Modern Buddy

I know there have been extensive discussions about some of the following topics, but I have some specific questions.

My wife and I recently bought a Buddy 50 (I know, too small for most of you) in Sunset. We're just using it to commute to work and go out to dinner around town, we live downtown Chicago and don't ever have to drive very fast or far.

We've only had it for a couple weeks but have realized that we need to add more storage space. We both carry Timbuktu bags with 15" Powerbooks (well, she has a MacBook Pro, lucky) which won't fit under the seat of the Buddy. Anyway, usually one of us can leave the computer behind so that only the passenger has to carry their bag while we ride, but when we both need them one of us has to drive the car or take public trans.

We both like the idea of getting the Genuine trunk in Sunset, but I have heard people say bad things about it on here. Everyone talks up the Givi trunks. So, first, does anyone know if the Genuine trunk will even hold two 15" laptops, and second is there a better alternative (preferably in Sunset)? The reason I ask mainly about the hard trunks instead of bags is that it looks like, at least the Genuine, has a little padding to also act as a backrest for the passenger.

Also, neither of us needs prescription glasses, but we'd like something to keep the wind out of our eyes. Right now we're wearing ski goggles (that would be hilarious). I've been wearing sunglasses during the day which is better than nothing, but obviously can't do that at night. Anyone have anything that will keep the wind out, but have something like interchangable lenses so we can wear them anytime? My nice sunglasses just broke recently, so we can spend some change on them, but obviously don't want to if we don't have to.

I don't want to start arguments, just looking for some basic suggestions. Thanks to everyone on here for being so free with information and opinions. We probably wouldn't have gotten the Buddy if we didn't start reading and asking questions on MB first.

Take care.

I'd think saddlebags would be perfect for laptops.

We'd thought about that, just don't like the look as much. We saw a Prima bag at Scooterworks that looked cool though. Maybe we should just take one of our bags up there and see if it fits.
How easy (or not) is it to take saddlebags off if we don't need them for a day? If we can just unhook them and then hook them back on pretty easily I think that would settle the issue pretty much.

I have the S/X version of the Prima Bag and I think it would hold two 15" 'tops. Looks good, too!

--Keys

I just bought (and am waiting to receive) the Givi 427 Saddlebags--their scooter specific model. I think those will do the trick for the laptop. As far as the hardcase goes, I have a Givi E30, and initially hoped that my laptop would fit it (I have the 14" iBook), but no dice. Also, I wouldn't recommend it anyway--with the vibration from the bike and the street, even with a sleeve over the laptop, you could be looking at some damage. I do like my topcase, though--I had the 2006 version of the Buddy sunset topbox, and I do NOT recommend those--cheap and flimsy. By the way, are both you and your wife able to fit comfortably on the Buddy? Many people (including my boyfriend and I) don't. If it's tight, getting a topbox might make it even tighter. Just something to consider...

I also like the givi t427 saddlebags......they look nice....lots of storage.....and I can have them off and on within seconds......probably between 20 and 30 seconds to remove or install...its two velcro straps and one bunji cord on the back run through the license plate mount which remains on the scoot always now........I cruise around without the saddle bags on.......but for longer trips I will be throwing them on...I would think the saddle bags would hold your laptops just fine........

Wear a fullface helmet. If you will not, get a 3/4 helmet with attached faceshield. A tiny rock in the face is no fun.

But you will miss some of the tastier bugs.

--Keys

For what's worth.

I was using the Bell 3/4 with face shield. Very comforatable and good wind protection, then a month ago when I went down, I ended up skidding on the face shield. It would have been much worse without it but both my chin and upper lip were badly cut and teeth were numb but not loose. I still have tingling in the upper lip from nerve damage.

I now have and will only ride with a full face helmet. The Bell will be properly retired and disposed of.

If you love the half helmets, I talked my dealer into giving me a face shield because I wear contacts.

However, to protect my charming good looks , I purchased a full face helmet also. It is warmer on the cool mornings. Irritating things about a full: fogging, heat (a little too warm after 85) and a bad case of "helmet hair".

I like to use my half on short trips on warm days. But I took a rock in the neck this week. That was no fun at 45mph.