Modern Vespa

Hi,

Just bought a new S150 ie Sport. As much as i like the center stand, it does kinda scratch up my pavers a little.

Was wondering if anyone has the kick stand? Was it an easy install ? anything bad to say about it ?

Do a quick search here on MV on the topic and you'll get tons of insight, information and opinions on a side stands, pros and cons on all modern Vespas. Have a couple hours of free time to get through it all!

Oh and Doc-welcome to the forum and hope you have a great time with that new 150. Florida's a great spot to have a scooter.

I use my kick stand if i'm off the bike for a few mins (like opening the garage), I wouldn't personally rely on the side stand alone for securing the bike.

Yes, ordered side stand from the wonderful folks at Scooterwest, installed it myself with ordinary hand tools, (did get their recommended spring puller), works like charm

Be aware the side is self retracting so care must be used when resting on side stand to assure full weight is renting against stand before getting off

I've never used one. I have thought about getting one several times. Every time I ask about it, the people at the shops tell me not to. They say the stand must be spring loaded, therefore every time weight is taken off it the stand will snap up. Great for you and I that know what we are doing. However we are not the only people that touch our scooters. People often touch, play, or move our scooters without our permission or knowledge. These people may not know any better nor care and over your scooter may go. So they always ask me is that connivence worth the risk? My answer in no it is not.

Odd, the springs on mine keep my stand down. It only retracts when i kick it up.

Cool, it would only be for quick on and off's. I'm compiling an order together from scooterwest... Doesn't it come with the springs then ? Surely that's an integral part of the stand ?

Ducati's have that same spring back side stand... I know a lot of owners that dropped their 20k duc's as a result.. Italian design. lol

There are quite a few options as far as a sidestand for the S model. the OEM Piaggio one is very sturdy, and all the Piaggio accessories, like side crash bars, will fit with it. The Buzzetti is a little longer, a bit more stable, but will interfere with the stock Piaggio crash bars, and there is one available that doesn't retract.
Two bolts, and it's on. I put one on all my bikes, and don't have problems with them getting knocked over.

Cool, glad i didn't click 'Buy Now' Looking for the OEM Piaggo if i can find it..

I've looked on scooterwest & scooterpartsco neither have the OEM.

fleabay or google not helping either...

A kick stand is a good temporary to park the scoot as already mentioned. But it gets windy and gusty in Florida, especially before those afternoon thunderstorms even when they're miles away. Gusty enough to knock the scooter over when on a kick stand.

Have one on all my scooters Lt and LX). Never had a problem. Just use common sense. Look at Moto's sig line and order one from his shop. Good luck.

It does come with the springs. The spring puller to help with installation is optional (I did it fine without)

I was told that "legal" stands sold in North America the spring must retract when the weight is taken off the stand. Otherwise if the stands hang down they are safety hazard. That is only what I've been told. I have no first hand knowledge.

Not true.. All the Jap bikes I've ever owned here in the US, you need to kick it back yourself..

All do have the safety switch though, so you can't kick it into gear with the stand down.. so maybe the same thing... Which wouldn't be present on the Vespa...

i have 1 on my gts, i agree with judy. use common sense. i only use it temporarily, like if i have to stop and get something out of the top box or from under the seat.

I wanted a side stand and another guy in my group who has one let me ride his. Whenever I hung a left I scraped the stand on the pavement. I cannot ride with this I play in the mountains and canyons toooo much. So if you tend to lean your scooter it may not be a good idea.

I mounted what I think is the OEM stand on my GTS a couple of years ago. Use it just for that quick trip to wherever.

But, on one occasion, I stopped at a busy intersection for the red light. When I attempted to put my left leg down my pant leg cuff got caught on the foot mechanism (or whatever it's called). It kept my foot from reaching the ground. Lost my balance and my scoot did a slow roll and a drop. Fortunately, I landed on my knee and was able to save the paint. Yep, brought lots of laughter from the surrounding cagers.

I'd recommend to anyone that has one of these to check and make that the circular foot bar is bent as high as possible towards the floorboard when stowed. Apparently the more you use this stand that bar keeps bending downward with foot pressure. Something you may not notice until it's too late.

Personally, I prefer the center stand and wouldnt consider the side stand.

I don't know if they still do but my BV came with both. I don't hardly ever use the side stand so it may not be worth it for you to purchase one separate. I've never had a problem with my center stand marking up my drive way or carport, both of which are concrete.

Yes those have a cut out switch. Which can't happen on a vespa. Which is why I'm told the stand needs to be self retracting on a vespa. Now that's not to say there are lots of items sold that aren't street legal, or that people aren't using return less stands without problems.

While it doesn't happen on a Vespa it could. The MP3 has a seat sensor that triggers a mechanism? ecu? (not sure which) that does not allow the engine to rev if the rider is not sitting on the seat when the tilt lock mechanism is engaged. This keeps the tilt lock from unlocking and causing a tip over if the throttle is moved with no rider aboard. A similar set up could be used for a side stand.

BTW: go to a big box home improvement store and look for a BBQ mat. They're used to protect surface from BBQ grill. They work great to protect your driveway, catch oil spills and keep your center stand from gouging the driveway surface.

I just installed one on my scooter last weekend, easy install and so far I like it, wont use it on a real windy day because of the self retracting feature. but its quick and easy.

whats this side stand you guys speak of?

Ride a MP3 and you don't need no stinkin side stand

Parks on grass and soft areas with out having to put a can or wood under the stands. Parks on steep inclines and the scoot stands vertically level.

Does the install on a Vespa LX require any drilling or is there a predrilled hole?[/b]

I seem to recall a tapped hole. On the front edge underside near the middle of the front edge. I have my side crash bars mounted into it.

Thanks GLR... will check it out and see if I've got one there!

My GTS 250 doesn't have a kick stand and I just went on a Trip from San Jose to LA with 7 Ruckus, a Grom and a Riva. its a 300+ miles ride and everytime we do a pit stop I had to put mine on the center stand which is a pain in the because there are times we would only stop for about 3 minutes. I just ordered one today for a really good price with standard shipping and the guy mailed it out same day and it will get here on wedneseday


http://scooterpartsco.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=65_137_455_456

I use it to get it up on the center stand. Easy to flip down, get off, push the center stand down, and step up until it's up. The side stand auto flips back up out of the way. Prevents the whole needing to balance it while you work the center stand.

I recommend one.

The Faco is only $32 at scooterwest .

I've bought 2 and would buy another.

Have one on the Mrs' scoot, never been used. Speeks for its self realy

it gives you another option and can be deployed while you are still seated on the bike. It is not as stable as the center stand but it is handy. I find I use it the most when I'm parking, it avoids the delicate shuffle as you get off while holding the bike up & then lift. I stop, put the side stand down, get off the bike & fiddle with my riding gear or whatever and THEN lift the bike onto the main stand.

We install side stands on all the Vespa LX50s in our rental fleet. Over the years, I've seen a lot more people drop scooters trying to get them on the center stand than problems with sidestands.

CAM their are predrilled holes so it's a plug and play, so to speak. Easy to install. MOTO Exactly. 8)

We have one of these threads every couple months or so and I, along with Judy and a few others have to chime in to support the side stand (pun intended). I can't see what the problem is. The only time I use my center stand is when I check the oil or preform some other service.

Do not buy the OEM stand for the Vespa LX or Vespa S. It leans the bike over way too far, on the verge of teetering. The Buzzetti stands for the LX and S work great.

New to forum. Wife just bought at 2006 Vespa Granturismo 200L.
It doesn't have a side stand and she really wants one.
any suggestions on where to buy one ? Do I just shop online (goggle?) or is there a particular scooter store most use in USA ?

We would happily sell you one, and a whole of other accessories and spare parts if you're so inclined.

http://www.scooterwest.com/items/?_pageCCS=t#page=/item_details/Side-Stand-GT-GTS-GTV-Black-Original-Vespa-Sidestand/966

http://www.scooterwest.com/items/?_pageCCS=t#page=/item_details/Side-Stand-GT-GTS-GTV-Super-Black-Aftermarket-Sidestand-for-Vespa/2175

ScooterWest is a great store to buy that and pretty much any other Vespa accessory from. They are a great outfit, honest and efficient, decent prices and big supporters of the Vespa community. And I am not related to the company in any way, shape, or form -- just a satisfied customer.

You can also look on Craigslist or eBay, they pop up there every so often -- usually right after someone's scooter falls over because the side stands are really not very well designed...

-Dan

I found another good use for the side stand.
I bought this motorcycle dolly for my son's bike to make it easier to move in the garage but it doesn't fit his Vstar 650. The kickstand goes out past the spot designed for it. I will weld an extension on later. But I got to thinking that it might also work with my scooter. So I gave it a try today. I think its pretty cool! It is well planted on the dolly and I am not worried about it all. I think now I will get another one for him and modify it and keep this one for me.

The dolly is one of those harbor freight ones. With coupons and sales I was able to get it for $54.00. You have to use caution with Harbor Freight stuff but this seems OK. a few other people have posted info about these dolly's on the forum.