Modern Vespa

Are the reflectors on the front guard really of any value when I've got white led running lights?

Yes, they cover the holes that the factory made in the fenders.

Chris from CLE

Arguably the holes are less ugly

I like the European ones without holes...

Me too, which strongly suggests they are a complete waste of time.

Its a sure fire way of deciding whether certain classic bikes Kawasaki Z900 Honda early 750/4's are imported ( apart from the faded paint but untarnished chrome) are imports from the US

Seems to me that they only enhance visibility from the side, which seems of limited value. Additionally, nighttime visibility is about the only thing they enhance, so unless you're out in traffic at night, pretty useless.

Mine have been off for a few years and no accidents yet!

Say, didn't you just do LED lights via your side vents? All good then...

Must be an Oz MOT requirement, as we do not have them in Germany who are pretty strict with their TUV.

When I first read the subject, I was expecting to see ADV running lights mounted where the front guard reflectors are located.

Maybe an LED kit from the scooter bud.

if the Euro standards don't need them then I'm surprised that we do here.

so tempted ... but what colour?

that is what has always bugged me as a cars lights causing these to light up would almost like a turn indicator. seems a silly thing, white reflectors would make more sense.

The holes are easily plugged. I found a knitting needle that was just the right diameter. Then a touch of matching paint and they are not noticeable.

Edit: No, I am not doing my knitting with one needle now!

This is how KTM decided to solve it. Bike reflectors from the 80's. Big ol' round ones.

I have been meaning to take a hacksaw to them. The front ones are no better.

we don't have those rear ones in Aus. Those at least make sense as they match the tail light.

My 2023 model came with side reflectors on each side of the rear numberplate. They didn't last long.

I redesigned the whole numberplate, mounted it a bit higher and added a different rear reflector - a Harley Davidson accessory.

Maybe there is a bid-ness opportunity designing decent side reflectors. Not sure why ovals, circles, and rectangles are all anyone can come up with.

I don't mind the extra visibility, but the function over form is terrible.

Scooterwest sells color coded plugs to fill the holes if you remove the reflectors. Not cheap but I bought them for my GTS. Looks much better. https://www.scooterwest.com/custom-painted-plug-kit-for-reflector-removal-rplugsx.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqhCvkKIgpjEaAkBiJphvAlTOtD0S_p2PuEP8b4p7yP5VEQmNnI

Why these side reflectors haven't been attached to deer is beyond me.

And how did you get them off without breaking?

Breaking the reflector? They went straight into the bin.

In case you want to put them back on? Breaking them is the satisfying part.

A word of caution. On my front fender, the reflector edge left a slight imprint in the paint, especially in the curved sections. Maybe Luigi, out of excitement, put the reflectors on before the paint fully cured.

Something to consider before breaking removing them.

Pried it back a bit ... Trying to work out if that's grime that will wash or buff off or if it's worse

Closer look .. maybe best not

What a great idea! We have a lot of deer strikes around here. My wife even hit one.
Now, who will volunteer for the installation job?

Took me a minute to understand the photo. 'Maybe best not' seems like a good call.

But you have enjoyed many off-road adventures and prolly picked up a few more stones and dusty bits along the way.

This was what I was referring to.

Maybe i could 3d print a thin bit of plastic with exactly the same outline as the chrome ...

Just curious, after already riding with them for many miles, why now remove them?

If it were me, I would 3d print a more deliberate shape than the oval. Maybe try to tie it in with the existing decals?

Never liked them and have been browsing black bits to replace some of the chrome.

Maybe i should make little winglets 🤣

Or change them out for some 3M reflective tape

https://www.amazon.com.au/s?k=3m+reflective+tape&crid=1OKFJP9XQ11BV&sprefix=3m+reflect%2Caps%2C263&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_5_10

SteelBytes....you don't want to pry them off. Get a small side cutter pliers and snip the plastic stems from the inside of the fender.
With a little tug on the reflector the retaining clips will fall off and you'll be free.....

My Buddy bought a set of plugs from ScooterWest. Not cheap with the exchange rate and shipping but the colour matched perfectly.

I really dislike the reflectors; for sme, they appear cheap, and spoil the beautiful aesthetics of the design. 2 bits: 1) does anyone know of a quality aftermarket product available (Hello Rizoma!), and 2) painted replacement parts, without the holes, can be ordered from Europe for those who want to go the replacement route.

I am under the impression that they are required in Minnesota. I also expect the local police would never notice if they were gone. I join many of you in liking a clean look. However, I run with stock no mater what shows up. I do add windscreens and chrome racks.

Bob Copeland

Probably help to keep the black bear and Bison away.

Yucky paint damage

Going black for now - better than portable and better than damaged paint

Good morning. Have just re-read all your feedback, thank you.

With the majority dislike of these reflectors in the U.S., makes me wonder why the factory doesn't use double faced tape to attach these, where required by law, rather than drilling holes on 4 surfaces?

Gosh...simple compliant solution....!

the chrome piece has got a certain angle to them so the reflectors meet DOT visual standards from the side profile. that is why there is a left and right part number for them.
if you don't like them take them off and get a colorized plug from scooterwest.

3M reflective tape. (Came with a Bell helmet).

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Yeah, was suggested earlier but haven't seen the right shade of grey locally (ordering online is guaranteed to be the wrong colour)