Modern Vespa

hi guys (this is my first post and looking for help)

i have a 2001 piaggio hexagon gtx 125cc . and it has a starting problem when you put the key in and try to start it you just get whoring sound like a hair dryer but not as loud ? my mate says its the starter motor has gone but i am not sure . but it is not engaging the engine when you try to start it - does this sound right ?

if so I am going to buy a second hand starter from ebay or somewhere ? what other 125 piaggio starter motors will fit my scooter as its the leader engine . i have seen a piaggio fly 125 one which is nearly new by the looks of it and seems the same size http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/PIAGGIO-ZIP-125-STARTER-MOTOR-/170507343485?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts . can anyone tell me if this will fit ?

any help would be greatly appreciated

kind regards mat

If you are hearing a whirring sound, it is not likely to be the motor. The whirring sound is the motor. It is more likely that the bendix is not engaging on the crankshaft pulley, either because it is stuck or your battery does not have enough oomph to throw it into engagement. Also check connection to your motor.

You can see the bendix and the driving pulley here:

hi Dougl

i have charged the battery because this was my first thought but was showing full after 30 mins

how do I fix the problem ?

cheers mat

Well first you do need to establish if the motor is working properly. If it is, then you need to open up your transmission to get to the bendix. If you don't know how to do this or don't have the special tools, then a trip to a scooter mechanic might be in order.

If you look at the picture above the starter motor is behind the bendix. The bendix comes forwards and mates with the large pulley on the end of the crankshaft and turns the engine over. To get to the bendix you need to remove the transmission cover and the pulley. Lots of useful info in the Wiki. Click on the link up above on the left. Any engine up to 200 has similar bits in it to your 125 leader. If it's liquid cooled the GT200 engine is the closest.

i have the tools - but not the know how lol - will give my garage a ring tomorrow - do you know if that starter motor would fit ?

Thanks alot mat