Prima Chrome Front Fender Protector

PhillyScott · Post by **PhillyScott** » Mon Mar 22, 2010 1:52 am

First off, I'd like to introduce myself, as this is my first post here on the Modern Buddy Forum. My name is Scott and I live in Philadelphia. My wife, Alicia bought a 2009 Buddy Saint-Tropez from Philadelphia Scooters yesterday, adorned with Genuine's free bolt-on accessory package. We had done a fair amount of research on scooters in general before she decided on the Buddy and one of the resources we used to help with our decision was reading this forum. Thanks for a lot of useful information!

So on to my question.......my wife and I were out riding today and after a rest stop, I noticed wear marks on both sides of the front tyre, on the edge of the tread above the white walls. It seems the mounting brackets of the Prima front chrome fender protector were rubbing against the tyre slightly. Has anyone else experienced this problem and if so, what was done to remedy it. We both really like the way the fender protector looks on the Buddy and would like to find a solution, rather than simply removing it. And I'm sorry if this question has been answered before, but I used the search query and couldn't find anything.

Thanks,
_Scott

jfrost2 · Post by **jfrost2** » Mon Mar 22, 2010 2:25 am

Without a photo I cant tell you that I am 100% correct, but it sounds more like brand new tire wear.

You said the wearing was on the sides above the white walls? This sounds like the rubber's surface is worn after riding since they're brand new, also dust could be on the tire when she was leaning and turning on the edges of the tires.

Sounds all normal to me, I've never seen the front fender protector rub against the tire itself, the fender itself would rub first. Even then I've never seen that happen either.

Sounds just like brand new tires getting broken in normally to me.

Take a photo and show us if you're still concerned.

EDIT: Now the more I think of it, I think you could be correct. The mounts could have been put on wrong and be too long and rubbing on the tire at some times when riding. Please do take a photo, this seems more serious all of the sudden.

PhillyScott · Post by **PhillyScott** » Mon Mar 22, 2010 3:18 am

jfrost2,

No, the front mounting brackets are definitely rubbing against the tyre when under load. I haven't taken anything apart to fully investigate, but It appears as if the dealer installed the fender protector properly using small set screws or studs (headless bolt), so the head of the bolt wouldn't rub against the tyre. These 'pinch' brackets just seem a little too big for this installation. I'll take some pictures, but will also call the dealer on Tuesday to see if they've experienced this problem before.

Thanks,
_Scott

polianarchy · Post by **polianarchy** » Mon Mar 22, 2010 7:52 pm

Scott, please bring the scooter by the shop! We'll take care of this ASAFP.

PhillyScott · Post by **PhillyScott** » Tue Mar 23, 2010 7:47 pm

polianarchy wrote:Scott, please bring the scooter by the shop! We'll take care of this ASAFP.

Called Larry at Philadelphia Scooters this morning and he told me to bring the scooter in to the shop, so they could have a look. Danny did some fiddling with the mounting brackets, adjusted the fender mount (I think) and with a little more massaging, the problem seems to be fixed. He told me to ride it a bit to see if these adjustments did the trick, but to keep my eye on it and bring it back if the problem isn't remedied. He said there is one more adjustment that might help, if the aforementioned 'fixes' didn't work. Well, I rode the scooter 7 miles back to my house and so far, so good. I'll keep my fingers crossed!

Some photos of the bracket and tyre before I took it to the shop this morning.

Thanks,
_Scott

jfrost2 · Post by **jfrost2** » Wed Mar 24, 2010 1:09 am

Yes, you were correct scott. That thin line you see looks like it was from rubbing the corner of the mounting bracket. Take it to the dealer and have them take care of it.

Maybe it's just a bad front protector out of all the other good ones.

Dibber · Post by **Dibber** » Wed Mar 24, 2010 1:28 am

I ended up returning mine after I could not mount it without the screws or bracket rubbing on my front tire. I think it is a bad design and unfortunate at that as it really looks nice on the scoot. Wish they would redesign it and I would be willing to buy it again.

Cpryd001 · Post by **Cpryd001** » Fri Apr 02, 2010 5:27 am

Oh wow! I totally just realized that I have the same problem! Front Fender skidding along the tire. I've emailed Larry and hopefully I get it worked out.

Any updates since the fix?

PhillyScott · Post by **PhillyScott** » Fri Apr 02, 2010 1:02 pm

Larry and Danny sorted our issue with the rubbing, so I'm sure they'll be able to fix yours as well.

_Scott

dent6 · Post by **dent6** » Sun May 02, 2010 3:06 am

Any idea what they did . Mine is rubbing too. Thanks brian

PhillyScott · Post by **PhillyScott** » Sun May 02, 2010 1:03 pm

dent6 wrote:Any idea what they did . Mine is rubbing too. Thanks brian

viewtopic.php?p=185827#185827

They fiddled with the mounting brackets and adjusted the fender mount. We have over 600 miles on her since the adjustment and the brackets have not rubbed on the tyre again. It's important to note that my dealer used set screws (headless bolts) in place of regular bolts to secure the two front mounting brackets.

_Scott

dent6 · Post by **dent6** » Mon May 03, 2010 12:25 am

Well here is what I finally had to do to mine. I used 6x10 allen screws. I ground metal away from the bracket to give more room and re-polished the areas. Note if you grind metal, always wear full safety eye goggles. Plain safety glasses are not enough!