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@billrush avatar
UTC

Addicted
Vespa Primavera 50 (sold), 2021 Vespa Sprint 150 (sold), 2022 Sei Giorni 300ie
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Location: Naples Florida USA
 
Addicted
@billrush avatar
Vespa Primavera 50 (sold), 2021 Vespa Sprint 150 (sold), 2022 Sei Giorni 300ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 838
Location: Naples Florida USA
UTC quote
I just noticed that in official photos of Vespas by Vespa, they show the rear rack up. I always thought the first thing you do with a rear rack is buy a trusty clamp and put it permanently in the down position where it's ready for use?

Why even have it folding in the first place?

"Takes a deep breath and pushes submit"
UTC

Molto Verboso
Vespa GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1309
Location: Germany
 
Molto Verboso
Vespa GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1309
Location: Germany
UTC quote
The installed springs hold the folding carrier (in the best case) rattle-free in an upright position.

Folded down, it stands (depending on the model) possibly over the back (possibly bad when stored in garage or bad when maneuvering).

If you want to have him permanently folded down:

1. for the original folding carrier there is a small (overpriced) plastic clamp (number 623576), is unfortunately often stolen / lost

https://www.sip-scootershop.com/en/product/clip-piaggio-luggage-carrier-rear_PI623576

2. cable ties (There are also reusable cable ties) OR Double sided velcro

3. on some models, the springs can be inserted upside down, then the flap is permanently pressed down.

Imho this belongs upright and is only folded down for use
@shebalba avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
2009 GTS250, Ducati Monster M900, KTM 390 Adventure, Honda CR125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1770
Location: Oceanside, CA
 
Molto Verboso
@shebalba avatar
2009 GTS250, Ducati Monster M900, KTM 390 Adventure, Honda CR125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1770
Location: Oceanside, CA
UTC quote
I have had instances where the cargo I was transporting secured better with the rack in the up position, utilizing the length of the rack when vertical.
@touring300 avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
GTS 300ie Touring 2013 - Signora D'argento
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Posts: 2105
Location: Lancaster, U.K.
 
Ossessionato
@touring300 avatar
GTS 300ie Touring 2013 - Signora D'argento
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2105
Location: Lancaster, U.K.
UTC quote
I guess it's just down to personal preference but I prefer the look of the rack in the folded away position unless it's in use, the same with the front rack.
Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
@kawi_girl avatar
UTC

Hooked
Vespa GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 108
Location: Alberta, Canada
 
Hooked
@kawi_girl avatar
Vespa GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 108
Location: Alberta, Canada
UTC quote
Touring300 wrote:
I guess it's just down to personal preference but I prefer the look of the rack in the folded away position unless it's in use, the same with the front rack.
I agree about personal preference. I like to keep mine up when not in use as well. Often I keep a Nelson-Riggs day bag on it though, so it is usually down.
@dooglas avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
GTS 300ABS, Buddy 125, Buddy Kick 125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 13506
Location: Oregon City, OR
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@dooglas avatar
GTS 300ABS, Buddy 125, Buddy Kick 125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 13506
Location: Oregon City, OR
UTC quote
I agree that this is a matter of personal preference. Having said that, I do think the folding rack looks good in the up position.
@boraxman avatar
UTC

Addicted
GTS250
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Posts: 673
Location: So. Cal.
 
Addicted
@boraxman avatar
GTS250
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Posts: 673
Location: So. Cal.
UTC quote
Flipped spring on mine first week I had it for rack down...never looked back.
@duck_dodgers avatar
UTC

Hooked
2016 GTV
Joined: UTC
Posts: 352
Location: Planet X
 
Hooked
@duck_dodgers avatar
2016 GTV
Joined: UTC
Posts: 352
Location: Planet X
UTC quote
^^^^^^this^^^^^^
Flip the springs. 15minutes tops.

Rack stays down.
UTC

Member
Red 2016 GTS 300. Marrone etna 2012 GTV 300 Vie Della Moda. Maui Blue 1977 Suzuki A50P (AP50)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 39
Location: Northumberland
 
Member
Red 2016 GTS 300. Marrone etna 2012 GTV 300 Vie Della Moda. Maui Blue 1977 Suzuki A50P (AP50)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 39
Location: Northumberland
UTC quote
In the folded position when not in use
@cheshire avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
GTS (sold)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1151
Location: US overlander, NC-plated
 
Molto Verboso
@cheshire avatar
GTS (sold)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1151
Location: US overlander, NC-plated
UTC quote
Up or down?
"Well, since I'm pointed that way, I guess down."
She chose down!
She chose down? Hah!!
"Was that wrong?"
Too late now!
:deeper into the labyrinth:

I prefer down, mainly because I use the rear rack frequently. Otherwise, I think my choice would be based on which way didn't rattle on bumpy roads.
Six, half a dozen, or the other for me.
@shebalba avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
2009 GTS250, Ducati Monster M900, KTM 390 Adventure, Honda CR125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1770
Location: Oceanside, CA
 
Molto Verboso
@shebalba avatar
2009 GTS250, Ducati Monster M900, KTM 390 Adventure, Honda CR125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1770
Location: Oceanside, CA
UTC quote
Cheshire wrote:
Up or down?
"Well, since I'm pointed that way, I guess down."
She chose down!
She chose down? Hah!!
"Was that wrong?"
Too late now!
:deeper into the labyrinth:
'Nooo I say allo, but that's close enough.'

Not sure if we'll be helping hands anymore if go off into this tangent.
@max6200 avatar
UTC

Banned
2006 GTS 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 10590
Location: KS USA
 
Banned
@max6200 avatar
2006 GTS 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 10590
Location: KS USA
UTC quote
I like both looks. I think whoever engineered that rack was a genius.
@jimc avatar
UTC

Moderaptor
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
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Posts: 44549
Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
 
Moderaptor
@jimc avatar
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
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Posts: 44549
Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
UTC quote
Just put a topcase on it.
@steelbytes avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2019 GTS300 HPE SuperTech 66,000km
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Posts: 6790
Location: Batmania aka Melbourne, Australia
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@steelbytes avatar
2019 GTS300 HPE SuperTech 66,000km
Joined: UTC
Posts: 6790
Location: Batmania aka Melbourne, Australia
UTC quote
Max6200 wrote:
I like both looks. I think whoever engineered that rack was a genius.
yup, so good that with the weight of a topbox and driving along bad roads broke the springs on it. I had to use thick zip ties to stop it rattling even when it was held down by the topbox
@adri avatar
UTC

Atypical Canadian
2009 Vespa S50(LX150 motor swap), 2006 Vespa GTS250ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2319
Location: Toronto, Canada
 
Atypical Canadian
@adri avatar
2009 Vespa S50(LX150 motor swap), 2006 Vespa GTS250ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2319
Location: Toronto, Canada
UTC quote
First thing I did was put two small zip ties to hold the rack down on the every day errand runner. It didn't make sense spending money on a clip when two zip ties can do the job and I have about 600 zip ties of all lengths and colors in the garage.

Buuuut... it also doesn't make sense to have two zip ties doing what the original hardware can do, so can someone please show/teach us the spring flip trick you guys are mentioning?
@cheshire avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
GTS (sold)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1151
Location: US overlander, NC-plated
 
Molto Verboso
@cheshire avatar
GTS (sold)
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Posts: 1151
Location: US overlander, NC-plated
UTC quote
https://modernvespa.com/forum/post840670#840670
Here ya go, Adri.

Another option is getting the clamp for the Vespa topcase that bolt the rear rack down. Gimme a moment to dig up the link.... https://www.scooterwest.com/topcase-fitting-plate-for-gt-gts-top-case-to-folding-rear-rack-623699.html

Edit to add: link to folding rack OEM fitting plate thingit. I used this for a while with good results. I also reversed the springs before using this with good results. I think I moved on from reversed springs when I got a topcase that stayed installed 24/7.
⚠️ Last edited by Cheshire on UTC; edited 2 times
@max6200 avatar
UTC

Banned
2006 GTS 250
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Posts: 10590
Location: KS USA
 
Banned
@max6200 avatar
2006 GTS 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 10590
Location: KS USA
UTC quote
steelbytes wrote:
yup, so good that with the weight of a topbox and driving along bad roads broke the springs on it. I had to use thick zip ties to stop it rattling even when it was held down by the topbox
Not a fan of the top box here sorry
@mopmop avatar
UTC

Hooked
2017 GTS300 'Beauty'
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Posts: 441
Location: The Netherlands
 
Hooked
@mopmop avatar
2017 GTS300 'Beauty'
Joined: UTC
Posts: 441
Location: The Netherlands
UTC quote
SteelBytes wrote:
yup, so good that with the weight of a topbox and driving along bad roads broke the springs on it. I had to use thick zip ties to stop it rattling even when it was held down by the topbox
I first tried the folding rack with the top box: I didn't trust it at all, so I quickly removed the top box again. Anyone with a little bit of physics knowledge can see that the lever effect just screws it up when putting a top box on it. Unless the top box is mostly empthy and you only use it to secure your helmet after riding. I don't understand why Piaggio offer the folding rack as a top box support.

I now use the fixed rack and it makes all the difference: sturdy, logical construction and it gives me faith that whatever is on it, still is after a bumpy ride...
@chrisfromcle avatar
UTC

Addicted
2019 Primavera 150, 2019 Honda Super Cub 125, 2017 Honda Metropolitan, 1965 Honda Super Cub 50 CA102 (Sold)
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@chrisfromcle avatar
2019 Primavera 150, 2019 Honda Super Cub 125, 2017 Honda Metropolitan, 1965 Honda Super Cub 50 CA102 (Sold)
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Posts: 503
Location: NE Ohio, USA
UTC quote
I have a top case with a fixed rack on the back. On the front, I use these to keep it down:

https://www.amazon.com/VELCRO-Brand-Cable-Ties-100Pk/dp/B001E1Y5O6/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1QT5AP4MQQRB2&keywords=wire+organizer+velcro+ties+small&qid=1671025232&sprefix=Wire+organizer+vel%2Caps%2C148&sr=8-3

Simple and cheap. Almost invisible.

Chris from CLE
Rack up
Rack up
Rack Down
Rack Down
UTC

Member
Red 2016 GTS 300. Marrone etna 2012 GTV 300 Vie Della Moda. Maui Blue 1977 Suzuki A50P (AP50)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 39
Location: Northumberland
 
Member
Red 2016 GTS 300. Marrone etna 2012 GTV 300 Vie Della Moda. Maui Blue 1977 Suzuki A50P (AP50)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 39
Location: Northumberland
UTC quote
Rack up when not in use, it just looks better IMHO
@shebalba avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
2009 GTS250, Ducati Monster M900, KTM 390 Adventure, Honda CR125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1770
Location: Oceanside, CA
 
Molto Verboso
@shebalba avatar
2009 GTS250, Ducati Monster M900, KTM 390 Adventure, Honda CR125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1770
Location: Oceanside, CA
UTC quote
ChrisFromCLE wrote:
I have a top case with a fixed rack on the back. On the front, I use these to keep it down:

https://www.amazon.com/VELCRO-Brand-Cable-Ties-100Pk/dp/B001E1Y5O6/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1QT5AP4MQQRB2&keywords=wire+organizer+velcro+ties+small&qid=1671025232&sprefix=Wire+organizer+vel%2Caps%2C148&sr=8-3

Simple and cheap. Almost invisible.

Chris from CLE
I started buying these years ago to deal with unsightly AV and power cables. They have become an essential go-to for so many applications. I keep a bunch in my pet warmer. I've even daisy chained them together in a pinch when needed to secure something larger.
@chrisfromcle avatar
UTC

Addicted
2019 Primavera 150, 2019 Honda Super Cub 125, 2017 Honda Metropolitan, 1965 Honda Super Cub 50 CA102 (Sold)
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Posts: 503
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@chrisfromcle avatar
2019 Primavera 150, 2019 Honda Super Cub 125, 2017 Honda Metropolitan, 1965 Honda Super Cub 50 CA102 (Sold)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 503
Location: NE Ohio, USA
UTC quote
Automagic wrote:
Rack up when not in use, it just looks better IMHO
Agreed. I keep my front rack up unless in use. I would keep the back one up too except that it is a fixed rack for a top case. I really don't prefer the look with the top case on. Since it is one bolt attachment, I mostly keep it in the garage until needed. Mrs. CLE requires the top case on to ride two up…

Chris from CLE
@desmo33 avatar
UTC

Enthusiast
2016 Sprint 150, 1965 Li125 Special
Joined: UTC
Posts: 61
Location: Los Angeles
 
Enthusiast
@desmo33 avatar
2016 Sprint 150, 1965 Li125 Special
Joined: UTC
Posts: 61
Location: Los Angeles
UTC quote
The spring-loaded folding action of the rack can also be used to transport something like a jacket or blanket; the rack acts as a clamp to secure the load without the need for tie-downs.
@syd avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
GTS300 Super (Mustard) GTS250 Super (Bulger)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4997
Location: Tempe, AZ
 
Ossessionato
@syd avatar
GTS300 Super (Mustard) GTS250 Super (Bulger)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4997
Location: Tempe, AZ
UTC quote
Until I found helmet-strap extenders to use the nubs under the seat, I would strap my helmet on the folded-down rack. Otherwise, I liked and still do like it up, where it belongs.
@witch avatar
UTC

Moderatrice Strega
Joined: UTC
Posts: 7699
Location: Oregone
 
Moderatrice Strega
@witch avatar
Joined: UTC
Posts: 7699
Location: Oregone
UTC quote
I opted to set the rear rack permanently down on my GTV. I noticed that if I hit a hard enough bump, the rack would bang against itself in the up position, and make me concerned that I'd either hit or dropped something. I used it often enough, there really wasn't a point in having it up, anyway.
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