Modern Vespa

I'm not sure if this has been covered before, too lazy to search.

What do people do to secure your drum braked Vespa.

Those disc braked wimps have slots in the wheels to pass a chain but I can't work out how to secure the little sucker.

I have seen the bar/front brake type of clamp lock, maybe thats the best way to go.

As usual, suggestions very welcome.

Cheers,

Matt

I have used a stout 1 inch (25mm), armored cable passed through the area shown in yellow on the fork, passing it over the top of the tire.



When Ardy and I were traveling in Italy, we simply cabled the front of both scoots together, making a quick "lift and snatch" awkward.

When cabling my scoot solo, I run the cable through the fork and back around the leg shield to make it awkward to roll off. Obviously, it's better to cable it to a solid object, like a lamp post, if one is available.

This may not be the most guaranteed protection against a determined, knowledgeable thief, but it does discourage the run of the mill clown.

Al

Do the vintage Vespas, like a p200, have good/strong enough electrial systems to power an alarm from Scorpio or guerilla (SP?)?

I installed a Scorpio on my GTS and really like it - its so freakin loud I can't imagine anyone trying to lug that thing away with it blaring.

Keep an eye on your bike and come out swinging!

You would have to calculate it, but I would guess not. The battery on the P is more for load balancing rather than actual power. It's just there to keep the lights from dimming at idle.

As for security? I lock the seat, shut off the fuel tap, and lock the steering. That way, nobody is going to ride off with it. If they want to toss it in the back of a truck, nothing short of a ground anchor is going to stop it. I do use a cable lock around the front shock when it's convenient, but much of the time there's nothing to lock to.

Beyond that, I've got full-coverage insurance. P-range bikes are a dime a dozen around here. I'll just buy a new one if this one gets jacked.

Also, Ian, if I am not mistaken, US battery P models had the battery to power the brake light to meet safety regs. Needed a brake light that worked even if the engine failed, IIRC. Subsequently, electric start was added.

Al

Blinkers were a U.S. requirement as well. In fact, most of the crazy DC system was probably from U.S. requirements.

+1

I like that idea

Thanks fuzzylogic - that makes sense. This might be another really stupid question (my manual is in the mail now;)), but does the P200 have an alternator that charges the battery?

Yes P's have a "stator" that produces AC voltage which is then rectified to produce DC V. to charge the batt.
Batteries were added for US market bikes so you had a tail light and horn when your stuck on the side o the road at night with your brokeass scooter

I installed a gorilla alarm on mine. I have a post under "gorilla alarm". It works great. I also have a battery tender that I will occasionally use.

Wow, nice - didn't think you could do that on a PX series! Awesome! Here is post by the way:

http://www.modernvespa.com/forum/topic33154

I got an On Guard lock, which I wrap around the floor board and then lock to a metal pole.

I also put a bumper sticker from the local shooting range on my glove box

it says "have you hugged your machine gun today."

oh, and my neighbor has a new and shiny scoot. mine is dented and a little rusty...so it's definitely not first pick in the eyes of the little hood kids that ride around on asian bike-in-a-box scooters trying to steal other people's shit....plus they probably couldn't make it out of the parking lot on a manual.

now if it caught the eye of a professional thief for whatever reason, I'd probably be screwed, but it would take a while to cut through that On Guard chain.

Do P series scooters have that little metal loop on the bottom for passing through cable etc?

sorry for the double post.


This one is a lot like the disc alarms, but you can put it anywhere on your bike, and it will go off at 100db if it is moved.

http://toolmonger.com/2008/06/11/its-like-a-car-alarm-for-the-rest-of-your-stuff/

I don't have one yet, but my friend does. It's only $20 and it works.

$20..wow. That's a fair price.