Modern Vespa

Anyway, I don't like the teardrop top cases and SDG said he could engineer the rear rack so that I could mount a motorcycle touring type box instead. They said that the box plus mount was 12 pounds and I often carry 15 pounds of shopping on my rear rack in a milk carton. So theoretically I could be carrying 30 pounds or so on a rear rack behind the rear wheels. I really don't think I "will" be carrying 30 pounds very often because I mostly want a righteous, lockable box to put things in when the bike is parked. Nonetheless I wanted to see how it would handle.

My impression was that when moving it handled normally, just as it does when I'm carrying 15 pounds. The one area where I noticed a difference was when it came to keeping my balance while going very slowly. But it really wasn't that different and, in truth, was a lot easier than riding double.

Good to know. would you be willing to add a few more pounds...( to the box) and report back.... as always keep it safe.

Is there anyway you can post a picture of the mounting on your Vespa?

I have this same Touratech top case on a BMW R1200GS. A Kathy's bag liner is a very handy accessory for the case. They are available from Bob's BMW.

I will but I haven't done it yet. It's going to be a pretty penny before I'm all through. But I'm retired now and, although I still have a car, I use the Vespa every day for shopping etc. I think it'll be really great to have the ability in certain instances to stow my leather jacket, maybe boots, and/or and other kit securely when I arrive at my destination and change into something less moto-centric.

I too would like to see a picture of it mounted. Thanks!

Thanks much. I checked it out. If and when I get the box I'll definitely get the fitted bag. It's not much moolah if it's well made. With a lifetime guarantee and your imprimatur, I figure it will be.

P.S. I'm on Route 66 too. I live one block from Santa Monica Blvd., which is the very end of Route 66

Keep in mind that stopping (especially emergency stopping) will be a whole different animal with a lot of weight sitting high on the rear rack.

Probably a good idea to find a big parking lot and do some practice stops at varying speeds and approach angles just to learn the handling characteristics of the new luggage set up.

8)

VESP do you have the folding rear rack on yours? If so drill the holes all the way thru,where it screws into the grab rail and throw some heavy duty screws and bolts. If you don't the screws will bend down and it will fail at some point. Awesome case. Congrats on the retirement. 8)

Nice looking rack and case. Could you post additonal pictures of the rack and how it mounted?

Thanks!

I do have, or should I say had, a folding rear rack (that I usually keep down with a milk crate for carrying things). But I'm pretty sure I'll be swapping that for for a flat "top box" rack. Anyway SDG said it would be child's play for him to "marry" that rack to the universal mount for the box. Whether he's talking welding or drilling or both, I don't know.

P.S. I love being retired. Until 2005 I had a fun job that I would have done for free. But then, like a lot of places, work changed. We put in new software that eliminated a lot of the human element and the job became a real grind.

I would often tie down a lot of gear when touring on my ET4, especially since I camped along the way, so all that extra equipment had to be added to the equation.

I don't recall any handling problems. Not even at higher speeds.

The weight in the rear was compensated for by the weight of my rear.

There was a problem, however, when I got off the scooter. Sometimes, the front wheel would slowly lift up until the rear wheel hit the ground, pivoting on the center stand. It was a little unnerving to see this the first time.

Don't assume that, if it doesn't happen in your driveway, it won't happen when parked on a slight incline. That's how I was surprised.

So, try to center your packing as far forward as possible. A front rack is a good idea (I never had one), maybe some items can be secured to the floor boards, too. The problem with shifting too many items forward on the seat is that you have to unload all the stuff each and every time you gas up, which for me, was the only annoying part of touring by scooter.

If you find the scooter tends to rock back, make sure you shut the engine off before you discount to keep the rear wheel from contacting the ground while it's spinning.

VESP keep the rear rack but do what i did. Makes it much sturdier. I like the looks of the folding rear rack on the LX'S but then again i'm strange.

I've routinely carried 30 pounds or more in the topcase or on the bare rack. Never noticed any performance issues or tilting back with that weight.

The only time I have concerns is with wide loads that may catch the wind -- like a Christmas tree...

There may be a bit of wobble as added rear end weight will alter the center of gravity.

The slight weight shift may result in a wobble that you'll feel at the handlebars.

I found that having both hands on handle bars will manage the the wobble but taking off either hand at about 35 mph resulted in wobble.

As much as possible try to keep anything heavy laid out on floor board right below the front end of seat (as close to CG as possible).

Good Luck!

When the dealer installed the top case on our BV250 they also put weighted bar ends on the handlebars to aid in stability.