How to Start a Vintage Vespa

[@freelancephotog]

Even if you know this stuff it is still good to listen to it again and for a lot new Vespa owners it's a revelation. Keep up the good work.

[@jayasimhay6315]

My grandpa had one of these old Vespas . I remember being his pillion rider while I was a kid

[@yolandaleigh4198]

Thank you so muc for your wonderful experience and sharing it!! I have a 125cc Primavera 1974. Worked well when I had it shipped from Calgary...but then couldnt get it started. Tilting to the side really helped and half throttle. So now I am super happy. It had been sitting for awhile so I gave it a good run today!! Growing up in England ad one when I was younger. So great to experience it again!! Your videos are really helpful...and i always get my parts from your shop.

[@AntonioBarba_TheKaneB]

I miss my PK Vespa, the sound of a vintage Vespa always gets me emotional

[@OpenRoader]

Always great information. 2 strokes can be fussy, but when dialed in, they are great. That things sounds good!

[@claudiapfiffner4124]

that was really helpful, especially the tilting of the vespa. Thank you very much

[@VespaMotorsport]

Glad it helped!

[@johnzervoudakis2835]

One more great & very useful video!!! Thanks Robot!!

[@vanburman]

Thanks really helped me out just bought my first geared one a T5 and struggled for longer than I care to admit.

[@JoeFace777]

Yeah boy!

[@KipBurbank1]

Appreciate the Rally videos. Just picked up a 74 tonight. 1436 miles. Not running but all loose and free. Electronics are in place too. Original owner, documented since birth. I’ll post a vid eventually. 👍

[@williamhoward77wh]

Nice video. Fist vespa I learned on was the rally 200. You and I ride together last year in Arizona.

[@VespaMotorsport]

👍 👍

[@Wadé.el.Gigante]

wealth of knowledge. Bless you sir.

[@VespaMotorsport]

Thank you kindly

[@sebastianreyes2538]

Kick ass video, got a vespa px 150 1995 just yesterday, having some trouble to start ir, but these video really helped me !!!! Greetings from Bogotá - Colombia !!!

[@richbravo4469]

Thanks Robot, great tips. I’ve always wanted a Vespa and hope to get one in the near future. I’m originally from San Diego, been living in the Bay Area for 25+ years now. Would love to come by the shop sometime.

[@yolandaleigh4198]

you wont regret it!!!

[@richardvillar340]

I keep looking at the sidecar rig in the background. do you guys have a sidecar vid? As always thanks for the tips.

[@neilkennykenny4113]

Thanks for that knowing how to drain the carb for storage is handy.

[@sugardaddy9721]

Such a really good video, thank you for making this.

[@VespaMotorsport]

Glad it was helpful!

[@queenogress7906]

I had to tweak the starting procedure. I always turn the fuel tap off. I never know when I am going to run it again. Before I start it I turn the tap on, open the choke and tilt the Vespa to the right for 5 seconds. That allows gravity to take place and the fuel flows to the carb. I wait 10 seconds and kick twice. With my VBB it takes 2 more kicks when it's cold - and it starts every time. There is no "correct" procedure to start these babies - each are individual and have their own special "touch" to get them started. I might take your recommendation on the fuel tap in the future and leave it open and just kill the engine during the warm months. I have found that excess fuel dries up in the float bowl and creates a mess. To each his or her own.

[@ocmike6749]

What’s the little glass area for that’s next to choke?

[@itsleo9096]

This guy is a vespa wizard, what a resource.

[@karenfearon2603]

I just got a 61 sport Vespa and have a hard time starting it because the gears are so confusing and not well marked because of age. Could you make a video on how to show the gear s and getting it in Neutral to start it? This would be so helpful. thanks.

[@belenadamo3072]

I just got a vespa and I´m having the same issues. Could you please share how did you solved it? Thanks!

[@korling99]

looking forward to your next road trip video - you guys are great!

[@bringard16290]

Thank you... I have such a hard time starting... Some very helpful information.. I will be trying the ideas. Recently I had a conversation with some car/bike guys. They are saying with a 2 stroke the throttle is really just giving it more air. And when cold I shouldn't be using the throttle - as I'm adding too much air. My scoot is p125x.. I'm beginning to think I've been flooding it.. So let me ask a real novice question - what is happening when you twist on the throttle - ?? Air,, Gas, combo of both? Thanks... I love riding it - but I've gotten left behind because she wouldn't start... but after it starts and it will start... still it sits too long... Thanks you..

[@densitypop]

That Rally is exquisite.

[@topmangaz]

I have never seen a Rally 200 with auto mix? Is that original for USA market as Euro ones are manually 2 stroke mixture?

[@disyokerr]

Vespas 150 1977 has battery? My was Venezuelan market did not use battery ,my buddy in California US has one and does have 12 volts one

[@melissaguthrie2698]

Question do you have any advice on 1950s vespas I at higher elevation? I am at 6,200’ and bog going up some of our windy hills. I have a 1959 GS 150. She is OMG fussy up here.

[@jimmylincoln4082]

Great video, very interesting thankyou

[@alanmackenzie502]

Had a brand new 72 in white

[@vinodkamad1514]

mind blowing vespa😘😘😍😍

[@jherna108]

Do you mix the fuel with Two stroke oil? What amounts of oil and fuel do I mix together?

[@chris5ras]

Very awesome tips. I have a Vespa T5 myself and the advice/tip on how to clear out the Vespa when flooded was very helpful. Keep up the great work and awesome videos. Cheerz from Mallorca, Spain.

[@Snowdogkh]

Hey thanks for the video. Any good videos out there on how to get one running that might have been sitting awhile. Got to 75 Rally 200 and then a couple of 50s scooters.. picked them all up cheap in one lot... Olive very nice condition just don't know the last time they ran. 75 has California plates from 2000 on it.... don't know the last time they ran. Anywhere I can go for decent suggestions before I try firing them up? And does the Rally 200 need the battery to run? Last question, best place for parts like a battery air filter Etc? Your place sell this stuff? Really appreciate any tips

[@VespaMotorsport]

Check out our recent series on refurbing a P200. Sounds like a similar situation you're in and the P series is similar enough to the Rally, it'll probably get you where you need to go. kzbin.info/aero/PLmZN6ewY34hgy1Mf3XPtBlNM4Pw39ZkHb Yes, check out our website, www.scooterwest.com for all your parts needs. Don't see what you're looking for on there, give us a call. 619-280-1718. Thanks for watching!

[@Snowdogkh]

@@VespaMotorsport thank you I actually ran into your website today doing a Google search on parts. I'm super stoked to dabble in these things. I'm looking forward I get to know you guys better! Thanks for the link and tips I will check them out.

[@brianeastman3547]

Hey man, I recommend the SUNOCO non ethanol pump gas ⛽ for that Motorscooter

[@skippyclarke8473]

Hi great video , I bought a t5 classic today . It was running great when I looked at it . So I put it in my van strapped in slightly on its right side but not fully. Anyway I cant get it running properly now . It starts after multiple kicks but the dies after a minute. I’m hoping it will run in the morning. Any ideas ?

[@kirkwatstien6979]

YA BENT IT AND BROKE IT, NOWW GO GET A HAMMER N FIX IT...MOE SAID TO CURLY

[@k.stepanskyy]

Great video! Could you please do a tutorial on repairing a horn on vintage Vespa?

[@neilkennykenny4113]

Look up dom china restoration over a vintage vespa. He go's into detail about how he fixed the horn.

[@k.stepanskyy]

@@neilkennykenny4113 thanks! Cheers

[@toph6619]

Awesome video as always, thanks Robot. I now want a Rally, bad! One question. You say overfilling the tank can cause flooding (2:30), is there a tank overflow that bypasses the fuel tap and runs into the carb? Or does overfilling cause more fuel to be pushed down the line at higher pressure, as there's more fuel in the tank?

[@mjchargerSD]

If you fill it to the brim, the fuel level will be higher than the fuel tap vent hose. (Look in the tank for the brass vent hose sticking up out of the fuel tap). The vent hose will bypass the selector and give your carburetor fuel, even if your selector is in the closed position. You can either avoid filling the tank all the way to the top, or remove the fuel tap and bend the brass vent hose up more so that it almost touches the top of the fuel tank. That way you don't have to worry about fuel going in the vent hose.

[@bandarsaham5588]

Hi. Robot. I just Wanna know how much power. For vespa sprint. Thanks

[@Mattyew]

I've shinned myself enough that my right shin has permanent scarring all over it from the slipping that inevitably happens. But I guess they're a badge of honour at this point!

[@gianfrancochimienti3867]

Great help. Im about to get my first Vespa, and its a 1963 Vespa GL with a PX125 engine. I am wondering.. whats the best type of fuel and oil I should use?? sorry for my ignorance! and thanks in advance

[@jd-py5nm]

wish we had better weather here in idaho so I could ride year round! Mine sometimes has to have the throttle held open to kickstart its old and may have some of the problems you mention here nice video!

[@rossnroll1915]

This might sound like a dumb question but how do you know if your Vespa has a battery ignition? I have a place for the battery but I have started it without a battery but so far it hasn't run right. Thanks

[@ferdyhasan5071]

Ross Nroll well it's all depend on your vespa type, some type of vespa has the battery place without battery ignition....and other has both of them, well as I know ( I maybe wrong) running the bike without battery don't bring many problem to the engine, but it may make the bulb, switch and regulator life shorter

[@sarahcadwallader6184]

Hi there, Thanks for the tips. I have exactly the same 1974 Vespa Rally and have a hard time starting it. When I kick down on the kick start it wants to kick back something fierce! So much so that I have seriously hurt my ankle and foot. It doesn't seem right that it kicks back like that. Do you think it is a problem with the timing? I have had the ignition upgraded. Thanks Shilling10

[@I-come-from-the-Future]

The kick starter has a specific gear wheel which only connects when the kicker is pushed down. It will let the kicker move back up independently from the engine as long as the engine is rotating in the correct direction. If it doesn't ignite it will ultimately rotate backwards for approx half a revolution or so. You need to push the kicker really as much down as possible and don't let it go upwards at the moment the engine swaps the rotation direction. Just either keep it down or release it quickly. Not easy to describe 😒

[@EivinSukoi]

How reliable can this be if at 7 k you have to overhaul the motor ??.

[@gordonmclees95]

Are vespas popular in the States ?

[@richardharris492]

The PETCOCK is not a reason why a engine would flood, however a leaking NEEDLE SEAT WILL

[@anandakrishnansr4988]

Why there is no smoke coming

[@goldilocks913]

Great video thanks!👍

[@VespaMotorsport]

Glad you liked it!

[@suededoll]

I once accidentally started my vespa while it is in gear one (warm engine). Lucky I had my hands on the clutch and brake!

[@VespaMotorsport]

We've all done it!

[@shane7evans]

Thank you, Robot! I'm currently in Paros, Greece and will attempt to start Aviator47's PX 125 today.

[@U..R..L]

Hello sir Hope that you remember me! Thanks again for every information you offer us! If I want to stock my vespa for some years! What should I do & do you have a video about draining the fuel tank & how?! Thanks a lot 😘

[@meowmeowmeowmeow7871]

My fuel tap won’t turn and is stuck at 3:00, anyone know how to fix this?

[@johnwayne2638]

Is it possible to kickstart it when you press the clutch?

[@خدفكرهلبكره-ن1ف]

I Want buy vispa?

[@styloroc2000]

Any tips on how diagnose compression problems? Have a VLB, registering at 90. It doesn't even want to think about starting; I have a new fuel line and the spark is good, going to work on the carb this weekend to see how badly gummed up it is, but I don't think that's the problem -- It's been sitting for about 7 years and had a rebuild only 250 or so miles before I stopped riding, so I don't think it's a problem with the piston rings and I figure it's a problem with seals...just want to see if there is anything I can check before I crack it open.

[@mjchargerSD]

styloroc2000- Get a compression gauge from an automotive store and insert it securely in the spark plug hole. Leave the ignition and gas turned off. Hold the throttle open and kick the scooter over again and again and watch the needle on the gauge rise. Keep kicking until the needle stop. If it's under 100 psi compression is too low and it will cause starting problems.

[@styloroc2000]

Thanks -- I should have been a little clearer -- I had tested the compression and it's topping out at 90 psi. It doesn't even want to try to start; I know it might be a combination of air/fuel delivery and compression... I haven't cleaned the carbs, yet -- I tried using a little starter fluid and I'll get a couple of cycles out of the engine but that's it. I tried the trick of putting a teaspoon of motor oil in with the piston to check to see if it's a ring problem, but I still got the same compression readings and no start. I installed a new fuel line since the old one was completely corroded -- the tap looked okay, but I wasn't sure how to test it.

[@glowskulls100]

Sounds like crank seals have gone like on my 2 stroke

[@leonardoc2953]

HEy Robot.... thanks for the education...I bought another wide frame and need a good Rally 200cc engine.( The Malco Man) chemical supplies. IM now in Texas.

[@pstgh]

Robot- is that a '74? Have you done anything to the indicator lights? Any interest in selling? I've been looking for one just like it- '74-'76 with those ridiculous indicator lights they put on for the US market. PM me if you're interested- thanks.

[@dang2443]

You don't want those stupid 6 volt turn signals. They suck. They rarely work, and if they do you can't really even see them. Plus, all the shit they put on for the American market is ugly.

[@wildfire7360]

My Vintage Vespa is getting over heated and engine losing power after any ride of 25+ kilometres. What might be the reason?

[@hafizainor6760]

can u touch more about flooding the tank?

[@c7uk]

Hafi Zainor - you can’t flood the tank, you mean flood the engine

[@vsk6008]

please hire me i would love to work with you guys

[@michaelhuynh169]

Do you always throttle on when you kickstart?

[@karavitis]

Yes

[@navnoorsingh6612]

I drive this lovely since 1990 to now

[@RICHOCHANGO]

do u guys know when the electric Vespa will be arriving in stores?

[@massimobernardo-]

elettrica.vespa.com/ elettrica.vespa.com/en/

[@GoSlash27]

I start my Vespa on the stand. Standing on the right side, facing the rear, kicking with my right foot. Otherwise, all the same techniques.

[@baroneblades5386]

Is it possible to add an electrician start to an old Vespa. I “restored” one and had to sell it because I could no longer kick start it with my hip problem. But man do I miss it.

[@I-come-from-the-Future]

You can swap in a PX Lusso engine with electrical starter to older models like Sprint or Rally, but have to change some wiring as well.

[@kirkwatstien6979]

anything is possible and this is no exception why didnt you explore before you sold it?? and now youre asking the question? I don't get it

[@keithbeal1214]

107,000 is "Low miles?" ....and not replacing nothing, but electrical and oil seals? @ 1:20.

[@mistrotech8894]

Mine pops but dosnt run. It is an all original 59 vespa.

[@andris44]

Thanks! Very helpfull.

[@Cross75777]

Thanks Robot, I have a 66 150VBC super, only about 3,000 miles on rebuild. Have had the bike almost ten years, mostly used on occasion in the cooler months in Miami, fl. This video really helped me especially knowing the right position for off fuel. I should have checked it when I added a small fuel filter prior to carb. It was constantly clogging carb, probably rust in old tank, anyway, little filter has worked amazing. Seated the rings perfectly, strong compression. bike is doing 100km hr. Anyway, thanks a bunch for your time in sharing your expertise. GB

[@PaulCTownsend]

Thank You

[@dzaninkini]

all respect

[@jamesrickwood6333]

Probably a stupid question but why can't I start my px125 when it's in gear with the clutch in? The kick start moves the bike forward. Or is that just the same with all vespa's

[@c7uk]

James Rickwood - that will happen with the clutch out as drive is engaged. With the clutch in there’ll be no engagement and the Kickstarter will have no resistance - either way the Vespa can’t be started. You need to be in neutral and off the clutch (unless you have electric start ⚡️ where the clutch lever needs to be pulled in)

[@chihuahuaformer9802]

I prefer to be started with my kickstand up, but that's just me.

[@manikpandita5328]

Hello robot , I have a complaint about my vespa Everytime I fresh start my vespa vx125 on a new day it always need a choke to start without that it doesn't start. What could be the problem ? From india.

[@elliottcole6537]

ManiK pandita the engine would be completely cold after sitting overnight. You need to choke it to help warm the engine up. This happens on all Vespas. You don’t have a problem, no need to worry.

[@kirkwatstien6979]

NO PROBLEM JUST KEEP DOING IT ITS SOUNDS ABOUT NORMAL TO ME usa

[@giorgiograsso9506]

Bruh, everyone in Italy from 12 to 130 knows how to start a vespa, we use them daily, not a normal one, the old chunky good sounding and looking one, I have a newer one too (LX 50 2009) but I prefer my pk 50 XL and my 50 special, the special is stock but I modified the pk 50 XL with a 105cc engine

[@VespaMotorsport]

Gotta let the newbies here in the states know how to do it to!

[@giorgiograsso9506]

@@VespaMotorsport yeah, right

[@GottaKnowJoeHobbies]

Yeah well 60 yr old America buying one the 1st time has no clue. Great video

[@GottaKnowJoeHobbies]

Wish I saw this 1st it took me 10 mins to get it

[@wideeyewonder]

Thanks for the informative video, much appreciated as I'm a new classic Vespa owner. A couple of questions, I wish to put one of the Vespa's in long-term storage. I was told to drain the tank and let run until remaining gas clears lines. After ensuring inside of tank has dried, is there a way to ensure it stays rust free? Also, when storing for over a year would you recommend draining oil - my thought is to leave it in and someone from a Vespa forum commented it would be wise to pour oil into spark plug hole to keep cylinder from freezing up. Any thoughts would be appreciated and your old Vespa is awesome! Thanks again for posting!

[@igrejadosanticornosdoabc2022]

Boa tarde eu tinha uma vespa, é vende me arrependo. 86 ano dela .comprei 2006

[@richardharris492]

HOLD THROTTLE FULLY OPEN IF IT'S FLOODED. And you can't flood it by leaning it either way, that's ridiculous

[@HookupCultureCommunity]

Badass.

[@milkagem]

I thought running out of fuel ain't good for the carb? Like it may damage the needle or something? Not a pro as you can see! =D

[@mjchargerSD]

milkagem- Keeping the carbs empty when they're sitting for long periods helps minimize the chance of flooding, helps keep the carburetor clean since sitting gas can deteriorate over time and clog the small air passages (This takes many months so people prevent this by putting fuel stabilizer in the tank).

[@skippygirl959]

Doesn't matter for carbs

[@kirkwatstien6979]

no english major either

[@scooterstoked]

Gracias!

[@jaalgr]

how many scooters do you own

[@lindapero9496]

jaalgr 1

[@bobbyarora5641]

Wow ...nice scooter , this sound dont come these days

[@kirkwatstien6979]

vespa meens sound of a bee in italian well just bee but you get the drif they took the vespa out of the vespa lol sad really but it was only a two stroke when they gave it that name is sounded like a bee someone said...

[@dirkdiggler6230]

@@kirkwatstien6979 vespa is a wasp , ape is a bee

[@edgardoramos9517]

Tenia una del 1966

[@ScottElliottBeard]

Robot, thanks for your advice. It got me to work today. I was kicking the engine for 5 minutes in the rain this morning and it would not start I changed the plug, checked I had spark and fuel, but no joy. Then I remembered your video. ** Leaning the PX over to the left and kicking with a quarter throttle got it going. ** The cause of the flooding? I had the scoot leaned to the right against a wall last night to change the rear wheel. I had turned off the fuel, but should remember to run the engine until it runs out of fuel in the bowl next time. Thanks again.

[@ハリーブッチ]

Km /L ?

[@gibson4ever28]

nice machine!

[@darrinslack1269]

it`s a real pity America never got the t5

[@dang2443]

Nah, they are ugly.

[@jezztech]

Fuckinell 107,000 miles on one of these is considered low mileage? on what planet!?

[@HeeneStudios]

***under seven

[@ahmeddur7034]

Super vidéos for mutores

[@ARAR148]

107k miles, good for a car not a scooter

[@HeeneStudios]

He said Under seven not a hundred and seven

[@kirkwatstien6979]

so what exactly consitutes high milage for say a 2003 vespa I had one hit 8k and it sounded and ran great no bowby either I sold it but I still see the man I sold it to riding it on sunny days..

[@RJVentura1]

Silencio BRUNO

[@mousecat9398]

A rally with auto lube…nice

[@haywire5352]

Google how do you start the Vespa without a f****** chipped key

[@kirkwatstien6979]

you don't you bring it to dealer and have a new one made

[@kirkwatstien6979]

but youd better have the title or no go theyll not do it

[@myveryownchannel]

These American market Rally’s are weird, can’t stand the blinkers 😂

[@dang2443]

Nobody can. Except, oddly, some people from outside the US have developed a weird fascination with them, because they obviously are rare anywhere else.

[@dirkdiggler6230]

yeah, they look awful

[@bobcropsey2550]

That's how we talk about our Vintage VWs. www.VWHistoryToHobby.com

[@biswjitgope4567]

this is bajaj Chetak model.

[@dang2443]

Is not.

[@kirkwatstien6979]

id still jump it

[@gibson4ever28]

nice machine!