Modern Vespa

Any one know what % the front and rear weight bias is- or a good estimate on a MP3 500. I would like to know so I can mount my front wheel chocks on my trailer. Maybe no big deal, but I want a certain amount of weight on the tongue, and I can have the MP3 set like I want. My trailer would work regardless where I put it, it has a 2000 lb axle, and built right/pulls good empty or loaded.

I think you are "Over Engineering"...
Get yourself a good Chock like Condor, and hit the Road...
My Trailer is the Garden Variety, with 15" Rims, and Counteract Balance Beads in each Trailer Tire. So Smooth going down the Highway.

Keith,
Marietta, GA

best way is to put the tongue on a scale and adjust the scoot on the trailer till you get what you want for tongue weight

Old as dirt-good idea. Your right, I can get it exactly how I want then.

Thanks for the chock idea.

Speaking of over engineering, those chocks are $ 190.00 each, x 2- ( 2 ft wheels/ MP3), but unnecessary. So add $400.00 to your trailer cost. And it won't haul any better than conventional chocks. Probably good for a single front wheel though. I can build a very good/stable chocks for $30.00 in metal (for two), $ 75.00 out of aluminum. Material only.

Get the HF chocks - usually ~$60 each.
http://www.harborfreight.com/interests/motorcycle/motorcycle-stand-wheel-chock-97843.html

Not the best solution on that kind of a trailer.

I use that chock on my lift, and it's okay. But, the adjustment on the HF chock moves the vertical part of the chock forward and back. The condor doesn't, it moves the "cup" at the rear of the tire.

For the small front wheels on the MP3's, you'll need to bring the vertical part backwards, which will leave space between it at the trailer's front rail. That means you are pulling against the cheap pin that HR gives you to lock the upright to the channel.

I have bent that pin just pushing a bike onto the lift. Granted, it was a heavy bike (ZX-11), but it wasn't moving any faster than I and the owner could walk, so despite him helping more than I wanted, it still wasn't a violent crash, and was no where near the force a trailer could experience in heavy braking.

Bend the pin, and now the front part of your chock will "wobble." Over the course of that trip, you'll loosen the strap tension, allowing the bike to sway more, and move more, and have more force with each sway .... basically, a failure cascade that could end with the bike falling over or worse.

The chock can be made to work, most easily by drilling mounting holes to move the cup, and hard bolting the vertical part in place with quality hardware. Just know that in it's "as delivered" state, it's a potential liability.

Yes, moving the 'cup' is the way to go, and is what I did.

I have had very good experiences with the Condor 4000 chocks on my scooter trailer. They are sturdy, well made, very adjustable, and easily clamp the front wheel in place. I purchased each of my chocks for under $140. Still expensive, but not $400.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CONDOR-SCC4000-Motorcycle-Wheel-Chocks-Scooter-and-Sport-Bike-SCC-4000-/261296003468?hash=item3cd674998c:g:JsYAAOxyfS1RzzgM&vxp=mtr

Ok, I stand corrected. Add $280.00 to the cost of the trailer. I would use these on a repair lift, maybe. Still not needed on a trailer. IMO

I agree, they are not as necessary with the MP3s as they are with two-wheeled bikes.

As long as the front wheels are against a block of some sort, the suspension lock is (eventually) off, the front suspension is ratcheted down trying to pull the bike forward against the block, the handbrake is on and the rear suspension pulled down a bit - that's about all that's needed.

$12.00 at the most.

I build my chocke out of 3/4" rod bent like a U shape. I weld to 3/8" flat or 1/4" angle , heat and bend the U part at about a 30 degree angle. I then slot and or bolt to the front of the trailer frame/ floor. These are simple, he'll for strong, adjustable or you unbolt and move where needed.Just drive the front wheel(s) into this and tie the m/c or scooter down. I have made from aluminum, but that just costs more.

I did a lot of research on Chock(s), this is considered one of the best brands on the market, and there are few copy cats of same. It will hold a bike in place with minimal tie down. Many of the others on the market depend on the strapping to hold the front wheels in the Chock this one does not. The tongue is adjustable. Once you roll into it, your front wheels are locked in place very nicely.

Keith,
Marietta, GA