Modern Vespa

With the cold weather setting in I thought I'd mention one thing I learned one cold day last year.

When the bike is cold the idle is higher, not new info to most everybody but the MP3 acts differently when there is a rider and when there is no rider seated. As the bike maintains idle to warm up, it can possibly pass the 2300 RPM (or so) threshold where it will do two different things based on having a seated rider or not;

Rider seated: unlock the front end.

Rider missing: limit the idle to keep the clutch from moving the bike.

I mention this because if you are at a stoplight and locked while the bike is still in high Idle the bike may suddenly unlock. If you are caught off guard it could mean trouble. This happened to me and scared me but I did happen to react fast enough to catch the bike.

So there is my tip of the season.

Happy riding!

regardless of outside temp, on the 500, I let it idle till I see 3 bars on the temp gauge, then I ride. I have not had a problem since I rode it home from the dealer. 8)

I just start it and ride off, every time. Been doing this for years and over 100,000 miles, never a problem.

The worst thing you can do to an engine is let it warm up at idle. You should start it as you are putting on your helmet and gloves, then head out using gentle throttle till it's at normal operating temp.

Wayne B

and don't forget the hand brake freezes below 32F or 0C

freezes at 32F??? seriously?? wow...if this is correct I'm rethinking the purchase!

skeptical but still wanting an mp3

Yes. I had this happen to me for the first time a few days ago. I had to take the car. It was a much warmer ride to work in the morning, but I was wishing I had the MP3 when it was time to head home. Since then, I have been using the stand and not setting the brake.

The tilt-lock can freeze as well - so if it's going to be that cold put the bike on the centre-stand - no hand-brake, tilt-lock off.

They mean the parking brake. Not the actual brakes you use while riding.

Water freezes at 32deg, don't forget that. So if it's 34 or 35 when you leave the house, be wary as you roll through shady spots, there may be ice patches still on the road.

A handy tip from Captain Obvious.

The tilt-lock can freeze? Only if it was subjected to water, right?

Sitting in an unheated, cold, dry garage should not allow the tilt-lock to freeze.

Just my .02 cents.

Condensation? But in a garage should be OK. Mine's outdoors, so can get dew and frost on it.