Modern Vespa

Vespa calls it the turn signal device but from the electrical diagram, we'd call it the the turn signal flasher in the US.

Anyone know where this is? I looked thru the shop manual but it doesn't say where it is.
Thx.
Miguel

I'm not positive about the location or even existence of the flasher unit on the GTV. On the 300, it's behind the left kneepad above the glovebox. On the GTS 250, I don't believe it exists -- the signal is generated electronically.

Now that's odd. Why would Piaggio go from an electronically generated signal, back to a flasher?

They went from an electronically controlled dash on the GTS 250 to an analog one on the 300 Super. Since the GTV is somewhere in between, I'm not sure which method they used.

I remember reading that the GTS turn signal on/off signal is generated by the control unit. But from the GTV electrical wiring diagram on Jimc's wotmeworry site, its clearly generated by a relay, not the control unit. I didn't think there was much difference between the GTS and GTV wiring except for the dashboard.

I've tried listenting for the relay clicking with the engine off but couldn't hear it which made me wonder if it WAS generated electronically in the GTV despite the wiring diagram. I'll pull the left knee pad cover and listen again.

I'll try pulling relays to see if I can find it (and will post it if I do find it). Is there any trick locking device holding the relays in their sockets that I need to look for?

BTW, I'm looking for relay because I want to do some mods to add LED running lights where I popped out the fender reflectors, mod the turn signals into running lights that blink when I switch the turn signal on, add a "thrid brake light" on the top case and put in a switch that turns them all into flashers with a switch I'll mount in the glovebox. Most of this is mods from previous posts.

Thx
Miguel

Even on the 300 Super, which has an external unit, there's no sound. It's completely silent. It's a small silver canister behind the legshield, in the upper left corner.

Thx
Miguel

99% sure of this.......*

The GTS has the flasher unit built into the gauge cluster.

R

8)

The whole project looks promising (particularly the addition of a hazard flasher). I would suggest to rethink the use of LEDs, though. Unless you have a monster LED bulb (which cost tons of money in comparison) and you have the right lens (or reflector) to direct all that light forward to where it is needed, LEDs disappoint with their effective brightness in comparison to a dedicated and well designed incandescent light.

LEDs in OEM applications can do a great job. LEDs in aftermarket applications suck.

Based on a tip from Jess, I dug around behind the left knee cover. I took a (relatively poor but serviceable) picture showing the relay and connector. The relay is the black cube and the 2-wire white connector is shown on the bottom.

I verified it by pulling the connector off and confirmed the turn signal didn't work. It is absolutely dead silent when it operating, something I didn't expect.

The large steel cylinder is the compressor for my Stebel horn. The plasic part of the horn is behind the horn cover. I posted this installation several months ago if you are interested.
Thx.
MIguel

Interesting placement for the air compressor. I assume it needs a longer air hose to reach the horn, so, is there a slight delay from pushing the button until you get full Stebel force from the horn?

I already have a garage remote and a relay array (Hoppy) in that little compartment, so I don't know if it could actually hold the compressor too, but it is an intriguing thought...

In its original configuration, the compressor is mechanically coupled to the horn. I separated them becuase I couldn't figure out how to put the whole thin under the horn cover. The hose connecting the two parts is about 10 inches (25 cm)long. Its a little breathy for the first 1/4 second or so then goes full on. I've heard others on MV say theirs arent' breathy so don't know if its my horn or the split configuration. I'm looking forward to meeting someone else with a Stebel so I can compare.

BTW, I think the GTS is different. check the electrical schematic on wotmeworry site.
Thx.
Miguel

Roger, makes sense. I did find your installation thread, excellent write-up.

I think I need to find a cager with a noisy truck, radio on, and blow my horn at him (a Fiamm highway blaster) to see how he hears it. If he doesn't, then I've got to work on an upgrade.

I'm not too comfortable with the 'breathyness'. When I need to be heard, it may make the difference of the other guy reacting quick enough or not?

In any event, smart installation, well done!