Modern Vespa

Greetings all. I am aware that a question about weak Sears Allstate brake lights has been posted in the past, but that was several years ago and it was suggested that I might want a new post. So if the topic has been beaten to death, my apologies. I am looking to confirm what has worked.

I (with a ton of help from a friend) have restored a 1964 Sears Allstate. I have posted about this in the projects area. I am at the stage of hopefully getting the scooter certified for road use, which in Ontario means getting a safety certificate from a licensed motorcycle mechanic (licensed to issue safety certificates). I have been warned that Ontario increased the requirements for the safety certificates. Those of you long familiar with Vintage Vespas know that they are very old technology. So I want to minimize any safety issues that could cause the scooter not to pass.

The last major issue with the rebuild has been the rear brake light. I also had a problem with the rear brake switch, but that has been solved by buying the other rear brake switch (there are two possibilities). The manual calls for a 6V 10W rear brake light, which is what I installed. However, that light is so dim that you can't see it through the cover (I have used an acorn rear cover which is not technically what was on the Sears Allstates. But it is a much nice looking cover). The light takes a few moments to even light up, and then will burn brighter (but not bright enough) when you rev the motor. However, when you stop, you are not reving the motor. And the bulb is too dim, and sometimes not even lighting up.

There was a previous suggestion to use a 6V 5W bulb, or even 3W. The rationale being that, while the wattage is lower, it takes less power to light it up. Has this worked for anyone?

On one of the scooters my friend has, someone before him put in a larger wattage bulb, but that melted the cover because the bulb used was also bigger in size. I have had trouble finding a larger wattage bulb.

Another suggestion was to use a LED bulb with a higher wattage than 10. LEDs are also cooler so no melting a cover. However, we have been told by two people familiar with 6V systems that LED bulbs will not work (one did say he didn't think the LED would work, so he hasn't tried it). Has anyone used a LED bulb with success?

I also saw a suggestion that the stator coil for the rear light might need to be preplaced. Has anyone tried this solution with success?

Just looking for some guidance on what has worked for someone.

Thanks!

I know this may sound odd and I don't understand the reason. My '65 VBB also had a very dim brake light like you described . I put in a 12v bulb and it burns bright so it's staying in.. Volts, watts and amps are a language I don't speak.

Thanks for the reply Moto64. I ended up buying a 6v LED bulb and it works! At low idle, the light flickers, but at speed the bulb is solid on and bright. I will try this solution and see if it lasts.

I am now at the point of obtaining a safety certificate which is required here in Ontario, Canada in order to get the scooter to ride on the road. I have been told the requirements for the safety certificate have become more onerous such that most mechanics are complaining about this, jacking up the cost of issuing a safety certificate, and generally not wanting to do them. I did ask about the LED light and knowing this was a 6v system, he immediately said "the bulb is too dim, right?" When I mentioned the LED light and the flickering, he said he would accept that because it would at least now be seen.

Time to see if the scooter will pass inspection.

Just an FYI, these scoots have a "balanced" AC lighting system. The voltage and wattage rating called out in the manual for each bulb needs to be followed to the letter. If not, you will be continually chasing lighting gremlins. My $0.02 worth.

Brake light does not; it has its own coil and is grounded. Running light and headlight does have a balanced system.

I stand corrected. Thx.

Those Allstate stators have a separate coil for the brake light. You get into Vespa stators, then yeah- some of those everything is balanced.