Modern Vespa

Finally I am back on a Vespa after five years without; I did have a brief flirtation with a Honda ADV 350 last year, which I really didn't like.

First thing it that even riding it away, it felt like a familiar old friend. This scoot is really super smooth, much smoother that I remember my 2017 300 being. It also feels a very natural ride. Here in Porto there are lots of cobbled streets and I was very surprised how well it copes with that!

I also fitted a Big Box underseat compartment and I can even get my M (small shell) Schuberth C3 Pro under the seat. It has been said on here that this does not fit the 310, but it does and the company advertise it as such. Here are the obligatory pics.

Congratulations on your new Vespa! Could you please test the following: Open the seat, push the rear of the Vespa down hard (and with momentum), must not be on the main stand or side stand. Preferably with two people so that one can hold the Vespa firmly. I assume that the BigBox will be pushed out upwards when the suspension is compressed.

I can assure you that I am keeping a close eye! I did a compression test and the Big Box does not rise out of the bodywork. I also rode it and examined the underside of the box after the ride and there are no marks there that would give rise for concern.

I have not checked the suspension preload adjustment yet but I would normally have it on position three. It is probably on position one from the factory.

I am not sure why the box would not fit the 310 if it fits the 300; after all they have really only increased the piston stroke, so technically the external engine dimensions should be the same.

I also did the test on a 310 at my dealer. The BigBox jumped out.

As the original helmet compartment has been minimally modified in the middle, the engine (or some add-on part) will be higher. See: https://www.vespagts310.com/vespa-gts-310-faq/grundsaetzliches#ist-das-helmfach-der-vespa-gts-310-wegen-dem-groesseren-motor-kleiner-geworden (left: GTS 300 / right: GTS 310)

Please keep us up to date on how the BigBox performs in practice. Thank you very much!

Interesting. Thanks for the link. I will very much keep you updated! I am slightly concerned now and will pay very close attention to the underside of the box/top of the engine!

It is really a bit strange that they haven't changed the badges on the SuperSport to black chrome look. Oh and the transmission cover is still silver.

And the brake levers, ring around key switch, wheel hub, wheel bolts…

Just theorizing, but I suspect the rider's own weight and/or the presence of a a top-box, especially if there's anything in it, would have a noticeable effect on whether the Big Box bottoms out.
In my motorcycle days, I saw guys fit $700 exhaust systems partly because they saved a whopping 8 pounds, when 2 weeks at the gym or a box of prunes would have the same performance benefit (i.e. zero, except maybe in a lab). The largest Vespa is about 1/3 lighter than a midsized bike, so percentage-wise the riders weight is more significant. In theory, cranking up the preload on the rear shocks should help as well. Since this doesn't seem to be a universal problem, my theory might hold water.
Another idea: I wonder if you couldn't shallow the box a little by using a Dremel or similar to saw a band an inch or so wide all around the sides, then reattach the bottom with JB Weld and a few sistering plates. You might still create more storage than the stock pet holder, and allow more travel before the thing starts hitting whatever it hits. Use a tape and your high school geometry before you start sawing.

Yes that probably works. I weigh about 80kg. Just cranked the preload up to number three.

Hey DougL..,
I'm also back after 5+ years. You've done it in style Mate!! That colour looks fantastic and the black rims and black/flouro trim decals take it to the next level. Enjoy the new ride

I am actually really stoked to have both DougL and Boulty back in the fold.

Also, full confession: I might have had a hand in steering Doug toward the Honda ADV. My thoughts were that, knowing a bit about the Porto streets, that the Honda would be better suited due to larger tires.

So, mea culpa.

Well at least you have a couple of moderators back in different time zones to get rid of spam.

I am not sure you swayed my decision that much on the ADV. I am glad that I tried it, however!

Should have just recommended 13" with 130/70+140/70.

Despite having lots of suspension travel and adventure styling, the Honda had extremely harsh suspension. Riding it on cobbles down to Cedofeita was torture. The Vespa is surprisingly competent.

Cheers [Doffs cap]