Modern Vespa

I was installing a home brew turn signal beeper this evening and when I removed the body panel below the rear trunk I realized immediately that I could rig an emergency trunk release quite easily.

I have attached an image to illustrate the project.

It turns out the trunk release must have been designed with a second opening method in mind. There is a second attachment point on the latch that is unused.

All I did was wedge a 12"-16" piece of .08" weed wacker line into the slot of the second attachment. This was a very tight fit and the release only required a little pressure to open so the wedge fit was enough to hold it.

I ran the line as penciled in behind the body panels stopping short of being visible. I then terminated the line with a split shot fishing weight for a grip.

It is actually easier to attach the split shot first and feed it toward the latch from under the body panel so that you can trim the excess line at the latch end.

It works great and there is nothing keeping you from running it anywhere down the left side if you want to find your own hiding place for the release.

Thanks for the great mod on the release - could you share yout thoughts on the turn signal beeper. This is something they should install on all bikes!

Thanks

I dont want to post it in public, but anyone can open the seat on the MP3 quicker than using the key with no tools at all. Its way too easy! You can pm me for details, but believe me; DO NOT KEEP ANYTHING VALUABLE UNDER THE SEAT/TRUNK.
In fact, if I had a MP3, I would focus on making it harder to get into.

Now Monty,

That is really useful. Thanks so much.

Am totally scared of leaving my keys inside the storage.

Better do this than be sorry later.

Thanks again.