Modern Vespa

Was running errands today, decided kitty litter was a good idea (??) as I'm on the scoot. It's a 40 pound bag I would have normally put on the seat. I decided to try the front rack. Must admit I was concerned by all that weight and my style of ride was much more conservative. Scoot handled it like a champ very impressed. With the front rack, top box and heated pet carrier this is one useful machine. I like my Sportster but even bungee cords fall off the luggage rack which on that bike is a worthless chrome do-dad well a nice looking worthless do-dad

Yup, exactly why I love my Faco. Minutes to mount or take off and incredibly utilitarian.

I'm with you, Doctor.

Despite all my alternative storage, I still often use the front rack. And having a bag handy lets me just grab and go. Fits my iPad and Kindle, wallet, and phone. A couple of bungees in the pet warmer come out when I need to strap something else to that front rack.

I put 40# bags of birdseed right on top the battery cover/footrack. No bungie.

Here's what I brought back on a recent trip to the store:

Pack of 6 big roll paper towels
2 packs napkins (250 each)
3 bottles salad dressing
2 packs C cell batteries - 4 batteries total
1 large jar chunky peanut butter
1 head lettuce
6 roma tomatoes
1 bottle liquid laundry detergent
1 gallon milk
1 gallon cheapo ice cream
2 packs swiss cheese slices
1 box Chai tea
1 prescription bottle

I'm glad that you are getting good use out of your storage areas. Funny thing is, I removed the front rack from mine soon after purchasing it(used) and have never put it back on. Before I moved back into town I frequently brought home a 50 lb. bag of chicken feed strapped on the back seat.

What brand front rack do you have Doc? Mine is a Vespa one and it has a label "Max 4kg". That's almost nine pounds in Church of England.

I have found that with a bit of weight up front the GTS handles much better. Not so squirrelly.

Thinking on't, the 300 has better handling than the 250.

Havent tried placing anything on front rack yet.
Encouraged by the posts to try it out.

And other storage as well on my GTV.

I took off the front rack just to see how she looks. However, my Scoot immediatly developed the dreaded "wooble" seemed odd a mere 10 pounds or so would have such an effect. Rack back, no wobble (??) hmmmm a very weight sensitive Scoot for sure. I'll have to look closer to what brand this front rack is? I'm really not sure what is considered a maximum load for this "hang-on" rack, probable would be good to have some idea as to what a "reasonable" load should be or not exceed. I was just out and (stupidly) decided what the heck, lets see. Must admit, once underway with 40 pounds up front I was concerned. Still, I headed on and went to the store and my other errands, the little Scoot is quite a hauler and the ride, handling and power outstanding, kitty litter and all. No doubt, this Scoot armed with front rack, top box, bag hooks and the heated pet carrier, can easily handle ones weekend groceries and honey-do's that remain on the sub-pickup truck hauling side. Seems to be not only the Ultimate Urban Assualt Vehicle but a Killer Picnic Craft. A little battery rack/carrier would also be a cool addition.

Depending on the model Vespa you have, be sure you don't load the front rack with anything that blocks the air to your headlight. The lens is plastic and I blistered mine with a case of beer. The only redeeming factor was that it was real good beer.

I am also going to consider getting a front rack.

Currently I bungee (20lb. cat food on seat (between back and cargo case) with Rok strap. Figure that front rack might provide a platform to secure items I can box....I presume that it will be stable enough to get on freeway @ ~ 65 mph.

Regarding the wobble...that could be attributed to placing too much weight aft (affecting the center of gravity)...thus reducing the surface area of front wheel contacting road surface.

Thanks for sharing your experiences and pics!

Yes, the Vespa "Wobble" is a funny thing. I was very surprised after riding for a few weeks, reading about the wobble on the forum but having my Scoot ride rock solid, then rack off, wobble in I'm thinking that just removing the rack does not seem as if it should make that much difference however, this is"my" very first Vespa, seems like for the more experienced Vespa folks here, this is old news

8) However, the rack proves gosh darn handy, first time in my 40 plus years of riding I ever used one. I do need to find out what is a sensible weight limit, I will note the advise not to block the air-flow to the headlight

Where did you get your floor rack? I looked at Modernvespa.com and didn't see that style. Thank you!

It's from Classic Racks...

https://www.classic-racks.co.uk

I have one, they're very useful.

Thanks! I live in the US and emailed them to see if it would fit my scooter. I'm afraid it may not. 2008 LXV 150.

Another useless resurrection.

Not necessarily Max.

Worthy of note is that virtually all front racks for the GTS250/300's are limited to 10lb in load capacity. If you go over that you can easily dent the front bodywork around and under the lower mounts. It happens when you go over any large bump or into a pothole. The rack itself is usually quite sturdy, it's just the bodywork that won't take the weight and is why there is the 10lb restriction. Have seen that on lots of Vespas that came in for service.

Totally with the op, these bikes are awesome luggage carriers rack or no rack.

I have this bag on mine and it's very handy. I have soft saddle bags as well but rhe front rack bag is great for tossing things like groceries in or things you want easy access to when off the scoot.