Modern Vespa

I have an '03 with ~1500 miles and the front shock feels like its bottomed out a few times on our 3rd world streets here in San Francisco. I know the shock is not adjustable - but is it rebuildable? If not, as far as replacements, I see prices from ~$80 to ~$300 depending on the type of shock.

I don't want/need a race shock, but something more geared to 'better than stock' but not race.

What are the go-to options that would fit that need?

TIA!

the stock shocks are fairly robust. so you might try just a fresh stocker. RMS would be considered "aftermarket" but the make TONS of OE parts, so i wouldn't hesitate to buy one of those at the cheapie price point.

obviously bitubo is on the higher end, but it is a very stout piece and a worthwhile upgrade.

somewhere in the middle is YSS and any of the other "adjustable" pieces.

if you want to stay stock and budget, see if you can hunt down a "stock" one that's branded Carbone or Escorts. they're a little more heavy duty.

My ET2 was old and tired, so went for RMS standard replacements front and rear.

Shock/spring combo - no faff or assembly required. The rear is preload adjustable.

While I was in there, I did the rubber bits (bushes/isolators - whatever they are).

The front is a bit of a PITA because the nuts holding it on are slightly obscured by the shock/spring assembly.

Very economical and it works well.

Forsa shocks are probably the best value out there right now. They are made in Taiwan, and feel and perform like a well made version of the stock shock.

Between the Forsa and YSS X-Pro, which is the better or preferred product? Similar price point.

https://scooterpartsco.com/main-category-c-801_4181_4187/forza-racing-front-shock-for-vespa-lx-150-et4-s-150-lxv-150-et4-p-37356.html

https://scooterpartsco.com/main-category-c-801_4181_4187/yss-xpro-front-shock-for-vespa-lx-lxv-s-and-et-models-p-5920.html

Personally I'm not a fan of YSS shocks, but I've got them on a couple of my scooters. Since we started carrying the Forsa shocks, we haven't had any complaints about them and the racing shocks by Forsa have been very well received. I like the way they look and they are lighter than most of the other shocks out there. Either of them is going to be a better shock than what you have now, and it really does come down to personal preference.