Modern Vespa

I decided I would not have a top box with this scoot, for less practical aesthetic reasons. However I may be planning a longer trip at some point this year (if I can convince Sue to be pillion) I need to carry more stuff! Anyway the Vespa rear carrier is expensive and I am pretty sure it will rust. (my rear bars are showing signs of rust after only a few months)

So what about this as an alternative?
They are cheaper (£70/80 ish), have the option of a passenger back rest (£45/£50 ish). But do not look as secure (attached) as the Vespa own brand.

Any thoughts?

Cuppini has another one with a bigger backrest pad, which I think is more comfortable.

I've the bigger version installed, and my better half says it's "not to bad"....





Fits to the standard GTs-rack.

If you can put the GTS 250 rail and rack on I'd highly recommend this backrest
http://www.scooterwest.com/item_detail/GTS-Rear-Back-Rest-Cuppini-Fits-on-Stock-Rack/2709/



I added it to my stock GTS 250 rack and it's very solid and comfortable (my wife loves it). The stock rack still works perfectly and is as stable as it was before I added the backrest.

I have this set up and it is surprisingly sturdy, far more than I thought it would be

Thanks for the input guys.

Victor, the stripes look good. 8)

I think a top box looks way better is far more practical, waterproof, wont rust, is lockable, aerodynamic, comes in matching colours with a comfortable back rest ..... These chrome things may serve as a back rest, IMO they don;t suite the scoot, those spring loaded racks are awkward, tend to rust, rattle and that one is kinda small. Cuppinni may have improved but my last experience which dates back to five years ago or more was expensive low end products, peeling and rusting chrome with coated springs and screws with sharp ends protruding. You should have talked to me before you bought your rear bars, I would have tried to convince you to buy the top box instead.

too bad it's on backorder from motorsport.

here it is at scooterworks, looks $20 cheaper too.
http://www.scooterworks.com/Backrest_GTS250_-_Fits_stock__P6874C386.cfm

motorsport, can you match the price? it looks identical even though the part numbers are different

Thanks! Custom made 8)

The backrest is the same one as in the post below mine. The cost was around EUR50.

To bad the top box looks like something my grandfather could have added to his scooter if he had one.

Also, IMO it totally destroys the lines of the Vespa, at the same time making it less road worthy - the number of threads discussing how to solve the wobbling problems caused by the boxes are numerous.

The quality of the chrome of the backrest is the same as the quality of the Vespa standard rack, not better, not worse.

Since the poster clearly stated that he wasn't interested in a plastic box for "aesthetic reasons", I think the box vs rack discussion would be better off in a separate thread

I have the one that some victorlaszlo and sallad have posted... a Cuppini one that bolts to the standard GTS rear rack. It was very easy to install, and the few passengers I've had absolutely love it. It also turns out to be a very handy place to tie things down, if you're carrying extra luggage or something on the seat.

I believe the backrest padding is larger than the one you're looking at. But the rear rack it goes to should mount using the exact same holes as the original Vespa grab rail and rack, so unless it has extremely poor construction, it should be just as sturdy. Can't speak for how sturdy the backrest itself would be, as I haven't seen it in person to check how it's mounted.

Thanks everyone. I will make my mind up and post pics when i have bought one.

Snakebite/lick/hips : Thanks for the help, in future i will confirm all purchases with you before proceeding. Still not getting a top box though

Yeah, I really don't understand the popularity of topboxes on this forum. It is an instant transformation to mobility scooter. Sure, they are practical but you didn't buy a Vespa because it was practical did you?

i agree with mr. lick/bite on this one. why not just get a givi topcase? a 35L case plus mounting plate costs about the same as that rack, you can take it off in about 3 seconds if you're not using it, and the back of the case makes a decent backrest for your pillion. plus you don't have to worry about strapping a load of crap on board - just sling your luggage in the box and voila, you're packed.

plus - apologies to all who have them fitted - i think those rear racks are hella ugly

and finally: i have ridden under all conditions - urban, highway, twisties, rain, etc. etc. etc. - with a heavily loaded topcase and have never experienced anything in the way of wobbling or squirrely handling. as long as you're not loading the thing up with bowling balls and trying to corner hard in an ice storm you probably won't even notice it's there.

as a matter of fact i did my scooter is my only vehicle, i use it to commute, to do the shopping, and when i go on holiday, and even though the topcase isn't a thing of great beauty, it is by far the most useful and practical mod i've got on my scooter.

Thanks Genie.

I really dont like top boxes. I had one on the LX and it looked fine. There is just something about the rear end of the 300 that shouldn't be messed with

Maybe I should buy my scoots to match my topbox like Benito

The rear rack I posted got a good review in August's Scootering, it was reviewed in an article about touring Scotland on a GTS300 and it seemed like a good idea. Still not sure though. Maybe the front rack?

Sure but I'd seek alternatives before I go the topcase route and ruin the lines. Even if they are less practical.

Sharp, TailorMarc

I see it a bit like putting a ski-box on the roof of a mini cooper, or a Fiat 500; you just don't do it

I think the top boxes look bloody awful, but it's a taste thing. Practical, yes. I'm glad I don't/can't go over 40 mph, so a windscreen never comes into the equation - yep, hate them too.

Still struggling with putting a rear rack on though. Not struggling with fitment, struggling to actually go to my dealer and order one. The Vespa would be 10 times more practical if I could strap a case of beer to the back - that would mean a week's shopping on and in the scooter (except the 12-pack of toilet paper) but it's an ugly sod of a thing and will completely ruin our Vespa's shapely bum...still better than a topbox though...

let me be clear here - i hate hate hate the look of the vespa brand top boxes. i think they look like a big boil on the arse of the scooter. I don't love the look of the givi case, but it's a bit more streamlined. however the best thing about it is that it is removable in two seconds. one click and it's off. so it only goes on the scooter when it's needed. the rest of the time it lives in the house and the scooter retains its sexy lines. a far better option than putting that chrome banana-seat looking thing on the back forever

however, fitting a topcase means fitting a rear rack, and that means losing the very streamlined chrome rail that you've got there right now. i think a front rack would make the scooter look cumbersome - have you thought about just getting a waterproof gear bag and cargo-netting it to the floorboards? and if your wife is anxious about the lack of a backrest, well, she'll just have to cozy up closer to you

Thanks Genie, I think i have some time to mull this one over. My better half is currently trying to decide if she would like to be a pillion passenger, which could take some time

The gear-bag cargo-net option is definatly what I intend to do when I go on longer journeys alone, but thought I may need extra room for the missus (you know ladies things etc.)



Once again, thanks to everyone for your thoughts. I admit you have been so much help I am completely dumfuddled with confuzement.

Marc

yes of course!! Is there another reason to buy a Vespa, that was the main reason for me, the storage space. I have alway disliked my motorcylces because, I had to walk around with a helmet under my arm or a protective jacket on. Now with a top box, glove box and underseat storage I can go to town or work, store all my equipment and go about my business like normal people.... I have two GT200 both have top boxes one wobbles the other doesn't removing the top box or changing tires has done nothing to change that. I think a top box adds to the look of the Vespa espescially the Vespa cases

Those chrome crashbars that go all the way up to the seat remind me of Lambretta LD side panels. I never noticed until I saw that picture.

i use it to commute, to do the shopping, and when i go on holiday, and even though the topcase isn't a thing of great beauty, it is by far the most useful and practical mod i've got on my scooter

I can't live without one! There are a lot of weekend riders here, but just about every bike I see during the week either has a topcase or saddlebags.

I also don't care if "it messes up the lines" cause I can't really see myself when I'm riding!

Don't shops have windows in Memphis? When I'm not riding, I still like to admire it

i got the same set up and its great rather than putting the luggage on the rack i put it forward of the back rest and strap it on i can the use this as a back rest for myself while riding long journeys , also it makes moving the scoot around in tight spaces or up ramps easier and for long long rides somewere to strap a spare wheel to

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That is great! I hate not having a spare. All of the older ones had one, and no one complained about the lines. I need a topcase for the can of fix-a-flat.
I don't scoot to Memphis. Mostly I'm in a rural area, but when I get to work I do sneak a peak. From a distance, with my helmet on and everything, I think I look cool!

Actually I did. If it's your only means of transportation why shouldn't it be practical?

'ladies things'?

Haha snap It's got to be a reasonable distance though, a 6-feet tall skinny unshaven guy on a little orange scooter looks a bit, erm, funny close up! I don't care though, too busy enjoying the ride 8)

Hey Genie, you forgot the microwave!

I love my vespa branded top box - I think it looks good and that it is very practical. What's all this about the vespa lines? Can someone explain? Everyone that has seen my vespa so far has complimented it on its looks including what some of you have referred to as a granddad box!

The "line" as far as I can make out, is the downward-sloping bum of the scooter. Like the arse of a wasp I suppose it's the equivalent of strapping a couple of suitcases to the rear of a Porsche 911...you can get more stuff on/in it but it's hardly an improvement to it's natural curves - like my girlfriend would look a little funny with a packet of cornflakes stuffed down the back of her jeans

understood - and naaa I don't think the top box ruins the vespa line if we're gonna be that picky we may as well say that the looks of some of the people purchasing vespa's could "ruin" the vespa line . Bottom line the scoot still looks good - well mine does anyway.

+1
I get positive compliments quite frequently on how
my GTS "Angelina" looks!

Plus I don't really have any negative handling issues with it on,
and I've really come to appreciate the easily accessable storage.

I don't think she did. She just wraps her food in aluminum foil, puts it in the pet carrier, and takes a long ride

You could think of the rounded top case being a visual balance for your helmet!

+1

Do you mean like this?

Fair enough - if you, the owner, thinks it looks good, then it does look good! Because nobody elses opinion really makes a difference

And yes, good point, my scooter usually looks better without me on it