Modern Vespa

Hello Scootering World!!

I have a new 2009 Vespa LXV which I totally love but I've come to see where I have a little problem. My hands are so tiny that it's really hard to squeeze the hand brakes well. The rear brake is not horrible but the problem really is with the front brake because when I try to squeeze it, I'm hitting the throttle. I've already lost control once and got a little boo-boo on my bike and i almost had it happen again tonight. Fortunately my neighbor who was coaching me recognized the problem. So the question is....can I get modified or new hand brake levers that are smaller or straight across. The vespa ones are angled outwards increasing the space between the lever and my hands. PLEASE...anyone help! I'm very anxious to be as safe as possible!!! I will anxiously be awaiting suggestions!!! Thanks Vespa Lovers all over!

Happy Scooterin'

Scooter Poot

No....

Not yet...

And as a matter of fact it is my fault....

Working on it.

R

8)

I don't understand...please elaborate and explain. You are saying I can NOT replace the hand brake levers on my scoot and it is your fault? Why? How? And what do you mean you are working on it??? So confused!!

The market for a modification like that on a Vespa, or scooter in general, is very small - and that's why neither of the other brake lever companies do anything. Plus they get $100+ per lever, while when the OCT version comes out it will be under $70 shipped (my guess) - for the pair, to your door.

The prior poster, is one of the great minds (well, maybe he's the muscle) behind the dog leg levers for the 200cc+ automatic Vespas.

I'd like to infer that they will release no wine brake lever before it's time (random E&J Gallo reference anyone?)

I think that he is really saying, is that he has been enjoying the fantastic weather wherever he is, the great riding company he keeps, and that he just needs to get off his haunches and do it, so the manufacturing process can begin.

I'd keep harassing him. Via PM.

ritchj you're my hero.

Moved to General Discussion.

If you mean that you squeeze the front brake lever back far enough for it to touch the throttle, then that is bad. I'm sure that you didn't mean that because you would have crashed by now having no front brake.

You must mean that when you go to squeeze the brake level, you inadvertently cause the throttle to rotate backwards as well. Dogleg levers will help. However, this is probably a common situation for new riders. At least, it was common with me when I first started riding.

It has to do with learning how how hard you really need to grip the handlebars when riding. Likely you are holding the grips tight, with the throttle firmly placed within the inside joining of your right thumb and first finger. Unless you have long fingers, you won't be able to squeeze the brake without causing the throttle to rotate as well.

You actually do not need to hold the grips really tight. Hold them firm, but not tight. When applying the front brake, try moving your right hand back slightly so that the thumb is against the throttle (not causing it to rotate). Then you will be better able to squeeze the front brake. You are also placing you hand in a more neutral position so that squeezing the brake level does not cause your wrist to rotate downwards.

Soon you'll become used to automatically moving your right hand back ever so slightly when you need to reach for front brake.

Hope that this helps!

Edit: I've posted some pictures to attempt to illustrate what I mean. You have to read from the bottom up since they were loaded in reverse order.

If you only need to modify the front brake, the dogleg lever should fit. An lx/v front brake lever is the same as the GT/S levers.

Also, I don't think the lever is hitting the grip, I just think that when the brake is pulled, the OP can't help but roll on a bit of throttle.

I just love my new dogleg levers from OopsClunkThud.com!

(I'm available for all your copywriting and marketing needs )

He hasn't seen this yet has he.....

Its good to have heros....

R

8)

Yes, i did mean that my hands are small and the lever is farther away from my hand than I'd like...just my fingertips reach it and are able to squeeze but then i sometimes roll the throttle and the bike has lurched. I i already lost control once and caused a boo-boo on my new bike that needs fixin'. I don't want to lose my confidence.

The guy who owns oopsclunkthud wrote to me and said the lever i would need was not made yet but then another person posted that the GTS lever would work on my LXV and those are available now. So who is correct? Can I order the GT/S lever and use it on my scoot. I really want this thing right away if it will make a difference. please advise asap!! Much appreciated!!!


Scooter Poot


PS...not sure why this thread got moved to general discussion. I sure thought we were discussing a modification if i was looking for an alternative part!!

have you been thru a MSF class yet? The method of keep your knuckels up pertains here. If you strat off with your knuckels facing up then roll on the throttle they will be facing towards the rear of the scoot, then when reaching for the front brake you will automatically roll the throttle off to reach for the front brake lever. This way you will not get that lurching your talking about.

Both are correct. The front brake lever is the same from the LX, LXV, and GTS but the rear is different. The manufacturing of the rear dogleg levers for the LX is not done so you would not have a matched set. That said I think the LXV has a different rear lever than the LX making things even more difficult.

They do make a difference but so would taking the MSF class. The levers change the ergonomics, the MSF class teaches good technique.

If this was originally in the 'Project Reports' section - then that is for those who are inventing/doing/have completed mods and projects for the education of others. Questions of "how do I ..." belong in General Discussion.