Modern Vespa

Finally bit the bullet and took the plunge and made it mine - not to mix metaphors

I got a Harbor Freight motorcycle carrier and me and the hubs went south about 192 miles to have a looky-look. Not that I was going to walk away empty-scootered. It's got a few battle scars with some not very good touch-up paint work, but that adds character. Thought I might be able to grind the seller down a bit on that and that the seat-release button isn't currently working, but he wouldn't take less than $3k - and that's exactly what I brought with me.

Getting it onto the carrier was a major pain and just as we were backing out of the parking spot the Vespa made a bid for freedom and did a little slidey slide. So we re-did the tie-downs and got the wheel holding pin in the right place after much sweating and swearing. So it's still still sitting in the carrier, waiting for registration, VIN verification and me getting an updated permit. But I've got what I've been wanting for years and I love it!

Now anybody got any advice on the seat latch actuator? That's what the seller thinks is the issue. He's already tried cleaning the contacts and greasing.

Darn, I love the look of Daring Plum! And you can't do much better than a GT 200. Congratulations.

Nice! I love the color!

Does the actuator work with the seat open? If not, I'd test the seat release push-button switch first.

Great looking scooter. No advice on the actuator. However, I would suggest buying a canyon dancer and ratchet straps to help with transport. Your scooter will be more secure and you won't get any paint damage from the straps rubbing.

What a wonderful color! Congratulations!

Got a link to said canyon dancer? While the HF carrier was adequate, we did have to stop and tighten the "stabilizers" bolt on the hitch every 60 miles or so. Drove me nuts to see it bouncing up and down on RT 5. Once we got on the Interstate it was smooth sailing.

Looks great and love the color combinations.

Good looking scoot. If you don't go for a set of Canyon Dancers, Soft-ties will keep those straps off your paint...

https://www.amazon.com/RHINO-USA-Soft-Motorcycle-Straps/dp/B01AS5QC1C

I have to admit, I kinda cringed a bit when I saw those straps across the paint. The soft ties go on your handlebar grips, then you run a rachet strap from your Soft-ties to your rack. Some racks have extensions that allow you to get a bit of "reach" away from the bike.

Spend the $$ on good straps (a good investment); they are less likely to stretch. If your straps are stretching, you will need to stop at least once an hour to snug everything up.

That is quite a bit of weight for the back of a CR-V. We also have a CR-V, and when we had it set up to tow a small cargo trailer, with a Class III hitch (rated for 350 pounds tongue weight), the trailer shop suggested we keep the tongue weight to 200 pounds or less on that vehicle. Your GT200 weighs just over 300 pounds, plus the weight of the rack. Not a criticism, just a heads up. I would imagine that weight behind the rear wheels is adding to "the bounce."

Enjoy your new scoot and keep us posted on your riding adventures. If you are having to renew your motorcycle license, I'd suggest a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course - a great refresher and it qualifies you for the license.

I'm surprised the Honda CRV tongue weight capacity can handle that type of carrier and the weight of the bike.

Right here: http://www.canyondancer.com/

Congrats on the nice find! What are you gonna call her? Ride safe.

Sorry Amy. I was spending time with my grandkids so didn't see your link request, but I see the kind folks of Modern Vespa came through as usual. Enjoy that beautiful scooter!

Congratulations Amy, that looks like the one that was for sale on the Boston Craigslist . Good find.

Your tie down technique could be better.

Under the seat, at the rear sides are metal bars that attach to the monocoque frame.

Next time you should attach to these.

Much better connection.

Bill

You made a wonderful choice of scooter.

What he said, plus handlebarr straps.

I would be concerned with the hitch weight on the CRV. Typically the CRV is rated for towing 1,500 lbs and the tongue weight is typically 10% or 150 lbs. With carrier weight and the scooter weight, you definitely exceeded that weight. In the interest of safety, if you are going to be transporting the scooter anywhere, please use a trailer.

But that is a nice looking scooter. Looking forward to pics of it in various VT locations!

It can't
Way to much out back, unsafe. But no one listens to me I only have tens of thousands of miles towing.

I'd say, don't worry about it anymore guys, Amy got the scoot home safely, what's done is done.

Great looking scoot Amy, ride it in good health with a big wide smile 😊!

Congratulations, those are awesome!

Geez Amy, that's a classy color combination. Are those leather hand grips?

I removed those ugly warning stickers with a hot air hair dryer. Just heated them up and pulled off. Did have to use a little Goo Gone to remove some residual adhesive.

Many miles of happy scootin!

Congratulations, that is a stylish color on one of the all time classic models!

No info about the seat actuator, sorry.... GT owners?

8) 8)

I bought a set of canyon dancer knock offs about 5 years ago. I use them a half dozen times a year. They work great. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Black-90cm-MOTORBIKE-HANDLEBAR-TIE-DOWN-STRAPS-MOTORCYCLE-TRANSPORT-BAR-STRAP/391894545525?epid=2274574896&hash=item5b3ebc3475:g:EloAAOSwc~5bF4hR

Congratulations Amy, that's a beautiful color and a great scooter!

Have fun and ride safely!

Sweet! You didn't happen to drive to southwestern NH to pick that up, did you?

What happens when you push the button? Do you hear the system activating? Can you open the seat using the manual lever inside the glove compartment?
This thread might help you.
GT 200 - push button seat release failure

How to fix a fouled seat lock (with pics)

Amherst, MA actually.

That's just across the river from me, I knew I'd seen it somewhere.

nice ride!...

side note: ever run into Jason Voorhees up there?

...sorry i had to

Hellz NO. I had to google the name - not much of a horror/thriller fan. I really wish they hadn't called it Camp Crystal Lake. There is no Camp there. Officially it's Crystal Lake State Park, one of the 45 State Parks in Vermont. Just sayin'.

I've hauled scooters thousands of miles on the identical carrier on the back of my Subaru. I'm sure the hitch can handle the weight if it has a 2" receiver

Try pressing the seat release button about 50-100 times with the power off. This will clean up the switch a bit and remove rust. The button tends to stop working when not used for a long time due to rust forming.