Modern Vespa

Backstory - I play a lot of tennis and carry a big bag, not like the pros, but big for a person to lug on a Vespa. I prefer the wide and narrow load to be behind me where a passenger might sit and so it sticks out a little bit on either side. Let's call it a wide load that I don't want falling to the side!

This wide load was difficult for me to secure safely and repeatedly so it wouldn't move around. So I put on my thinking cap and came up with the following.

If you made it this far - It's essentially a bungee hoop that you slide over your seat that gives you a couple of extra locations to attach a bungee and hold that precious load in place. The extra locations are in the form of metal rings that are attached to the hoop. For the tennis bag, I throw it on the seat and then I attach a bungee to one ring and over the bag and around the rear rack and back over to the other ring. It will make sense when you look at the photos below.

Yeah, yeah, what is it? It is a marine grade heavy duty bungee cord that has been double crimped where attached to the rings with protective rubber over the ends for good looks and a long life. The rings are nickle plated steel.

I have been working on refining this for a month or 2 but realized that some of you may be able to use it for the cannonball so I said, "Stop messing around and tell the gang what you got to get the ball rolling". So here we are...

Sorry for the long winded intro, hopefully you can benefit from making it to the end.

If you are thinking that you could benefit from something like this I have two extra to give away for the first two people that ask via PM!

I am kinda new to Vespas so I have limited knowledge but I am trying to get up to speed since I know these incredible machines will be with me until I cannot ride any more.

I think the following models will work with my first version of these.

LX 50, 150
ET2, 4
Sprint 50, 150
Primavera 50, 150

I am going to need feedback and help to make the thing work for everyone. If you have a Vespa or other make scooter other than the ones I have listed above I want to work with you to build my database so I can offer it for others. Anyone that helps me get there can have a free one. I asked Jess about this before I posted and it was his idea to present my "concept" this way to make it fun for everyone.

Sooooo Jess, if you PM me and want to help me make one for you for a model that I do not have on my short list above let's get busy!

I have other versions/concepts in the works but kinda rushed this in case there are cannon ballers that need this now. I really want those guys/gals to get one if they need one so lets get going.

The end goal is to sell this as a product to those who need it but there is this "development phase" where there is a chance to help and get something useful for your time. Cheers and Aloha, Kevin

Looks like I may have maxed out on my first post getting too wordy perhaps on that last attachment description!

It should have said:
..."The notches under the seat on some Vespa models is a great way to index the strap. I found that a 5/16 bungee cord will not interfere with the function of the seat so I started there. The top part is currently 3/8's because I like the way it looks. I made one with 3/8 all around and that was nice for ultimate strength but put a little pre-load on the locking mechanism that I wasn't sure how I wanted to approach just yet. I have a bunch of ideas and materials available to refine the product but am jumping the gun to get the ball rolling and the rest will come out in the development phase (see follow on post).

Looking forward to seeing how this turns out.

Wouldn't it make more sense to have a fixed length for the inner part? That way you don't add elasticity to the straps around your bag. Keep the top part elastic for preload.

Nice idea. A flat strap under the seat would be less likely to interfere with closing. I might rig up something like this. I have a huge insulated bag I use for groceries that is awkward to strap onto the luggage rack.

First rule of scooterists: When someone asks to borrow a bungee consider it gone. But don't worry, a day will come when you need to "borrow" one.

I have three GTs.

They already have a strap.

Bill

Those straps are not what I would call strong. Or useful, even.

I didn't even know that 'Marine Grade' bungees were a thing. Good to know!

Great suggestion!
It "might" make more sense, I only have LX50's in my garage so there is a battery box cover that is sort of in the way under there. So for my first go I wanted some give in case it was going to be a problem. I don't know what other scooters might have for obstacles under the seat. If you slide the bungee to the forward most part of the opening it clears that protrusion on my scooters or if you slide the bungee back to the rear of the notch in the seat it keeps the seat from catching which for me with my frequent carb tuning is handy. I can lower the seat to keep the engine covered and not have to take the key out of the ignition to get back in there!

I've sourced some flat rope that are going to be part of future offerings but I kicked this thing off early in case someone needs this product now. Highly functional as is but my plan is to provide some buzz while I get help and feedback, then optimize options and materials, then tool up to be more efficient and turn more profit so my wife won't be mad that I spend so much time in the garage!

I just realized that I didn't take note of your scooters but if you have one that you want to try it out on let me know. Hopefully you live in North America! I need to edit my early post that it is preferable while I give things away with possible back and forth that I keep postage low if possible.

Also maybe I found a bug in the software Jess? When replying to a post in MV I can scroll down to see details about the post I am replying too but it only shows the name of the person, no avatar or details about scooters, etc.

Definitely more expensive, my use of these materials is from my Hobie Tandem Island sailing days. There are a bunch of sailing stretchable utility lines that make it nicer on the water and so I know these materials are made to last. If you can use something like this lets talk, I need to build up my database.

Yes that is the nicest looking system. I haven't seen anyone use it for mission critical strapping but I am a newb. I will be working my way toward this aesthetic for those, like me, who prefer aesthetically pleasing solutions. These early models might not appeal to everyone. The do look a bit..."edgy"? but they are very tough and great for what they are.

I am not sure how an extra strap might look on those scooters that have a grab strap but I know that not all of us are blessed with this feature.

Just so as you know, www.missioncriticalstrapping.com is an unused domain name

Something flat like a ROK Strap might work. They are made for motorcycle use, so outdoor appropriate. They come in different lengths, colors, and configurations, and you can adjust the tension easily.

https://rokstraps.com/pages/rok-moto

I have been riding that GT, Rocket, since 2005.

The only use for the strap so far is to briefly hold papers or gloves while I get ready to ride.

I heard that many owners remove them, but they have never bothered me.

As for carrying soft bags for multi day rides, I use ROK Straps on the duckbill carrier.

Never a problem since I learned the proper way to strap them after having a bag get a hole burned into it after a bag slipped off onto the exhaust.

Bill

If anyone wants to work with me for a free strap for a scooter model seat that I do not have yet this is what I need. These two dimensions should do it for the all bungee first iteration.

Had some time to absorb Berlins salient observation. He is absolutely right here and putting a fixed length under the seat makes for much less flex in the load. I owe you a beer or one of these straps when I get through with finalizing the materials. I made one to check but not the highest quality webbing. I have Mil-Spec webbing inbound...and some more experimentation!

So far only one person requested one of my free ones. I am cutting up the rest re-use them in the newer version.

Still looking for help with measurements for scooters and seats I do not have. I'll gladly send you one to test and keep for the effort. Cheers.

I've been spending some time in the lab and getting closer to down selecting materials and designs. I've started leaning towards smaller rings and I'm pretty happy with this version for now. It would be great to get some feedback from users of it. I'm working with someone for sizing up a mid teens GTS Super 300 so if you have anything other than that and my previous list let me know. C'mon Cannon-ballers!

That's a very professional modification you've done. I can see a lot of people interested in having one of these.

Your product looks great. Here are the dimensions of the 2020 GTS Touring seat:
Width seam to seam: 12 inches
Height bottom to top: 3 1/2 inches

Beware of the elastic straps with curved hook, a friend has lost an eye ...

The only thing this got used for back on my GT, was for the parking officers to tuck my parking ticket under.

(I wasn't violating parking rules. I paid for a full car spot so I could park in the lot that didn't have motorcycle parking. Every couple of months a new monitor would see -scooter in full spot - must give ticket, despite having the full permit on display.)

Exactly. Sure sure.

Oh no! I guess I could call the product the "Ticket Holder"! lol

Thanks for the comments everyone, it helps to keep me motivated, positive and focused.

I took a chance on an ebay seat for my LX and it fit's even though it was not supposed to be for my year. Not sure how I like the seat. I thought it would allow me to sit further back but the 1/2 inch further back doesn't seem to make a difference to my 6'2" frame.

On the plus side I got to try my product on this type of seat and it looks good to me, albeit a bit more busy back there with the grab strap that is there already.

Not at all! Yours actually looks useful!!

I've done something similar on an S150 seat to attach a pedestal for a tail bag.

Used a 1/4" dowel across the underside of the seat (and Velcro -- it was more complicated than necessary). The advantage is that the battery compartment cover then restrains the dowel from moving aft when the seat is down, which keeps the strap over the top of the seat from moving aft. It's sort of what's going on in using the seat's grab-strap/rear-rail notch to index the strap, but slightly more solid and works even when the original strap is present.

From my experience, bungee cords come in two sizes - too long and too short.

Too long is good because you can tie a knot in it!

Thanks for the dimensions Grouper. I "think" I have the GTS covered? but if someone has a different Vespa or a different seat with different dimensions please consider working with me to get your free strap.

Grouper I made a special strap with a Hunter Green non-flexible side I am calling the "Cannonball Edition". I owe you one for the dimensions (and could use some feedback) and if you'd like me to send it out to you PM me an address I can send it to.

Any other GTS riders late to the development phase of this product that wanted a strap don't fret. I can make you one! I am thinking an introductory price of $30 bucks w/free priority shipping for USA customers.

Cheers and Aloha

That strap looks really professional and will go nicely on my Verde Bosco Touring. Thanks so much. PM sent.

I'm definitely going to follow this thread. I've ben sorting out things for semi-long rides in the Northeast, and while I think I've kinda-sorta figured a few things out, I'm not above suggestions for Something Better.

Thanks for posting that pic and identifying the tailbag you're using. I think that may eventually end up being the touring tank-bag for my Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 -- it just fits the dimensions of the bike's tank-bag rack.

I admire your entrepreneurial spirit. I hope you get plenty of orders.

I didn't cut up all my original straps that are bungee all around. They are useful for certain types of purposes but not ultimate clamping strength. If you want one to try so you can explore different options on your scooter let me know and I'll send you one.

Thanks! Me too. Considering my life's journey, it's rare that I actually follow through and show others the thing that I made that was on my mind but in this case I made it all the way through to having something to offer. It would be great if it catches on. If you are interested in one PM me and we can try and work something out. Shipping to Germany is $39 USD but maybe yours is cheaper? Some countries have extra import/export paperwork and declarations that I "would" prefer to avoid.

What I use.

Would be handy for my daughter's LX50. Do you post to the UK? Thanks

FWIW, Kevin, I'm pretty sure that ebay seat you're using there is the "touring" seat used on the S model, not the very similar LX model. (In fact, the DMV categorizes the S as an LX, because only the cosmetics are different.) Its swoopy shape is a feature for appearance, not practicality; it's hard for a second person to sit back there. The S and LX seats are swappable.

Ditto