Modern Vespa

Hi all my Vespa Et4 felt terrible on some country lanes this morning the front shock seems to take bumps terrible i believe the standard shock is not very good is this true or maybe mine is just toast ?

My local shop has a YSS front in stock has anyone any experience with this brand of suspension

Well if the shocks are original and 23 years old then it's probably time to change the lot ?

I have RMS shocks on my gts300 and they were good replacements.
RMS & YSS are both made in Taiwan.

https://www.pedparts.co.uk/product/6324/front-shock-absorber-zip-sp-et24
https://www.pedparts.co.uk/product/1684/yss-front-shock-piaggio-zip-sp-vespa-etlxs-pk

What can a "shock" do"

The spring supports the weight. The shock just keeps things from being to bouncy.

Sit astride your scooter, hands on bars, feet on the ground, and give a Violent press down.

Does the front end "bounce" back? Does it bottom with just your input?

If so, the DAMPING in the shock has failed. Get a replacement

If niether, a new shock will not change much.

I would be inclined to get changed. YSS makes very good components and will likely give you a much improved ride. I replaced the single rear shock on my Yamaha SMax with a YSS unit and it made a huge difference in handling on an already good handling scoot.

Aftermarkets shocks tend to use springs that are either made from heavier gauge steel or a mor progressive spring rate. Also the oil inside the shock will break down over time, so the dampening will be improved.

It sounds like you have Forsa shocks on your Vespa. They are a very good replacement shock.

Forsa shocks, which are distributed by RMS, are made in Taiwan.
RMS own brand of shocks are usually made in China, by the same company that makes them for Piaggio.
YSS shocks are made in Thailand.

Interesting. Of course on any products nowadays there is much less makers than brands.