I've just got my hands on two mopeds, a seventy-something Vespa Grande and a 78 Vespa Grande Super Deluxe (has battery and turn-signals). Both have been sitting outside for a few years and won't run. I've started working on the Deluxe because of it being 'the better/bigger one' and the fact that it looks like it's in better condition. I've replaced the rear innertube on it, the tires seem fine, I've also installed a new spark plug, it hasn't got a battery, the headlight and speedo glass is smashed, and there is no ignition key/knob (?). I haven't gone so far as to drop the motor and open it up yet, but after cleaning and oiling and greasing and all, it still didn't start when I held the small left handlebar lever and pedaled. Upon closer inspection of the two I noticed the regular Grande had a motorcycle-style turnable right handlebar grip (throttle?), but the Deluxe didn't (though it did have a grip). I then noticed that a small plate (#8 [14, 15 also] at http://www.fortunecity.com/meltingpot/zimbabwe/488/engine.html) was missing from the Deluxe. It was on the regular Grande so I looked over it and followed the cable coming out of the top to it's destination, the right turnable grip. I took it off and installed the entire mechanism onto the Deluxe (the cable may need tightening). I noticed that when I turned it (one direction) it would pop out the lever I assumed to be the choke (#7 at the webpage indicated above). Again I try and try, but cannot start it. Any help would be greatly appreciated and much obliged. Thanks.
tabris.