Modern Vespa

www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxrT7Y2OUtY

Has anyone tried one of these and if so how effective are they? - Considering the increased footprint, do they reduce the risk of the side stand accidentally retracting when the scoot is parked?

The issue I see is the side stand already doesn't allow for much lean when the weight of the bike is on it. Adding any bit of thickness would reduce the lean even more. My GTS is a 2009 and has the "auto retract" side stand if you take any weight off or stand the bike up even a bit.

I don't find myself parking on dirt or other soft surfaces. As often as not when parking, I use the side stand to get off the bike, then pop it up on the center stand.

It has to go somewhere when retracted. I've already banged my ankle a few times on the bit that sticks out already.

Buy a couple of cheap plastic ones and keep under the seat or in the and use them if you need to park on a sort surface.

Even on grass one can use a bit of "English" and force the stand into the grass until it stops and then walk away.

try this foot enlarger

It probably helps but is there a reason you just don't use the way, way more stable centre stand? I know there are some people that have their reasons but if you can get comfortable with the centre stand it's well worth it.

Mind you I wouldn't mind having something that makes the side stand more usable. I do use it at time especially when my floor rack is loaded up as it makes getting off the scoot tricky.

I always carried a couple 4" x 4" pieces of scrap 1/4" plywood. Toss it on the ground and use it to go under the side stand.
If you forget it, no problem.

Like many of you, my Vespa 300 did not come with a side stand. Even though I am very comfortable pushing up on the Center Stand, I had my local dealer
order and install a side stand.

I use the side stand principally for dismounting. It does snap back really
fast with the slightest movement. Again, I push is down to a snug fit,
dismount then promptly throw the scoot up on the center stand.

My larger scoot, Burgman 400, has a firmer more reliable side stand.
I also use the side stand to dismount, but can reliably leave it on the
side stand.

BC Frost Bite Falls

hope it shows this time.
https://www.scooterwest.com/cnc-machined-aluminum-side-stand-foot-pad-fits-on-oem-gts-only.html

Here's how I do it when parking on softer or less stable surface. I just use a lid.

Like many others I use the side stand to mount and dismount, then put the machine on the main stand.

I have drug what I thought was the side stand while pretending to be a racer , it was actually the main stand on the left side that touched the pavement first.

I carry a side stand plate made of some kind of stiff plastic. Tied a long length of line to it and loop the other end over the left hand grip when I use the side stand on a soft place.

May invest in the S/W foot at some point. I think it looks cool .

Hi Dandy & Touring, I ordered the ScotterWest foot yesterday and will report here. www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxrT7Y2OUtY

Captain Jim is correct that there's not much of a lean angle on the kick stand. No matter how the steering is turned. I'll let you folks know how the foot effects the lean.

I keep a junction box cover in the bottom of my pet warmer. I've a piece of line to it and loop that around the left handgrip as a reminder. and I can haul it up easily when leaving.

whats the deal with Carl's junction box cover; are you hoping the karma will turn into a battery powered scoot? HaHa

I've made sidestand enlarger's for several MC's and also for my 2018 GTS which came with a factory sidestand that works great. Unless I'm on a rather severe slope it holds the scooter just fine.
They are easy to make! I have a stash of 1/8" th-16 ga. ALU and saw them out on my bandsaw. I do an egg shape with a modified flattish base. I make a cardboard mock-up of the base and the top has a hole shaped similar to the base, which allows the two pieces to encase, ie. pinch the SS foot. I use a couple of small hex screws to pinch the top & bottom. By making a mock-up you can avoid the foot hitting the scoot body via scissors. Tape it on then cut when you like what you see. Easy peasy and saves me enough to eat out once.

Thread hijack warning :

Hey Bob Copeland , Tell me which windscreen you have on your beautiful red Vespa ??

The seat is a real eye catcher also ., who made that for you. ??

What he said 👆. I do this on several of my bikes.

picture?

Good idea

Sounds like someone's been to bike night at QS&L.
It's hard to beat the price.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Steel-City-4-in-Square-Metal-Electrical-Box-Flat-Cover-52C1-50R/205124442

Hey Motovista, You got Quaker Steak and Lube in SC?

I find a certain irony that someone who works at Scooter Parts Co. uses a junction box cover for a stand spreader. lol That's a Harley thing they use at QS&L.
I wouldn't want to lessen the appearance of my Vespa by using covers for the stand so I ordered this: https://www.scooterwest.com/cnc-machined-aluminum-side-stand-foot-pad-fits-on-oem-gts-only.html
Regards, Ralph

Will it work in Sand?

I'll give you a "definite maybe". On very soft sand, it likely would not work. You'd probably should use a piece of wood, or maybe an old car license plate. I've used that metal plate though on soft grass, mud, and hot asphalt.