Modern Vespa

I'm trying to figure out how to get my scooter to VCOA Vintage Days in Los Gatos. Has anyone done this with a vintage scooter?

https://theusatrailerstore.com/the-original-slick-wheelie-motorcycle-hauler/

I'm not sure you are going to get the lubrication you'd need in neutral without the gears spinning as only the axle would be turning inside them. You would have to over-fill the gearbox to get the oil level high enough.

That was my concern as well...a half a cup of oil ain't much.

Is there some reason you cant go this route?
https://www.discountramps.com/motorcycle-carrier/p/AMC-400L/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw3f6HBhDHARIsAD_i3D9Ku_VpFrgSII14LlX4aFFawaOfpCX_uL4E_1tLObIAm4uTMYWKHkkaAn8REALw_wcB

That's been the easiest option in my experience.

Look for a hitch carrier on Craigslist, I got one a couple years ago for $100.

Go with a hitch carrier. You can still book it at 75 and change on the super slab and no worries on the bike.

If ya gotta do two? Rent a truck.

The diff between towing a trailer (even a little one) and hauling balls comes into play quickly.

A three hour tour becomes five easy money.

I'll be using my hitch carrier to take Spermy to Los Gatos. It's a little difficult to load up by myself but once on board, my scooter is solidly in place.

Practice, man practice.... The first few times it certainly helps to have an extra set of hands. In fact, you should for sure. But, once you get your system down its a snap to do solo too.

Yes Birdnest, you're right and I intend to do a couple of run throughs before I leave for Los Gatos. The challenge is to secure the scooter while I hook up the tie-down straps but I have a new idea I want to try out.

In any case, I know there will be plenty of scooter-guys to help in Los Gatos. Should be a fun event.

I like hitch carriers but unfortunately my Subaru Forester is only rated to class II with a 150 pound tongue limit, which is weird since it's a big ass car, but I can't risk a failure or voiding my warranty on a new car. It's been tough to find a trailer within limits that can take my scooter.

I had an aftermarket hitch that was rated for 525 pounds on my old forester.

I loaded up the P on a hitch carrier as a test the other day...Im taking it to Santa Rosa for the next 3 months, leaving this weekend. It seemed OK, but should I be worried about exceeding the "tongue rating" ?

I am also curious about the tongue issue have the same concern. Weighed my Bajaj it's 220 pounds with a full tank of gas. I've been using the cheapest hitch carrier on the market on my truck and it works great but want to use it on the Subaru.

I'm curious to see what people end up doing here. I looked at one of these and ended up getting a 4' x 8' lightweight utility trailer with a maximum load rating of 1200 lbs. If you have a 220 lb scooter + 40 lb aluminum carrier that is 260 lbs. With weight being cantilevered out 12"- 24" from where the actual ball sits, how does that change things? What does it do to the front end of the car with an extra 260 lbs past the back axle?

This is a lighter aluminum carrier at 38 lbs, it specifically is listed for a class 3 or 4 hitch. Steel ones I found weighed another 20-25 lbs.

https://www.discountramps.com/motorcycle-carrier/p/AMC-400L/

Well this Saturday and Sunday if anyone sees a Black P200 dragging or tumbling across lanes on the 5 North between San Diego and Sonoma County — it’s mine! I’m gonna load up the P and granny on the top in her rocker and head for them thar hills. Anyone in that area wants to ride sometime, PM me. This carrier is a Joe Hauler loaner from So Cal Guy and its solid steel. The rest of the car will be loaded as well as the roof rack so there will be additional weight forward.

The key is to remember there are TWO tongue ratings at play - one for the hitch and one for the car. The car's tongue rating is the weak link.

I spoke to my Subaru dealer and consulted a Subaru Reddit sub I use. The Subaru Forester (mine is a 2021 but it applies to prior years as well) is rated at 150 pounds...if you exceed that your hitch is putting too much downward force on the frame where it's mounted and your suspension is bottoming out. That's dangerous, especially if you hit a bump.

Now is it possible that Subaru is being overly conservative and it can go higher? Probably, but we're talking twice the car's rating and that exceeds my risk threshold. I'm looking into class 2 trailering as a result...U-Haul rents a motorcycle trailer that should be fine until I find something I want to invest in.

Probably has more to do with geometry than weight two average adult Americans in the back seat would exceed the weight of a scooter and empty rear seats

Totally unrelated, but fun nonetheless, I've been hauling my scooter in the Toyota Sienna minivan with lowered floor and ramp.

I also have a cheap steel hitch carrier for the back of the RV and the scooter goes everywhere we go. I'm using a fancy aluminum ramp though that goes from 5' to 10', so it makes it easy to load up...

But they aren't behind the bumper.

Way to get it done!!!

Subaru Outback.

Suspension has never bottomed out. Works well even when going over the tongue rate. It works for me and I am not in any way recommending it to anyway.. . Simply my experience.

#1- if that be the same carrier he loaned to John, it's a beast!

#2- you be in my back yard. if you wanna stop by for a quick beverage know that you've got an open invitation. I'm off 5/405/118 coming or going my dude, just hit me up.

and if you're dragging, I'll come collect you if you're in striking distance.

g-money, I just gotta say that I love this bike. dead sexy. I'd adios two to have this one.

Yeah that bike is awesome, 1000% agreed

https://www.uhaul.com/Trailers/Motorcyle-Trailer-Rental/MT/

This is helpful, thanks...I think I'm going to go for it.

Dude the invite is much appreciated! Yes its the same hauler. Solid and heavy AF.

I started to worry about the weight once I loaded all my other shyte in the car, which I didn't do during initial test drives. Decided that driving 98% freeway, one way, was makeable, and if it dragged or I got stuck, deal with it when it happens. First day I made it around 500 miles. scraped once or twice on gas station driveways, otherwise OK but riding low for sure. Me-n-Scoot are in Santa Rosa, Ca and will see about making scooter friends and touring the Seashore and Redwoods. Work doesn't start for 2 weeks so I have some time to explore.

Cheers peeps! Thanks Greasy for the notes.

Can anyone recommend an aluminum carrier that isn't shit?

The Harbor Freight ones get sketchy reviews. I'd like it lighter than steel for easier storage / lifting.