Modern Buddy

Greetings MB Forum-Goers! I'm looking to get a new Italia 150 as soon as my dealer gets any in. I was had a few questions about the various accessories that are available. For sure I want to get either a small or medium sized wind-screen, but some of the other things I'm not set on yet. I plan on taking the MSF course, and I will be riding in full-gear witha full face helmet, so no need to hit me up for that

1) Is scooterworks the only place to get some of this stuff? My dealer says he orders most of his stuff wholesale from them, but they seem to always be out of stock on a lot of items.

2) What are your experiences with the cowl protectors. http://www.scooterworks.com/Cowl_Protec ... _P5044.cfm

Sure it LOOKS cool, but will it actually help protect the panels if the buddy goes down?

3) How much of the 125 Stuff is compatible with the 150 models? Are they basically identical other than the engine, horn, paint?
4) Is there any sort of must have-stuff i should look for? Recommended locks, etc?

Thanks folks

1) Nope. if your dealer's out of stock, you can always just order straight from Scooterworks. Also check out Motorsport Scooters. They can usually order anything not on their site, or may actually have it in stock if you call. There are a few other retailers around as well.

2) They may offer some protection, but they're really more decorative. This sort of thing is designed for scooters with cowls which descend over most of the rear wheel. Those scoots usually have metal cowls, which can be expensive to replace (and on a Modern Vespa with a monocoque steel frame, very expensive to fix.) On the Buddy, replacing the rear panels is actually cheaper than buying new cowl protectors. So laying it down on the side may actually cost you more if you do have them.

3) 100% compatible. The only thing to watch out for is windshields designed to fit the '06 Buddys, which had smaller headlights.

4) I'm a fan of windshields, which actually provide the most bang for your buck of any performance mod. Some people don't like them—they hate the way they look or never get used to the wind being redirected towards their chest or neck.