Modern Vespa

Hi
When I recently fitted a top box, it came with larger and heavier bar end weights. I fitted them but could detect no difference - if anything, the original weights caused less headshake - headshake is generally considered to be caused more by tires anyway.
My question is as to why Vespa take the trouble to provide these at all, given that a pillion, a rucksack or lots of other baggage could have a much greater effect than an often empty topbox. Surely different end weights can't cater for all states of the loading of the top box - is it to help when it is fully loaded (ie deal with the extra weight) - or empty (aerodynamics).
Just curious!

AFAIK the weights counter the topcase weight, nothing to do with aerodynamics. Thus empty you won't feel a difference. Interesting that you haven't noticed a difference. I can't recall if I noticed anything either, I just put the case and weights on 7 years ago and didn't look back!

A passenger is over the rear wheel, so hardly any difference to 'head shake'. The top case is well behind it, so any big load in there will reduce the downforce on the front tyre, thus reducing any dampening of any oscillation.

I noticed a significant difference in front-end wobble after installing the heavier bar end weights on my 2016 GTV. This year I had new tires put on (City Grips), and my shop used balance beads in them. HUUUUGE difference, between the heavier bar-end weights and tires with balance beads it's like having a new bike.