Modern Vespa

I'm just curious. Were saddle seats on particular models or years of Vespas? Or were they options or aftermarket?

VBA/VBBs, 150 Supers, non-sport model wide frames, some of the Vespa 50s.

They came on lots of models, usually the bench seats were put on higher end models that were otherwise similar.

PER SIP saddle seat descriptions:

Way back when, it was normal for drivers and passengers both to sit on a single saddle or a seat pad. Seat benches were used first with the 150 GS and later model series or were only available as accessories from PIAGGIO. Single saddles offer the typical 50's and 60's optic, and look really good on newer models. The higher seat position and relaxing spring coil movement are unusual at the beginning, but you soon won't want to sit on anything else. ....... Rear single saddles were never built into series models, though they offer a good alternative to seat pads.
The single saddles of the wideframe models are affixed to two central points of the rear luggage rack. Up to the VL1 models, the saddles had two exterior pyramids or ellipsoidal springs. In order to improve the sitting comfort, a saddle with an adjustable central spring was used for the first time from the 150 VL/VB/ACMA/GL150 models onwards. The choke cable is operated via a lever on the seat frame for all models.

Single saddles were originally included as an original with V50/90 1°Serie models. The saddle can be swung forward to enable access to the toolbox area. It is held in place by a fixing screw, that secures the seat to either a thread in the fuel tank /frame or the luggage rack.
If the single seat saddle was not originally included as an original equipment with your small frame VESPA model, you will need the luggage rack to attach the swing mechanism ( Art.-Nr. 17537400) of the saddle properly. The fixing screw can then be properly secured.

Thanks for the info guys. I actually like the looks of them and think it may be more comfor table. I have a 74 v90 I'm restoring. Just a consideration right now but I bet in 74 they didn't have them.

Yep, no longer available in '74. Unless somebody sells an aftermrket model or you made some kind of adapter, you are out of luck putting a saddle seat on your 'newer' smallframe. The older ones w/ the small motor door have a crossbar over the gas tank hole separating the tool box from the gas tank and the hinged seat bolts down to this crossbar.

I personally find the factory bench seats w/ the long springs to be more comfortable plus you can change your position.

Per SIP....If the single seat saddle was not originally included as an original equipment with your small frame VESPA model, you will need the luggage rack to attach the swing mechanism ( Art.-Nr. 17537400) of the saddle properly. The fixing screw can then be properly secured.

This may work with the newer smallframes with a single seat.
http://www.sip-scootershop.com/en/products/luggage+rack+rear+cuppini+_17537400

They rolled over a bit. I have a '66 bluebadge, large door, large bucket, with original saddle seat. IIRC, the fixing screw screws into the gas tank.

In theory, that's should fit a '74 small frame.

From scooter lounge...

Looking at the pre-64 photo above, the hardware is definitely different. The lid for the bucket is much longer on mine.

Not quite. some markets got them into the 70's, but not many. the later, larger tank small frames were set up to support the saddle seat as well, with a captive nut in a divot in the top of the tank in the same place the screw hole was in the crossbar in the earlier smallftrame.

the tanks now come with the divot, but without the captive nut and plate.

I eat my words. Live & learn!

Those tanks for saddle seats are here....
http://www.scootermercato.com/Scooter-Parts/Gas-Tanks-and-Parts/100379

Yeah, that's the one on my BB.

So I can stop meticulously preserving mine. Thanks.

I do like the looks of them and also am very comfortable on saddleseat bicycles. But Voodoo has a point about being able to shift positions on a regular seat.

That's brilliant that you can get one of those tanks.

Has anyone seen one of these racks in the flesh?
http://www.sip-scootershop.com/en/products/luggage+carrier+rear+_17537250

I'd like to see one with the spare wheel in it before I lash out and order one.

when i got my p2 the previous owner had a saddle seat on it. Looked silly, of course, but that aside I also did not like it comfortwise. They have an ergonomic shape, but the padding isn't there and the lack of ability to adjust position gets in the way of enjoyment a bit. That's my one experience with one, though, and I'm sure others might prefer them

Probably sounds silly, but I feel like I'm riding a scooter with a saddle seat. They force you to sit up straight. On a bench, it's like riding any other motorcycle. You can tuck and lean.

I kind of like the saddle look more though. Has that classic look, which I like.

We dig the saddle seat... unfortunately it's not a good combo with long legs and the spare behind the leg shield.

just to be clear, I don't think saddle seats look silly - I just meant it looked silly on my big fat P

I got that the first time

i like the look of the single on my P...

Be careful if your over 5'6" you will find yourself on the back end of the saddle, it is comfy but if your tall it will be a nightmare.

Dear Lord! An Austin Maxi and if I'm not mistaken a Morris Marina estate behind it?

Are you some kind of Sadist or something?

couldnt resist, they were parked outside the mot garage.

In 5'5" and tend to sit forward. I think I would like it. I guess it's no biggie to have both and switch them out anytime I want.

Before I make a rookie mistake, would it be sacrilege to put this saddle on this scooter? I like the look and don't want to take passengers. I'm 5'6" btw.

I think it would look great. There are no Rookie mistakes when it comes to anything you like. Just keep the the other seat just in case. I love a saddle seat in a regular bike so I'm pretty sure I would like it in a scooter.

Cool. I've got a rack to put on the back also. I think I'll leave it red. I'm noticing an unintentional theme with this scoot.

I had a little problem with the red accents at first and now it grew on me. I Like that it's unique. And at a design standpoint, it needs three accents, so that rack is perfect. Very cool BT. Do you know if you have to make any modifications to get that seat on?

Yeah, I felt the same way at first, but it's grown on me while we await the title work to be completed. I'm a bit unique myself, so it'll work.

According to the seller it's a bolt on. I'll keep the extra seat on a shelf in case I ever want to go back.

Brian, I think the saddle seat would look fine on the scoot. It does sit a touch higher and more forward, so try it out, you may like it. It has already been mentioned that you can move around more on a bench seat but there is one more thing that I don't think anyone mentioned - the saddle seat pivots at the front of the seat. That is, when you hit a bump, the back springs compress on the seat as well as the back shock/spring on the scooter. A lot going on, different than a bench seat, but nothing you can't get used to as you can tune both to a degree. But when the saddle seat springs compress, it will stretch the lower part of your back more than a bench seat. This is a no go for me after having two lower back operations - just too much stress. But if the saddle works for you, go with it. To my eyes, they look perfect on a 50-60s scooter.