This is why we can't have nice things.
Shortly after I got Frosty, my scooter, I ordered a matching top case for her. A top case is the optional rounded suitcase-looking thing that's installed on the butt end of the scooter. It more than doubles the storage space, since the only built-in storage is under the seat and that's just big enough to hold your helmet.
It took almost two months for the matching blue top case to arrive, so it was an exciting day when I went to the SF Scooter Centre to have the case installed. I have really enjoyed the top case these past few months. When I arrive at my destination, I can store my my unwieldy armored scootering jacket (I like to call it my Robocop jacket) in there and not have to lug it around, carrying it awkwardly over my arm. When I'm at the grocery store, I don't have to consider my purchases so strategically according to size and weight (the top case easily fits awkwardly shaped products like a six pack of bottled beer, which is not easy to transport otherwise).
There were downsides to the top case though. It was kind of rickety and not top quality, which I found out only after I purchased it and had it installed. I had chosen the blue top case because it looked cuter than the black ones I've seen, but it turns out that the black Givi cases are sturdier, roomier and removable.
Speaking of removable...
My blue top case was bolted to the back of my scooter by four screws. A few weeks ago, I heard some rattling around and noticed the back set of two screws had come very loose. I asked Steve, my scooter mentor, for help tightening them and he figured they'd come loose from the vibration of riding around. He tightened all four screws and sent me on my merry way. Then, two days later, the other set of two screws had nearly come off completely. Vibration, or attempt at grand theft top case? I was a little worried that someone was stalking Frosty, trying to steal her top case (which I always left empty) and returning to the scene of the crime after unsuccessful attempts.
I didn't get a chance to get the screws retightened that day, and when I woke up the next morning my suspicions were confirmed. All four screws were loose, a few missing, and some crackhead had clearly tried to rip through the thin layer of metal that kept the case attached.
As you can see, the crackhead was almost successful. You may also notice that in this photo, the case is no longer affixed to Frosty. That's because I had to take an emergency trip to SF Scooter Centre to explore my options. Turns out you can't just buy a new black metal plate to replace the one ruined by the determined crackhead - I would have to order and purchase a new top case all over again. So, while the thief was thwarted, they did manage to render my top case utterly useless. Currently it sits on my desk at work, lying on its back like a dead bug, taking up space.
My friends at SF Scooter Centre were sympathetic to my plight, so as a gesture of goodwill they offered me a deep discount on one of the black Givi cases. They even made light of my crackhead story on the printed price quote.
While the black Givi case does sound sturdier and safer (I could unlock and remove it completely, storing it inside my apartment when I'm not using it), I'm hesitant to buy it just for some other crackhead to come along and try to steal it. I went through so many break-ins, thefts and woes when I had a car, and now, sadly, my scooter innocence is lost too.
This is why we can't have nice things. In San Francisco.
So I think I'll go without a top case for a while. It does make Frosty ride a little more swiftly and quietly. And, you have to admit, she's got a pretty cute rack.