Modern Vespa

I have to ask, since I've searched with no luck so far.
What's the point of the rear rack folding, and being spring-loaded to default to an up position? I can't think of any reason, but there's bound to be something I'm missing.

Its Italian.. There is no reason other than that.

My guess is that some engineer, somewhere, sitting in his ivory tower, thought that one could put something on the rack and the spring would hold it in place.


He probably has never used one.

My guess is a make-shift back rest?

'Cause it looks cool!-M-

I used to have a vespa clone with a similar rack. Before I passed my test I used to have the rack in an upright position so that i could fasten an L plate to it with cable ties. (The one attached to the number plate had fallen off).

I was wondering that as well. It isn't like the rack sticks out very far with it down, so what is the point of having it spring loaded to be up in an unusable position by default. Maybe the figure the scoot looks better with it up than down?

I took the rack off mine. Looks better without it. Although, my wife preferred to ride two up with the rack as it kind of acted like a back rest/butt stop. She said she felt like she would fall off the back of the scoot without it.

So...I'm not crazy and missing something obvious:

Exactly- works more like a backrest on the GTV based on the geometry of the second position

Many people reverse the springs so the default position is down. If you do this, be very careful because the spring has a nasty bite. Ask me how I know.

Alternately, you can buy yourself one of the aluminium rack clamps offered by a well respected MV member which will hold your rack in the down position:

http://www.oopsclunkthud.com/

Good luck.

The clamp is on my list. Before I reversed springs or something, I was trying to think of a reason I would want it to fold...aside from the aesthetics when it was empty.

I think it's one of those things where it's just "always been that way," no one is 100% sure why, and they just keep doing it because it's "classic" or something. I always wondered about it, too. It's not like it really makes the bike smaller for parking or anything, and as stated before, most of the time the springs aren't enough to hold too much of anything by itself.

[quote="TreppenwitzAlternately, you can buy yourself one of the aluminum rack clamps offered by a well respected MV member which will hold your rack in the down position:

http://www.oopsclunkthud.com/

Good luck.[/quote]

Oil Funnel 500. oops has this oil funnel 500 listed. What model bike is it for??

I think it looks better up. Have the clamp but use zip ties. Also if i leave the rack down it doesn't fit in my shed.

All bikes with the master '500' engine - so yes, suitable for the MP3 500.

Thanks Jimc. How would one use it to check oil level? I did not see any way it has to know what depth to insert it

It sits snugly right in the dipstick hole. No tiresome screwing around needed.

Canopus saw a thread I put on MP3 and said that exact thing. I looks a lot longer in the advertisement. I will order one. Thanks.

Hi all, where can I purchase a front rack for Et4. And will an Lx rack be the same size, I have a rear rack and think they look the nuts.... 8)

Theres a joke here somewhere about Italians liking perky racks.

http://www.oopsclunkthud.com/

Good luck.[/quote]

Oil Funnel 500. oops has this oil funnel for a 500 listed.


I ordered the funnel. They sent me a note saying they were making a 3d diagram. I thought they were making me a 3d picture of a funnel. I will get a real funnel. They actually have a process of manufacturing that is amazing!! Check them out even you do not need to purchase anything!

to hang your towels on with no need for pegs

I'm going with this.

Although I loved my Vespa, Italian engineering should be two mutually exclusive words, especially when it comes the the fitment of after-market parts.