back to life, as it was reliable and a hoot riding round on it for the previous two years. (I do have a multimeter but not sure of how to use it- I struggle to put the electrical theory into practice when faced with a load of wires on the scoot).

Thanks for your thoughts!

I have the same one ,a must have .

But a multi meter and learn how to use. It will save you a lot of time. Off the top of my head, since you replaced the other parts, I would check the kill switch.

check the output from the stator, the voltage regulator, the ecu and make sure power is going into the coil. You can start at the front, with the stator, and check for output, or you can start at the end, the cap, and work backwards, checking input.
Also, check the ignition switch to make sure it's operating properly.

Not sure a 2005 lx50 has a kill switch? The engine turns over, it just won't fire. An inoperative kill switch (if I had one) would mean the engine wouldn't even turn over, wouldn't it?

The kill switch is a red toggle switch on the handlebar that would be activated by your right thumb. It has somewhat mysterious markings on it and only affects the spark to the plug. A "killed" engine will happily allow the bike to turn over with the starter, and give every other indication of perfect cheerful health. You probably have one…..!

Thanks Juan, but can confirm with certainty this scooter doesn't have a kill switch.

Is anyone able to point me to a 'how to' on how to check the wiring from the stator onwards?

Just to tie off this thread.
In the end I had to take it to the dealer. Cost me a complete new stator assembly. Not cheap to fix, but now I can put the scoot up for sale as a running, MOTed example of the marque.

Thank you for the follow up on the solution!