My 2009 st tropez 150cc has about 6300 miles on it. I have never had an issue with her until possibly now. It is becoming increasingly difficult to start her up. When i press the electric starter, nothing happens until I squeeze the right handbrake super hard. When the starter finally starts to work she starts right up, so I am not sure if this is a starter, or right handbrake issue. I know that the right handbrake disengages some mechanism that allows the electric starter to activate. The problem is that half the time the starter wont even engage now when I use the handbrake.
viney266 wrote:First thing, have the battery checked out. You may just be in need of a new one.
I guess that's what ill have to do. Its just annoying to go to service as the bike will be in the shop for a couple of days. I use it every day to go to school.
Sounds like your brake light switch may be on the outs. You can also use the right hand brake to start the bike. Your brake light has to be on for the scooter to turn over.
Either the right or left brake lever will work, as long as the brake circuit engages. If your right (hydraulic front) brake lever has to be squeezed hugely to engage the starter, look and see if it's taking the same amount of pressure to turn on the brake light. If so, either the switch needs adjustment/replacement or you might want to get the front brake system inspected end-to-end - pads/caliper, fluid level, etc. How's its stopping performance?
Feel da rhythm! Feel da rhyme! Get on up! It's Buddy Time!
PeteH wrote:Either the right or left brake lever will work, as long as the brake circuit engages. If your right (hydraulic front) brake lever has to be squeezed hugely to engage the starter, look and see if it's taking the same amount of pressure to turn on the brake light. If so, either the switch needs adjustment/replacement or you might want to get the front brake system inspected end-to-end - pads/caliper, fluid level, etc. How's its stopping performance?
Its stopping great. I do have to squeeze the brakes a decent amount, but once the brakes are applyig pressure she stops no problem. I will see how hard I have to squeeze the brake in order for the brake light to turn on. Earlier today I was squeezing the brake pretty darn hard and still no turning over. It took me a couple of tries and all of a sudden the starter just engaged. Luckily for me I live about 1 mile from a Vespa Dealership on South Beach. They just kill you for maintenance and it takes forever.
PeteH wrote:So switch to the left-hand (rear) brake and see if this engages easier.
Interesting... Today there was no problem what so ever starting her up. I didnt have to apply a abnormal amount of pressure to either handbrake in order to get the starter to kick in. Maybe it was just a fluke thing. By the way, each brakelight turned on when applying minimal pressure to either brake handle. Im confused lol.
