Standard Features
I use my Vespa scooter almost in it’s stock configuration with only a minimum of add-ons, additional features, gadgets or gizmos. Like the places I ride, it’s simple.
Riding yesterday morning I was thinking about what I’ve added to the scooter that has really enhanced the ride or the experience of being on the Vespa. Some immediate things come to mind — topcase, front rack, heated grips and electric gloves. All functional features that get used all the time. But as I thought more, there was one thing I’ve added to the Vespa that has been a real help.
It’s found in the topcase.
Photography Tool — Sirui Carbon Fiber Tripod
My favorite motorcycle/scooter gadget is the Sirui T-025X Carbon Fiber Tripod with C-10S Ball Head
The tripod is small, light and sturdy enough for a range of cameras. I use it with my Canon G15, Nikon D3300, and even bigger and heavier DSLR cameras.
For as small as it is the tripod extends to around 54 inches high. And the carbon fiber poles and connectors work smoothly and positively. It’s perhaps the easiest tripod I’ve ever used. And it can be used to place the camera almost at ground level.
The ball head and quick release plate are a great addition and saves the fiddling of trying to attach the camera directly using a tripod screw.
I didn’t stumble on this tripod by accident. It was suggested to me by the late great BobSkoot — Bob Leong when he visited State College some years ago with a couple other Moto-Bloggers.
Related to the Sirui tripod is a set of wireless triggers for the camera. Bob Leong had a pair with him and told me how to get them myself through eBay. They didn’t cost much — around $25 — and work simply. Just attach the receiver to the hot shoe of the camera and plug a little cable into the side of the camera. Turn it on and then the transmitter will tell the camera to trip the shutter, roll video, etc. I’m not sure what the maximum distance is but I’ve used it at 200 feet.
The tripod and transmitters help expand what I can do with the camera while I’m riding.
Riding on Ice.
I could have used the tripod today to videotape the difficulty I had navigating glare ice on a farm lane. I don’t have my winter tires on yet (probably won’t mount them this year) and while they wouldn’t help on the ice they would have made circling through the snow to turn around and riding back between the tire tracks a whole lot easier.
Still was nice to get out for a little ride.
Steve: like you, I have added a top case. In addition, I have added the cigarette lighter (I don’t smoke, but it’s very handy for recharging my phone and for plugging in the GPS), and I replaced the stock horn with a louder (much louder) Stabel horn.
You’ve engage more modifications than I have Bill. I’ve considered the Stebel horn but it just keeps being pushed aside. The only time I use the horn is to wave goodbye to my granddaughter…
It’s hilarious to beep the very loud (almost semi-like) Stebel horn at a red light when the driver ahead doesn’t notice that the light has turned green (usually on their phone). After a visible jump, they look in the rearview and see a scooter and can’t believe it. 🙂
The horn on the GTS300 is better than the weaker horn on the 250, but still not as loud as the Stebel. Note, however, that there are different Stebels, and some are louder than others. I don’t have the model number of the one I had installed, sorry. But shop with some care if you decide to get one (although even the least loud Stebel is a huge improvement on the factory GTS250 horn).
I would be worried that my low profile might be affected by a loud horn. In a small town where everyone knows everyone you never know what a horn blast might cause. But I certainly see the humor in a horn blast that doesn’t match the vehicle.
Oops, that should be Stebel horn.
Two wheels on ice…now thats pushin an edge…or 2.
You must still be comfortable righting the Vespa.
Or cant they fall down?
Things were a bit dicey on that lane. The ice was slippery and wasn’t easy to get out of the track. I can probably pick the scooter up if it went down but don’t really want to test that theory. They definitely can fall down. So can I!
Lovely tripod there: had it been available, and at that price, way back in the mid-late 90s, I’d have bought that instead of my heavier-but-still-wonderful Manfrotto 2015G (which I don’t use all that much anyway).
I haven’t really outfitted Melody just yet, but here’s what’s on the “definite” list this year: “Euro-spec” tinted flyscreen; “minimalist” crash bars; Zellioni combo rear rack/grab-rail.
At the moment, the only “accessory” I have for the bike is my GripLock anti-theft device, which locks the front brake and throttle body in one quick and easy maneuver. That was sort of a “first things first” no-brainer for me. 🙂
Perfect, two wheels and photo stuff. Does it get any better?
My favorite device is something recommended years ago on a Scootdawg. A half inch drive electric impact gun. It has proven invaluable in many maintenance tasks. From removing the crankshaft nut to change a drive belt to taking the lug nuts off a car it’s been a blessing. I would never have thought of it if not for Chinese scooter companions on the web.
Hmmm. Never considered one of those. Guess I’m still trying to find a set of Philips head screwdrivers that aren’t useless…
Uh oh, now I have gadget envy. Is that shutter release as easy as you make it sound? Tripod looks great too!
The wireless release is quite simple. You just need to make sure you have the right cables.
“Right cables for wireless remote…”…? Hmmmmm?
Oxymoron?
Sounds like it could be. Should have said “cable”. Here’s how mine works. The receiver mounts on the hot shoe of the Canon G15. A small cable runs from the receiver to the camera. That’s it. Just turn the receiver on and the camera on.
In my hand is the wireless trigger. Turn it on. Press the big button. The shutter releases. It’s magic. Love that thing.
Gadget envy, dangerous territory! As with so many devices things they are never seen in Canada for various reasons. Mostly language laws specifically state items to be sold here must ONLY be labelled in French and English; that kills a whole to of items if they
are to be high volume sales items. To wit, the owner’s manual for my truck is one inch thick, in English,almostt two inches thick in French, the French tend to be very wordy. The French volume went into paper recycling on the first day.
That noted, looked at the tripod in your top box, looked at my massive 062 Manfotto with the extended centre post and said “aw heck, spend some money on your self!”
Ordered that small tripod c/w a pair of spare plates from B&H (have had an account there for years) with delivery in a few days. Oh and the cost? About the same as my basic very heavy Manfrotto tripod when I first purchased that many years ago. C$422.85!
Can see the small tripod living inside my camera case with the Nikon D750 and the two lenses very nicely; and being at hand and easy to use, perhaps far more useful than the Manfotto. Mind wouldn’t want to balance my 4×5 view camera on the small tripod.
I already have a remote shutter trigger for the Nikon.
In my list of added accessories I left off one of the most important additions. I added the Vespa medium height windscreen. I had a fly screen for a short while, but it wasn’t very effective keeping the wind off me. I am 6’0″ tall and the medium height model is perfect for me. The difference in rider experience (vs no windscreen) is impressive; warmer, less buffeting and less fatigue.
I’m a couple inches taller than you but only have the flyscreen. It keeps the windblast off my chest but sends everything toward my helmet. The only reason I’ve not gotten something taller is pure vanity — I don’t like the way they look. That’s a pretty weak excuse…
Steve, Bob Leong had a knack for leaving a lasting impression.
All this time later and his name still pops up on blogs in the context of current events.
My experience with Bob was that he had both an infectious curiosity and a direct, relentless focus on what he wanted to do. I remember the last time I talked with him on the phone he had called for help in locating someone to receive his Corvette being shipped to Harrisburg. He had plans and he was going to achieve his goal! I wish I had made time to see him when he flew to the car show.