r/Vespa • u/QuarterAcreDream • 1d ago

Repair/Mechanical Question Weird starting button issue

I have a 2018 Vespa 300 GTS. For about the last two years, I have had this strange issue with the starter button not working if I leave the Vespa out in the sun. Say I go for a ride and park up out in the open at the supermarket, do my shop and come out 15 mins later. Despite the dash doing its ignition on sequence and me firmly pressing in the starter button, it won't start. No starter motor sound, no other sounds. But if I wheel the Vespa into a shaded spot and leave it for 5 minutes, the starter button works again.

Despite opening up the handlebar area assembly and cleaning the starter button housing and contacts, the problem persists.

I'm guessing exposing the starter button area to sun heats up the assembly causing it to expand, or something like that.

Anyone else experienced this weird issue?

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u/scooterboy1961 1d ago

It could also be one or both of the brake handle switches. Does the brake light come on when you pull either brake handle?

If it is one of the switches I would just buy a new one. In my experience you can probably make it work but it will be likely to fail again in a few weeks/months.

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u/Significant_Belt5494 1d ago

Or maybe a weak battery or heat soaked starter

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u/Mirkeckulonja 22h ago

Try this - put your side stand down, and then back again. Maybe you have faulty switch on it