Modern Vespa

Recently my 01 ET-4 electric starter began to work intermittantly and then, for the most part, not at all. I used the kickstarter (not easy) maybe 4 times and now it has "frozen". It cannot be moved. I have not yet removed the casting it passes thru. Has anyone else had this problem and knows the fix?

I for one am so supprised that you were able to kick start your ET4 to
begin with, it's just there for decoration. It's not there to kick the engine
over to start it. You may have harmed your engine. Take into your local
vespa shop and have them fix it. I had my 2003 ET4 for 4 years and
never once kicked it over, I was told it would bend the shaft and therefor
crack the bellhousing. 8)

You need to perchase a new battery. 8)

Is it stuck at the top or at the bottom of it's travel?
If it's at the bottom (and you can lift it up to the top position) you may have a broken spring.

aren't all the kick-starts on all modern vespas just for decoration? Even the owners manual warns against using it.

No, they work just fine, but they take practice and the development of a "knack."

Still, they are not as robust as they should be and I would warn against using them if you don't have to. My info is that the kick-starts were put on the first modern Vespas more as a romantic link to the classic Vespas than something intended for daily use.

For my own part, I'm glad I have one in case I need one, but I will only use it now if the electric start doesn't work.

hello,
I use my ET4 during week-ends only but, as I do not use it during the week, electric starting is, sometimes, a problem.
I have discovered that using the kick 2 or 3 times at first helps for an electric starting and, thus, it "saves" the battery.
So, the kick is not only for decoration! cheers Pascal Paris

Bullpuckey!

Take the time to learn to use it properly, and some day you'll be glad you have it.

That's what I thought. I had it down to a fine art; the last time I did it on mine, I cracked the transmission case. It had been fine countless times before. I will never use it again!

The kick-starter's only support is the cast aluminum outer transmission case. When you use it, you're applying a downward force to the crankshaft. Some of that force is opposed by the crankshaft, resulting in an opposing force, resisted only by the thin wall of the cast aluminum outer case. Many cases have been cracked by the kick-starter.

The kickstarter is for starting the engine and they work just fine if your bike runs well. I use mine all time and no problems. Take the transmition side cover off. Lube the kickstarter gears and work it up and down. There is a return spring they may be broken but dought it. Clean any rusty stuff out and have a good day. Easy to do and use it or the same thing will happen again. You may also need to look in to why the started is not working. Battery needs to be good, replace it if you don't know how old it is. Good luck
Chris

To elaborate (ahem)...

They do work and can start the engine just fine once you develop the knack for it. I was referring only to the ability of the kick-start to do it's job...start the engine. However, if you read further in my post you will also discover the sage advice... So....do they work? Ya sure.
Good idea to use it? Ummm. no.

You can find out more by sending me $20.00 and clicking on the following link:

https://modernvespa.com/forum/wiki-kick

Or you can just click on the link.

Good article if I should say so myself.
I know the guy who wrote it.

Great job on the Wiki article, Menhir!

To everyone who responded to my kickstarter problem, I thank you!
As soon as I get the time I'll take the side casting that the kickstarter mechanism is housed in off and have a look.
When I see the problem and get it fixed I'll report back so it can benefit anyone who winds up with the same problem.
Of course, the root issue is the inoperable starter motor so I'll post the fix for that too. I love riding the Vespa and hope to have it back in service soon.

hi i dont get it can u accually start the bike with the electric start or not if the electric start does work either the it sounds like its seized, open the transmittion box and check it out.

I am discovering this as well.

I recently put a little redex into the petrol to clean the carb but since doing this I am finding a problem starting the engine first thing.

I did a couple of kick starts which never started the engine but it did allow an electric start right after it??? Not sure if the two are in any way connected??

Once it does start though, and slowly builds up a little power, it seems to run fine after that.

Can anyone shed any light on this problem??

I am also dealing with same issue. If I get an obvious fix will advise. Likewise interested where this leads for you. Thanks.

Try having your ignition system looked at. The CDI went bad on my ET2 and, at first worked intermittently and "better" with the kickstart, then it got really bad and almost never started with either method. Different electrical system from yours though - It could be that the kickstart is somehow more effective at priming the system with fuel. But don't discount an ignition fault - they can behave strangely

Hi, I have the same problem. Did you find out what was wrong?