Modern Vespa

First of all, sorry, as I've been hanging out at iRovr

Got the 2009 LX 150 in late July. The first week I had it, rode to work, & it rained while I was there, & then wouldn't start. Called the dealership, & they got the bike & even gave me a ride home. When I got the bike back, they said it was water in the ignition & was fixed.

Here, it rained Tues night & Wed. So on Thurs morning, went to take a ride. Won't start. Key comes out wet. So I looked over the front & there is a large gap where any rain just pours into the front. It's where the handlebars meet the front body. Have had other Vespas & never seen a gap like this, never had this issue. Called the dealer & he swears nothing goes there. I don't have a covered place to park it. I think there's a piece missing. Anyone? Is this normal on the newer ones?

Buy a good, sturdy cover if you have to park your scoot outside in bad weather.

Thank you, but was concerned this seems to be an issue with the new ones. Didn't have this issue in WA state with an ET4. Cover is ordered, even if it just gets cut up(not the best neighborhood, either). Just makes no sense to make a bike with a hole that leaves the electronics at risk of water damage. Was wondering if it's a design flaw in the LX or a part missing.

Mine's a 2007. Just went out and looked at it, and there's only about an eighth inch gap between the headset plastic and the apron plastic--nothing to remove to make a bigger gap. Haven't looked at a 2009 so I don't know what might have been changed. But I've parked mine in the rain and ridden it in a driving rain without any problems. You might want to look at other 2009s at the dealership to see if yours is missing something. Sorry, can't help much.

Cary

Cary, is that in locked position? Will definitely do that on Monday, tho. This is a space the entire area under the handlebar plastic so when it's locked, whole top area underneath is wide open. Just seems something should be there. If dealer won't help, is a custom shop nearby & will get something fitted to fill the gap

Littlebird can you take a pic so we can see what your talking about?. I have a 2007 so i can do a quick check and see if it's the same for you. I don't leave mine in the rain but have ridden it in the rain with no problems. Like dooglas said i'd get a cover for it.

Photo has to wait til I get home am at work & had to take the cage. After 7pm if the light allows. But is immediately under the handlebars, top of the front right underneath is open when it's locked(I can put part of my hand in & feel wires & such & that can't be right)

mine lives outside in the weather. I got sick of people stealing my cover(s) so I gave up on that. It is an 07 but I don't have any starting issues and I can't get my hand inside of the shroud with the steering locked.

I've got an '08, but I stopped in at my dealer today & peeped the '09 which does seem to have a larger gap than the '08. I can't imagine why it is different, but I can see how this would cause you problems.

Have a photo but it won't let me attach it from the iPhone.

i have a yellow 2008 and a blue 2009. Both have the same large gap in the front. This is shown with the handlebars turned full left. Mine live in the garage but i keep them covered when i go camping. When uncovered the morning dew makes them hard to start.