Modern Vespa

Ok, so my 2021 SXL 150 with 300 kms (practically new) had a weird issue a couple of days ago.

I went for a short ride, no more than 5 min and I noticed a sound like the fan was on, but it was a stronger sound than normal.. my guess was that it was a hot day so maybe it was running faster to cool down the engine.

Once I arrived and turned the switch off the vespa started making a sound like when you try to turn it on with the switch but it was constant and I was not pushing the electric turn on switch, so the engine turned off but it was making this sound like I was pushing the starter.

I pulled out the key and to my surprise it kept making this weird sound, so I inserted the key and turned it to ON and the engine started again.. with the fan sound again.

Is weird because the engine started without the need to pull the brake + push the switch on... it just started once I turned the key.

So in the end I had to unscrew the positive wire from the battery and turn the key to off position. Now it stoped making the sound.

I connected the battery and everything was working normally again.

Any guess?

I will take the Vespa to the dealer on wenesday to check if they find something. I will come back with the follow up.

ps. I have a video but not sure how to upload it here.

Your starter relay contacts have arced so much they have welded themselves together. I've had two of those in my time. Easy cure - replace it!

It's also possible to pry the relay cover off, prise open the contacts (they won't be stuck very hard) and clean them with very fine sandpaper or a contact cleaning file. This is what I'd do in the meantime if you can't immediately find a new relay locally.

Tip: Don't use emery paper on the contact points! It will leave particles behind, and really mess things up (tech jargon there...).

ETA: there are also special little files made for just this purpose. They are around $10 on ebay.

Thank you for the information, it really makes sense. I made a little research and found the starter relay. I will share this info with the dealer so they can check it.
If they dont replace the relay and it happens again I already found the relay at the internet. It should be easy to replace it.

Thank you!