Modern Vespa

Hello all. I am planning on doing some touring next s[ring and need extra storage space for my Piaggio BV500. I have a top case already, but would like to find some saddle bags.

I am looking for advice and recommendations. I see bags for motorcycles that do not require mounting racks, but they seem to be secured with straps on frame areas that don't seem to exist on my scoot.

Thanks!

Whilst not completely relevant I purchased a set of ortleib weather proof moto saddle bags for mt BV 350 (slightly different shape) and managed to set them up them relatively easily. Can post a picture later tonight of my setup i had at the time.

Couple of points to note: I had to be careful when i was riding 2 up with the proximity of the bag to the exhaust with the extra weight i was carrying. (put th pre-load way up but still tight).

also made putting the bike on the center stand a PITA. was possible but ended up using the side stand a lot more.

I remember reading on this forum piaggio made hard side cases for that model. Maybe worth looking for a used set online.

I think Velcom who makes leather top cases could make you some if you want them in leather. He does good work. His ad is on the bottom of this page.

Givi is a maker of hard side cases and mounts.

http://www.compacc.com/givi-monokey-side-cases

The Piaggio cases are very hard to find. Regarding the saddle bags, I can't figure out how to secure them on the frame. If you could provide advice that would be great. Thanks!

There are chrome supports available for the BV 500. http://www.af1racing.com/store/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=31920
They are listed as crash bars but are really saddlebag supports.

Looks like Newport Vespa has them slight cheaper. http://store.newportitalian.com/products/chrome-rear-side-protection

Thanks for these links. I can;t figure out how these mount, but maybe I will just have to buy them and figure it out.

Mounting is easy, remove the decorative section on the rear panel, slide the brackets up under the rear cowling into the slots exposed when you remove the panel then screw them into the brackets and replace the decorative panel. Took me about 15 minutes for both of them if I recall correctly. (Double that in case memory is faulty. )

I bought a set of Givi EA101 soft-sided saddlebags... They fit my BV 250 Tourer nicely, though I haven't actually toured with them so far (full disclosure). They attach using velcro straps under the seat. they're bigger than I thought they'd be - look roomy. I hope they'll also fit a BV 350, as I'm considering moving up to one of those...

http://www.givi.it/soft-bags/Saddle%20Bags/EA101

Where did you secure them in the frame?

The straps fit under the seat, and there's a strap to tie the rear ends together, under the topcase rack... They seem pretty secure, I don't think they're going to go anywhere you don't want them to...

Weight of soft saddlebags when loaded will keep them on the seat. If you put the straps under the seat they are as secure as any saddlebags that don't lock can be. I like the supports because it keeps the saddlebags from rubbing against the paint.

What CD said - and, they actually hardly touch any paint - they ride against the bumpers on the back of the BV...

You could check out kriega bags (US40...US50). They're versatile and you can strap them via underseat straps or probably secure them to bars. They're waterproof, durable, and wicked good. They are not "saddlebags" in the proper sense but probably would meet the need for a trip if looking at all options.