Modern Vespa

So I want to cheaply mount a milk crate to the front of my LX50. I was going to make some L shaped brackets to attatch to the front plastic pannel.

Question..

How do real Vespa luggage racks mount to the front? I was going to pull the front pannel off and attatch some studs sticking out with big beefy washers on the inside so they dont get yanked out. Im not sure if there is a better way to do this?

Any tips or suggrstions on mounting the crate would be helpful.

They sort of hook on there is no drilling of panels I would not drill any of the panels myself as the damage caused would cost a lot to put right just look on ebay for a second hand one.

New on here. http://www.amazon.com/Scooter-Front-Rack-Vespa-150/dp/B003JO853I

So with the Vespa rack, does it connect via suction cups?

Id like to do this as cheap as possible. My LX50 was a prize in a contest so I only have tax, title, and tags invested into it, so cosmetic damage isn't a major concern. Plus, as long as it does not get cracked or destroyed, I am not bad with the Bondo and doing body work.

I think im going to install four studs and mount a crate that way. I woukd attatch it to the rear but I fear it would obstruct my brake light.

I think you're going to end up with cracks on your front plastic if you try hanging a milk crate off the front like you describe, unless you put no weight in it.

Yeah. I think you are right about the weight. That was another concern I had..

Perhaps i'll mount some brake lights on the sides of the rear of the scooter so I can rest a milk crate on the stock brake light and hose clamp or zip tie it to the stock grab bar. That way it will cost me less than $20 and my brake lights will remain visible.

Do you have access to a welder? I have a broken rear rack that I think could be welded, but wouldn't be very pretty. It's yours for the shipping cost if you want it.
You can see pictures at OEM LX rear rack broken.

No way would I mount a milk crate to the front of a Vespa even if you got it basically free. The front is not designed to support what you are contemplating. Take Danny up on his offer for the rear rack, weld it and mount your milk crate to it.

Not only would the front likely be destroyed by the weight if you put anything in a milk crate attacked through the front but I would also be concerned about handling.

You can get a new rear rack for $73 http://www.racingplanetusa.com/rear-luggage-rack-chrome-vespa-p-133795-1.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=google_merchant_us&utm_campaign=google_products_us&gclid=CIOykOvYyrgCFcaDQgodqjMAXQ which makes a lot more sense than screwing up the front panels of an LX.

Man I like your thinking. Maybe as a means to temporarily test how well you'd like a milk crate on the front you could use Gorilla Tape to secure it? In the old days we used to use panty hose for jobs like this but that was before Gorilla Tape. It's really strong stuff and if you used enough, say several wraps it would probably be as stable as a couple of bolts. Then if you decided it wasn't what you expected you could simply remove the tape, do a bit of polishing and you're back to square one. If you were careful you might even be able to salvage the tape for another job. [unlike the panty hose] I once used masking tape and a black rattle can of paint to fix a rusted out tail light housing on a '48 Ford. Doubt the new owner even noticed it. Not right away anyway. Cool, huh? But I digress...sorry.

LL75 8)

FYI, I didn't realize that you already have a rear rack. A milk crate is commonly installed on those and it does not obstruct the rear tail light at least not any more than any other case mounted on the rear rack. Take a look at this thread Got milk crate?

Anyone else cringe and shed a little tear? I'd sell it, pocket some $ and trash a TGO or some such premade atrocity.

Yes

You'll regret it. Get a fold down rear rack and mount it there. No way are you going to be able to carry much weight up there. Especially on a 50. Your not going to have the power to help in curves. Having things up front makes the ride different. I think there are places for the screws to go when putting it on a LX. You might have to drill but i don't know. While it's your bike and you can do anything to it i wouldn't ruin a vespa for a front rack milk crate but that's just me. Good luck and keep us posted on the project.

If you haven't been talked out of it yet, you could add extension studs, as in the front crash bar mounts, and secure to those. See my project report on installing front crash bars.

LX-150 Front Crash Bar Install

A milk crate on the back isn't that horrible, but it would look terrible on the front plus it might impede handling and damage the bike installing it. Carry stuff on the back end.

Hey in project section a guy mounted a tire on front .I yi yi

+2

+3. Would only consider if the bike's already taken severe crash damage and there are no plans to restore it -- and even then, probably wouldn't.

By front plastic panel, you are referring to the glove box area, right? The front side of the scooter is steel, not plastic.

I didnt mean to upset anyone. I don't want to destroy my Vespa, but a few holes and small cracks wouldn't be the end of the world. But yeah, I think I'll go the milk crate on the back route. I've found a few cheap racks on eBay.

Thanks for the advice.

It's your scooter smooth. You can modify it however you desire.
I don't think your upsetting anyone, but if you ask folks about something, they will place their two cents on the table.

Stick around as there is more fun ahead!

I have a strip of LED's synched into my brake light. Your right about not being able to see the brake light well when you have stuff on the rack. I have it mounted along the bottom of the plate holder and it works. Good luck. Sweet that you got it free also. 8)

Smooth,

Take the scooter back to the dealer and offer to trade for a slightly used, loaded scooter. Get one with a top box or rear rack and a windscreen. Maybe a few other goodies.

An eminently sensible suggestion.