Modern Vespa

I'm looking at rear racks for my GTS 250. Is there a quality difference between Vespa branded and Faco? Any advise? Windscreen recommendations? Thanks!

John

I have both OEM and Faco add-ons on my Vespa and both ok but the OEM are likely a bit better but more expensive. As far as wind screens go there are many, many posts about them and they really are a very personal thing. I have the large OEM windscreen and I am very happy with it. In colder weather(which I don't now get much of) it is protective against the wind and in bug season great for keeping bugs from my face and also helpful for the occasional rock that gets thrown up from the pavement. Hope this helps

larry

The OEM rack came with my GTS250. It's versatility in the up and down positions has gotten me out of countless jams, easily managing fussy cargo. It also looks good with the other chrome bits on the scooter.

I would advise investing in the adjustable c-clamp to keep it in the open position over the plastic one.

I have the small sport flyscreen / windshield. I rode for a while without one and for me the small screen has the look I want and offers some protection.

Well, here is my spin on windscreens for the GTS. I believe the maximum benefit is obtained by deflecting the air stream upward and just over the top of your helmet. This removes wind pressure from your chest and deflects most rain over your helmet, while still allowing you to look over the top of the windscreen at the road ahead. Windscreen height is critical to obtain this effect. For some (including me), a mid-height OEM windscreen accomplishes this. For others, a custom height is needed. Many have cut down a tall windscreen to the right height or raised a mid-height screen with a "Laminar Lip". In all cases, I think a windscreen with some protection for your hands is desirable.

Why not a tall screen, you might ask. Well, for most riders this presents more cross section and more wind resistance than is needed, and forces you to look at the road through the beaded water, dirt, and bugs on the windscreen. Now, in fairness, mid-height is the setup I use in the Fall thru Spring. In the Summer I use a short or flyscreen, which provides airflow to my face and keeps me cooler.

Traditionally, Faco and Cuppini are considered inexpensive replacements for the stock rack, and if you see them side by side, you can see the difference. FA Italia is considered to be equal or better quality, without paying for the name. This was before Piaggio moved rack production to Vietnam.
Ask anyone who owned a Yamaha in the 70s or 80s about Asian chrome. It sucked. It was not uncommon to see pitted mirror stalks, and everything else that was chromed, that Yamaha didn't directly produce, on 6 month old bikes. This was before environmental concerns affected production methods. The new OEM Piaggio luggage racks do seem to be more susceptible to rust than the older, Italian made ones.

I had Faco Front Rack and Piaggio rear rack and bars on my GTS. The bike was kept in the garage, but was ridden in the rain regularly.

The Front Rack typically had a bit more rust than the OEM rack and bars. If you stay on top of it and clean it up every two months, it will hold up fine.

I use Never Dull wadding polish on the chrome, it works easily to remove light to modest rust and leave a thin film of oil to protect the surface.

Thanks for all the answers!

Can anyone link me to a good C-clamp to keep the racks in the down position when needed?

Try this one.....

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Toygogo-Motorcycle-Luggage-Waterproof-Resistant/dp/B085FT9TXS

Another ONE
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0937752KG?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

I had trouble finding a rack that was in stock. Lots of black ones and I wanted chrome. I bit the bullet on a Vespa branded rack and paid a pretty penny. It's well made and I have no regrets. I was going to get one of the Amazon clamps but the delivery is a month because they come from over seas I suppose. I ended up getting one from Scooter West. You guessed it, I paid a pretty penny lol. I just ordered a roll bag from Scooter Dynasty for it.