Modern Vespa

I've had a large top case sitting in my garage for the last 3 months and finally decided to install it today. I ordered it from a European supplier with a good reputation.

I assumed that I was going to need to drill holes in the plastic piece that is on the top of the back rack. So I took it out of the box and found that I couldn't install it since the kit didn't have the adapter plate. I read the installation instructions and found that there was supposed to be an adapter plate and a plastic rack cover with holes in it that were missing from the kit. The box that my top case came in said that it was opened to photograph the product. I think that these two pieces didn't get put back in the box after it was photographed, or possibly they were never put in the box by Piaggio in the first place. Anyone else have this same issue? Did you have to drill holes in the plastic piece that covers your rack or did you use one that came with your kit? The kit is definitely made to be bolt on with no drilling, if you get all of the parts. I emailed the vendor and asked them to mail me the adapter plate. I can drill holes in the plastic cover. I fully expect that they will send me the adapter plate.

Now that I am thinking about it, I think that I will need heavier bar end weights too. They weren't part of my kit. Did your kit come with these included?

The cost to buy my kit from the European supplier was about $125 less than US suppliers, so no matter what I think I got a good deal.

Once I get my top case installed, I feel like I can drive my scooter anywhere I need to go since I can haul whatever I need. ...work or camping, etc. I drove my car to go camping this weekend, but if I already had my top case installed I would have taken my BV350. I was at Santa Fe Dam where the I-210 and I-605 cross. This will leave me only being forced to drive my car when I have to drive my two daughters someplace.

I already installed the tall Faco windshield. The wind noise on my helmet was unbearable with the OEM windshield.

Should I expect there to be any change in the way my bike handles with a fully loaded top case?

I checked the vendor's website and found that there were more missing parts. I was also supposed to get a new plastic rack cover with pre-drilled holes, two black heavier bar end weights, and a pre-installed back rest. This looks like a screw up from the factory warehouse and not the vendor. I emailed the vendor again and asked for the rest of the missing parts. Since this vendor has a very good reputation, I expect to get all of my missing parts.

Beware, check your deliveries as soon as you get them for missing items.

Sounds like you have the missing parts bit in hand. With a fully loaded top case you are raising the centre of gravity of the scoot so be aware of the influence that additional weight can have. Not significant but measurable. I have the large Faco windscreen and love it. Ride safe.

Many, if not most or all, top cases will require a mounting adapter kit that is bike-specific. So the top case includes a generic mounting plate, which attaches to the bike-specific mount.

Example; I have three GIVI top cases. One on each Vespa GTS 250, Piaggio MP3 500, and (past) Piaggio MP3 250.

All three rides require a different adapter to fix the mounting plate on. And at least in the case of the MP3 250, that mount was just as pricey as the top case itself.

http://giviusa.com/

When I ordered my Givi Monokey V47, I also ordered the Givi universal mounting bracket. They are separate items.

"that mount was just as pricey as the top case itself."
Wow, okay I didn't know they were that expensive. I'll make a stink until I get my missing parts.

Am considering mounting a top box on my BV 350. Is there any quality difference between GIVI and Piaggio OEM units?

I used the the one rack in my GTS300 and mounted the Givi monolock base on it and for my BV500 I had to order a BV specific metal mounting bracket and another mono lock base. This way I can easily swap the Givi B33 case between both bikes in less that 10 seconds.

IMHO I would go with the Givi as it works like a removable luggage and can easily come off with key of course within seconds; not sure if the more expensive OEM boxes do the same.

I prefer Givi. Sturdier construction, to start.

I have a Shad 40 for my BV. For a time I had the base plate attached directlu to the scooter's rack, and that worked all right. I've since fashioned a mounting bracket that holds the Shad case level. It looks better. The Shad I think is as sturdy as a GIVI case, for less money.

My 40 !iter piaggio case appears to be identical to the givi. Good quality.

Givi 55L and Kappa 56L

I'm happy with both.

John

I had this Piaggio 36 l. topcase on my BV350. It removed with a turn of a key and could be carried like a suitcase. Came with it's own mounting plate. I liked it very much for touring (I believe it is still available thru AF1)

Fyi. I didnt get my missing parts. The vender from the Netherlands said that the kit I ordered didn't come with those parts and that their their website wasnt clear. No offer to help me order the other parts and was advised they dont carry the adapter plate seperately. Beware: if a vender doesn't have an phone number to call for assistance its a bad sign. A topcase for sale at less than half price will come with half the parts missing. I can order the heavier bar end weights seperately no problem. I don't care about the backrest. I called Scooter West and found out I can order the adapter plate for $130.00 plus tax and shipping. I dont feel like I was ripped off, but I wont be ordering from that vendor anymore. I the mean time I bought nuts, bolts, and spacers from the hardware store and bolted my topcase directly to the rear grab bar while I think about whether I want to spend more than $130 for the adapter. I love using the topcase. It holds alot but it could easily break if it was overloaded with heavy items. Maybe the Givi or Shad cases are sturdier. I like the matching paint on the OEM one that I have. I finally have someplace to put my full face helmet. Also, since I filter all the time when I ride, I have to allow more room since it is so big. I'm thinking about another smaller one for daily use.

FWIW, I don't have bar end weights on my BV and I don't have any vibration problems when the Shad top case is on.

I could send you pictures of the adapter I made, if you wish.

I haven't had any vibration issues due to using my topcase without heavier bar end weights yet either. However, I weigh about 240 lbs so I don't think I ever will. Those weighing less with a heavily loaded topcase might feel it. I have heard noise from my topcase shaking when I go over bumps though. And once when I didn't close it tight enough and it swoung open and hit me in the back. Always listen for the click when you close it!