Modern Vespa

Hello

I have a primavera 125cc that I've loved and used for few years. I haven't used it for around couple of years and it's been locked with chain right outside my house (Underneath a lot of CCTVs) but it seems like someone tried to break into it.

Right now, when I put the keys in, the ignition is locked and it doesn't move at all. The lights don't work either as I'm guessing the battery might be completely out! Also the steering wheel is no longer in the lock position and there is a roughly 30 degree misalignment between the wheel and the steering wheel.

I called a garage and they've asked me to bring it in but it's not gonna be easy or doable at all as the front wheel is locked to the left.

Any idea what I can do in this situation? I want to avoid paying a truck to pick it up or pay extra for a mechanic to come to me instead. I have to if I don't have any other choice but would be good to get some directions from you guys here first.


I can record and upload a video if that helps

Welcome to MV, possad!

I'm sure someone will have the answers you seek, but until then post pics. Visuals almost always draw people in better than words.

If you've left the thing outside for a couple of years, unattended, the chances are that damp has got into everything (wheel-bearings, brakes, electricals etc) and seized the lot. A battery will be dead-flat after a few weeks without a charge, so if left for years, then obviously there will be no electrical response. You will need a new, fully charged battery for the ignition and lights to function.

I'm not clear on some of the terminology that you are using 'the ignition is locked' - do you mean the steering is locked? By the 'steering wheel' I presume you mean the handlebars, or are you talking about the front wheel? If the wheel is out of alignment as you say, then either the bike has fallen over or got damaged as a result of theft. Regardless of unwatched CCTV, it is not unusual in places such as London for gangs to physically pick-up and carry a scooter and drop it if disturbed.

From what you say, it all sounds 'fixable' by someone who knows what they are doing, but probably at some cost. Taking it to a repair shop is likely to be expensive, and will no doubt unearth other issues caused by neglect.

If attempting to repair it yourself, at the very least you will need suitable tools and a good manual, but do bear in mind safety concerns regarding brakes, steering and tyres.

Actually, it sounds like you have a Primavera that you have NOT loved for a few years. I'm with "Happy". The assorted damage and degradation you describe will likely run up quite a repair bill at a conventional shop - possibly more than the scooter's retail value. Your most cost effective hope is doing the repairs yourself. You will find previous posts here concerning repairs to damaged ignition switches and handlebar locks which may be helpful. You could also try to sell the scooter as is, but expect to take quite a large hit in value due to condition..

Thank you all.

Indeed it was not loved the past couple of years. It was left outside but under shelter.

Happy, I mean when I put the keys inside, it does not rotate and I'm unable to unlock the bike. Is that somehow related to the dead battery or is it because someone jammed and fiddled with the steering wheel.

The battery is toast and yes, the scoot has probably been tampered with. You may want to reach out to a local scooter club to see if a member can put eyes on it. It may be a simple fix, but you are definitely going to need a new battery.

possad. It sounds as though the lock has seized due to damp - you could try a squirt of WD40 or similar which may free it, but do not force it or the key may snap inside. It could be vandalism or theft of course, but then something would probably be jammed in the slot. Often, thieves would simply rip the whole of it out to get to the wiring. As has been stated by Dooglas, do take some time to search this site for repair and renovation tips as there are often pictures and videos. I would avoid places such as facebook where one repair query often gets ten different repair suggestions!

WD40 did not do it.

I just found this post here which is similar to my problem:

Steering stuck in locked position LX50

Yes, you have nothing to lose by trying that. You say you've left the bike for some time, so just take your time if you hope to repair it yourself. From what I gather, retailers are charging £50+ per hour just to have a look (probably more than that in London or if you appear to be a novice), then there is the cost of parts on top of that!

Great. Now I need to figure out how to take the panel off! Any one know of a video that shows how that can be done? A video that I found requires the glovebox to be open to access all the nuts and bolts but currently, that's not possible in my case.

Really appreciate everyone's help here.


Ok I managed to open the glovebox panel, whacked it and managed to get the key turn slightly towards off position (From locked position) however it doesn't quite make it to the off position.

And when I turn the handle bar slightly, it locks again!!!!

Ok I think it'd be very difficult for me to fix this by myself.

Apart from other potential damage because of the damp, these are the issues:

1. Battery needs to be completely fixed
2. The handlebar needs to be released from lock position and aligned with the front wheel
3. Ignition lock insert (Where you put the keys) need to be fixed, replaced as the key does not turn right now

I understand that it's hard to judge but what do you reckon the cost of that would be in London?

Well done on making some progress. You could try pricing-up a battery and ignition switch unit on Ebay and fit them yourself. Your battery will have a series of letters/numbers on its side, so try typing those into Ebay UK. Some basic tools would be needed to realign the steering.

As for an estimate of repair costs for labour, there are so many variables it would be impossible to say. Based on your description on here, most dealers would probably just shrug, after all they make money easily enough from those who feel they need a dealer to change their engine oil!

Personally, I would decide whether the scooter is actually worth spending money on, and if not, list it for free on Gumtree with a realistic price as spares or repairs. You could possibly make more cash by breaking it up and selling individual spares, but that would take time, tools and some knowledge to be a success.

Thank you for your advise.

Well I bought it for £3k a few years ago and it only had less than 2k miles on it. It has 6k miles on it Now, and it seems like the second hand price on ebay is roughly the same. Surely the repair doesn't cost that much!

I can certainly change the battery myself and save some time and money but the rest, how many hours does it take? Even at 10 hours and £50 p/h wouldn't I be better off fixing it?

Also I just realised that it's only not been turned on for the past year. Last time I used it was last summer. Surely the damp hasn't damaged it that significantly

Well, yes if you think it is still worth around that figure and it is in an overall condition where someone would pay that for it, then spending more now could be worthwhile. Only you can decide.

Ok thanks. I guess I just have to find a creative way to take it to the garage as the front wheel is locked to the left!

Find a local shop that will work on it (and expect £80-£120 p.h. labour cost) and get them to pick it up. They will always have means of recovering immobile PTWs.

It would help if you gave your locality in London, then perhaps locals could point you towards known good dealers.