Modern Vespa

Hi, newbie to the forum.

I have an 2008 LXV which is in need of some repairs and I am wondering which ones I can do myself and which ones I should let a professional do. One of my best friends is a MotoX enthusiast and knows a lot about engines(cars, bikes, chainsaws etc) so he will be there to assist if necessary.

I have always tried to look after it so well but have just seemed to have the worst luck with it. Always locked and kept out of the elements but no joy.

Repairs are as follows.

Dent in the front panel from attempted robbery. If I can just pop it out I'll be content with that(can always put a sticker on it if the paint cracks)
Steering loose from attempted robbery. I had this tightened in the garage but it just came loose again. They said the steering lock isn't broken just bent a bit.
Front shocks need replacing.(I think? They stutter when I am braking and I believe this is a common problem with LXVs)
Headlamp is broken. It blew over in strong winds one day and as the steering lock was on the bike basically faceplanted.
Electric start doesn't work. It sometimes works if I have been driving a bit. Possibly just some dirt or moisture in there?
The kickstart is kind of bunched. I never really used it until the electric start started acting up and it was only then that I realised it wasn't working right. When you kick it just stays down and you have to physically kick it back up.
I will probably get some new brake pads too. Current ones are working fine but not as strong as they used to be.

Just a note, these repairs will be done on an extremely tight budget as I am broke these days. Probably over a 6 month period.

Thanks a million in advance.

Reg

the only one of those that i would possibly get a professional opinion on is the steering. it could just be that the pinchbolt (which holds the handlebars to the front fork tube) is loose, but if you're at all uncertain about how much to tighten it, or if the looseness remains after fiddling with the pinchbolt, then see a professional.

make it a priority to get the electric start sorted - the kick starts on modern vespas are meant for 'emergency' use only, not regular use, and it sounds like you may be on the way to stripping it.

Everything else should be simple enough, particularly if you've got experienced help at hand. check out the wiki - you'll find illustrated articles that should help you out with a lot of the things you're planning on doing (front shock, handlebar cover removal, etc.). and of course if your questions aren't answered there, we are always here to help

good luck!

Forgive me if I am jumping to conclusions, but your questions suggest you don't have a lot of mechanical experience. The starter problem would be most easily explained by a weak battery. Have you checked this (or had someone check it for you)? As genie says, this model does not do well with kick starting. Also, this is somewhat soon to need new brakepads unless you ride hard and have quite a few miles on your scooter. First thing to check is whether your brakes just simply need to be adjusted. Always good to start simple and work up rather than start by tearing everything apart.

Thanks a lot, helpful post.

Do you have a workshop manual. If not you can download one free here
http://free-pdf-ebook.com/2009/06/29/vespa-lx-150-workshop-manual/

Not jumping to conclusions at all, I'm completely green. That's why I am asking what I could do with the help of my mechanically experienced friend or which should I leave to the pros?

That battery suggestion would make a lot of sense as the starter didn't even click for me yesterday but when I had driven it for a while it worked no problem.

I have had the bike for over 2 years and have notched up 7,000km on the bike is that too early for new brake pads?

That's brilliant thank you! Are all the LX mechanics the same as the LXV? I notice a lot of the parts for sale are categorised together.

the engine and transmission of the LX and the LXV are identical.

Most scooters don't need new pads all around that soon, but it depends on how the scooter is ridden. The front pads are easy to change if they are worn down. The back pads are in the hub and much more difficult to inspect and change. Try adjustment first.

Go to the WIKI section where there are step by step instructions with pics for most everything. If your friend has mechanical abilities you should be able to do most everything. You can do some stuff also even tho your not. Rule of thumb when in doubt ask the forum for help and use a good reliable shop if you or your friend can't do it . DIY can be costly if you screw something up that's major. You'll get more confident with time. Good luck

Hi guys,

I just wanted to post a reply as it may be of interest to some posters.

I posted above about my front shocks being knackered and stuttering when I braked or hit a bump. I went to one dealer who didn't inspect the bike and quoted me a price to replace them. I went to another who told me it was my headrace bearings which were loose. He took the bike for a few hours, fixed a small handful of stuff that had been acting up for a good while and gave it a full service. The bike is now driving like brand new and he only charged me 80 quid. Decent skin.

Reggie.[/b]

Welcome back, Reggie.
Glad you got everything fixed!
Don't be a stranger.