Last summer after I installed the top box I realized that when I was on the road and stopped somewhere, that if it rained, the nice leather on the back-rest of the top box would get wet. Unlike the cover for the seat that comes with the Vespa, there is no such offering to protect the leather on the top box.
Updated July 2014: We started to make and sell these but I have moved and the seamstress is no longer available. However, any local seamstress can make one quickly and easily. Just bring your Vespa to the store and they can measure the top box and show them a picture of mine.
Some people do not ride in the rain so would only need the cover with the elastic to hold it on just fine. But if you plan to ride in the rain, we recommend an additional Velcro that will latch underneath the top box to keep it on when you are riding. Additionally, we recommend to add a reflective stripe to the back.
MG Driving/Riding Adventures 
Not a bad idea. Would you consider making them for other brands? I’m considering…no, I’m getting a good top box for my Kymco Xciting 500.
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Hi,
Yes we will eventually. I am leaving on vacation but upon return, I may take the seamstress to see other boxes for measurement.
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Dear Peter, I can’t tell you how much I have enjoyed reading your blog, as I am in the same position (almost!) that you were in when you bought your Vespa, and your experiences have been invaluable as I prepare for my own Vespa adventures. The difference in my case, however, is that I have never ridden anything more powerful than a bicycle. Part of me worries that the Vespa 300 (I have ordered the Super model) will be more than I can handle, but on the other hand, the only way for me to get anywhere here in rural Maine is on a major (55mph) road, so I fear anything smaller will get me run over. And I came to Vespa the same way you did, through their online videos and that of “rmeypilot”. Your descriptions of successful experiences, therefore, have been most encouraging, especially given the long hiatus in riding that you described in your journeys. If you have any advice for a Vespa newbie, it would be much appreciated, as my Vespa is due to arrive next month! Thanks again for an awesome blog!
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You are not so far apart. The last time I was on a bike was when I was 21 years old and not to out date myself, but that was 30 years ago. So I too had the same reservations. In fact, when I was looking around at bikes, I almost got a Honda Silverwing but I felt that if it started to fall that I could not stop it. Therefore, I was a bit nervous about heavy bikes. Furthermore, I even found the GTV a bit heavy and I strained to get it on the center stand at first.
At the end of my first summer riding, the bike felt completely different. It felt light and nimble. However, there were some hurdles to cross throughout the summer. I think the most problematic was the push turning used on a bike. Because I was nervous, I was overthinking this process. You see, push turning is a natural event when you ride your bicycle. You simply do it without thinking. Since the bicycle is light, it is a nonissue event. But in reality, you actually will push the left handle bar towards the right to initiate the turn to the left (without thinking). Additionally on a bicycle, your body position and eyes are all aligned properly.
On the Vespa, it works the same. However, the bike is much heavier and faster. So overthinking this becomes a problem and the more you think the more difficult this maneuver becomes. The ride through the mountains to Lake George gave me ample opportunity to practice and STOP THINKING about this maneuver. That was in fact the most difficult part for me to re-adjust to. As a kid, I guess it was just natural. At 53, not so much.
Now the stopping is another story. The Vespa stops amazingly well and fast. I went to a accident prevention seminar course and it could out-stop any other bike including the BMW, Honda and Harleys. Not because the brakes are so much better, but instead because the front and back brakes are controlled by the hands and there is no clutch or shifting to complicate the braking process. The instructors were amazed at how my front forks would be completely compressed and the back tire would be smoking when I would slam the brakes. No other bike could (with novice riders) could come close. Now I am certain that a BMW when properly managed by a professional could out stop my Vespa, but I could not see that happening with the riders in my class.
On a final note, I had purchased a book on riding a month before receiving my bike and would go through the movements in my head, as to practice them. I continually asked myself the “:what if?” questions so I would have a solution for most events well cemented in my head. I was determined to enjoy the Vespa and not race the Vespa, so I was a more defensive and laid back rider.
My best advice to you is the that you should always assume that the cars and trucks cannot see you under any circumstances. Most accidents happen at intersections or from cars turning onto a street and not seeing a bike coming. I ride as if I were the “invisible man” For example, if I am riding on a road and I see a car coming out of a parking lot, I ALWAYS SLOW DOWN and assume he does not see me coming. I honk, I pay attention to the wheels of the car to look for movement and finally I want to make clear and certain eye contact with the driver before I ride by and assume that he/she will not pull out in front of me. I do not tail gate. I do not ride through intersections without 100 % certainty that it is safe and finally, I wear protection.
I so much wanted the Vespa helmet that matched my Vespa until I watched a YouTube of a girl hitting a car at an intersection and seeing how she did a face-plant into the car (not pretty). I use a proper full face helmet of proper quality and certification to SNELL and DOT. I found the Shoe Quest fit proper for me. Make sure you have the helmet professionally fitted since they are very difficult to fit (http://vespaadventures.ca/2012/06/08/the-search-for-a-helmet-for-my-wife-chantal/). I always wear a jacket with armour and jeans. I just purchased some cool Joe Rocket Jeans that are low rise, fit amazing and look cool. I also wear proper boots and gloves. Remember this, it is a scooter but it is also a motorcycle and is capable of just as much bodily damage as any other bike. You can check out my record of costs to see the costs of my safety equipment (http://vespaadventures.ca/record-of-costs-2/).
So, rather than worry or fear the Vespa, take the time to master the push turning, wear safety clothing and get out there on those rural Maine Roads and enjoy. I once road from Montreal to Bangor through the mountain logging roads to visit a client in Bangor. I should do it again with my Vespa.
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Peter, great advice, and thanks so much for the kind words of encouragement. If you do bring your Vespa to Maine again, be sure to continue another hour east of Bangor to Acadia National Park, as it is a “can’t-miss” Maine destination of stunning ocean landscapes. Before considering the Vespa, I took the MSF course and almost gave up on the whole idea, as the shifting was so difficult and stressful; but then a friend let me try her Vespa and that was it! Thanks again for the great advice and for the great blog.
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