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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.
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Ossessionato
'09 Mp3-500 - Gone Now
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2065 Location: Happy Valley, Oregon |
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Ossessionato
![]() '09 Mp3-500 - Gone Now
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2065 Location: Happy Valley, Oregon |
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Molto Verboso
MP3 500 (2) MotoGuzzi California 1400
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1675 Location: SF Bay/Roseville CA |
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Molto Verboso
![]() MP3 500 (2) MotoGuzzi California 1400
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1675 Location: SF Bay/Roseville CA |
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backrest
If I didn't already have a RevRider backrest(which I love) I would copy and install yours.Great inovation
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Wade wrote: Crafty! It looks like it doesn't get in the way when you open the seat - is that right? |
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Ossessionato
Scarabeo 500GT(hers), `07 250 MP3, `09 400 MP3
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Posts: 2592 Location: Kingman, Az. |
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Ossessionato
Scarabeo 500GT(hers), `07 250 MP3, `09 400 MP3
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2592 Location: Kingman, Az. |
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I've done a simiiar design with wood and the foam behind your seat that I use for 3 scooters. Sorry, no pics.
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Moderatus Rana
MP3 250 and 2 MP3 500s
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22664 Location: Nashville, Indiana |
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Moderatus Rana
![]() MP3 250 and 2 MP3 500s
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22664 Location: Nashville, Indiana |
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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.
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Molto Verboso
![]() 2007 Piaggio MP3 250 (sold) and 2009 MP3 400 (sold) 2011 CanAm Spyder RSS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1843 Location: Floyds Knobs IN |
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stickyfrog wrote: 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. Is this a new way to ride? ![]() |
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Molto Verboso
MP3 500 (2) MotoGuzzi California 1400
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1675 Location: SF Bay/Roseville CA |
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RIP
Molto Verboso
![]() MP3 500 (2) MotoGuzzi California 1400
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1675 Location: SF Bay/Roseville CA |
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hollybry wrote: your butt up against the top case? Is this a new way to ride? ![]() |
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Now,now, Honeybadger, I posted this thread for educational purposes. We'll need photos for "hauling ass". And, no nudity, please.
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Molto Verboso
MP3 500 (2) MotoGuzzi California 1400
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1675 Location: SF Bay/Roseville CA |
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RIP
Molto Verboso
![]() MP3 500 (2) MotoGuzzi California 1400
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1675 Location: SF Bay/Roseville CA |
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Bikeguy wrote: We'll need photos for "hauling ass". And, no nudity, please. ![]() |
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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. |
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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".
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Moderatus Rana
MP3 250 and 2 MP3 500s
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22664 Location: Nashville, Indiana |
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Moderatus Rana
![]() MP3 250 and 2 MP3 500s
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22664 Location: Nashville, Indiana |
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hollybry wrote: stickyfrog wrote: 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. Is this a new way to ride? ![]() |
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Very smart. This can work on just about ANY scooter, and it's adjustable and waaay cheaper.
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