OP
@sailorgirl avatar
UTC

Lurker
2006 LX 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3
Location: Minnesota
 
Lurker
@sailorgirl avatar
2006 LX 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3
Location: Minnesota
UTC quote
Crying or Very sad emoticon I didn't think it would happen to me... The only keys for my 150LX are locked under the seat. How do I get into a locked seat??? Dealer says there is a way, but I need to bring it in. Hard to make it go with no keys....
@oopsclunkthud avatar
UTC

Banned
3:5
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Location: San Francisco
 
Banned
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3:5
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UTC quote
A coat hanger hook from the back center of the seat should get it.
@nightwing avatar
UTC

Contributor
2007 LX 150 (memories)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8581
Location: New Hampshire
 
Contributor
@nightwing avatar
2007 LX 150 (memories)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8581
Location: New Hampshire
UTC quote
Please don't take this the wrong way, but you are asking how to break into a locked compartment on a Vespa.

It is your first post.

We don't know who you are.

We don't know where you are.

We don't know if it is your scooter.

This is a common issue when new posters ask how to pop a seat or by-pass the immobilizer. Please consider that information like this is only shared amongst a known group, and, even then, we don't post it. We send the information in a PM, so we don't advertise it to the world.

Now, there may be other comments in this thread and some might be helpful. It may take a while, though.

If we knew where you were, we might have a member nearby who could assist you, but no guarantees on that. If you are in a hurry, I would suggest that you find a friend with a truck who can cart it off to the dealer.
@jimmythehat avatar
UTC

Addicted
GRAPHITE LX 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 762
Location: delaware, Bethany Beach
 
Addicted
@jimmythehat avatar
GRAPHITE LX 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 762
Location: delaware, Bethany Beach
UTC quote
you'd be surprized how many people's 1st post is the keys under the seat.
I don't know the secret, someone will help. what would a family thief do.
@judy avatar
UTC

World Traveler
2007 LX150 Daring Plum Leonardo Da Vespa
Joined: UTC
Posts: 29303
 
World Traveler
@judy avatar
2007 LX150 Daring Plum Leonardo Da Vespa
Joined: UTC
Posts: 29303
UTC quote
Aloha and welcome o the forum. If what Patrick said doesn't help go to the Wiki section and look for how to open it there. NIGHT did you miss the were not getting upset about this anymore. Any thief will just bust the damn thing open, no need to come onto the forum and ask. All it does is piss legit owners off.
@silver_streak avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2007 Vespa LX 190, 2011 LXV150ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8758
Location: Annapolis, MD, USA
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@silver_streak avatar
2007 Vespa LX 190, 2011 LXV150ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8758
Location: Annapolis, MD, USA
UTC quote
judy wrote:
Aloha and welcome o the forum. If what Patrick said doesn't help go to the Wiki section and look for how to open it there. NIGHT did you miss the were not getting upset about this anymore. Any thief will just bust the damn thing open, no need to come onto the forum and ask. All it does is piss legit owners off.
Hmm, I just looked in the Wiki and didn't see anything about this subject, Judy.

Are you sure it wasn't just discussed and never implemented?
@judy avatar
UTC

World Traveler
2007 LX150 Daring Plum Leonardo Da Vespa
Joined: UTC
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World Traveler
@judy avatar
2007 LX150 Daring Plum Leonardo Da Vespa
Joined: UTC
Posts: 29303
UTC quote
SS there was a whole thread on it and i thought it was being put in there. Maybe it hasn't yet. I know it was discussed at length and it was deemed what's the big deal about telling people. Also they told a few people how to do it. More than one way i thought. I'll see if i can find the thread but i'm hopeless at finding the ones i need.
@nightwing avatar
UTC

Contributor
2007 LX 150 (memories)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8581
Location: New Hampshire
 
Contributor
@nightwing avatar
2007 LX 150 (memories)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8581
Location: New Hampshire
UTC quote
Judy, before I replied to the OP, I searched the Wiki because I also remember that it was kicked around and that it probably would be added. Apparently, nothing was done.

Still, one has to consider that a Google search on "How to open a Vespa seat without a key" would send any query right to our Wiki, possibly putting many scooters at risk. I don't know if I would want to see that.
@dooglas avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
GTS 300ABS, Buddy 125, Buddy Kick 125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 13522
Location: Oregon City, OR
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@dooglas avatar
GTS 300ABS, Buddy 125, Buddy Kick 125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 13522
Location: Oregon City, OR
UTC quote
Sailorgirl wrote:
The only keys for my 150LX are locked under the seat.
You mean you keep the Master (red) and the User (blue) keys on the same ring???? After you get some help to open your seat, I'd suggest you put that red one away someplace .
@minpinity avatar
UTC

Hooked
2010 300 Super (Rango)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 423
Location: Rockport, TX
 
Hooked
@minpinity avatar
2010 300 Super (Rango)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 423
Location: Rockport, TX
UTC quote
The thread is out there - all is revealed, guts spilled everywhere. No secret left unturned. Just two magic search words (and probably others would work too).
OP
@sailorgirl avatar
UTC

Lurker
2006 LX 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3
Location: Minnesota
 
Lurker
@sailorgirl avatar
2006 LX 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3
Location: Minnesota
UTC quote
Yes... I can see I was a bit hasty. Googled for assistance, found this forum and posted before digging in deeper. Your comments do make sense, although I tend to be more of the trusting sort. Noticed I was listed as a "lurker." YIKES - that's a new one!

Appreciate the kindness and welcome in some posts, also noted some tend to imply a mental defect attached to this problem. Don't feel the need to justify the circumstances in a lengthy post... While I was hoping for a quick fix, I will manage to work it through with the local dealer. (Local locksmith was unable to help, and suggested I try a forum. Lesson learned!)
@old_as_dirt avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2007 GTS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22882
Location: Harriman, Tennessee, Tn
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@old_as_dirt avatar
2007 GTS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22882
Location: Harriman, Tennessee, Tn
UTC quote
see this post I have locked my keys under my Grandtourismo seat the mods say to tell anyone who asks and the owner of the forum agrees as well.
@jimh avatar
UTC

MV Saint
Haud yer wheesh't if ye cannae be nice
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3862
Location: Camden, Maine
 
MV Saint
@jimh avatar
Haud yer wheesh't if ye cannae be nice
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3862
Location: Camden, Maine
UTC quote
Sailor girl, Stick around.

Some members are being a wee bit cautious.

Please give me a call, have you in....in a jiffy, so to speak.

207 230 4667

Cheers, Jim
@andyscooter avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
Vespa gt200
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1713
Location: United Kingdom
 
Molto Verboso
@andyscooter avatar
Vespa gt200
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1713
Location: United Kingdom
UTC quote
old as dirt wrote:
see this post I have locked my keys under my Grandtourismo seat the mods say to tell anyone who asks and the owner of the forum agrees as well.
gt has a release under the glovebox the lx's dont so wont work
@armod avatar
UTC

Enthusiast
'94 PX150 exclusive 2
Joined: UTC
Posts: 90
Location: Perth, Australia
 
Enthusiast
@armod avatar
'94 PX150 exclusive 2
Joined: UTC
Posts: 90
Location: Perth, Australia
UTC quote
I'm going to be extra careful not to do this...

aside from the trouble of finding the right help, my friends will laugh so hard when they hear that I locked my keys in a motorcycle.

luckily I dont think its possible to do on the PX
UTC

Enthusiast
Fly 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 87
Location: NJ
 
Enthusiast
Fly 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 87
Location: NJ
UTC quote
If Jim from Maine is the one who makes the keys for us - give him a call - it isn't any big deal - and he of all people will make it easy for you.
Everyone gets called a "lurker" at first - this is a standard web term for newbies.
Let us know if Jim helped out - this problem comes up all the time
OP
@sailorgirl avatar
UTC

Lurker
2006 LX 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3
Location: Minnesota
 
Lurker
@sailorgirl avatar
2006 LX 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3
Location: Minnesota
UTC quote
THANKS to Jim, I am "in" and ready to ride. Since this is my third post, I think I have shed the "lurker" moniker! What a day...

I appreciate the kind messages and am thrilled to have someplace to go for assistance.

Now I am getting ready to add a top case... after scanning the forum, it appears a good idea to add some better visibility brake lights, as well... I can see I'll be rated a "super poster" soon...
@judy avatar
UTC

World Traveler
2007 LX150 Daring Plum Leonardo Da Vespa
Joined: UTC
Posts: 29303
 
World Traveler
@judy avatar
2007 LX150 Daring Plum Leonardo Da Vespa
Joined: UTC
Posts: 29303
UTC quote
Awesome and I'm glad to see your sticking around here. 8)
@jimh avatar
UTC

MV Saint
Haud yer wheesh't if ye cannae be nice
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3862
Location: Camden, Maine
 
MV Saint
@jimh avatar
Haud yer wheesh't if ye cannae be nice
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UTC quote
judy wrote:
Awesome and I'm glad to see your sticking around here. 8)
Me too

Just like to add.

I spoke with Sailor girl and her 2nd half for a wee bit on the phone, they are wonderful kind people.

Please let's not put off any new members by being aggressive with our comments. I encounter many who were in the same position as Sailor girl.
More often than not, they need help.

Happy scootering everyone

Cheers
@judy avatar
UTC

World Traveler
2007 LX150 Daring Plum Leonardo Da Vespa
Joined: UTC
Posts: 29303
 
World Traveler
@judy avatar
2007 LX150 Daring Plum Leonardo Da Vespa
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Posts: 29303
UTC quote
Jim I know this one really pissed me off. She is a delightful person who just locked her keys in the carrier not some thief. glad you were able to help her. I also suspect there will be a lot more of this as people start riding after the winter, so can everybody be helpful to them? Thieves aren't going to come on a forum to ask how, they are just going to break in.
@jimc avatar
UTC

Moderaptor
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44691
Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
 
Moderaptor
@jimc avatar
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44691
Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
UTC quote
judy wrote:
Jim I know this one really pissed me off. She is a delightful person who just locked her keys in the carrier not some thief. glad you were able to help her. I also suspect there will be a lot more of this as people start riding after the winter, so can everybody be helpful to them? Thieves aren't going to come on a forum to ask how, they are just going to break in.
Just so.

Can we please STOP any more 'we won't tell you yet' responses. Glad to see Patrick nailed this one in the first reply.
@jimh avatar
UTC

MV Saint
Haud yer wheesh't if ye cannae be nice
Joined: UTC
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MV Saint
@jimh avatar
Haud yer wheesh't if ye cannae be nice
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UTC quote
Well some of us pick up our phone

Unless you have a vintage coathanger, modern ones don't work too well Razz emoticon

Obviously if you have a GT series this won't affect you.

About time some pictures were added.

Cheers
Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
@oopsclunkthud avatar
UTC

Banned
3:5
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Location: San Francisco
 
Banned
@oopsclunkthud avatar
3:5
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Location: San Francisco
UTC quote
Thanks for adding the picture. Looks like I need to have some dry-cleaning done as I couldn't find a single wire coat hanger in the house to do a photo.
@deano avatar
UTC

Hooked
lx125ie px200e (sold)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 163
Location: Brisbane, Australia UTC+10
 
Hooked
@deano avatar
lx125ie px200e (sold)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 163
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UTC quote
Here's another tool made out of stiff plastic from the cover of a ring binder. I can't take any credit for this, got it from a PM
Slip it in from the rear till it stops, slide left, then pull back.
lx seat opener
lx seat opener
@60yomod avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
2009 LXV125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1566
Location: Baildon, Yorkshire, England
 
Molto Verboso
@60yomod avatar
2009 LXV125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1566
Location: Baildon, Yorkshire, England
UTC quote
And keep either/any tool somewhere else than under the seat Goofy emoticon
@deano avatar
UTC

Hooked
lx125ie px200e (sold)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 163
Location: Brisbane, Australia UTC+10
 
Hooked
@deano avatar
lx125ie px200e (sold)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 163
Location: Brisbane, Australia UTC+10
UTC quote
60yoMod wrote:
And keep either/any tool somewhere else than under the seat Goofy emoticon
You're buggered if you keep it in the glovebox, and lock your keys under the seat. I have this in case the cable comes adrift.
@jdubbs avatar
UTC

Member
LX 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 36
Location: H.H., So Cal
 
Member
@jdubbs avatar
LX 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 36
Location: H.H., So Cal
UTC quote
this is too funny. for a split second today i thought i locked my keys under the seat. but with luck on my side they were in my sweater pocket and not in my jeans like i usually put them in. i panicked for about ten seconds before i found them.
@znomit avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
LX190 Friday afternoon special, [s]Primavera[/s], S50, too many pushbikes
Joined: UTC
Posts: 10920
Location: Hermit Kingdom
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@znomit avatar
LX190 Friday afternoon special, [s]Primavera[/s], S50, too many pushbikes
Joined: UTC
Posts: 10920
Location: Hermit Kingdom
UTC quote
MY GOD! OUR PETS ARE NO LONGER SAFE Crying or Very sad emoticon
@judy avatar
UTC

World Traveler
2007 LX150 Daring Plum Leonardo Da Vespa
Joined: UTC
Posts: 29303
 
World Traveler
@judy avatar
2007 LX150 Daring Plum Leonardo Da Vespa
Joined: UTC
Posts: 29303
UTC quote
ZNOMIT you crack me up. ROFL emoticon ROFL emoticon
@jimh avatar
UTC

MV Saint
Haud yer wheesh't if ye cannae be nice
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3862
Location: Camden, Maine
 
MV Saint
@jimh avatar
Haud yer wheesh't if ye cannae be nice
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3862
Location: Camden, Maine
UTC quote
Well.......

I woke up this wonderful morning to be greeted with two emails.

Here is one:

"Jim
I am shocked at your latest post on modernvespa. I though you if anyone would hold security sacred. Myself along with others have supported you with many of your Helpful comments this is not one.
Now i will no longer feel safe leaving my scooter anywhere.
THANK YOU.
Regards, Mitch"

Seriously "shocked"? I have been stewing over this email all morning. So i wanted to post it here.

I found MV because i needed help, i got it. Since then i have tried to share, contribute and learn.

I personally don't see the harm with sharing this sort of information. Sorry if Mitch and Allan are pissed off. The "secret" is out, some folk need to switch off and go for a ride instead of living in fear. Jakers!

Never though MV was like the masons, some think it should be.

I am not about to share how to make a key from an old toothbrush and tin foil. Ok thats a joke, no PM's please.

My intension from this point forth will be to post as many seat lock/tool opening pictures as i can. I am just sick of this topic.

Right my rant is over.

Cheers
@tomjasz avatar
UTC

Grievance Farmer
Joined: UTC
Posts: 15921
 
Grievance Farmer
@tomjasz avatar
Joined: UTC
Posts: 15921
UTC quote
Apparently some folks have difficulty following threads. The release did not come from JimH. Rather from an apparently moderator approved source. Oopsclunkthud. It was another of his sensible ideas.
@judy avatar
UTC

World Traveler
2007 LX150 Daring Plum Leonardo Da Vespa
Joined: UTC
Posts: 29303
 
World Traveler
@judy avatar
2007 LX150 Daring Plum Leonardo Da Vespa
Joined: UTC
Posts: 29303
UTC quote
JIMH your totally in the right. If folks think that the world is now unsafe because you helped someone, God help them. You can break into the pet carrier in about 2 seconds with a screwdriver or slim jim thingy. A TRUE thief like i said won't ask a forum they will just break into it. However a OWNER won't want to break into their own scooter because they'll have to pay to get it fixed. Real simple. If someone is dumb enough to leave really valuable things in their scooter when it's unattended that's their problem. No matter how well you secure it, it can be taken if someone wants it bad enough. I personally want to thank you for all your help and don't let a few people rain on your parade.
@jimh avatar
UTC

MV Saint
Haud yer wheesh't if ye cannae be nice
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3862
Location: Camden, Maine
 
MV Saint
@jimh avatar
Haud yer wheesh't if ye cannae be nice
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3862
Location: Camden, Maine
UTC quote
Thanks mate and Judy.

You are right. Patrick commented on what to use and i am really glad he did, though coat hangers are not built as well as they use to be. Great solution though.

Judy actually PM'd me about this post. So i got in touch with Sailor girl and offered my help. Again, they were grateful and very nice folk.

No one should be under fire for wanting to help one another.

I am sure the Mods can verify how many keys under the seat PM's i receive, i want to help everyone i can but i am not always sitting at a computer.

I am glad this information is out there.

Cheers
@vintage_red_matthew avatar
UTC

MV Santa
GTS250, 1975 VBC, 1980 P200E cutdown, GT200L
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4904
Location: Sedgwick, Kansas
 
MV Santa
@vintage_red_matthew avatar
GTS250, 1975 VBC, 1980 P200E cutdown, GT200L
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4904
Location: Sedgwick, Kansas
UTC quote
It's been said before that if a thief wanted ito your pet carrier he would just break it. Not hard to do. If he knew an easier way he would use it, take what he wanted and be on his way. Probably doing less damage to the scoot. You can't get it started this way. What's so valuable that everyone's carrying around anyway? Don't worry about it Jim.
@nightwing avatar
UTC

Contributor
2007 LX 150 (memories)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8581
Location: New Hampshire
 
Contributor
@nightwing avatar
2007 LX 150 (memories)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8581
Location: New Hampshire
UTC quote
I am a bit disappointed that my first response to the OP has been rated negative. My post wasn't nasty and I did my best to explain why a quick solution may or may not be posted soon.

This subject has been kicked around ad nauseam for a very long time. Recently there was discussion about putting it in the Wiki and be done with it. That never happened. As far as I knew, it was status quo for the solution; establish a reasonable form of identification/ownership and handle via PM. Done deal.

So, now the cat has been let out of the pet carrier under the seat that is locked. Now we can move on.

Again, I apologize for my post if it offended anyone. That was not my intention.
@jimh avatar
UTC

MV Saint
Haud yer wheesh't if ye cannae be nice
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3862
Location: Camden, Maine
 
MV Saint
@jimh avatar
Haud yer wheesh't if ye cannae be nice
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Posts: 3862
Location: Camden, Maine
UTC quote
Thanks all.

This will be my last post on this thread.

You can make a opening tool with 4mm round stock mild steel available at most hardware stores.

Bend the top of your tool 1" 3/8 down at 90 degrees. You can use a vise or heat.

An option........use a rubber dip solution this will help prevent marring the surface.

You can also use many different items found in you garage. i.e. a hacksaw blade wrapped in electrical tape.

Insertion, there are two options. See pictures below.

Cheers
Insertion option 1
Insertion option 1
The goal
The goal
Insertion option 2
Insertion option 2
Either option will work
Either option will work
@tomjasz avatar
UTC

Grievance Farmer
Joined: UTC
Posts: 15921
 
Grievance Farmer
@tomjasz avatar
Joined: UTC
Posts: 15921
UTC quote
Ignorance of the law is no excuse....

Thumbs up given.....
@jimh avatar
UTC

MV Saint
Haud yer wheesh't if ye cannae be nice
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3862
Location: Camden, Maine
 
MV Saint
@jimh avatar
Haud yer wheesh't if ye cannae be nice
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3862
Location: Camden, Maine
UTC quote
louisq wrote:
Ignorance of the law is no excuse....

Thumbs up given.....
Me too Scooter karmony to Nightwing

Cheers
@silver_streak avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2007 Vespa LX 190, 2011 LXV150ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8758
Location: Annapolis, MD, USA
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@silver_streak avatar
2007 Vespa LX 190, 2011 LXV150ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8758
Location: Annapolis, MD, USA
UTC quote
deano wrote:
Here's another tool made out of stiff plastic from the cover of a ring binder. I can't take any credit for this, got it from a PM
Slip it in from the rear till it stops, slide left, then pull back.
That looks very familiar!
@deano avatar
UTC

Hooked
lx125ie px200e (sold)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 163
Location: Brisbane, Australia UTC+10
 
Hooked
@deano avatar
lx125ie px200e (sold)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 163
Location: Brisbane, Australia UTC+10
UTC quote
Silver Streak wrote:
deano wrote:
Here's another tool made out of stiff plastic from the cover of a ring binder. I can't take any credit for this, got it from a PM
Slip it in from the rear till it stops, slide left, then pull back.
That looks very familiar!
Funny that

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