Modern Vespa

Its been a little while since I commented on one of these touring bags so I thought I would share my experiences. I have owned the large Motofizz for a few years now and love how much these bags can hold. They are built from the ground up to be mounted to your motorcycle or scooter. They are not cheap and they are built in Japan and made of very high quality materials. They have straps to secure to all 4 corners of the bag and the straps can be attached to the chrome railing on the side and back of your scooter. I hope I took some good enough photos for you to see them given it was a bit dark in the garage and I was using my iPhone.

It seems to use up exactly enough room to mount where a passengers backside would be and gives the rider lower back support if you remember to turn it around with the Motofizz label pointing to the back. The bag is made to be accessible from the side which quickly zips and unzips once you release the strap. You can also get to it from the top if you prefer and there is a net that will hold anything from a full sized helmet to some camping gear. The bag is really made for a rider who also likes to camp but I have found them useful in many other ways. In the large bag it will swallow up a 2.5 gallons of gas with all of my gear but this small could be good for anything from carrying your workout gear to extra helmets and jackets/gloves ect...

The large bag will run you $197 and is worth every single penny if you need to carry that much gear. The medium bag is $177 and is really the most functional bag if you are going to have one for your scooter and a motorcycle. It will fit the bike perfectly but might be too big on the scooter. The small costs $147 and will fit your scooter like a glove and remember there are expandable side on each of these that zip out to give you even more room. Perfect for those rides where you want to bring home some goodies for your loved ones.

Well I could ramble on all day about the functionality of these bags but I am sure you would prefer to see the photos. I am someone who loves to find things that are functional and usable on a daily basis. Almost forgot to mention it only takes seconds to un-clip the bag from the straps and turn it into a backpack or a shoulder bag and then re-clip it on when you come back. I know I will be using the coffee mug holder on both sides too for some warm coffee on the way to the office. Here is a link to the only place I can see to buy these bags in the states. Aerostich LINK

Awesome... Didn't know about these. This should be added to the Reviews section, as well!

Advantage/disadvante of this and a hard top case? I like soft stuff for most applications until I need impact resistance. Is this case meant to be detached and carried once you've arrived at your destination?

I have a Fieldsheer bag which is quite similar & I love it for all the same reason you love yours. The price was about the same.

Hello Secret Asian Man. I just went back and uploaded the photos. It took me longer than I thought they would to email me the photos. I have a hard top case and a soft-top case for maximum storage. I am sure there are many here who would love the advantages of a removable soft-top case without the use of a top case. This case is great for getting to things quickly. I will use the small Motofizz bag with my Camelbac bladder filled with cold water so I can stay hydrated when I ride on hot days. as well as some snacks, extra gas and any emergency items and tire repair stuff ect.. It is easily removed and has straps to trow it over your shoulder. Let me know if you have any more questions...

Yes there is something nice about a detachable carrier/ back rest. I have two that were not scooter designed but are handy and adaptable with a couple three bungy cords I can almost carry every thing I want. And as an aside... I love the moniker Secrete Asian Man! Johnny rivers was a pretty good singer I always thought... R

Thanks Masala. I should have started with it in the reviews section now that I think about it.

Great review. I have the medium one and agree that it's great. Love how easy it goes on and off.

Thanks David. Could you tell me how your medium fits on your scooter. Is there much that hangs over if at all? I came so close to buying the medium but I knew I would be using it on the scooter most of the time and not the bike. I just looked at the measurements and the height would not be an issue and the front to back are the same and my guess is an additional 2" on each side would be a pretty darn good fit too? If you have a photo with the bag on that would be great!

Small Bag
8" Top to Bottom × 12" Front to Back ×11.5" Side to Side/16" expanded
Medium Bag
12" Top to Bottom × 12" Front to Back × 15.5" Side to Side/22" expanded

Saddle trunk makes for very handy storage for a scoot (or motorcycle). The ripstop nylon ones made for cycles are perfect, just make sure they are "stiff" enough to hold their shape and not collapse when empty, otherwise the insulated packs made to carry beverages may also be a good choice, the pricing of both well within "budget". If premium trunk bag is wanted, they do make them in leather...try Leatherworks or other luggage makers, just don't go into sticker shock...$350+ is common and you can get them with basketweave or tooled leather, with braided or piped edges...even studs and conchos or exotic colors.

I have the medium Motofizz bag that looks like this:



It looks like they changed the color for the medium size bag to black, but besides that, they are pretty much the same.

When I went cross-country on my motorcycle (2007 Yamaha FJR1300), it worked out perfectly

I might just pick one up a small size in the future.

myke

I, too, have the Moto Fizz bag. Bought it for carrying required camping gear on road trips. It does the job very well due to versatile compartments, straps, elastic cords, quick release latches. I hadn't considered using it on the vespa yet.
High quality, well designed. Would recommend to others.

Anyone wishing to look for a different type or make they are called Tail Bags by the m/bike fraternity.

I'm drooling over this bag... not for the extra storage and obvious good looks, but because of the potential back support.

However, I'm envisioning the PITA every time you have to refuel (or access anything under the seat. ANy way of mounting it so it hooks around the seat and not onto the grab bars?

I tried that first but I could not find a way to mount it to the seat? It honestly only takes a few seconds to remove the bag so you can get under the seat. The 4 clips are very seat to get too...

David,

Can you post pictures, with the bag on the seat AND loaded, PLEASE? Do you find that you are pushed to the front of the seat when you ride with the medium bag loaded? I am still debating on get a Motofizz medium bag for use on my ET4 and my husband's GT200. Pictures, from several angles would help. Thanks

Janine

I saw these from a LINK on another thread. The person who used them RIVITED them from the inside of the seat pan, so they did not puncture the seat covering. They give a good anchor point in the middle and rear of the set. If I can find the picture of the hooks installed I will post it here.



http://www.aerostich.com/packing-it-in/more-packing-options/straps-bungees-and-accessories/seat-hooks.html

If the bag is full, I think it would be too much weight for the seat hinge to support. Therefore, I think the best option is to unhook the bag for fueling the scooter.

Kewl... Thanks!

More than a good review, it's a great ad. I clicked directly to Aerostich and ordered one!

I have the medium MotoFizz bag that I use on my Burgman. It is easy to strap it directly to the seat rather than the grab bar, therefore allowing opening the seat without removing the bag. I use a dowel as a seat prop on the Burgman, as the built-in seat strut will not support a loaded bag.

Some time back, someone had asked for photos comparing the MotoFizz to a top case. Here's a link to a gallery of photos I took at that time.

Here is the link from this time last year with an explanation of the photos.





I hope that helps,
Steve

PeterC did you get the small or the medium?

I ordered the small; it's a good fit for the Vespa.

I found the link and pictures for the seat hooks

http://www.gtsownersclub.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=14

There are 3 pictures at the LINK

Mods can we add this to the review section?

Great idea!

Cool seat hooks! I took a few pictures, by request, of the medium Motofizz on my GTS 300. I used to carry it on my rear rack before I installed my top case, but it also works okay on the seat. As long as I don't overstuff it, I can slide back to my favored riding spot.

However, mounting it without using the grab rails is a bit trickier. Notice the cool cross hook that Motofizz provides - super easy to click on and off. But the seat won't close over it so I'll need to rethink that mounting option...

Just for goofs, I mounted it on the front (I don't have a front rack). It mounts fairly well and stays out of the steering, however I don't like that it blocks the running lights / turn signals as well as some of the headlight. But it could be an option for those so inclined.

Nice bag Steve!