Modern Vespa

My 2004 GT-200 just returned from the local Vespa Dealership. Many Engine adjustments were made while it was there. Something unusual is occurring however, and I would like the Forums feedback on it.

When on the Center Stand, with the Engine cold and running, the Rear Wheel turns at very high rate of speed. So high that after putting my foot on it in an attempt to stop it, it continued to spin with out giving an inch! What would or could cause this to happen?

Yes, I know I can return it to the Dealership to have it adjusted.

I'd like to learn the cause and if possible resolve this unusual circumstance myself. It's 17 miles each way to the Dealership and about a two-day turn around. The weather here is great and I'd rather ride than sit and admire my Scooter sitting in the driveway.

Best regards,

Mike Lynch

Wow Mike....I know Michelle's LX does spin a little when it's warming up and still spins a little after the idle slows down but my GT's rear wheel barely spins ever. It sound like it's either idling way too fast or the clutch is engaging way too easy and soon. When you put it down on the ground, does it try to take off or bog the engine down? I would find out what it is because that's not right.

Best of luck,
Doug

Your idle is definitely too high. Does it slow down after it warms up (about two minutes or so)?

Idle speed is easily adjusted with a simple screw adjustment.

Jess,

Give me ten minutes to find out and I'll let you know.

Best regards,

Mike Lynch

I restarted my Scooter and it began doing what I described in the earlier Post. As the Engine continued to run, the "speed" increased dramatically to a point where the Scooter was moving backwards while on the Center-Stand. I turned it off and restarted it and it did the same thing AND the speed of the Engine was continuing to increase until I "chickened out" and turned it off again.

Any advice would be appreciated to include going back to the Dealership!

Best regards,

Mike Lynch

Mike, it's got to be the idle speed. Look at the carb where the throttle cable connects.....there should be a screw that you can turn to the left and slow the idle down.....if you can't find it, just (with the engine off) open the throttle and watch what moves.....then you'll see it.

I used the Throttle Adjustment Screw to slow the Engine down. The first time I took it a full 1/4 turn to the left, the Engine still raced but just not as fast. I tried another 1/4 turn then another 1/4 turn and the Rear Wheel has stopped spinning. Total turn 3/4 - Thank you one and all!

Side note: Now with the Engine idling slower and realizing that I now have a "Brand New Muffler", there are small puffs of black looking smoke coming out of the Muffler. Sort of like an old Lionel Train electric train that made smoke - puff - puff - puff. Perhaps this is normal for a new Muffler or perhaps I just never noticed the black looking puffs before.

Thanks - Thanks - Thanks again and again.

Best regards,

Mike Lynch

I did enjoy the remainder of the afternoon here in west central Florida. Thanks for the help friends, I needed it. I was also able to test the modifications / fixes that were applied to my GT-200. It has been failing randomly and the Service Tech isn't or hasn't been able to track it down. Just the slightest movement of the Throttle appears to want to shut the Engine off but it happens so randomly, it is a tough one to locate. As the result of Forum Feedback, the Carburetor was rebuilt and the Diaphragm replaced but still the same results / reaction. Today, it failed / faltered about five time in two hours. Once in a left hand turn twice in right hand turns and twice driving straight on. Not a big deal if it restarts or doesn't die on the Interstate or US 19. Today I was fortunate, I mad it home unscathed. It will be back to the Dealer on Tuesday, if I can successfully drive it there or I'll have it towed again. I really want to do the Copper Canyon / Baja on my GT-200. I'm going to give it one more week and then I'm going to move on. I have been under so much stress as the result of my GT-200 not working 100% of the time I have begun to hallucinate. In my hallucinations I have envisioned doing the Canyon / Baja on a Yellow 2005 Honda Big Ruckus or a 2007 Yellow Whizzer Motor Bike. I can drive the Ruckus to the Canyon. The Whizzer would have to be boxed, shipped via Greyhound to Laredo and then taken into Mexico. I really like the thought of the Whizzer as it would make the Canyon ride easier from the standpoint that I could literally carry it across any water obstacle. I could also pedal it manually if I had an Engine failure / problem. The soft sand in the Canyon or Baja would present a challenge but I'm looking into bigger (fatter) tires to help in soft sand. The Whizzer is limited to about 25 MPH, and I choose to leave things stock, so travel time will be extended but maybe it would be better than waiting for spare parts or a fix on an older, yet cherished GT-200. Keep dreaming friends.

Best regards,

Mike Lynch

Ya know Mike....with all the miles you have put on the scoot, Vespa should just give you a brand new GTS250 and put your GT in the museum to show what's possible.....just my 2 cents. Good luck to you and keep us posted. I wish you could get your scoot to greasy or addicted, I bet they could get you fixed up no problem.

I love this Forum! I have been having this exact same problem with my GT200 since getting it back from the shop a couple of weeks ago. I did a forum search for "high idle", and was led to this post, which Mike just posted today. Not knowing anything about engines, I was a little unsure of attempting a fix myself, but I got in under the seat, found the idle adjustment screw very easily, gave it a few, small turns, and voila! All fixed! Before I adjusted it, the engine was racing like mad, wheel was turning very fast, and when riding down the road, the scooter would not slow down at all when letting go of the throttle. I am glad this turned out to be a very easy fix. Thanks all!

I find it profoundly disappointing that Vespa mechanics can't do a better job. I think I'm dumping my warranty and going to start in on oldhighway7's plan of bailing wire and pliers. And my own local shop which always gave perfect service to my motorcycles.
My dealer's mechanic failed to install a new exhaust gaskey on a rear tire change and now I have my own personal failed exhaust joint. It seems sad to me that I know about this modest requirement and he doesn't.
There is no excuse for returning a customer's scooter with a high idle or not replacing a one-time-use item.

Thats so cool that you got in their and fixed it...
Yea this place ROCKS~

I have found that the idle adjust on many scoots I get in and service have had the idle screw changed since the scooter was dieing in traffic from too low idle or just stalling for no reason, As those carbs get older they do get pretty clogged and even wore out, Any Vespa tech should be adjusting the Air/Fuel mixture screw and cleaning the jets and accelerator pump circuit in addition to a final idle adjust AFTER the engine is warm. there are some quick tricks to get the carb off the bike to do a benchtop cleaning with canned air. I have also discovered that the needle that is manipulated by the vacuum diaphram also wears and needs replacement. the float valve and associated internal tubeways will also be clogged and dirty as well as the float tang that hold the float level is an adjustment point. I have seen many mechanics just pull off the top end of the carb while still on the scooter and take a air compressor and blow into the carb body in an attempt of making a quick fix for a stalling bike.
Just a reminder, Use good gas, 91 octane or better, I am not a scientist but i feel that high quality fuel removes any variable with dirty carbs. dr

I'm wondering if the idle on the GT200 is just extremely sensitive. I've had issues with mine too. It came from the dealer a little high and being a new rider, I thought nothing of it. When I took it in for its first service the dealer asked me if I had to hold the break to keep it from moving at stop lights and such. That was kind of an a-ha moment for me. So he adjusted it, and then I ran off to a couple stores before the long commute back to my town and the damn thing kept dying on me every time I slowed down. He adjusted it again and it was fine, though honestly, I think I kind of preferred it when the idle was a little high. It feels a little wimpy now when I start off from a stop.