Modern Vespa

Sorry to add to the growing number of GTV seat posts. I've done a search but haven't found if anyone has successfully (and aesthetically) trimmed down their GTV seat? Can I do it myself, or does it require sending it off to a shop such as Pirate? What's under that leather?
I bought a very thick-soled pair of Doc Marten boots but still am only able to put the balls of my feet down.

I'm also experiencing shoulder pain after riding any distance. I originally thought it might have been just from gripping too tightly, but I don't believe that's it. I'm guessing it's more my positioning. I think I'm too far forward, or am leaning/crouching forward.

Like most others who bought GTVs, I love the looks of the seat, but, even at 5'3" am questioning its comfort.

Thanks for any advice you may be able to offer.

If you are not an experienced leather worker, you are highly likely to cause some major damage to the leather and/or the padding underneath. I would send it to Pirate or someone who has the knowledge and experience to help you solve your problem. If you call Pirate, they could give you an honest assessment of the possibilities. Your other option is to buy a used GTS seat and have it lowered and/or covered by someone like Pirate.

Unless you are experienced or extremely confidant, the GTV seat is one I would not risk messing with. I asked Pirate about this once, and was told that if done properly, over an inch of height can be taken off. But it does change the shape of the seat enough to require a new cover to be made for it. I'm the same height, so I do understand the issue.

Pat, my wife, is 5'3" with a 28" inseam. I am 5'8" with a 28" inseam. Initially we both had the same problem as you. She purchased a pair of Chippewa engineering boots. I purchased a pair of Georgia boots. My Georgias give me an additional 1/2 inch over her Chippewas.

Both of us still cannot place both heels on the ground, but have found that at stops a slight tilt to one side or another or simply relying on the balls of our feet is sufficient. We have logged over 13,000 miles on our GTV's in the past 12 months.

I have taken the seat apart, going so far as to detach the leather/latex upholstery from the plastic support and attaching that directly to the seat latch cover. The rise on the latch cover, however, allows virtually no improvement so I restored the seat back to normal.

I consulted an experienced cyclist and had him observe our riding manner. We learned that we were tensing too much in our upper torso and now we are far more relaxed without shoulder and arm pain. We wear Vanson leathers and the pants are particularly helpful in stabilizing the seating since they keep us from sliding forward or losing seat grip when the scoot tilts.

It takes time to develop the small support muscles - relaxation is the key. The more time you ride, the more the muscle and balance problems will disappear.

Good Luck

Witch, thanks. That's good to know about a completely new covering. Bummer.

And thanks J. I also have a 28" inseam. Part of the problem is the scoot's weight. I'm afraid if I have to put my feet down quickly in a situation, that the lean could cause me to tip. Yes, I'm a newbie!
I think I'll take my Doc Ms to the local cobbler to see if they might be able to add an additional layer to the sole.

And I suspect I'm doing the same "tense" thing and that's part of the shoulder problem.

Practice, practice, practice seems to be the best answer!

You do want to be careful with regard to tipping on a lean. The problem of tipping over usually occurs when you come to a stop on uneven ground and the scoot is is not properly aligned with the curvature of the street surface. I would strongly recommend you consult with an experienced rider to show you how to properly align the scoot on stops and starts while maintaining a smooth balance, particularly on slanting small hills and rises. Otherwise, @350lbs + your body weight and accessories, you run the risk of tipping over at a stop or start. A single leg supporting over 500 lbs is difficult even for a strong person, once the weight is set in motion.

I don't have a GTV, but I am short with a GTS. I am 5'3-4" & 28.5" inseam. I bought the Pirate lowered (not extra lowered) seat for the GTS. It gave me about an 1-2". It really has made a huge difference. I can reliably get the balls of both of my fee securely on the ground. If I scoot forward on the seat, I can almost get my boot heels down. I can also walk it, particularly backwards, so much better now. I have heard that the GTS seat fits the GTV; however, it does not look as nice as the GTV seat.

As for the shoulder pain, I was getting that too. Just be sure that you are a comfortable distance from the handlebars. Also, use your stomach muscles, instead of your back, to keep yourself upright. It really has made a big difference for me. Also, be sure the your feet are flat on the foot boards and as far forward as you can get them. This helps your posture, the handling of the scoot, and planting your feet when coming to a stop.

Good luck

soniam wrote:

"use your stomach muscles, instead of your back, to keep yourself upright"

+1