There’s no arguing that the most useful products are created when a rider decides to solve a problem themselves. That’s exactly what happened in Milan during the late 1990s when a group of friends grew tired of enduring the cold while riding around the city on their scooters. Dismissing the option of simply staying at home and waiting for the good weather to return, they decided to ‘gear up’ instead. The result was the now iconic Tucano Urbano Termoscud leg cover, now affectionately called "Il Tucano" or "La Copertina”. It remains the only leg cover for scooters that’s equipped with the patented anti-flap system: S.G.A.S, but more of that in a moment…
Warm, dry and sweat free
For those unfamiliar with the concept of a fitted leg cover, its probably worth starting at the very beginning.
Every rider owns at least one set of waterproofs, probably trousers. Obviously the effectiveness of these depends on a lot of factors including design and cost, but they all have the same weaknesses. Firstly, they’re designed for motorcyclists whose crotch area gets some protection from the tank. On a scooter that’s not the case and the seams around that area are usually the first to leak. It’s not a good look…
Secondly, they’re inconvenient; often awkward to put on, particularly at the side of the road when caught out by a sudden deluge and finally we all know that ‘boil in the bag’ feeling when temperatures rise but spring showers are still highly likely. It’s not unusual to swat so much that it’s wetter on the inside of a waterproof suit than on the outside.
In contrast a leg cover is fitted to the machine itself, meaning that there’s no need to get caught out by a shower and as the cover functions as an apron, everywhere from the waist down stays warm and dry without sweating.
What makes the Thermoscud different from other leg covers is its patented 'SGAS' system. This is a patented anti-flap system developed by Tucano Urbano that’s designed to prevent the sides of the leg cover from fluttering or ‘flapping’ at high speeds, which improves safety, comfort, and noise reduction for the rider.
The system works by incorporating inflatable chambers (or ‘lungs’) into the sides of the leg cover. These are inflated to create a rigid structure, ensuring the apron remains stable at high speeds.
The latest versions feature a new, more efficient valve with an integrated cap and a watertight screw closure. The S.G.A.S. system ensures that even when riding on motorways or in high wind, the leg cover does not lift or cause instability.
Easy fitting
Part of the Termoscud’s brilliant design is just how easy one is to fit. The team at Tucano Urbano know that owner’s don’t like drilling their pride and joy, so they’ve designed it to use existing fastening points. The only tools required are a screwdriver and a very small amount of patience. The process can be seen, start to finish, in Tucano Urbano’s own YouTube video and we think that Fil’s fantastic moustache more than makes up for the slight inconvenience of it being subtitled from Italian!
Season’s greetings
Recognising that riders have slightly different requirements and budgets, Tucano Urbano offer the Thermoscud in two variants: ‘Pro’ and ‘Standard’.
- Pro Version: Intended for commuters who need maximum protection in winter but do not want the hassle of taking the cover on and off, allowing them to adapt to changing weather throughout the year. It features a thermal liner that provides maximum warmth in winter but can be removed for summer use leaving the base structure attached to the scooter. When the liner is removed in summer, a built-in emergency rain cover and a seat cover can be pulled out from the remaining structure to keep you and your seat dry during unexpected summer showers. It’s also constructed from higher-spec 1680 Ballistic and Dobby Polyamide, making it more durable and resistant to wear.
- Standard Version: Designed for casual riders to use in cold or wet weather. It’s manufactured from waterproof, heavy-duty nylon and usually removed entirely during the summer because its thermal qualities can make it too hot for summer temperatures; at least in Italy!
Select the correct fit
In order to ensure a perfect fit, the Thermoscud is tailored to fit individual machines ranging from scooters to large Adventure motorcycles. We stock a comprehensive range to fit Vespa and Piaggio machines, with prices starting from only £70.
The most common covers we sell are listed below, but if you’re unsure or can’t find your machine listed, give our sales team a call on 01226 203377 and they’ll be pleased to help.
Classic Vespa
Modern Vespa ‘smallframe’
Modern Vespa ‘largeframe’
Vespa GT/GTS/GTV/L (2007-2022)
Vespa GTS Super Sport 125/300 (< 2022)
Thermoscud ‘Pro’
Vespa GT/GTS/GTV/L (2007-2022)
Vespa GTS Super Sport 125/300 (< 2022)
It’s for good reason that the Thermoscud is one of our best selling accessories, if you’re serious about staying warm, dry and comfortable when riding, what are you waiting for?
Additional image:www.tucanourbano.com
