Modern Vespa

Hey everyone,

I am located in New Orleans, LA and I recently purchased a used 2009 vespa 150s from a used dealership. In exchange for overpaying for it, the dealership threw in a Piaggo tarp that fit perfectly over the top case. The bike lives outside, so I was grateful for the tarp.

This morning, the bike was underneath a strong and long downpour that lasted hours. I wasn't worried because I had the tarp, but when I went to ride it after the storm, I noticed the bike was soaked from the rain.

The bike started fine-ish(it cut out on the first start) and I rode it work. I didn't bring the tarp with me b/c it was soaked and figured parking underneath a canopy would be fine. It rained a couple of more times and the scooter got a little wet.

At lunchtime, I started the scooter and noticed every time I hit the brakes, a loud screeching/squealing sound would come from the rear, non-muffler side of the bike.

Fast forward to end of workday and when I tried to leave, the scooter refused to turn over/start. I thought it was the battery, but after attempting to jump it using both a portable starter and car engine, it still refused to turn over. The lights shone bright, both headlight and front light. So I'm not sure where to go from here. I'd love a temporary fix, until I can get it to the shop on Monday. Anyone have any ideas? Did something get wet that just needs a day or two to dry out?

Thanks!

Kill switch?

The screeching sound is coming from the cable-operated rear drum brake. This is a fairly simple mechanism with an adjustment for cable tension, and not much else to fiddle with except rust in the drum, sticking action, or worn-out brake shoes.

"Not turning over" means no action whatsoever from the starter switch? That suggests an activated killswitch as znomit suggests (we've all been there), a failed starter switch (which is a possibility after it gets wet - might fix itself when it dries out, might need some attention with the headset disassembled), or a failed relay.

Are you pulling in one of the brake levers when you try to start it. Without the brake lever depressed the scoot won't start.