Modern Vespa

While we're still waiting for the wife's scooter to finish prep work at the dealer, I was curious how folks here have secured their MP3s for travel (in a trailer, on a trailer, etc.)...any advice for tie-downs or keeping the bike immobile during transport, especially in ways that won't present cracking or chafing potential to all those plastic body panels? Anyone ever try something like this...they seem like a simple but worthwhile investment and we're contemplating a pair of them for our two 500s when we eventually move after my tour in Indiana is over. Any thoughts?

Thanks!
- WildBlue

do not use any type of tie downs on the handle bars of the MP3's . use the front part of the open fram or the top of the front shock moiunts. Also when tieing down intially firm up straps then release the tilt lock and fim down the straps. I use 1 strap around the rear wheel and go straight back with it if possible, so the fronts don't creap forward and it keeps the tension rearward.

Look here for your answer.
My MP3 Carrier Project

Also DO NOT transport on the center stand or with the tilt lock engaged. Keep the tilt lock on while getting straps in position, but turn it off before fully tightening them.

If you tie down from the handlebars it can screw up your steering tube--not good.

Thanks for the great advice--I did not realize there would be a potential for screwing up the steering tube; definitely NOT how I want to cap off this assignment before unpacking at the next.

mjm50cal; that's a REALLY cool carrier project, but probably a bit beyond my mechanical capabilities and still leaves us with how to transport the second scooter when all is said and done. Honestly, we're probably going to just buy a long trailer which prompted the thoughts about how to secure the bikes for travel in the first place.

I'll definitely bookmark these helpful posts though as I know I'll come back to them in about 34 months or so when the Air Force has my next assignment lined up for me!

Thank you all!

- WildBlue

I bought a 7 X 13 enclosed cargo trailer v nose with a drop down ramp/door. Then installed some tie down points in the floor and reinforced with extra wood underneath. This size gave me enough room to fit 2 side by side and plenty of room up front for gear and what nots, accessable from the front side door. I chose a trailer that was aluminm frame with double axel and electric brakes. I like the double axel for the security if 1 tire fails the trailer won't go all crazy squirrly on me. The all aluminum is the lightest in an enclosed trailer weighing only 1200 lbs and can carry 6000lbs.

A open bed style trailer works also like the ones at lowes or home depot those styles.