@megnez avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
1979 p200e
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1201
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
 
Molto Verboso
@megnez avatar
1979 p200e
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1201
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
UTC quote
mike_bike_kite wrote:
Why? The rear brake will simply cancel out the power from the motor.
What? The brake does not cancel out power from the motor. It slows your momentum. If you lay on the brake while the throttle is open, you're asking to get killed. How about you get on your bike, hold your brakes, open the throttle, and see what happens. That's called a burn-out, and you do not want to be doing that in traffic.
mike_bike_kite wrote:
having a kill switch would be slightly easier in this isolated case but only if you can use it.
Exactly. Use it in isolated emergency situations. "Slightly easier" is always a good thing when the cards are stacked against you in an emergency situation. You get use to it by familiarizing yourself with your motorcycle's controls. That's the point.
mike_bike_kite wrote:
Oddly enough I ride all day with the throttle in the wide open position and never seem to want a method of turning the engine off
Again, unless you're in emergency situations constantly (and if you were maybe you should stop riding), you would use it a lot. But you're not, so save it for the emergency situation.
mike_bike_kite wrote:
. Do you grab the brakes or hunt around for the kill switch?
You don't hunt around for it. Mine is 2 inches from my right thumb, I don't have to hunt for it. Just like I know exactly where my indicators and horn are as well. I don't have to 'hunt' for them because I don't have to remove my hand from its position to access them.

One of the first things we did in my MSF course was to familiarize yourself with the controls. The kill switch is easily accessible while in the riding position, the key ignition is not.
@menhir avatar
UTC

Moderator
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5145
Location: Pittsburgh, Pa.
 
Moderator
@menhir avatar
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5145
Location: Pittsburgh, Pa.
UTC quote
I always start it while on the center stand.

Maybe there is only a small chance that something will cause the scooter to take off on me when starting. If I start it on the center stand, that small chance turns into no chance.

The kill switch...
When I took the MSF a few years ago the instructors insisted that we use the kill switch first in the procedure to turn off the bikes each and every time. I never asked why, but ever since I'm still as likely as not to use it myself to turn the scooter off. Maybe it was just a drill to make sure we knew where the kill switch was and what it did so we would think of it when we needed it. Just guessing, of course.
@ericalm avatar
UTC

Wiki Moderator
LX 190, Aurora Blue + Stella FOUR STROKE FURY! + '87 Helix
Joined: UTC
Posts: 6916
Location: Los Angeles
 
Wiki Moderator
@ericalm avatar
LX 190, Aurora Blue + Stella FOUR STROKE FURY! + '87 Helix
Joined: UTC
Posts: 6916
Location: Los Angeles
UTC quote
I turn the scooter off with the kill switch every single time. It's good to get in the habit so you instinctively know where it is when you need it.

When do you need it? Well, any time you go down, for one thing. If you should wind up in the unfortunate position of being in the ground under your scooter, you don't want it to be running. Also, I have seen people accidentally twist the throttle after laying the scooter down or trying to get it back up.

I had a very minor fall with my wife on the back. We both went down with the scooter on us. It was switched off without my even being aware that I'd hit the kill switch, and we were both pretty grateful for that.

I've read a lot of comments from people who "heard from somewhere" that it wasn't good for the scooter to use the kill switch. Naw, that's a total myth.

There have also been stories of would-be thieves or scooter jackers being foiled by the kill switch. Because they are dumb like that.
@mike_bike_kite avatar
UTC

Banned
GTS250 - GT200 - XJR1300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1424
Location: SW London, UK
 
Banned
@mike_bike_kite avatar
GTS250 - GT200 - XJR1300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1424
Location: SW London, UK
UTC quote
megnez wrote:
One of the first things we did in my MSF course was to familiarize yourself with the controls.
I guess I'll just have to bow to your many years experience and complete knowledge of bike dynamics
UTC

Addicted
His - 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT, Hers - 2008 MP3 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 541
Location: Modesto, CA
 
Addicted
His - 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT, Hers - 2008 MP3 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 541
Location: Modesto, CA
UTC quote
xantufrog wrote:
If the engine is running and you are using your brake to kill the engine as part of an emergency procedure than you are losing ground. A running, in-gear engine resists your braking effort and will increase your stopping distance. To stall the engine using the brakes at speed (say 45?) in a timely fashion (i.e. without decelerating for half a block) you would almost surely lock the rear wheel up.
Not to mention the damage the heat from the friction will cause to your master cylinder.
@megnez avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
1979 p200e
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1201
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
 
Molto Verboso
@megnez avatar
1979 p200e
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1201
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
UTC quote
mike_bike_kite wrote:
megnez wrote:
One of the first things we did in my MSF course was to familiarize yourself with the controls.
I guess I'll just have to bow to your many years experience and complete knowledge of bike dynamics
Never claimed all that. Just a little common sense and logic.
UTC

Member
Joined: UTC
Posts: 6
 
Member
Joined: UTC
Posts: 6
UTC quote
Let's not reinvent the wheel here everyone...

My owners manual is quite clear on how to start and stop the engine...

For an LXV, and I'm paraphrasing to parts that apply to this thread...

The scooter should be started while on it's stand.

"Never stress the engine at low temperatures in order to avoid possible damage"

"Caution: Never ride away abruptly with a cold engine..."

"After a long distance covered at a high speed, do not stop the engine immediately, but let it run at idle for a few seconds..."

And finally...

"After bringing the scooter to a complete stop, turn the engine stop switch <Q> (pic) to <OFF>". (Q is the red kill switch that everyone in this thread is talking about).

Piaggio is quite clear on how you should start your motor and then turn it off. Why the above "forum experts" are recommending something other than what the manufacturer is suggesting is beyond me.

Read the manual...do what it says...99% of your problems are solved...

And now for my next trick...

@ebongreen avatar
UTC

Hooked
Piaggio MP3 250 Sky Blue "Mahayana II"; RIP "Mahayana I"
Joined: UTC
Posts: 247
Location: Minneapolis, MN
 
Hooked
@ebongreen avatar
Piaggio MP3 250 Sky Blue "Mahayana II"; RIP "Mahayana I"
Joined: UTC
Posts: 247
Location: Minneapolis, MN
UTC quote
robsee06 wrote:
Piaggio is quite clear on how you should start your motor and then turn it off. Why the above "forum experts" are recommending something other than what the manufacturer is suggesting is beyond me.

Read the manual...do what it says...99% of your problems are solved...
Technical writers are not necessarily scooter riders, scooter engineers, or motorcycle safety instructors, and they are certainly not The Last Word from On High. YMMV.
@snoozie avatar
UTC

Hooked
GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 136
Location: San Diego (Oceanside)
 
Hooked
@snoozie avatar
GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 136
Location: San Diego (Oceanside)
UTC quote
If it's not cold, which it never is where I am. I just start it, check my gloves, fly, whatever, for a second...then ride off and give it a mile or before I go balls to the wall or anything (odd phrase that).

If it were frosty cold out, I always let my engines warm up to get the oil circulating a little. But then, if it's frosty cold out, I drive my car....and let it warm up too.

Kill switches: You all crack me up. =) I don't buy for second that people don't get what it's for. Maybe they don't use it...ok. Maybe they think it's silly...ok. But it's the fastest way to turn off your bike when your hands are on the bars. And/Or for someone else to turn off your bike if the world goes tits up and you cant shut it off yourself. People don't get that? Really? =)
UTC

Member
Joined: UTC
Posts: 6
 
Member
Joined: UTC
Posts: 6
UTC quote
[/quote]
Technical writers are not necessarily scooter riders, scooter engineers, or motorcycle safety instructors, and they are certainly not The Last Word from On High. YMMV. [/quote]

Right...and neither are most of the people posting on these forums. That's why you typically won't go wrong doing what the manufacturer recommends.

Also, the red kill switch that everyone is talking about is not a kill switch at all. My book calls it the "Engine Stop Switch". It clearly defines it's use as the normal way to stop a Vespa engine. Nowhere in the manual does it say anything about it being used for emergency purposes or as a backup, etc...
@megnez avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
1979 p200e
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1201
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
 
Molto Verboso
@megnez avatar
1979 p200e
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1201
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
UTC quote
robsee06 wrote:
Also, the red kill switch that everyone is talking about is not a kill switch at all. My book calls it the "Engine Stop Switch". It clearly defines it's use as the normal way to stop a Vespa engine. Nowhere in the manual does it say anything about it being used for emergency purposes or as a backup, etc...
They use to be called a kill switch. That's how its labeled on mine, and a lot of older bikes. The manufacturers probably didn't like the negative connotation associated with 'kill' so they changed it. But its more likely that 'engine stop' is a little more clear than 'kill' when referring to stopping the engine.
⚠️ Last edited by megnez on UTC; edited 1 time
UTC

Addicted
His - 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT, Hers - 2008 MP3 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 541
Location: Modesto, CA
 
Addicted
His - 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT, Hers - 2008 MP3 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 541
Location: Modesto, CA
UTC quote
robsee06 wrote:
Also, the red kill switch that everyone is talking about is not a kill switch at all. My book calls it the "Engine Stop Switch". It clearly defines it's use as the normal way to stop a Vespa engine. Nowhere in the manual does it say anything about it being used for emergency purposes or as a backup, etc...
It is the normal way to stop the engine. This is one of the reasons people are referring to the engine stop switch for emergency purposes.

From the CA DMV Motorcycle Handbook:

Stuck Throttle
Twist the throttle back and forth several times. If the throttle cable is stuck, this may free it. If the throttle stays stuck, immediately operate the engine cut-off switch and pull in the clutch at the same time. This will remove power from the rear wheel, though engine noise may not immediately decline. Once the motorcycle is "under control," leave the road and stop.

I'm sure the bureaucrats in this state had a hand in writing some of the text, but I also know that the MSF had some input as well. During the MSF course I recall the instructors going over this exact "emergency" procedure.
@tailormarc avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
GTS300Super White
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1107
Location: Essex
 
Molto Verboso
@tailormarc avatar
GTS300Super White
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1107
Location: Essex
UTC quote
Sometimes manuals can be misleading.

Mine seems quite clear too:

Stopping the engine (02_07, 02_08)
Fully untwist the throttle grip and then turn the switch key «A» to «OFF» (extractable
key), or turn the switch «B» to «OFF».

Mine clearly states key or switch. They both have the same function. One is conveniantly located for emergencies, and is marked bright red for this reason.
UTC

Member
Joined: UTC
Posts: 6
 
Member
Joined: UTC
Posts: 6
UTC quote
megnez wrote:
robsee06 wrote:
Also, the red kill switch that everyone is talking about is not a kill switch at all. My book calls it the "Engine Stop Switch". It clearly defines it's use as the normal way to stop a Vespa engine. Nowhere in the manual does it say anything about it being used for emergency purposes or as a backup, etc...
They use to be called a kill switch. That's how its labeled on mine, and a lot of older bikes. The manufacturers probably didn't like the negative connotation associated with 'kill' so they changed it. But its more likely that 'engine stop' is a little more clear than 'kill' when referring to stopping the engine.
That's a great point.

My understanding of kill switches is that they are a backup or emergency way of turning off the engine. Many jet skis use kill switches with lanyards attached to them to stop the engine when the driver unexpectedly departs the craft. One person posted that they are great for turning off an engine on a motorcycle after a wreck, if it is on it's side and running. There are even kill switches on cars that disable the fuel pump after an accident.

My point is that the red switch on a modern Vespa is to be used as the standard way to normally shut down the engine.

Can it be used as a kill switch in an emergency?...Probably...I mean why not?...right?

But for people to say it is bad to use that switch to shut down the engine because it is an emergency safety device and may cause mechanical damage or otherwise to your vehicle (or some other unexplained reason), is just not right.
@ken_photo avatar
UTC

Hooked
'07 Vespa GTS250ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 298
 
Hooked
@ken_photo avatar
'07 Vespa GTS250ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 298
UTC quote
michael_h wrote:
I take it out, put it on its stand, and then start the engine. For the first run of the day, the scooter runs for about 30 seconds while I test the signals and brake lights, and finish doing up my helmet, and then off I go. Afterwards, I gear up, bump the scooter off of the stand, start it and ride off. Not WOT mind you, but at a normal speed until the idle comes down.
I've added one thing to my start-up, I test the horn. I'd rather discover this before I need it, rather than what happened to me once when I went to use it in a dangerous situation only to discover it wasn't working.
@tailormarc avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
GTS300Super White
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1107
Location: Essex
 
Molto Verboso
@tailormarc avatar
GTS300Super White
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1107
Location: Essex
UTC quote
Silly question maybe, but why do people start the engine while on the centre stand? I always sit on the scoot, rock off of centre stand, start engine and go. I know the manual says to start the engine whilst on the stand but why?
@megnez avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
1979 p200e
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1201
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
 
Molto Verboso
@megnez avatar
1979 p200e
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1201
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
UTC quote
TailorMarc wrote:
Silly question maybe, but why do people start the engine while on the centre stand? I always sit on the scoot, rock off of centre stand, start engine and go. I know the manual says to start the engine whilst on the stand but why?
On the modern vespas, doesn't the rear wheel come up off the ground when the center stand is down?

If that's the case, I would assume because if you hit the throttle while you start it up, you don't go anywhere? Just throwing that out there, I have no idea.
@tailormarc avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
GTS300Super White
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1107
Location: Essex
 
Molto Verboso
@tailormarc avatar
GTS300Super White
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1107
Location: Essex
UTC quote
megnez wrote:
If that's the case, I would assume because if you hit the throttle while you start it up, you don't go anywhere? Just throwing that out there, I have no idea.
Yeah I guess thats it, It just seems overkill, seeing as you have to pull the break to start the engine anyway.


Ahhh who cares. I start it , it goes.
@luketrash avatar
UTC

Enthusiast
VBB, VMA2, VNX, LX150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 60
Location: Ames, Iowa
 
Enthusiast
@luketrash avatar
VBB, VMA2, VNX, LX150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 60
Location: Ames, Iowa
UTC quote
When I was 16 and dumb, I bought a 1971 Hodaka Ace 100B dirt bike.

I trucked it home 60 miles and immediately took off down a gravel road on it. After shifting into 3rd gear, the throttle went nuts and it revved to full throttle. Being young and inexperienced, I shifted up to 4th, hoping to slow down the revs of the engine. No problem.. That worked for a second or two. The next thing I know, I'm maxed out in 4th gear flying down the gravel road at about 70 mph with the engine sounding like a raped chainsaw.

I jogged my brain to remember where the key was since it had no kill switch. The key was under the seat, back to the left of my butt. So I one-hand reach back there feeling around for the key and turned it off and coasted to a safe speed and finally applied the brakes. What had happened was that the top of the carburetor had come unscrewed, opening the carb up all the way, leaving zero use of the throttle cable.

In all the vibration of coming to a stop, the key rattled out of the ignition switch and was lost somewhere on a 1/4 mile stretch of gravel road.

So, to finish the story, I had to hotwire the bike and ride it that way until I sold it. A kill switch would have not allowed me to lose my key and it would have not forced me to remove my hand from the handlebar in such a tricky situation.

Fun times!
@luketrash avatar
UTC

Enthusiast
VBB, VMA2, VNX, LX150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 60
Location: Ames, Iowa
 
Enthusiast
@luketrash avatar
VBB, VMA2, VNX, LX150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 60
Location: Ames, Iowa
UTC quote
The thing I see that is weird to me is people who start and move a running motorcycle/scooter while not sitting on it. I always mount everything before starting it. In the case of this new Vespa I'm about to get, I'll be getting on top, pushing it off of the centerstand (or not) and then starting it.

I can't imagine starting it from a standing position to the left or right and THEN getting on. That's a recipe for disaster, and I've watched a few noobs throttle an unmanned bike right into the side of their garage or whatever.

On my vintage vespas, I always kickstart them while they're on the centerstand. Sometimes, I actually throttle up and use the rear tire to drive myself up off of the stand. Most of the time I push forward with my feet though.

There's no right way to do it, but I prefer always being on the thing so I can handle it if it were to lurch forward for some freak reason. Just last week I watched someone kickstart a vespa with it off of the centerstand, them standing to the left of it. They accidentally turned the left grip, shifting it into 1st gear, and it almost got away from them before they could run after it and apply the front brake before killing it.
@megnez avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
1979 p200e
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1201
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
 
Molto Verboso
@megnez avatar
1979 p200e
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1201
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
UTC quote
luketrash wrote:
Just last week I watched someone kickstart a vespa with it off of the centerstand, them standing to the left of it.
How the hell would you even attempt to do that? You have to kick that thing so hard, I couldn't imagine holding it up while doing it. That's impossible!
@varaflame avatar
UTC

Hooked
S125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 414
Location: Reykjavik, iceland
 
Hooked
@varaflame avatar
S125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 414
Location: Reykjavik, iceland
UTC quote
mike_bike_kite wrote:
Quote:
You seriously think that in the entire history of kill switches, no one has ever used it, and its completely pointless to EVERYONE (i.e. not just you)?

OK, here's a senario:

You're in rush hour traffic (possibly lane splitting if you live in CA), when your throttle sticks.
I'm not trying to antagonise you. I'm just generally curious as to what situations might require a kill switch. Here in the UK it's nor regarded as being particularly important and obviously in the states it is. I've never seen people using kill switches in Europe either but perhaps I wasn't being very observant.

Wouldn't applying the brakes followed by turning off the bike work in the above situation?

As an aside I did have this happen to me in a car. It was an automatic with power assisted everything. I first put the car into neutral - this made such a horrendous sound with the engine at max revs that I put it straight back into gear. I then killed the engine with the keys - and found the power steering and servo assisted brakes didn't work any more - I could barely move the steering wheel! So I turned the engine back on. Luckily a slip road was approaching and I managed to get onto the slip road, lined the car up and turned the engine off again - it took both feet and all my weight on the pedal to stop.
Mine doesn't even have a kill-switch. I didn't even know the american version had one untill someone here saw a photo of my S and asked me where it was.
Though I don't care much for the pile of extra blinkers, stickers and reflectors that the US version has, I wouldn't mind having a kill switch for added safety... Though I doubt that I would use it much.
@black_angel avatar
UTC

Hooked
'07 GTS250IE
Joined: UTC
Posts: 150
Location: Batavia, IL USA
 
Hooked
@black_angel avatar
'07 GTS250IE
Joined: UTC
Posts: 150
Location: Batavia, IL USA
UTC quote
megnez wrote:
luketrash wrote:
Just last week I watched someone kickstart a vespa with it off of the centerstand, them standing to the left of it.
How the hell would you even attempt to do that? You have to kick that thing so hard, I couldn't imagine holding it up while doing it. That's impossible!
I think it would be easy, just last weekend when I had my P200
out for a spin it died at a stop sign,
so I put it in neutral and kicked started it
with the heal of my right foot.
It onlty took one small kick.
Of course I was sitting on it though.

I don't think it would be a wise move to stand next to it
and kick start it while it wasn't on the stand.
Too many bad things could happen!
@jimc avatar
UTC

Moderaptor
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44557
Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
 
Moderaptor
@jimc avatar
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44557
Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
UTC quote
Some guys just get too anal on this I guess.

The kill-switch is useful.

In the US it is suggested that it is used as the normal engine-off switch.

In the EU it is suggested that it is used for emergency only.

Both have merits. My POV is that whatever suits you, suits you.

This thread is a merry-go-round that deserves to be locked PDQ unless new sensible input is gained.
UTC

Member
Joined: UTC
Posts: 6
 
Member
Joined: UTC
Posts: 6
UTC quote
jimc wrote:
Some guys just get too anal on this I guess.

The kill-switch is useful.

In the US it is suggested that it is used as the normal engine-off switch.

In the EU it is suggested that it is used for emergency only.

Both have merits. My POV is that whatever suits you, suits you.

This thread is a merry-go-round that deserves to be locked PDQ unless new sensible input is gained.
Yeah...the guys over at scooterbbs have posted this thread and are having a field day with it. Amusing to say the least...
@xantufrog avatar
UTC

Moderibbit
1980 P200E - "Old Rusty", 1976 ET3 Primavera
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8891
Location: Atlanta, GA
 
Moderibbit
@xantufrog avatar
1980 P200E - "Old Rusty", 1976 ET3 Primavera
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8891
Location: Atlanta, GA
UTC quote
I agree with JimC, do what suits you and helps you feel prepared. Importantly, drive safely and with luck you most likely won't need a kill switch regardless of preference!
@jimc avatar
UTC

Moderaptor
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44557
Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
 
Moderaptor
@jimc avatar
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44557
Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
UTC quote
robsee06 wrote:
Yeah...the guys over at scooterbbs have posted this thread and are having a field day with it. Amusing to say the least...
The heated *you must* bits are, at least. Razz emoticon
@mike_bike_kite avatar
UTC

Banned
GTS250 - GT200 - XJR1300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1424
Location: SW London, UK
 
Banned
@mike_bike_kite avatar
GTS250 - GT200 - XJR1300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1424
Location: SW London, UK
UTC quote
You're quite right Jim. I guess if people are from the US then it's an indispensable control. In other parts of the world the switch is either not installed or never used. Go figure
@megnez avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
1979 p200e
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1201
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
 
Molto Verboso
@megnez avatar
1979 p200e
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1201
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
UTC quote
Black Angel wrote:
megnez wrote:
luketrash wrote:
Just last week I watched someone kickstart a vespa with it off of the centerstand, them standing to the left of it.
How the hell would you even attempt to do that? You have to kick that thing so hard, I couldn't imagine holding it up while doing it. That's impossible!
I think it would be easy, just last weekend when I had my P200
out for a spin it died at a stop sign,
so I put it in neutral and kicked started it
with the heal of my right foot.
It onlty took one small kick.
Of course I was sitting on it though.

I don't think it would be a wise move to stand next to it
and kick start it while it wasn't on the stand.
Too many bad things could happen!
I've kicked mine over while I was on it multiple times as well. He said this guy tried to kick it while he was standing on the side of it.
@don_camillo avatar
UTC

Enthusiast
Vespa GTV 250ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 92
Location: Sydney, Australia
 
Enthusiast
@don_camillo avatar
Vespa GTV 250ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 92
Location: Sydney, Australia
UTC quote
I NEVER start the scooter unless I am on it. I NEVER leave it running when I dismount. I had the experience when I first got on a scooter of accidentally revving the throttle as I dismounted. Luckily I was able to apply the brakes before the scooter got away, but it served as a warning.

My own routine is as follows:

I put on helmet, check jacket is done up and put on gloves

I mount the scooter, holding front brake (sometimes leave this out)

I rock it off its stand holding the rear brake (then when it comes off the stand I know it will stay put even on an incline)

I start the scooter holding the rear brake

Off I go, head checks but no warm up


When I finish riding:

Park the scooter

Turn off engine with key, not kill switch, holding rear brake

Dismount, holding rear brake

Set on stand

Turn handlebars and lock them in place with key, which I then remove straight away

Store helmet and gloves


Sounds fussy but it becomes second nature. The reasons are safety and security, and the routine gives me comfort!
DoubleGood Design banner

Modern Vespa is the premier site for modern Vespa and Piaggio scooters. Vespa GTS300, GTS250, GTV, GT200, LX150, LXS, ET4, ET2, MP3, Fuoco, Elettrica and more.

Buy Me A Coffee
 

Shop on Amazon with Modern Vespa

Modern Vespa is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com


All Content Copyright 2005-2025 by Modern Vespa.
All Rights Reserved.


[ Time: 0.0446s ][ Queries: 3 (0.0239s) ][ live ][ 327 ][ ThingOne ]