Modern Vespa

My MP3 300HPE has developed a spongy front brake after sitting unused for a few months in the garage. The lever can be pulled down to the handlebar with little braking effect. Obviously unsafe to ride. No apparent leaks in the system but the brake fluid has become darker in colour.
I note there was a recall in the USA for a similar brake issue...

2 possibilities

Air in the lines or there is a leak somewhere

PIAGGIO recall (RM/2020/036 - NICKEL COATING OF A BRAKE PIPE MAY CAUSE A GAS BUILD UP IN THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM}

My MP3 has done less than 3000 miles, so you would not expect leaks. The gas may be hydrogen apparently.

Try tying the brake lever down with a plastic tie overnight. This will allow the air to rise to the reservoir and out of the brake lines. You might have to do this over a few nights.

Cheers,
Tross

Thanks, I'll give it a try to see if the gas? is released from the system.
https://www.vehicle-recall.co.uk/make/PIAGGIO/MP3

Thanks for the tip Tross the front brake was restored for a few hours but has now gone back into failure mode...
I contacted the recalls section of the Piaggio UK website - they simply referred me back to my approved local dealer. They did not confirm (or deny) that there was a recall in place.

Worth the try, sounds like there is a leak somewhere.

Cheers,
Tross

Thanks, there is no loss of brake fluid, which suggests that there is not a leak...
In any event, with less than 3000 recorded miles, there should not be a brake failure such as this.