Modern Vespa

Ok folks,

Pardon my ignorance (I own an MP3 but the wifey has a brand new LXV150) but I have a question regarding the start up of the bike. Usually, we do the inspection, put the key in the ignition turn it on, press the starter button, give the Vespa a little juice and it starts up. Last night while I was reading the manual, it said that the bike should be on the stand before starting. Is this the correct procedure to start the LXV ?

Barry

Nonsense. Iin there for liability protection. 3/4 of the "manual" is absurd disclaimers and warnings to give Piaggio legal cover.

They are worried that you will goose the throttle to the stop, the bike will start, engine race, clutch engage, crash, drop, lawsuit.

Use common sense, keep the brake on until the idle settles down and you'll be fine.

P.

It should be on the stand when you start it.

For all the reasons Paul G. mentioned.
He did say to use common sense.

I don't think that is the best advice. If the scooter is on the center stand, there is no way that the rear wheel can attempt to propel the vehicle forward. Having the scooter on the center stand allows you to goose the throttle if necessary to keep the bike running. It doesn't require that the operator maintain a grip on the brake.

It would also depend if the operator was starting the bike while on the seat, or standing next to it. The center stand takes the risk out of it.

I can't see what is saved by starting off the stand, if the scooter was parked to begin with. The stand still needs to be retracted.

But, that is my opinion and I may be wrong. (Dennis Miller)

...but to add on to what others have said, and I suspect to what you may be wondering about -- it won't damage the scooter simply by starting it on the ground. After all, if you were sitting at a light and it stalled, you wouldn't get off the bike, put it on the stand, and attempt to restart - you'd just restart, right?

I nearly always start my LX on the stand. That way I can rev the engine a little to warm it up without fighting the clutch against the brake. If I'm already sitting on the seat, all I need to do is rock forward a little and away I go.
The exception would be if I am riding and turn off the engine when I stop to talk to someone without getting off the scooter. Then I will restart without putting it back on the stand. Of course, the engine would already be warmed up and there is no need to rev it.

Hi all,

Sound advice for sure. I'm used to taking it off the stand, then putting the key in and starting the bike up and I'm off on my merry way. But I'll work with the wifey to ensure that she's safe either way she wants to get started on the stand or on the ground). Again, thanks and I appreciate the information. Always good to ask the experts as you learn something new everyday.

Sincerely,

Barry

Let me clarify my position. When the OP asked the question, he was not specific relative to the location of the intended rider. Yes, starting on the ground is OK if you are on the seat with your foot/feet on the ground. I keep my LX in a garage and I put on my gear, climb aboard, "scootch" it off the stand and push it backwards with my feet until I am clear of the door. Then, once I am in a position to drive away, I squeeze the rear brake, twist a bit of throttle, turn the key and push the go button. No problem.

If I am parked outside, I will get on the scooter, start it up and then "scootch" it off the stand. I would never attempt to start it while standing at the side of it.