Modern Vespa

Hi, all! I'm a long-time lurker — thank you all for the stellar information I've gleaned from you so far!

I bought a 2001 ET2 50 in Jan. 2018. It had 1800 miles, light scratches on both sides, but otherwise decent condition, so I believe the owner kept it in the garage and didn't ride it much. Everything is stock.

I have always had issues with the rear end bottoming out over larger dips/potholes in the road. I was about 190 when I got it, am 215 now. It's really bad if I have a passenger, but I very rarely do.

Am I just too heavy? Is the shock spring set wrong and can it be adjusted? Or I should probably just replace the rear shock at this point, right? This is my first scooter and I'm not sure what the schedule is for replacing parts like shocks.

Thanks in advance! 🛵

IIRC my scoot has identical shocks. I'm about 210 and my rear shock works well on the highest pre-load setting. If you don''t have a hook spanner, slip-joint pliers will do.
Proceed thusly:
Proper way to adjust shock preload

Thank you for your reply — it's good to confirm that my scoot shouldn't bottom out under my weight. 😅

I peeked under there the other day after reading about adjustability here, but I didn't see the adjustment ring. Thanks for confirming that there should be one—I'll have to get under there with a headlamp and see what's up!

You said ET2, so I'm assuming its a older scooter. I had a 1998 Zuma and the rear shock was just spongy from old age, and I may have gained a little weight as well. I found a pattern replacement with adjustability for a fair price. Made a night and day difference in comfort. Those 2-stroke ET2s are cool scooters (I'm jealous by the way, hard to find now) and I'm sure someone offers a improved rear shock for a great price if needed. And check your tire pressure, it actually affects the suspension on smaller wheeled scooters.

ET2 came with a lighter weight non adjustable rear shock.

a replacement would probably do you well, or an aftermarket piece. you could also run an ET4 rear, you just need the attachment bracket.

Thanks, I got really lucky without realizing it at the time! It's been such a good scoot. I live in San Francisco so my only druther would be that it had a bigger engine, but it's done me right these four years.

With the feedback here and that the scoot is over 20 years old with the original part, it seems like I should just replace the rear shock at this point. It's not a terribly expensive upgrade and I'm sure with the age of the current one, anything would be an improvement. 😂

Thanks again! 😊🙏🏻

This is excellent information, thank you! It jives with my not seeing an adjustment ring. A new shock it will be! 😀