Modern Vespa

So I just dropped a load of cash on a rear carrier + top case and touring saddle. Wow, what a pos the rear carrier is that came with the top case. I thought Vespa made better stuff than this. I tried for two hours to get all 4 holes to line up with no success at all (could manage to get three in but not the fourth). Anybody have the same problem? Is the chrome carrier any better? I will post a pic after I read the wiki on how to do that.

I am sorry you plunked down the money for the top box. Reading here I have discovered that the box has limited use and takes up more space than its worth. Almost everyone here comments that the rear chrome carrier is far more useful and flexible.

I was lucky enough to be able to cancel my order and switch to the rear carrier. Perhaps you can return it?

I have to return it because it just does not work. Thanks for the advice on the chrome carrier, I should have figured it was better and just bought it instead. Lesson learned.

Sadly, many Piaggio rear carriers do NOT fit and have to be returned. When they are good, they are very, very good. But when they are bad - they are junk. My guess is they've got four jigs at wherever they make them, and one of them is badly out of shape.

I've got some to work with just a little re-tapping, but some are so far out it is obvious that even some bending won't work.

This may be one of the few bits of the Piaggio production that is left to local family firms - and after lunch things can go awry. The line-up of the holes should be tested FFS - as should the original threading of the rear rails they (hopefully) screw into.

jimc, you are right on about that one. It is off so bad that it is obnoxious. It really does look like the manufacturers knocked back a few brews and then made this piece of crap. To anyone reading this thread, do not buy the non-chrome rear carrier. Not only because of this potential problem, but it looks awful on the back of such a nice bike. Mine is battleship gray and looks really ugly on the scoot. I didn't even know they made these, I thought they were all chrome - gig on me. Its going back FAST.

A little too much vino, perhaps? Or do you think they're already getting into the grappa by then?

At the very least, I would hope that they're using a jig when welding the parts together... or is that just too much to ask for?

marinerson: any chance you could post pics of the misalignment so we can see what's going on? Also, if you haven't tried it yet, maybe attaching the screws in a certain order might work better? For example, insert the two upper screws halfway, and then see if you can attach the two lower screws? Or vice versa? With some racks and accessories I've installed, I've found that I had to attach things in a particular order for it to all come together; for example, if I tightened down one screw all the way first, another screw wouldn't line up afterward. If you can get them all in loosely before tightening them, that might be the trick. Good luck and post some pics if that doesn't do it, one of us might have some ideas on how to get it to work.

Will try to post a picture

I have tried using a combination of techniques but no luck yet. I think it was just poorly made.

Personally i've never had a problem with mine, the only issue i have is the colour. Simple fix, but i can't be bothered to take it off again as i had so much fun getting the crash bars/carrier/grab rail to line up to bolt in!

I have that rack too and it came with my topcase, already painted to match.

It has been almost 4 years but I remember having to play with the mounting sequence in order to get all the screws in. However, they all went in.

Strange that they aren't painted now. That rack is not for show, really, and is too short to carry much of a load. It is very strong and designed to mount the topcase securely.