Modern Vespa

I would like to make a pair of jumper cables for my scooter -- I need them to be fairly light-duty so that I can stow them easily. Anyone have any suggestions on the gauge of wire to use [without going overboard]?

Also, I am thinking of adding a 'cigarette lighter' outlet: Is there a particular way to [or not to] wire it in if I would like to use it for a charger?

You can buy them on ebay for less that $20. Mine are very small and have 12 gauge wire.

Here is a post on how to make your own jumper cables

GTS Jumper Cables

You can also buy a set of motorcycle cables, such as these .

Hope that this helps!

When jumping from a car, make sure the car is NOT running or you could toast the electrical wiring.

Wayne B

Personally, I would go 10 gauge.

The set I made is 10 gauge.

I have a set of compact 10-ga. motorcycle jumper cables that I stow aboard by tying them with velcro ties to the frame in the space between the pet carrier and the inside of the cowl.

On a scooter with a lift-out seat bucket, it is very convenient to stow them this way without taking up any of the normal carrying space. On a Fly, I understand there is a screw or two you'd need to remove.

You can make your own...however, you'll find that picking up ready made will be most economical. Try Checkers and go to the battery section...you'll see a set for ~ $20.00 and it comes in it's own little pouch.

I made my own and did the cost analysis...parts + time was not the best way to go...unless you find satisfaction in makine your own (which is the path I took).

Check out this thread discusses 12v socket mod + jumper cables.

Jumper cables for the modern scoot.?highlight=jumper+cables

For those technical types or anyone interested here is the wire gauge/ amp ratings.

http://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm

Thanks

Joe

What is the amperage draw on a 250 when cranking the starter?
Thx.
Miguel

I'd allow for at least 90A. Usually much less, but the initial inrush stall current can easily be that high for a few milliseconds given a few unfriendly conjunctions. Far, far lower than that when actually whirring of course, even before the engine has fired.

Guess why the starter itself has no fuse in series.

I used 10ga stranded wire with 30A clips. Forty inches long...plenty for a bike.

Never had a problem with current draw.

Of course all 4 sets I made are gone....I seem to find people in need of jumpers.....

R

8)

Wait, I am a newbie here. My scoot is less than a week old. Can one push start these things like we used to the old 'uns now that they are automatical?

You know, run down the road like a maniac and then pop the clutch in gear?

Every once in a while manage to hop on the thing as the engine burst into life.

Why not just buy a set? like 20 bucks or so.

Nope. You can't get the clutch to engage unless you can get the engine up to over a couple thousand rpms, and you can't do that unless the engine is already running.

No.

Not unless you can run 35 MPH.

But, 'It's a good thing'...

R

8)

40" might be fine for bike-to-bike jumping but not nearly long enough for car to bike jumping. I'd prefer 6 feet just thinking thru the geometry between a car battery and the vespa.

I love the thread. Where do you find the clamps for DIY cables?
Best
Miguel

You can't do it even if you can run 150 mph. When you are pushing the bike, you are just spinning the clutch bell, not the innards... and that will never engage the clutch.

I bought mine from a Las Vegas autoparts chain for less than $20 bones.

I bought them for High Rollers 2007 and I havent had to use them since.

Good luck

Manny

Wow. This will teach me to take good care of the batty. The mechanic chappie at the dealer said it was sealed and needs no maintenance. My experience with sealed batty's in boats is that it will go along fine for ages and then just die, at which point one simply replaces it with a new one. All one need do is keep the terminals clean and ones fingers crossed.

Do any of these bikes come with a good old lead-acid that needs to be checked and topped up occasionally?

Did anyone notice the disclosure statement at the bottom of their page? Funny. excellent.