Modern Vespa

I know there are alot of threads about bout Safety and Comfort, but here are a couple of things I just bought to help both.

SKWOOSH ICS Gel Seat pad. This takes the numbness out of the backside on the I-80 commute--- (115 miles each way) I may someday replace the MP3 500's saddle, but until then, this really helps.
(Obviously not on an MP3, but the pic is from their website.)



and an AlpineStars Bionic 2 Protection jacket. This is surprisingly comfortable, and will help me in the event of a dump at highway speeds. It fits nicely under a sweatshirt or leather jacket, and is very well built.



I wear armored pants, but nothing to recommend. Those will be replaced next.

Take Care,
Steve, HB

Post a review when you can. I'll be interested in this, as I suffer on even not-so-long rides. Thanks

Yeah, I'm curious to know how the gel pad works out. After I get my 6k service done and the rear tire swapped out, I plan on doing some long adventure rides.

I have about 500 miles or so on the SKWOOSH ICS Gel Seat pad. Alot of my riding is on I-80 from Roseville CA to San Francisco for my workweek. (115 miles one way, there and back each week)

I have to give it a solid B+ for the overall evaluation.

I put it a little bit forward of where most would think to put it, and my tailbone can sit in between the gel pad and the pillion. This gives me the most comfort, by putting most my weight on the pad resting on the back of my upper thighs, (below the glutes) Some butt support falls against the pillion, but the real improvement comes from getting the tailbones off the original seat surface. I have had NO NUMBNESS OR CRAMPING since using this. My knees have even done better due to a better angle, but I still plan on getting UFP foot peg brackets nonetheless.



The seat comes with a strong fabric elastic band which holds the pad in place even when the seat is lifted for storing. It is very easy to take off and secure if in a place where I am concerned about it.



The underside is made from a slip resistant, waterproofed rubberized fabric that does a good job and won't shift around once it's in place. In this photo, the underside is in the middle, and the sitting surface is on the right.



And here is one of my favorite parts,



About the only downsides to this, is the cost of the unit, (+/- $70) and that it lifts me about 3/4" (18mm) which is a fair bit since I have short legs. If I lost this, I would be at the motorcycle shop the next morning to buy another. 8)

$70 isn't bad... I bought The jmbo pad for this
http://www.amspecialtiesusa.com/category/Comfort-Max-Gel-Seat-Pads-2

That's $115 !! it has a gel pad PLUS memory foam PLUS sheep skin.. Ine down side is that it is thick ! On my MP3, it adds about 3/4" (my guess) and the seat is already pretty high... I pulled it off.. On my Burgman, with a lwer seat, it's better & I use it on a pemanent basis.... It does promote comfort.. and whether it is a Gel pad or something like I have.. they will help..

to help even futher remove 1 of the 3 seat mount bracket bolts , go to ace hardware and get 3 that are3/4" longer and 3 half inch nuts and some fender washers. Remove the other 2 bolts slip in the 1/2 nuts between the bracket and the mounting holes. bolt it back down. this will raise the front of the seat some so you don't feel like your sliding forward as bad. If not enough rise add some of the fender washers also.