Modern Vespa

My front shock on my GTS crapped out on me this week. The ride in the front has been getting rougher and rougher lately and now it is basically sitting all the way compressed as soon as I sit down. So I am looking at getting either the Biturbo or Malossi front shock for my bike.

I know there are tons of posts about how great these shocks are compared to the stock shock. There are also a ton of posts describing them both as slightly stiffer than the original. And a few posts about longevity on the Biturbo. So I have looked around.

But I haven't really found a good answer to the question of which shock is better for a heavier rider. I am 300lbs and ride 2 up now and then with my 130lb gf. I know I am throwing a LOT of weight at this poor bike, I am honestly happy that the stock shock lasted me 12k miles lol.

Which of these 2 shocks will handle my weight better? Which is more likely to go "the distance" for me?

Any advice is very appreciated in this subject.

Either one would work for your weight, I've had both bitubo and malossi on my various scooters. Both would work well but in my opinion the malossi is a better constructed unit especially for the front shock. If you looked at them side by side you would see the obvious difference in the shock tube itself and I have seen a few pictures here and there of the bitubo shocks bending. Now of course I don't know the circumstances behind them bending and neither of mine have ever had any issues but I figured I would mention it.

So in short my recommendation is the malossi despite the fact it doesn't look as cool as the bitubo. function over form on that one.

Seems the only two replacement shocks out there (in the USA) is the Bitubo and Malossi - and like you said, there are plenty of opinions out there.

I am considering the Bitubo on my GTV, but mainly for the sport aspect.

If you are "happy" with the standard OEM feel, there are a few lower cost options on the SIP website - and they are in the $100 range (unlike Bitubo and Malossi). I'd go with one of those if you're not looking for the stiffer, sportier feel.

FWIW

Malossi is better than Bitubo IMHO. I had a Bitubo on my rear and swapped it out for a Malossi. Malossi makes the LX ride like a Cadillac. Bitubo didn't. Also have a Malossi on the front.

I hated my GTS shock upgrade. I bought it used from someone who didn't like it on their GTS. I know now of three who haven't felt the high end weere worth the $$. I sold it and stashed an OEM NOS deal I scored. Can't speak for how they are on all models. That's for Judy to say.

But 430lbs and the early demise of your OEM might make it the right move.

TOM:D I let my back speak. It knows the difference. If you have good roads maybe you won't but it's definitely better on bad roads. Other people have noticed the difference on my scoot as well when they went for a ride. However i will say i hear and notice every sound and anything different on my scooter. Some people don't.

Just teasing you about your blanket declarations my dear.

Hugs,

Tom

I know my friend. Was just clarifying it. Some people are clueless with anything on their scoots.

Even so, LX != GTS ...

Other people here have Malossi's on their GT's and love them.

I would recommend a bitubo, have ridden this shock for the past 3k miles and it's been stellar compared to the stock gts shock (I weigh 170). The adjustments work pretty well and is tunable on the fly. Has been run through its share of potholes here in NY. Very well priced.

Mallossi is another option, no experience riding them. They are highly recommended by vespa owners, there was a post on here about one developing a leak with low mileage.

The last is the zelloni, beefeater looking shock, it looks like a Mallossi and bitubo combined. No experience with these either. Sip carries them.

Good luck.