When I first got my Vespas last year I took them to Scootershop for an upgrade of the carburetor (Malossi) to add speed. Being a weekend rider, both scooters had just under 600 miles on them recently. One of them had always acted up, not starting like the other. I blew it off to a weak battery and kept a trickle charger on it. A couple months ago I thought it was time to get it checked and the local Newport Vespa dealer is close to me so I had them look and purchased a new battery. 2 days later same issue - not turning over. This time I thought it best to return it to Scootershop since it seemed like a fuel issue perhaps. I dropped it off and the owner Mick said it sounded like a problem with the bendix and quoted a half hour labor and the part, just under $ 100. No problem—not until I came to pick it up.
Mick presented me with an invoice for $ 252.52 for the bendix, a new starter and additional labor. He said he "gave" me an upgraded battery that was stronger. When I started to question it, he started screaming and yelling and using "F'" this and "F-in" that. The friend that brought me to get it was as shocked as I. Mick wouldn't take any questioning and told me he wouldn't give me the scooter unless I paid. He said I could sue him if I want but I had to pay. Well, I handed him my Amex card and drove off. Two days later, the same problem arose. I called him and he called me an "a—hole" during the conversation, but said he'd come and pick it up the next day and take care of it. He never showed.
On Monday I called Newport Vespa and had it towed. After a few days the technicians discovered that a ground wire had been disconnected, perhaps when the Malossi kit was installed (or screws not tightened). Either way, they tested the starter - it was fine, so I told them to take it out and put my old one back in.
I disputed the charges and notified Mick of my findings, asking him to credit me immediately. He didn't, and Amex said he never responded to the dispute so I was credited. It seems when the bendix didn't work they changed the starter. When that didn't work they put a stronger battery in. If the battery cranked long enough it would start... But they NEVER found the real problem.
Newport Vespa charged me $ 120 to troubleshoot and fix the problem, and included the swap of the starter and even topped my oil and tires!
Don't get involved with this guy... He obviously was a spoiled child and cannot stand someone questioning him even if his is wrong... Perhaps you will get to the bottom of it like I did.
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