Modern Vespa

Thinking about getting a new LVX but concerned about the seat.

How forgiving is it to moisture? Have any of you used any sort of leather sealer or seat cover? If so, what kinds.

Most importantly, don't want to damage it on those hot GA days with a little butt sweat.

Any thoughts or pics would help
-jimmy

I own an LXV and love the look of the seat. The LXV comes with a seat cover for the rain or sun. I live in califoria so I mostly use it when I need to park in the sun for an extended time.

I just use standard leather shoe conditioner/sealer to keep it in shape. Apply it once every couple of weeks.

I haven't had any sign of problems with it yet, though I've only had it for a few months now.

The biggest issue with the seat for me was the sliding off when stopping issue that has been covered in other threads on this forum. If you are large in proportion, the seat design tends to have a lot of slide when breaking. However, there is an easy mod where you add some spacers to the front bolts to lift the seat up. That fixed the issue for me.

Depends.

I've searched extensively in the MV forums and have not seen much discution of the LXV at all. I really would like to find a review of it as I'm interested in getting one.
I really like that fact that it is a small frame with a rear disk brake. I have a Vino now and my biggest complaint is the drum in the rear. Find myself only using the front brakes to stop 98% of the time. I might not even consider another ride if it wasn't for this.
Also how is the seat for riding 2 up? Do you ever ride 1 up on the rear seat? I'm 6' and I find myself always riding my vino all the way in the passenger seat. Two up on the vino is severely uncomfortable. (at 130lb a person)

If you're going fast enough you don't sweat.

Other than the leather seat, you are basically talking about an LX150. There are plenty of discussions here and elsewhere about its capabilities.

Unless I am mistaken, the LXV has a rear drum - just like the LX150. The differences between the two are purely cosmetic. That said, don't discount the LXV on that point alone if you've had your heart set on it thus far.

You mentioned not having seen many reviews on the "V" yet - is there anything I can answer for you about the LX series in general?

According to vespausa.com (could be misprint and have no clue what they sell?) Looks like I'll need answers from a LXV owner not at LX owner.
1) How is the comfort of LXV seat for riding 2 up for both riders (looking for experience in the 20-40mile range)? (picture of 2 up is bonus)
2) Does your LXV have rear disc brake and how do you like it?
3) How would you compare the LXV to any other make model you have? (I know its slow off the line)
4) What is max speed with light wind, no wind screen? 60mph?

Thank you, for any info on this elusive ride.

yeah, I thought the LXV had a rear disc too after reading the vespa site, but I have seen a few that moto bravo in Atlanta had, and they have all had rear drums...mystifying

I am interested in the 2 up question as well, it is one of the reasons I decided on the LXV as opposed to the s150

My 2009 LXV has a rear drum. The front disk is far more powerful at stopping (probably 60-80% more) than the rear but I use both at all times. When I stop in my inclined driveway I have to remember to use the front brake to shut things down--the rear is not quite strong enough to hold the weight.

I've only ridden this scoot and an LX150. I find the LXV to be far more comfortable--the seat is far more comfortable to me and the handlebars, too. Not sure why on the handlebars but the seat shape suits me better. And it looks good!

Purchasing the LXV was, I admit, purely a visual thing for me. I was ready to get a midnight blue LX150 but they'd received 2 Portofino green LXVs. I bought one and am very happy.

I've not had a passenger on the back yet, though I've tried the seat. It seems like it would be just fine.

We have a new 2009 LVX-150 and we LOVE IT!

Ours does have a drum rear brake. Here are the specs from the OM:

LXV REAR BRAKE Drum brake Ø4.33 in (Ø110 mm)

However, braking is fine and we haven't noticed any issues with stopping power to date. You should always use both brakes anyways esp. since most of the stopping power comes from the front brake.

Here is some feedback on other aspects:
- Seat: the split seat is great looking and comfortable for either 1 or 2 people. I'm 6' 2" and my wife is 5' 8" and it's great to ride it together. We take turns driving (have to! ) and it is fine in either spot. When riding solo I have had to get used to being "launched" forward during braking / stops, however the sliding is actually quite natural once you get used to it, and it also forces you to not get lazy in putting your feet down (both of them).

- Footpegs: I'm not happy with the lack of real footpegs. I have a size 12 foot and my wife is a size 8 and neither of us feel very secure as a passenger with the footrests as they are (especially when wearing boots). I'm working on getting a rear cowl with some built-in pegs (from Motorsport) and I'll post once that's done. I would REALLY rather have the folding pegs like those on the 250. The current ones seem unsafe and poorly thought out.

- Kids: I wouldn't ride with kids under 5' tall unless you a). fix the footpeg situation and b). put in some kind of back rest - either a top case or pack rest case would do. It's just too easy for them to slide off. My kids are urging me to fix these issues ASAP!

- Windscreen: the one it comes with is really only good for blocking the occasional bug. It does nothing for wind and I'm starting to regret getting 1/2 helmets instead of full face ones. You really feel it at speeds over 45mph.

- Speed: I don't think it's too slow off the line. Just make sure it's warmed up and give it some serious throttle - and hang on! I've had ours up to 60mph and it would have given more if I had asked...

Other minor nits:
- no bag hooks
- the underseat helmet hook is worthless.
- the black handgrips don't match the brown seat
- the stupid turn signal pods

But those are very minor nits and can all be changed with appropriate mods. I would highly recommend this scooter.

Good luck in your selection process!

+1 on davidcha's post

I put a windscreen on the LXV yesterday and have a topcase (matching color with backpad) arriving this week.

Pictures, you ask?... why sure...
https://modernvespa.com/forum/topic35006

Here is the discussion I was referring to:

https://modernvespa.com/forum/topic30067

Prine - Regarding your LXV questions:

1. The spec'd seat is okay for 2-up rides on short jaunts. However when riding solo (99% of rides) I did not like it. Felt too cramped (5'11"). Swapped a leather LX seat...much better.
2. Rear disc. Works fine. The Piaggio web specs are just wrong. Before I bought the LXV I tried to get Piaggio to clarify the brake specs but never received an answer.
3. IMHO, it feels the same niche as most other modern 150s. It's a style preference.
4. 60 mph +/- is about right.

Love the scoot...no regrets.

I agree on the need for the bag hook, not sure why they couldn't have added one like the LX has, but I've thought about using that helmet hook as an alternative, should work with plastic bags. Really? I hang my helmet by the D-ring all the time on it. What makes it worthless?

On the foot pegs, the retro aftermarket bar that you can add to the floorboard like this might work: http://www.scooterwest.com/item_detail/ETLX-Chrome-Foot-Rest-by-Faco/231/

I have a Nolan N30 with the rigid strap and it just can't be put on the hook at it is. But there is a mod for that: https://modernvespa.com/forum/topic34305

Thanks for the suggestion on the footpegs, but I don't like the way it looks. I found another mod that I may copy:
https://modernvespa.com/forum/topic22897

I agree the foot pegs look a bit odd, but saw them on a gray LXV150 at Seattle Vespa yesterday and in person look much better, give something of an odd retro/industrial effect, expecially with crash bars. If I took a rider much I might consider them.

Interesting mod on the footpegs. I'm not sure I like how the clamp looks, but functionally a good option!

I bought a cute little brushed aluminium bag hook that you get for kitchens at the hardware store.
I just got the LXV and missed the bag hook that I had on my Honda Metropolitan. It glues on, and is rated for 5 pounds. It might fall off if it's exposed to the elements for too long, but whatever it came with an extra sticky, but so far its pretty sturdy. It looks cute too.

And assuming that two up means riding with a passenger, my experience is limited to my little Honda, but the LXV rides like a dream with a passenger. I am even comfortable with my man on the back. He has 50 lbs on me!
Your hight might be an issue. Though not by much. A friend was comfortable on my Vespa at 6,4. but expressed that he might prefer the GTV for the extra room.

I'm glad actual owners of this mysterious beast have chimed in. Beginning to think the LXV was a mith of sorts. Looks like the general consense by owners there is not, and has not been a rear disc brake. Thanks for clearing that up.

Also seems as though 2 up riding is fine other then the common "slippage," from the front riders seat.

Has anyone soloed on the passengers seat? (asking taller people)

And I do use the bag hook on my Vino quite a bit, so that is discouraging there isn't one on the LXV.

I also thought the under seat helmet hook was useless, until I figured out to lift the pet carrier slightly, then the D ring slips right on!

I use the helmet hook for a bag hook all the time. I've also got one of these in under my seat in case I need more hook:

http://plumbing.hardwarestore.com/51-283-over-the-door-hooks/white-over-the-door-hook--669112.aspx

The one I have has a rubber cushion on the inside that protects the paint. However it only works hanging out the left side versus straight away. Also, not sure if it would work if I didn't have some added spacers to lift up the front of my seat. That creates some gap to play with.

The helmet hook and this plastic thingy work fine for small trips, but I'd like to devise a hook that will install from the center to allow bags to hang with more comfort. I'll probably have to construct something custom myself. Someday.....

Do you think that it would be possible to retro fit one of these vintage helmet hooks (from scooterworks) that hangs below the seat in the center? You would have to drill two small holes but could most likely be able to get to the area fairly easily by removing the pet carrier in order to apply bolts or whatever.

You don't have to drill; just use epoxy.

Nice, didn't think about that