Modern Vespa

Hi everyone! I've been a long-time lurker since getting my wife her 2007 GT60 almost two years ago, but now that I have my new 2010 300S I felt it was time to come out of the shadows. I've been riding motorcycles for over 35 years - all makes, types and models - and really enjoyed the few times I rode my wife's scooter while my bike would be in for its scheduled service. They are way too much fun, so I finally decided to get my own as well.
Thanks for all the info provided on this site! I hate to start my first post with a problem and question - but all attempts at searches through this site and elsewhere has not come up with any answers. Please don't flame me if this was covered elsewhere - but I found nothing on anyone reporting the following: After about 600 miles, the red code LED light started flashing from irregularly to almost constantly while the bike is running! It flashes normally when off/locked, and the bike seems to start and run OK, but this is really distracting while riding, esp. at night. Ideas?

Welcome and it shouldn't be blinking while your riding it. The blinking light is a diagnostic tool so i'd get out the manual and see what the "code" is saying. There should be a section on iit in your manual.That would be the first thing i'd do. Good luck and congrats on the new scooter Hope this helps.

Thanks! I checked the manual and the light should be off if the bike is running.
I just got it back from the dealer for service - they thought it was a short in the system and supposedly "fixed" a pinched wire, but it still is flashing spastically while riding. I was told not to worry about it ("they do that sometimes"), but it is hard to ignore bright flashing red lights on your dash while riding. Being on two wheels is dangerous enough without any new distractions. I just wanted to know if anyone else has this problem (my wife's GT60 doesn't do this) and what level of concern should I have about this? I definitely think it needs to be fixed - and will pursue it under warranty further with the dealer. Anyone else experienced this? What did you do?

welcome...we need some scooter pics please

Welcome to MV...I don't like to "don't worry about it"...somethings not exactly right and on a new scoot.

Could it be a situtation post-warm up...hence the Service folks cannot replicate problem to ascertain fix?

Sorry wish I could me of more help...

This indicates something that is amiss with the bike. It could be minor, but it definitely means something. They don't just sometimes do that, as the dealer indicates. The proper thing for them to do is to get out the diagnostic tool, connect it to the bike, and read out the code that is stored in the ECU.

I wouldn't take that answer they gave you. It could be minor but it very well could be a serious problem. It's the service dept's JOB to find the problem and fix it. If it's under warranty even more so. Take it back in and demand they find out what is causing it to blink. I wouldn't want to be riding it and have something major fail. Make sure it's documented on paper what they are telling you also. Keep us updated.

Thanks, everybody! I am definitely going to get the dealer to fix it - and knowing this isn't a common problem is both concerning and reassuring at the same time...
I really love the little scoot - and didn't want people to think that this was another whining thread in which to start my association with MV.
I'll attach a photo of my black 300S, "Vesparado" soon.
Last Fall, when my other bike (an FJR 1300) was in the shop getting new tires, I took my wife's GT60 on a road trip over the weekend from Salt Lake City to Reno via old US 50 ("the Loneliest Road"), and had a blast. I started off making excuses to other bikers about it being my wife's and my REAL bike being in the shop, but later was calling it MY bike and extolling its virtues of comfort and simplicity. By the time I got back, I knew I wanted one of my own.
I'm sure the dealer will get mine sorted....

Good luck JOE

Welcome, Joe, and good luck holding your dealer's feet to the fire on doing proper diagnostics on the flashing LED. Keep us posted, and we'll look forward to some pix of your new ride! 8)

--Deborah

Welcome, from one Joe to another. I am new on here as well and just got myself a GT250. Enjoy the ride.

Joe,

Welcome. You picked a great bike. That being said, the blinking light is not normal. Could indicate something wrong with the bike or an improperly working relay. It's not supposed to be on when riding and they should work on getting it resolved as quickly as possible.

Good luck!