Modern Vespa

Hey Everyone! Looking to get an opinion from you experts. I want to add a canvas top case to my GTS 250ie. The Vespa top case is out of my budget right now. I've done a search and could only come up with a review on the SX. Who has had experience with the Prima or SX? Love to hear some input on the pros & cons of both bags. They are both great looking, with like dimensions. Durability is what I'm most interested in. My scoot is black/w sand seat. What do you guys think would be the most suitable color? Black or tan?

You guys are just awesome!!!! I'm here every evening for my nightly dose of MV. So much helpful information. Just had my GTS since July. Put 1,500 miles on her and find the answers to all my questions right here. Kudos to all of you. Keep up the great work.

Thanx

I've had the SX bag in black. Functionally, it worked great. It's an ample size, durable for the most part and holds a good bit.

Complaints:

1. The black canvas fades after a short time with minimal sun exposure.
2. The leather straps start to split and crack after minimal use.
3. The tie down straps that come with the bag to hold it onto the rack are useless. I replaced mine with nylon pet collars.

In my opinion, the tan version would look good on your scoot. I don't know if the fading issue is the same on the tan version. I've only heard consistent complaints about the black one.

I went through this same analysis and ended up with the tan SX bag (on a vintage red scooter with a black seat).

I would recommend it, but here are a few observations:

I didn't go with black because it fades to a dark blue/purple color (there's one parked near where I work). The bag is not waterproof, so you need to use the cover that comes with it if that is an issue. The trim around the edges had faded to a different color around the edges.

The bag will hold (just barely) my Fulmer 3/4 helmet. It is also big enough for a very small laptop bag and lunch bag plus a few odds and ends. You can't use it as a backrest.


If you look around they come up never used or barely used on ebay or Craigslist. I got a great deal on mine.

there's a tan SX bag on the "for sale" forum right now.

Wow. Sounds like the main issue here is fading with the SX Appeal. Maybe I should stick with tan. I will check out the sales forum. Great tips guys. Thank you.

Hoping to hear from anyone that has experience with the Prima bag. There is only a $30 difference between the two. Is the quality & durability any better on the Prima

The fading is an issue with both brands, as is the durability of the straps.

A couple years ago, several ModernBuddy members had issues with the latches on the Prima bags and had to replace them. I don't know if this issue's been fixed in newer versions, but it's been a while since we've had a post about this.

http://www.modernbuddy.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2060

There is also an issue with the bags sagging and losing shape over time.

I've looked at, examined, prodded and read up on both of these and honestly haven't been satisfied with the quality of either considering the price. There have been issues with both. (Aesthetically, I prefer the Prima because I don't really like the SX faux-Piaggio logo.)

There are actually a lot of other options for tail bags (or large roll bags) made for motorcycles; you can get cordura, nylon or vinyl bags for as little as $60 if you shop around. You may be sacrificing some style, but I think overall durability and longevity is probably better.

Something like this is under $100 and wouldn't look bad if you removed or covered the "Saddlemen" badge:


A little sleeker, but $149:

Well duhhhh . Why didn't I think of that? I guess my mind is set to scooter mode! However, I do like the looks of both bags. This is something to keep in mind until I can get that great looking Vespa topcase.

Thanks for nudging my brain ericalm! Great advice.

I've had my SX bag 14 months now, I don't think I'll buy another one. I liked the look. size and design of the bag, but the durability is horrible. It started to fade in just a few months and the chrome rivets started to rust after 6 months or so. I do live on the coast of Ca. and ride my scooter in various weather conditions, rain and fog, as well as sunny.
A friend of mine went to a Harley shop and bought a nice leather bag that looked similar to the Vespa bag for about $100. He stuck a Corrazo badge on it and it gave it a very Vespa look.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Rob

Since you initially mention a top case (which is hard), have you thought about something like the GIVI E30? It looks great, the size does not overwhelm the bike, it locks, it is secure and.... it is much cheaper than the soft cases (which fall apart) that you mention!
$90 shipped!

http://sporttour.com/luggage/givi/Givi_E30_Tour.htm

Thanks for the tip. I will check into this option also. You made a great point. I do not want anything overwhelming.

Thank you

Does anyone own the Prima

Briefly...sold it immediately after I opened the box. Got it slightly used was not impressed. Plan on taking the topcase off and ordering from this list....

http://motorcycle.motorcycle-superstore.com/search?w=tail%20pack

Here are the pics of my friends Vespa and bag

Sweeeeeet!!! 8) I love the look of that one. Nice pics SloScoot. Do you happen to know the brand name & where your friend got it? I could do a search on the brand name. That is one nice lookin scoot. Thanx

Actually I linked to that same one above but screwed up my post somehow! Fixed now. $98 at Motorcycle Superstore:
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/3/13/124/19935/ITEM/Saddlemen-Drifter-Express-Tail-Bag.aspx

It's the Saddlemen Drifter

I have a tan SX bag. It looks great but I wanted something black and knew the black bags faded so opted for a bestem hard case. It's similar to the GIVI but less expensive. It works great, but the look of the scoot changed radically. I miss the classic look of having a bag on the back. I've seen several leather bags like the one above that I'm seriously considering. Best of luck with your decision making. Remember to take into account style vs functionality vs cost. I realized that I'm willing to sacrifice some function for style.

I've actually removed my Vespa top case. Though I miss the storage on occasion, top cases create drag and decrease the life of the rear tire (even when empty). It's easy enough to add the rack and case should I ever actually need it.

Thanks all! I think I've found my bag. Ericalm you are the bomb! I guess it was the logo on the bag that threw me. Heading over to the superstore to check this one out. Fits the bill. Looks like it will be easy to take off & on. I am on happy camper Have a nice weekend!

I recently bought a black SX canvas top case from Scooters West. First class all the way through. Fit and finish is excellent. My only concern may be the hold-downs on the bottom of the case. If they work, she's a keeper. Bye-the-way, that's a damn fine looking case in the photos ahead of me.