How to program a vespa key(s)

The gist of it.

Well, it turns out to be a pretty simple process that doesn't involve any programming on your part. The electronics in the vespa headset does all the work for you. All you really have to do is some quick key switching maneuvers.

You will need your master (brown) key, and the blue keys to be programmed. Apparently you can program multiple blue keys in the same session, so if you do have multiple ones, have all of them ready. I only programmed one blue key, but the same process is repeated with multiple keys. If you need to get extra blue keys, here's a post on where I got mine.

The basic procedure:

1. Put your brown key into the ignition.
2. Turn it on and then off (within 3 seconds).
3. Put the blue key to be programmed in the ignition.
4. Turn it on and then off (also within 3 seconds).
5. If you have additional blue keys, repeat step 3 and 4 for the rest of those blue keys.
6. Finish off the programming by inserting the brown key again.
7. Turn it on and then off (within 3 seconds).

And that should do it for the programming! Now check to make sure all the keys can start your scooter. This worked for me on my first try, but if it doesn't you may want to make sure you're doing the whole procedure fast enough and not waiting too long in between the steps.

Oh, and any older blue keys that aren't reprogrammed when you program the new blue keys, will no longer work. Apparently each time the "programming" process occurs, the vespa starts new and forgets all the old keys. This shouldn't be a problem if you accidentally left out some older keys. Just repeat step 1 to 7 above, making sure to include all the blue keys you own, and they should all work again.

This fact actually comes as good news to me, because even though I was only given the one brown key when I bought my used vespa, I know that after "programming" my new blue key, none of the original blue keys will now work on my scooter. Only the keys I have now will work.

Getting a new vespa key replacement

Brown 'master' key and regular blue key. The master key is considerably thicker.

When I bought my vespa used, it only came with one brown key. I later found out that this brown key is the "master" key. Apparently all modern vespa keys are "electronic" in that they have transponder chips inside the key head. This chip has coded information that interacts with the vespa headset, and ensures that only certain keys that have been programmed (which either the factory programmed or incidentally you can also program) will be able to start and get your vespa running.

This added measure of security is good in that it should make your expensive vehicle harder to steal. It is also bad in that you can't just take a vespa key to the key shop and get a clone made that will work on your bike (on most models). Apparently new vespas ship with 1) the brown master key 2) at least two blue 'regular' keys, and 3) a card with code information incase you loose or break all your keys. Wisdom has it that one should keep the brown key at home in a safe place as it is the master, and if you loose it along with your blue keys, your panties would most certainly get bunched from not being able to startup the badboy (the brown key is basically the one key that rules them all). In fear of this scenario, I decided to get myself a blue key so the brown could be stowed away at home.

After calling the local dealer (we only have one on Oahu), I found out they wanted $50 for a 'blank' new replacement key, which still had to be cut and programmed. Forget about that. After a bit of internet searching, I found a guy on the Big Island who sent me a new 'blue' key in three days after hitting up his paypal account with $15 + $3 shipping ($5 shipping USA nationwide, $8 international). I then took the new blank key to be cut, and then programmed it myself following some simple steps.

Here's the link to John's website:
http://www.motorcyclekeys.com/vespachipkey.html

And here's another source for blue keys:
http://allmotorcyclekeys.com/

Cover for Vespa

With the intention of getting my used Vespa to last for a long time with minimal exterior wear and rust, I bought a cover for it. This one cost me $20, and has a nice elastic bottom that keeps it well attached to the bike even in very windy areas (like my house).

• Got a large which fits the GT200 (no top case) perfectly, covering a lot of the wheels.
• Got it off amazon.com, it's the "Raider Black and Silver Large Motorcycle Cover"
• Comes with a bag also, for when you want to take it on the go
• Fabric is relatively lightweight, with heavier reinforcement in the lower areas (muffler, etc.)

New used 2004 GT200 Vespa!

I just acquired my first Vespa this summer! It's seafoam green, and feels much larger compared to my previous vehicle, a Honda Metropolitan. It's got a 200cc engine, and I can really feel the horsepowers. This thing takes me on the freeway in style. Love the Vespa for many reasons:

• Smaller vehicle (than a car) means better gas mileage, and also more manageable DIY maintenance, which is fun and rewarding!
• Riding a motorcycle is more enjoyable than driving a car (duh)
• Smaller carbon footprint than owning a car
• No need to worry about shifting gears (I do enjoy manual transmissions, but this gives a sense of liberation. Kind of like how riding a single speed or fixed-gear bicycle lets you enjoy the scenery and frees up some cognitive resources)
• Vespas are stylish, have history, and are well built (i.e. expensive).

I will try and document my maintenance activities on the Vespa here, both for the benefit of having a centralized location for personal reference, and also to share this information with others. Maybe you will find it useful. I hope so!