Modern Vespa

Due to my old age and comfort needs, I had to add a backrest to my Piaggio MP3 400. Searching our Vespa group did not result in anything suitable to me, so I created my own. The photos should show how I did it. Okay, it's a bit crude, but it was easy, inexpensive, adjustable, and is very comfortable - adjustable tilt and forward/backward. Here is what you see - a Schwinn comfort bicycle seat, adjustable in tilt ($20 at WalMart); various 1/2" PVC water pipe pieces and fittings (elbows, tee, cross from Lowes at $16); 1" hold-down straps from an old come-along; aluminum grips for the straps made from 2 x 2 aluminum angle (had in my junk pile). The straps hold the assembly down and the length of the PVC pipe sets the rear against the rear case.

That's pretty darn clever!


. . . .

Very cool!

Crafty!
It looks like it doesn't get in the way when you open the seat - is that right?

If I didn't already have a RevRider backrest(which I love) I would copy and install yours.Great inovation

Not in the way. As a matter of fact, it gives me a handle to use to open the seat.

Really nicely done. It's giving me ideas for mine...

I've done a simiiar design with wood and the foam behind your seat that I use for 3 scooters. Sorry, no pics.

I know duct tape and wd-40 get all the press but pvc is right up there. Nice job. May try it though on a 500 I would have to do some modification to your design as I would need to butt up against the top case.

Sticky, why do you need your butt up against the top case?
Is this a new way to ride?

I put my butt against the topcase when I need to haul ass....

Now,now, Honeybadger, I posted this thread for educational purposes. We'll need photos for "hauling ass". And, no nudity, please.

Challenge accepted.

Sheer genius!

Please will you indicate the width of the seat - I've Googled for it but those seats don't seem to be available in the UK so I'll hunt for something similar in size - and can you confirm the diameter of the plastic pipe please.

I think it's bigger than half-an-inch.

Thank you.

MikeO - the seat is 11" wide x 7 1/2" tall; the plastic pipe is standard schedule 40 PVC, 1/2"size, and the actual diameter in 0.84".

To keep my skirt from blowing up. Silly.

Bikeguy, a thousand thanks. I'm truly grateful.

Very smart. This can work on just about ANY scooter, and it's adjustable and waaay cheaper.