Modern Vespa

I recently picked up a 2007 LX 150. Everything works except this one section on the dashboard. See picture. Is that the clock?

I have the headset apart because I'm replacing some legshield trim and found this one connector tucked away behind the where the speedo cable mates with the dashboard. It wasn't connected to anything. See picture. I took a bright flashlight to the entire underside of the dash and can't find any corresponding female connector anywhere. Any idea what this goes to? The clock perhaps?

I'm wondering if a previous owner replaced the dash with one from a different year that doesn't have that female connector. Just a theory.

Thanks.

I pretty sure the clock is self contained using the small button type batteries. The lead has nothing to do with the clock.

The clock keeps very poor time, and it's a fiddle to change both the time and the batteries. You're far better off Velcro-ing a cheap digital watch to the headset if you're that worried about checking the time.

Thanks very much Tierney and Jim for this great info. I had no idea the clock was run off a tiny battery. I don't need it. Was more curious about the connector, but will just ignore it.

I am enjoying riding the LX 150, but the acceleration from a stop is not at all like my GTS 250. I get that the GTS is a much bigger engine, but I have to almost wide open the throttle then wait a second or two before I'm in motion. Whereas the GTS moves instantly. Maybe the transmission in my LX is not quite as good somehow as the one in my GTS. It doesn't seem like a carb issue as there is no bogging etc. Wondering if others notice this too. I weigh about 180lb.

Not sure what the connection is. I would have to take apart mine to look. As others have said, nothing to do with the clock.

I have no hesitation at all with the acceleration of my LX150, although it is fuel injected.

Thanks bluside. I just scoured this site and looks like setting mixture right and doing a valve clearance adjust could improve acceleration from stop.

I can't swear that it would be the same...
but I found one of those in the ET4 I was fixing up for my niece.
Turned out it connects to the turn signals and made a perfect point to connect a Sonalert as a turn signal annunciator.
Put a meter on it and turn on a turn signal to find out.

Time for a transmission checkup. Sounds like there's some degree of wear, slippage, or stiffness in the rollers, belt, or clutch pads. Considered routine maintenance due to age, at this point, and possibly also mileage.

As for that battery: terrible design for access to this modest function. But replace it now while the headset is apart or it'll bug you, and you'll decide to disassemble it again. The battery lasts a long time. Size LR43, AG12, 386, or SR43.

Yes, I had a similar "hesitation" at throttle-up on my LX150. It was caused by leaks in the black rubber diaphragm on the carburetor piston slide. Easy to check for and you don't have to remove the carburetor. Simply remove the top cover and withdraw the spring and piston assembly. Inspect the diaphragm by looking through it toward a strong light source. Any perforations require replacement of the piston assembly. I suggest using a light smear of silicone dielectric grease to reseat the diaphragm lip in the carb groove before installing the top.

Cosmos beat me to it. Yes check the diaphragm, my LX150 was acting much the same until I changed it out after finding a few pin holes in it.

Great idea to put a meter to the leads and flip different switches. Why not.

Just rebuilt the variator, though the crank splines at the new backplate mean a bit of play. Belt and rollers measured almost new. Though probably original.

Will look into changing the battery thanks. If not too tricky then why not.

I recently rebuilt the carb and did the diaphragm light test and couldn't see holes or tears.

The first time I looked the scoot over, the diaphragm seemed ok, no holes. But it had been sitting. Once I rode it a bit, every time I went out it was getting worse. The rubber diaphragm itself was not very pliable and failed fairly quickly.

I noticed that as well. The fuel injection definitely makes it a snappier response. Ride a new LX, Primavera or Sprint with FI and it is quicker off the line. I have a GTS 250 as well as the LX and they are quite different. 250 vs 150, four valve head vs two, 21 hp vs 11.9, 330 lbs. vs 250. I originally wanted to install a Malossi 190 kit on the LX, but I picked up the GTS for less than value of the LX plus the $400 or so to do the kit and extras. So I may put off kitting it for now and just accept the LX as it is.

Old belts slip. At least, mine did - an '09, in 2018 when I acquired it.

Despite the manuals, do not measure belt wear by measuring width - check in between the inner teeth for cracks instead.

Some OEM belts actually come at the so-called width wear limit anyway - another reason to disregard.

Thanks. Will keep this on my radar.

I'm not super worried about the lag from stop, just figured I'd see what might be causing. If I had never ridden a GTS I wouldn't even know it's an issue.

Will also keep this on my radar. For all I know the belt is original to the scoot since the LX only has 4K miles.

I saw in the wiki to look for cracks when I had the belt off and I didn't see any.

Thanks for the replies. Somehow I just managed to fish out the clock battery and 3 bits that need to come out to get the battery out. Was quite a process with everything in place. I would imagine it is super easy of you were to pull out the dashboard. I'm sure it was time wasted as the clock sounds like it keeps terrible time and the battery only lasts a year or two, but I guess I wanted to see that for myself.