OP
@g03 avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
MP3 500 08
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1560
Location: Toms River area, New Jersey
 
Molto Verboso
@g03 avatar
MP3 500 08
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1560
Location: Toms River area, New Jersey
UTC quote
After a year of looking at the outside temperture indicator always affected by the radiator heat, decided to move it. Thanks to the person who told me where it was months ago, but it finally hit me for the ### time looking for it. Behind right front wheel. Photo shows it already out of the hole it mounts in, if u look there, maybe u won't miss it like me. Was surprised to find the sensor wires having a connector link, by the right foot fuse door. So I pull the sensor, and search for a connector. Surprise, it is the same ones that are used on the older Goldwings, of which I just happen to have some. www.electricalconnection.com sells all kinds of connectors used on differant bikes. Made up an extension cord, for the sensor connections. Then ran it up by the steering, down by the air horn, and zip tied to the frame where ever I could reach. It loops over the front shock, coming down behind the right side sitting head light, then exist around the edge of the radiator; finally zip tied behind the screen web of the directional. Now it may be hot from the sun beating on it, but cools down to real tempertures, and remains there while riding.
sensor sits here in hole
sensor sits here in hole
connector end of sensor by fuses
connector end of sensor by fuses
sensor connected to extension
sensor connected to extension
wiring behind radiator
wiring behind radiator
wire run
wire run
corner front where sensor is now
corner front where sensor is now
connectors
connectors
⚠️ Last edited by G03 on UTC; edited 1 time
@old_as_dirt avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2007 GTS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22810
Location: Harriman, Tennessee, Tn
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@old_as_dirt avatar
2007 GTS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22810
Location: Harriman, Tennessee, Tn
UTC quote
how does it compare to a regular thermometer when just sitting in the driveway? I have never checked mine for accuracy.
@bubbajon avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
RIP: MP3 500 - Brutto Moto
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5288
Location: Austin, TX
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@bubbajon avatar
RIP: MP3 500 - Brutto Moto
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5288
Location: Austin, TX
UTC quote
old as dirt wrote:
how does it compare to a regular thermometer when just sitting in the driveway? I have never checked mine for accuracy.
Mine read 108 yesterday when I was riding on the backroads near the interstate. I thought it was a tad high only to find out Susan said the Camp Mabry board showed 108 when she drove by. So maybe pretty accurate while moving anyway...
OP
@g03 avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
MP3 500 08
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1560
Location: Toms River area, New Jersey
 
Molto Verboso
@g03 avatar
MP3 500 08
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1560
Location: Toms River area, New Jersey
UTC quote
mine always went up 10 f , when radiator got hot, and think it was accurate cold.
@noth avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
Burgman 650 (May, 2012) MP3 500 (11/2009 - 5.2012)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1385
Location: Massachusetts- Boston South Shore
 
Molto Verboso
@noth avatar
Burgman 650 (May, 2012) MP3 500 (11/2009 - 5.2012)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1385
Location: Massachusetts- Boston South Shore
UTC quote
I usually subtract about 4-5 degress and figure close enough..

When is says.. 97 degrees or 100... I'm not going to quibble.. when it says 40 degrees and it's really freezing.. that makes a difference..
@sushiman007 avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
She's an I-talian $$-burning machine
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1859
Location: America, The Beautiful
 
Molto Verboso
@sushiman007 avatar
She's an I-talian $$-burning machine
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1859
Location: America, The Beautiful
UTC quote
I always felt that at best, it was reading the "heat index" and not true ambient temperature.
But I like your new arrangement.
@bohemian avatar
UTC

Hooked
2009 MP3-500 Black
Joined: UTC
Posts: 366
Location: Amarillo, TX
 
Hooked
@bohemian avatar
2009 MP3-500 Black
Joined: UTC
Posts: 366
Location: Amarillo, TX
UTC quote
Re: working temperture readout
G03 wrote:
www.electricalconnections.com sells all kinds of connectors used on differant bikes.
What is the site. The one you posted is not a valid site.
@ramblerdan avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
2009 MP3 400
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2008
Location: Saratoga, N.Y.
 
Ossessionato
@ramblerdan avatar
2009 MP3 400
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2008
Location: Saratoga, N.Y.
UTC quote
Cool beans, G03. I always mentally subtract 4°-6° but would rather have the sensor in a spot unaffected by engine temp.
@rjeffb avatar
UTC

Bracketmeister
Bracketmeister Emeritus (retired)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2519
Location: New Jersey
 
Bracketmeister
@rjeffb avatar
Bracketmeister Emeritus (retired)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2519
Location: New Jersey
UTC quote
Since mine always reads at least thirty degrees high after warmup, I'll need to do this. Right after buying the scoot I used spray crack filler to muffle the tilt buzzer, and doing so cut off airflow to the temperature sensor and it's never read correctly since!
OP
@g03 avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
MP3 500 08
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1560
Location: Toms River area, New Jersey
 
Molto Verboso
@g03 avatar
MP3 500 08
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1560
Location: Toms River area, New Jersey
UTC quote
sorry about the web site wrong list, had an extra s on it. corrected it. Hitachi conectors are used on some bikes, search under connectors.
@lv2sct avatar
UTC

Hooked
2008 mp3 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 103
Location: Montana
 
Hooked
@lv2sct avatar
2008 mp3 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 103
Location: Montana
UTC quote
bump for Fay!!
⬆️    About 2 months elapsed    ⬇️
@clem2098 avatar
UTC

Hooked
2007 MP3 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 145
Location: Central Florida
 
Hooked
@clem2098 avatar
2007 MP3 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 145
Location: Central Florida
UTC quote
I have a MP3 250. My temp reading has never worked right. It reads Low instead of an actual temperature. Do you think it is located in the same place as your 500? If anyone could give me some help with this I would appreciate it. I looked through the trouble shooting guide and see that temperature readings are causes for many problems.
@hamonthree avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
MP3 250 (His) LX150 (Hers)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1014
Location: Stoughton, Wisconsin
 
Molto Verboso
@hamonthree avatar
MP3 250 (His) LX150 (Hers)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1014
Location: Stoughton, Wisconsin
UTC quote
Mine seems to be reading correctly. By its location on the bike, I can't really see how it can be affected by the radiator, since there is a cover that prevents air flow behind the radiator. I am not sure how that works out on a 500, tho.

I can, however see that it is directly affected by the warmth that comes up from the pavement though. It may not be completely accurate for ambient temp in that case, but it would be more accurate for indicating that you may have an issue with cold pavement (freezing).
@hamonthree avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
MP3 250 (His) LX150 (Hers)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1014
Location: Stoughton, Wisconsin
 
Molto Verboso
@hamonthree avatar
MP3 250 (His) LX150 (Hers)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1014
Location: Stoughton, Wisconsin
UTC quote
clem2098 wrote:
I have a MP3 250. My temp reading has never worked right. It reads Low instead of an actual temperature. Do you think it is located in the same place as your 500? If anyone could give me some help with this I would appreciate it. I looked through the trouble shooting guide and see that temperature readings are causes for many problems.
The location is on the right side of the legshield (left side if you are looking at the bike from in front), right behind the wheel. See picture.

As I said in a previous post, interaction from the radiator is less likely than pavement radiation. This is an opinion, of course, based on the fact that I have had the covers off a couple times. There is a cover in the back that is behind the radiator which forces the air to flow towards the fan, which draws it through. Air would not freely flow through the radiator towards the sensor.
I believe the bump you see in the circled area is it.  Note the plastic around and behind the radiator.
I believe the bump you see in the circled area is it. Note the plastic around and behind the radiator.
@clem2098 avatar
UTC

Hooked
2007 MP3 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 145
Location: Central Florida
 
Hooked
@clem2098 avatar
2007 MP3 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 145
Location: Central Florida
UTC quote
Thanks for the extra pic! That helped. I guess I am going to try to buy a new sensor for the temp and see if I can get an actual temp reading besides Lo, unless anyone can think of another reason I would get this.
Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
OP
@g03 avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
MP3 500 08
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1560
Location: Toms River area, New Jersey
 
Molto Verboso
@g03 avatar
MP3 500 08
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1560
Location: Toms River area, New Jersey
UTC quote
Bad connection, or possibly pulled on the sensor wires when removing it, braking a wire? Use an ohm meter across the sensor wires, disconnected. If no ohm level shows, it is broken sensor.
@clem2098 avatar
UTC

Hooked
2007 MP3 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 145
Location: Central Florida
 
Hooked
@clem2098 avatar
2007 MP3 250
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Posts: 145
Location: Central Florida
UTC quote
Does anyone have pics of how to disassemble the body work around the panels around the right foot fuse box? I can take it apart just fine, just scared about putting it back together.
OP
@g03 avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
MP3 500 08
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1560
Location: Toms River area, New Jersey
 
Molto Verboso
@g03 avatar
MP3 500 08
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1560
Location: Toms River area, New Jersey
UTC quote
Clem, what is the issue? Did you do anything? or did the sensor just stop working? If the 250 is same as 500, there is a connector plug just by the right side foot panel for fuses. It does not have a lot of wire on it, and I suggest sticking a length of tape or something on it before pulling apart, because it will fall back inside and be a bear to find. Mine would just pull down to the top edge of the opening, so it was tough to grab.
@clem2098 avatar
UTC

Hooked
2007 MP3 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 145
Location: Central Florida
 
Hooked
@clem2098 avatar
2007 MP3 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 145
Location: Central Florida
UTC quote
I have found it where you said it was. The wire is not long enough to come out for me to get to the male/female connection that are shown in the pics. I am scared to pull on it to try to get more wire out. So I was thinking it might be easier to remove the body work then pulling on a wire that I have no idea what it is connected too.

I bought the scooter this way used. I think I saw the temp reading one time and have not seen it since.
@auldnick avatar
UTC

Hooked
Fuoco
Joined: UTC
Posts: 179
Location: Scotland
 
Hooked
@auldnick avatar
Fuoco
Joined: UTC
Posts: 179
Location: Scotland
UTC quote
What is the point, we all know how cold or warm we are (I hope), I like the temp sensor telling me how warm I am when my nuts are freezing, it's nicer like when the doctor says "you might feel a slight scratch" or when he rams his finger up your arse "discomfort" or the policemans "good evening sir" while wearing that evil grin.

The temp gauge is the ultimate comforter, almost political and a born liar with only nice lie's. I like it.
@fuzzy avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
. . 2008 Blue MP3 400. . di Peluria Orso .... 1993 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 ....... 2013 Honda NC700XD; 2017 Versys X300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 6252
Location: South Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@fuzzy avatar
. . 2008 Blue MP3 400. . di Peluria Orso .... 1993 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 ....... 2013 Honda NC700XD; 2017 Versys X300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 6252
Location: South Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee
UTC quote
Here is a thread by Luthorhuss getting the panels off a 250. Oops! Anyone know how to fix this?
If you get in trouble PM him.
@hamonthree avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
MP3 250 (His) LX150 (Hers)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1014
Location: Stoughton, Wisconsin
 
Molto Verboso
@hamonthree avatar
MP3 250 (His) LX150 (Hers)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1014
Location: Stoughton, Wisconsin
UTC quote
clem2098 wrote:
I have found it where you said it was. The wire is not long enough to come out for me to get to the male/female connection that are shown in the pics. I am scared to pull on it to try to get more wire out. So I was thinking it might be easier to remove the body work then pulling on a wire that I have no idea what it is connected too.

I bought the scooter this way used. I think I saw the temp reading one time and have not seen it since.
Manuals are here:

https://modernvespa.com/forum/wiki-workshop-manuals

The MP3 service manual will show you the procedures for removing every part and in what order. Their organization is a bit wierd, so it might help for your to print it out and put numbers on the sections starting with the Radiator Cover which is the first piece you take off (others, feel free to add comment if I missed something). As you can see from my earlier post, I have been there (and further in, I might add). It is not super-complicated, but you might want to install some soundproofing in your garage if you get frustrated easy.

If you'd like I could post a few pics of mine as I removed the parts up to and including the leg shield.
@clem2098 avatar
UTC

Hooked
2007 MP3 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 145
Location: Central Florida
 
Hooked
@clem2098 avatar
2007 MP3 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 145
Location: Central Florida
UTC quote
Thanks. Pics would help a lot. I was foolish enough to buy a manual off ebay, not knowing that it was posted online and a better copy then the one I received. I just have to have some courage!
@fuzzy avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
. . 2008 Blue MP3 400. . di Peluria Orso .... 1993 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 ....... 2013 Honda NC700XD; 2017 Versys X300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 6252
Location: South Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@fuzzy avatar
. . 2008 Blue MP3 400. . di Peluria Orso .... 1993 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 ....... 2013 Honda NC700XD; 2017 Versys X300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 6252
Location: South Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee
UTC quote
+1 on the pics.
@hamonthree avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
MP3 250 (His) LX150 (Hers)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1014
Location: Stoughton, Wisconsin
 
Molto Verboso
@hamonthree avatar
MP3 250 (His) LX150 (Hers)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1014
Location: Stoughton, Wisconsin
UTC quote
clem2098 wrote:
Thanks. Pics would help a lot. I was foolish enough to buy a manual off ebay, not knowing that it was posted online and a better copy then the one I received. I just have to have some courage!
Ask and ye shall receive:

In order...
Radiator cover off...
Radiator cover off...
Fenders... here's a trick.  Pop out the turn signal lights with a twist before removing fender.  Much easier.
Fenders... here's a trick. Pop out the turn signal lights with a twist before removing fender. Much easier.
Piaggio logo cover, windshield and forward instrument panel cover.
Piaggio logo cover, windshield and forward instrument panel cover.
Light group.
Light group.
...and legshield.
...and legshield.
@fuzzy avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
. . 2008 Blue MP3 400. . di Peluria Orso .... 1993 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 ....... 2013 Honda NC700XD; 2017 Versys X300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 6252
Location: South Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@fuzzy avatar
. . 2008 Blue MP3 400. . di Peluria Orso .... 1993 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 ....... 2013 Honda NC700XD; 2017 Versys X300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 6252
Location: South Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee
UTC quote
Great pics. Thanks, you make it look easy.
@hamonthree avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
MP3 250 (His) LX150 (Hers)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1014
Location: Stoughton, Wisconsin
 
Molto Verboso
@hamonthree avatar
MP3 250 (His) LX150 (Hers)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1014
Location: Stoughton, Wisconsin
UTC quote
A word on screws....

Luthorhuss has some excellent posts on keeping your parts in order. Check them out.

If all else fails is that most of the bolts are easy to locate and figure out where they go. Screws are in two basic kinds. Flat-ended self tapping and sheet metal. Guys, check me on exceptions, but the sheet metal screws go in the speed nuts (those are the metal springs with a threaded hole). The self-tapping kind go directly into plastic.
@clem2098 avatar
UTC

Hooked
2007 MP3 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 145
Location: Central Florida
 
Hooked
@clem2098 avatar
2007 MP3 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 145
Location: Central Florida
UTC quote
@Fuzzy-I just looked at the thread by Luthorhuss and my jaw dropped when I saw all those panels on his floor. HOLY COW! If my scooter had looked like that, I would have crapped a Miata. Impressive work from Luthorhuss!

Thanks for the repost of it.
@fuzzy avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
. . 2008 Blue MP3 400. . di Peluria Orso .... 1993 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 ....... 2013 Honda NC700XD; 2017 Versys X300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 6252
Location: South Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@fuzzy avatar
. . 2008 Blue MP3 400. . di Peluria Orso .... 1993 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 ....... 2013 Honda NC700XD; 2017 Versys X300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 6252
Location: South Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee
UTC quote
clem2098 wrote:
@Fuzzy-I just looked at the thread by Luthorhuss and my jaw dropped when I saw all those panels on his floor. HOLY COW! If my scooter had looked like that, I would have crapped a Miata. Impressive work from Luthorhuss!

Thanks for the repost of it.
When it comes to stripping the tupperware off an MP3, HE'S THE MAN. He can even get it all back on with no parts left over.
@hamonthree avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
MP3 250 (His) LX150 (Hers)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1014
Location: Stoughton, Wisconsin
 
Molto Verboso
@hamonthree avatar
MP3 250 (His) LX150 (Hers)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1014
Location: Stoughton, Wisconsin
UTC quote
Fuzzy wrote:
Great pics. Thanks, you make it look easy.
The first time was out of necessity. I had stupidly locked my keys under the seat and tried to unlock it by taking some panels off and trying to tweak the key lock. Bad idea. In the process, one of the connections on the legshield cracked and fell off with the speednut attached. I saved the parts and after calling the missus for my mechanical key, I went home and started work.

After the last pic, I found that three of the four screw posts on the back of the legshield had cracked. This generated a four letter chorus that would probably have melted cast iron. When I got done freaking out, I went to the Ace Hardware across the street and picked up some house blend plastic repair epoxy. Glued back the broken part and fixed the other cracked posts, along with some filleting for strength.

Two years later and I removed it again to install a radio signal cable. The repair was as I left it. Probably stronger than the original.
@hamonthree avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
MP3 250 (His) LX150 (Hers)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1014
Location: Stoughton, Wisconsin
 
Molto Verboso
@hamonthree avatar
MP3 250 (His) LX150 (Hers)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1014
Location: Stoughton, Wisconsin
UTC quote
Fuzzy wrote:
clem2098 wrote:
@Fuzzy-I just looked at the thread by Luthorhuss and my jaw dropped when I saw all those panels on his floor. HOLY COW! If my scooter had looked like that, I would have crapped a Miata. Impressive work from Luthorhuss!

Thanks for the repost of it.
When it comes to stripping the tupperware off an MP3, HE'S THE MAN. He can even get it all back on with no parts left over.
And man, what a clean workshop floor. Mine can't compare, so I make up for it by making scooter-part-animals.
OOGA BOOGA!!!
OOGA BOOGA!!!
OP
@g03 avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
MP3 500 08
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1560
Location: Toms River area, New Jersey
 
Molto Verboso
@g03 avatar
MP3 500 08
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1560
Location: Toms River area, New Jersey
UTC quote
I believe when I wiggled it and tugged some, gained about an inch more of wire. It is mixed with wires in center by the frame, but wiggling it to the side does add some. It was just at the top opening, I used needle nose pliers to hold one end, and pulled on the bottom connector. Just do not let it go without something on it to pull it back.
@clem2098 avatar
UTC

Hooked
2007 MP3 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 145
Location: Central Florida
 
Hooked
@clem2098 avatar
2007 MP3 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 145
Location: Central Florida
UTC quote
Thanks all for the advice and pictures. I am going to brave it out and give it a try. Worst thing that happens is, the Piaggio dealer gets a little more money out of me for my 9,000 mile service. Laughing emoticon
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