Modern Vespa

Hi, i'm new here. I ride a plum LX 150 (purple vespa!)

I thought that I'd start out with a question.

I carry my laptop bag back and forth to work on it, it's too big for my top case, so I got some strong cord and attach it to the side of the scoot with some carabiners - sort of like a motorcycle's side case.

I worry about this a lot, since it seems pretty risky.

Maybe i'm crazy - has anyone tried to attach motorcycle hard case to a vespa? If so, what kind did you use. Finding one that could look at all reasonable seems difficult.

Welcome to the forum, trysha. Nice color choice. One of my coworkers is going to be picking up an LX in that same color tomorrow morning.

oh man i would hate to be riding behind you when that cord lets go

why not a use a backpack

too risky for your laptop,backpack is the way to go,
good luck!

CUCO

Welcome, Trysha!

I thought about the plum when I got mine, but they didn't have any. I have yet to see one in that color.

Do you use the top case? If not, how about taking it off and attaching your laptop bag securely on the rear carrier?

BTW, di you get the official LX-150 top case? The store here hasn't got mine in yet...

OH, you're right - it's kind of scary. You guys can just call me crazy

Still, it's nylon braid (mountain climbing cord), two cords are tied with anchor knots and an extra stopper knot on the tail for security. The part that attaches to the bike goes around a bracket on the frame of the bike under the seat.

Those carabiners go onto metal D rings on the laptop bag.

I don't think they are going to just let go.

I'm more worried about the cables becoming frayed over time (on the hard edges of bike's frame), or for pitching over on the bike due to circumstances and drivers beyond my control -

But for now figure i'm pretty safe. I am paranoid, so i always check on the cords before I ride to make sure that i'm not going to lose my laptop when riding.

Backpack, i did that for a little while, and it's just plain uncomfortable. That's why I was looking for an alternate solution. It is probably the safest solution.

Thanks for the welcome, i use the top case all the time. I just want to carry the world with me when I go.

I was told that I was the first owner of a plum lx-150 in massachusetts, i special ordered it. The dealer said that since it's a new color, they are to hard to come by. The top case took forever to come in too, and when it did come in - it was broken (crushed in shipping), so they had to try again with a second top case. Very annoying.

what about one of these? Might be a bit roomier?

http://www.vespacharlottesville.com/shop_category.asp?c=41

The leather one sounds sweet!

i have never really likes the looks of the rear top boxes BUT really dig they way Rolfs Givi box looks on his GT200

they make side cases but i have no idea how to attach them

I had trouble getting my laptop to fit in my topcase until I bought a Pinder Bag laptop case. www.pinderbags.com. It fits fine, but perhaps the LX box is smaller than the GT so how about the purse hook? Too unstable?

Here is the Pinder bag:

Vespa had an aluminum briefcase that attached and locked to the ET4 rear rack, and it was cool. Had enough room for a laptop and then some. You might get lucky and find one unsold at a boutique somewhere.

I had one on my ET4, and it was awesome.

Len

Welcome, and nice color (my LX150 is the same).

For my laptop (and other stuff), I use one of these:
http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/72501/wo/Wf4R1JJTGmIu3HIHcVd1kyOGDly/8.SLID?mco=AFD8F8FA&nplm=TC459LL%2FA

I bought it a few years ago to use when I commuted via train and bus here in L.A. Not cheap, but extremely well built and surprisingly comfortable for its size. Best of all, it protects the laptop in multiple padded layers and a very thick nylon-like material on the outside. Loads of pockets and big easy zippers.

I also carry a laptop a lot. It was easy on my big SilverWing scoot; I shoved it in the cavernous underseat storage!
On the Vespa, I use a laptop rucksack (actually purchased in the USA, not the UK!). I'm with Trysha though; sometimes it is heavy and cumbersome to wear on my back.

What I do do is put the bag on the pillion seat, and strap it down with a cargo net, similar to this (but not in yucky fluo-yellow ). For extra safety I thread one of the bag's straps through my rack:

Its really secure, quick to get on/off, and cheap. If you used one on your LX, you could prop the bag on the seat in front of the topbox, and strap the bungee hooks under and behind the box/rack and seat. Also, its really easy to pop a plastic bag over the bag and still secure it down if its raining.

I'd just say to be careful where you put a laptop on a bike or scooter. There is inevitable vibration from engine & road conditions (which PC's only endure to a certain degree), so make sure there's some padding between the computer and the scoot.

I carry a laptop in my Boblbee backpack. It is the best backpack I have ever owned. It is contoured to your back so it comfortable to carry heavy things in it, and it is a hard case backpack so your things do not get damaged inside. Look up there website and check it out. Other than that I think it should fit in a top case.

I agree with the backpack suggestion...



I use this Axio Swift Hardpack for my 15" Powerbook and love it everytime I use it. Comfortable, very strong, great pockets, and best of all it perfectly matches my Dragon Red Vespa.

Most people think it came with the Vespa, that's how close the colour match is.

I also got it for $99 because they were getting rid of inventory and updating the line.

Here's their site.

thats a neat looking backpack
but i should expect that from an Apple guy

I use an Aerostich Courier Bag for my laptop. YTou can swivel the strap around and have the rear seat take up some of the weight.

Wow! I like those Axio packs. I would choose the fabric covered "Fuse" model (which also happens to be the cheapest) but it doesn't hold the 17" Powerbook.

The Hyperpack looks HUGE!

we've got the Vyper padded laptop sleeve , and just toss it on a backpack or duffle.

http://www.booqbags.com/Detail.bok?no=93



I'm using my daughter's old Arizona Jeans bookbag from JC Penny. I have a great Mountainsmith rucksack, but there are no pockets, pouches, or dividers for Palm, pen/pencils, batteries, wireless headset, iPod, etc.

Bark,

I use this Incase case for my 12" laptop and it seems to do quite well hanging on the GT200's purse hook. Of course, it's not as large or heavy as a 15" laptop.

Kevin

I use the Incase bag for my 12" powerbook as well. It works great slung over your shoulder.