Strange problem ...

[Devo McDuff]

All week I've noticed a squeaking sound that comes and goes on my PX125, it sounds like something needs tightening or oiling. Also, 3 or 4 times this week when coming to a sharp(ish) stop (say at the lights or quickly pulling into another lane) the front of the bike has vibrated quite violently for a few seconds. I'll be in first gear with the clutch in at the time, it doesn't happen every time though.

I've never had either of these symptoms before so I'd have thought they are related. It might well be something relatively simple but then again so am I

Any ideas?

[Rudi]

strange indeed devo.....it happened to me too, for some short period (about 6 months ago) and since then it stopped.... i remember it happens just as you come to a complete stop. it feels like as you described, violent shake felt in the grips, that last a couple of seconds

i did inspect things, like the clutch, counter gear, wheel hub etc, but saw nothing, and besides that ,the vespa runs well, with no mechanical noises.

my guess - its some sort of the natural vespa shakes, that get in the "right" frequency and produce this phenomenon. i know it sounds funny , but after inspecting my vespa and finding nothing, this is the only theory i can come up with.

regarding the squeaking, where is it coming from, front or back?

[Ironduke]

Have you inspected the brakes? If they are binding then they will squeak at speed and cause the front end to judder as you slow down. I'd also guess if you had new pads in then the problem would go away once they had worn down sufficiently.
When your scooter is cold apply the front brake and release it, with the scoot on the stand try spin the front wheel - it should be free to turn.

Cheers

[Robjack]

I have had that violent shake thing happen to me too, just as described. Happened a couple of times over a couple of days and never since. I don't remember an accompanying squeak though?
I suspected the disc brake and checked it over for anything loose etc, found nothing, so put it down to "newness" as the scoot was relatively new at the time. Or voodoo.

[Devo McDuff]

The squeaking is pretty faint and hard to make out with the engine on and when moving (which is the only time it does it) especially with my helmet on. Plus, it's intermittent anyway. So I can't say for sure where it's coming from (keep changing my mind!), I'll try and figure it out over the weekend.

Not had new pads on. Will inspect the brakes later.

I like the natural phenomenon and voodoo theories

Ta.

[Rudi]

thinking about it, the only engine part with enough mass to create this kind of vibration is the crank.
how, and why it comes and goes, is another question...

[Devo McDuff]

After happening every day for 5 days it's now not done it for 3. Odd.

Still squeaking like the Tin Man on his wedding night though.

[jackthekipper]

when i took the petrol tank out of me old GL, found a mouse's nest in the frame....seriously squeak ;D

[satchmo]

I took some stuff out my butty box and a squeak started. It turned out that with less in there the inside of the locking mechanism was vibrating at a particular frequency, 35mph in 3rd

[skrappey]

Locking mechanism?
Do you mean the piece of twisted base metal and plastic that won't stop a field mouse on weed?
Glad you found the squeak though.