Modern Vespa

What is the best front rack for a GT200? My dealer told me that the original OEM Vespa rack requires several holes to be drilled into the front - something which does not excite me (they mentioned drilled into the front plastic cowling). I do like the look of the OEM rack.

What other racks have people been using and how do they compare in looks and installation.

Thanks

Buzzlulu

This is a nice rack and NO drilling.

http://www.scooterwest.com/items/?_pageCCS=t#page=/item_details/GTS-Front-Rack-FACO-%28GT-GTS-GTV%29/194

AND nothing to take apart. OEM requires fussing with the horncast and is a pain to take off between uses. AND the Faco will leave at least $100 more in our pocket than the OEM!

I think you dealer is incorrect. There is no drilling into the body or horncast to mount the Vespa Rack. You take the horncast off and mount the top clamp behind the horncast. Then on the bottom of the rack there is another clamp that attaches underneath the front, above the fender. This picture shows the Vespa rack mounted on a GT200.

I'm selling a brand new one here if you're interested in saving some $$ on one:
New Vespa Front Rack for GTS...........SOLD...............

I think tbone is right. Here's another pic showing the OEM for the GT/S.

Other Vespa scoots (eg mine) DO require two drilling points through the horncast, then a lower bolt through the horn grille.

Bit easier on the GT. Other makes use hooks/straps. You pays your money...

I have one of the Faco units on my GTS300, and it will also fit the GT200. No problems mounting at all, I would recommend getting a small piece of the clear film used by auto trim shops for protection of the fronts of hood, fenders, etc and cutting two 3" circles and placing them under the rubber feet at the bottom of the rack to protect the scooter paint.

karlu
las cruces, nm

There is no drilling but you do change the parts configuration to attach the top bracket and removing the horncast is necessary. Removing the badge and horncast isn't all that difficult. The interior bolt is fiddly though. The Faco does not require any of the putzing to get it installed and comes off and is put back on in seconds. I've had both and sold my OEM front for $150. They come up on ebay from time to time. Usually in the $150-$200 range shipped.

First off, the best front rack on a GT is mine. True.

The second best, is on my former BFF, Lenore. It'll only fit a $20 and a tube of lipstick....

Jungle boogie.

Thanks for the reply. Does anyone have a link to directions for the mounting of the OEM rack for the GT200? How difficult is it to take off the horncast? Can the OEM rack be installed by me at home or is dealer install required?

Thanks
Buzzlulu

It's easy and takes less than 5 minutes. To remove the horncast u take a flat screwdrive 2 the right side of the piaggo logo 2 pop it off. After that it's one Phillips screw 2 remove. Then u slide the horncast up and off.

Tbone
Thanks!

Buzzlulu

Just getting around to buying a front rack for my '05 GT200, and found this thread. It looks like ease of installation, relative cost, and titillation factor have been covered pretty well already.

I have a couple of follow-up questions for anyone out there:

Is there a difference in stability between the various racks available? By stability, I mean movement/flexing of the rack with a load, effect on handling, low versus high center of gravity, etc.

Is there is any difference in load capacity between them, or are they all pretty much the same in that regard?

I'm seeing front racks available online from Faco Prima, Vespa, and Cuppini for the GT200, but all the shiny chrome in the pictures doesn't tell me if they are sturdy, or designed well for riding with a load. Some anecdotal feedback would be great.

Thanks!

This rack that FACO made is the Best front rack because of the Monkey
Hands holding the whole rack steady with a large footing. Can hold heavy
objects without moving or shifting. I carry cases of Water from Costco to
home all the time. 8) 5 miles away.

Just for the record: I love you, Buglake.

Specifically, how does the Cuppini rack compare to the Faco?

I"m not sure I like the look of the diagonal lower clamps on the Faco . . .

http://www.scooterworks.com/cuppini--front-rack--vespa-gt200--gts250--gts300-products-6705.php#.UhY7xJJwrzg

http://www.scooterwest.com/items/?_pageCCS=t#page=/item_details/GTS-Front-Rack-FACO-%28GT-GTS-GTV%29/194

I like the Faco because typically the chrome is better than Cuppinni and it is easily taken off and mounted when needed in a minute or two. I like taking it off when not needed. IMO the GT and GTS are to good looking to have a permanent mounted front rack.

BTW you might get more reads if started as a new thread. This one is older than the hills.

Can do, thanks!

I am doing a weeklong trip next month with my GT200. I have a rear rack and am having a front chrome rack installed tomorrow morning.

Here are the items I plan on attaching to the bike:

Saddle Bags - clothes and hygiene items/medicine

Rear Rack - Shelter items such as Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, pillow, and camping-type chair

Other items I have are the following:

MSR bottles with Reserve Gas - which will go under rear rack
Tire Repair Kit
Camping Stove
Food - granola bars, instant coffee, oatmeal

What items would you put on the rear rack and which items would you put on the front rack to distribute weight most efficiently?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. A friend and I are doing a test weekend ride with all of our gear in two weeks to Nebraska before our weeklong trip to New Mexico the end of May.

Thanks
Ross

Oops...sorry, wrong post.