I finally broke down after six years of Vespa riding and bought a topcase.  This one a GIVI E370 with a holding capacity of 39 liters — big enough for my fullface helmet, raingear, digital SLR, gloves, and a jacket.  Carefully packed mind you.  The thing locks and is will keep the contents nice and dry.  There is a quick release button that allows me to remove the case from the mount if I decide I want to haul something unusual.

Not sure why it took me so long to get one of these things.  Their utility was apparent immediately.  I’m slow to adopt new things.  Maybe I will get a motorcycle in another five to ten years.

The quick release came in handy today for attaching two new Kenda K413 tires to the back of the scooter.  Time to remove the Heidenau winter tires and get ready for snow and ice free tires.  I won’t be amused if it starts to snow again.

This Vespa GTV 250 was parked outside.  Spent a few minutes talking with Duke who I thought was the owner but it turned out the scooter belonged to his wife. He said they would be trailering the GTV to the Mid Atlantic Scooter Rally in New Holland, Pennsylvania in late May.  I tried to convince him that he and his wife should ride to the rally.  It’s only 120 miles.

Hopefully tomorrow evening I get pick my own scooter up with some new shoes. I’ve tried a half dozen different brand tires and they have all performed well.  Now I am just trying to find ones that last a little longer.