Saddle Bags/Top Cases/Front Bags/Cowl Protector

ICEMAN · Post by **ICEMAN** » Mon May 28, 2007 4:59 am

Hi all, I am hoping to purchase a Buddy 125 this week or next week, I have a KYMCO ZX-50 2005 now....... Unfortunately it is now broken.........HARD!

I upgraded it to a 70cc with a Malossi cylinder kit, New Malossi variator and clutch spring and re-jetted the carb........ I did this because I needed more power on the hills to commute to work.......what a waste!!!

Yesterday the wife had to come pick me up........Dime size hole burned through the brand new piston and metal shavings throughout the motor.....Project scooter now......my last tank of gas I got 105mpg and the thing was running great right up until it blew up!

Anyway I have taken the buddy 125 for two test rides now....not up to full speed though..what is the real top end on these stock...which is where I will leave it..............and I need storage, I want a good top case, front case and possibly saddle bags as I will be riding this quite a bit and once a month I will be riding it 75 Miles one way for reserve duty and need to have the storage for weekend hotel stays etc..........any suggestions or links would be appreciated..........take care all........

Keys · Post by **Keys** » Mon May 28, 2007 6:08 am

I have an S/X rear bag...Prima has a very similar one as well. Excellent products. I have also test fit and considered buy the Dowco brand sport saddlebags. They fit the lines of the Buddy well and aren't so big they'll overwhelm a bike this small. Also, they are quite affordable...less'n a hundred bucks.

--Keys

Post by **ericalm** » Mon May 28, 2007 6:19 am

Racks should be readily available through your dealer or online at Scooterworks or Motorsport. They also have some bags available, such as the Prima or SX Appeal roll-style rear bag and the SX Appeal saddle bags.

As far as top cases go, consider a Givi or just about anything other than the ones made for the Buddy which, sorry to say, aren't of the same quality as the scoot itself.

You can also use a lot of motorcycle bags for the front, back and saddle bags. Online stores like JC Whitney, Motorcycle Superstore, Motorcyclecloseouts.com and New Enough carry a lot of reasonably-priced luggage options (and there are plenty more elsewhere on the Net).

ICEMAN · Post by **ICEMAN** » Mon May 28, 2007 2:32 pm

Thanks for the feedback,have they corrected the rear rack weld problem or do I need to be concerned about that?

I would hate for the laptop to go bouncing down the road..........

Post by **ericalm** » Mon May 28, 2007 2:55 pm

ICEMAN wrote:Thanks for the feedback,have they corrected the rear rack weld problem or do I need to be concerned about that?

I would hate for the laptop to go bouncing down the road..........

You need to be concerned about that. There were no reports of welds breaking for a while... until recently. So the problem may still exist.

The good news—the rack won't fall off entirely because it's still secured by 2 bolts at the sides.

I don't trust my laptop in anything but a good backpack. Even then, I totaled a Powerbook in a crash. (Responsible party's insurance got me a brand new laptop!) Most hard top cases are too small for a laptop. Those that are big enough are probably too large for the Buddy's rack (regardless of weld problems).

bruiteur · Post by **bruiteur** » Mon May 28, 2007 4:50 pm

Here's my Buddy loaded up during a recent camping trip. The Givi saddle bags may look a bit big, but work great--and give tons of storage. I found that I put most of my stuff in them because they're so easy to take off and carry away.

The top case/bag is the one by S/X Appeal.

ICEMAN · Post by **ICEMAN** » Mon May 28, 2007 5:13 pm

That looks pretty nice and I dont think they look to big, nice fit IMO.....

I just got the GREEN LIGHT from the wife, I will picking up a Buddy 125 this week.......now I am torn between colors.......Black or RED.....??? Hmmmmmmm

Red stands out more..SAFETY FEATURE.............

Black Looks a little cooler but probably shows the Dirt quicker.....

Ahh.........decisions, decisions.............

Does anyone have the Primo bag? Like it? Hate it?

Post by **ericalm** » Mon May 28, 2007 5:34 pm

bruiteur wrote:Here's my Buddy loaded up during a recent camping trip. The Givi saddle bags may look a bit big, but work great--and give tons of storage. I found that I put most of my stuff in them because they're so easy to take off and carry away.

The top case/bag is the one by S/X Appeal.

GREAT setup! With the large saddlebags, is the heat from the muffler & engine a problem?

bruiteur · Post by **bruiteur** » Mon May 28, 2007 6:19 pm

ericalm wrote:
bruiteur wrote:Here's my Buddy loaded up during a recent camping trip. The Givi saddle bags may look a bit big, but work great--and give tons of storage. I found that I put most of my stuff in them because they're so easy to take off and carry away.

The top case/bag is the one by S/X Appeal.
GREAT setup! With the large saddlebags, is the heat from the muffler & engine a problem?

I thought it might be, but there's actually plenty of clearance. I have a bungee chord that lives threaded behind the license plate and attaches to the bottom of the bags--that helps keep them snug and balanced without sliding down towards the hot stuff. I'll try and take a picture.

ICEMAN · Post by **ICEMAN** » Mon May 28, 2007 7:03 pm

What is the model number on the saddle bags? I like that set up.........anyone have saddle bags that look better than that with the similar storage? I am going to pick up my new buddy 125 on thursday if all goes well............A RED ONE..........and I am going to order a Prima Rear Bag....that should cover my needs I think..........which is better..the Prima Rear bag or the S/X?

bruiteur · Post by **bruiteur** » Mon May 28, 2007 7:35 pm

ICEMAN wrote:What is the model number on the saddle bags? I like that set up.........anyone have saddle bags that look better than that with the similar storage? I am going to pick up my new buddy 125 on thursday if all goes well............A RED ONE..........and I am going to order a Prima Rear Bag....that should cover my needs I think..........which is better..the Prima Rear bag or the S/X?

Givi T427 Scooter Specific Saddle Bags.

My S/X Appeal top case rivets rusted fairly quickly, but I read (I think on the scooterwest site) that they've fixed that problem, and are now shipping with better hardware. Don't know about the Prima bag.

ICEMAN · Post by **ICEMAN** » Mon May 28, 2007 8:21 pm

well I just ordered the new saddle bags, should be here by thursday...I would be interested to see your installation pictures, any problems once the bags are packed full of stuff? do they sag lower than they are now or is what you see in the picture pretty much how they remain?

I am considering ordering the Prima bag unless someone here has a reason not too order that one......does it have a rigid bottom on that bag for support on the rear rack for stability?

Post by **ericalm** » Mon May 28, 2007 9:11 pm

ICEMAN wrote:I am considering ordering the Prima bag unless someone here has a reason not too order that one......does it have a rigid bottom on that bag for support on the rear rack for stability?

The Prima does have a rigid bottom and snap-on straps to attach the bag to the rack. From what I've seen and heard the differences between the Prima and SX bags are negligible. I like the Prima's embroidered logo a bit better than the SX patch... but that's about it.

ICEMAN · Post by **ICEMAN** » Tue May 29, 2007 2:02 am

Ericalm

Do you know the best place to buy the prima that actually has them in black and in stock? Best Price etc? I am trying to squeeze this buddy purchase in, bags etc all before friday so I can ride it on a little trip......about 150 miles roundtrip...........she will get broke in real quick this weekend.........

BlueMark · Post by **BlueMark** » Tue May 29, 2007 2:20 am

ericalm wrote:The Prima does have a rigid bottom and snap-on straps to attach the bag to the rack. From what I've seen and heard the differences between the Prima and SX bags are negligible. I like the Prima's embroidered logo a bit better than the SX patch... but that's about it.

The S/X logo is also embroidered, it just looks like a patch. After a month or so the bag does sag a bit on the sides past the rack - one poster suggested cutting a plastic cutting board to size to use as a base - good idea. So far there is no rust. The mounting straps it came with were worthless, I used zip ties. I don't know that the Prima bag would be any better, or if it stays any stiffer over time - I've seen photos where it sags just like mine does. I do like the larger side pockets on the Prima bag. Eventually I'll probably get a Givi Monolock case - but the S/X bag has served me very well - it holds a full helmet with a little room to spare, or a 12 pack (edit: a full "cube" case will also just fit) and two plastic sacks of groceries.

-Mark

ICEMAN · Post by **ICEMAN** » Tue May 29, 2007 2:40 am

Givi monolock huh, what do you like about that case over the prima or sx? and will it fit a 12 pack? LOL!

BlueMark · Post by **BlueMark** » Tue May 29, 2007 3:27 am

ICEMAN wrote:Givi monolock huh, what do you like about that case over the prima or sx? and will it fit a 12 pack? LOL!

Well, it's a completely different animal, eh? They come in several sizes, including big enough for a whole case. They pop off easily when unlocked and can be carried in as luggage - unlike the soft cases which are usually zip tied and not lockable. Hard cases usually have brake light kits as a safety option. Lots of good reasons to get a Monolock top case - if you like them.

Frankly I think the Prima soft case looks better on a Buddy. On my Blur I think a hard case might look better.

-Mark

Post by **ericalm** » Tue May 29, 2007 3:51 am

BlueMark wrote:Frankly I think the Prima soft case looks better on a Buddy. On my Blur I think a hard case might look better.

The hard cases Geniune made for the Blur are, from what I heard, much better than the Buddy cases. And cheaper than a Givi. At one point I'd heard that these were going to be the long-awaited new Buddy cases (once they were color matched) but no luck so far.

codemonkey · Post by **codemonkey** » Tue May 29, 2007 3:42 pm

bruiteur wrote:Here's my Buddy loaded up during a recent camping trip. The Givi saddle bags may look a bit big, but work great--and give tons of storage. I found that I put most of my stuff in them because they're so easy to take off and carry away.

The top case/bag is the one by S/X Appeal.

Those saddlebags look great!!!! I want!

Also, do you really need a rear rack to put on the S/X top case? Or can I just stick it on the little handle that's already there?

angieyou3 · Post by **angieyou3** » Tue May 29, 2007 4:53 pm

My cheap version of saddle bags can be found here. They work great!

viewtopic.php?t=1236&start=40

bruiteur · Post by **bruiteur** » Wed May 30, 2007 1:14 am

ICEMAN wrote:well I just ordered the new saddle bags, should be here by thursday...I would be interested to see your installation pictures, any problems once the bags are packed full of stuff? do they sag lower than they are now or is what you see in the picture pretty much how they remain?

Here are the setup pics. It's pretty straightforward. I loosed the nut behind the license plate/mud guard so that I could thread that bungee chord through. Now it just lives there hooked behind the plate when not in use.

When putting the bags on, I just hook to the bottom and slip the back strap under the chrome rack. I never have to undo the front strap. Two moves--less than 30 seconds! They don't move, even (especially) when very full.

Also, do you really need a rear rack to put on the S/X top case? Or can I just stick it on the little handle that's already there?

Yes, you really should use the chrome rack. More places to tie on the soft case.

ICEMAN · Post by **ICEMAN** » Wed May 30, 2007 5:49 am

Very nice........Thanks for the detailed pics, I cant wait to get my new saddle bags, I just spoke to the dealer today and she said they should have the New Buddy hard top cases from genuine in this week, I will wait and see how they look before making a decision on the hard case or the Prima case.

If all goes well I pick up my new buddy 125 on thursday---BLACK and SILVER............I also ordered the Short Cupprini windshield, I cant wait to ride it home, I was torn between the RED and Black but no RED in stock so Black will do..............thanks again for the tips on the saddle bags, that set up looks like it will work perfectly for me.........

One question, I was considering getting the Cowl Protectors for my New buddy so the wife will have some nice footpegs, do you think that will interfere with the saddle bags?

http://www.scooterworks.com/Cowl_Protec ... 44C291.cfm

Roy · Post by **Roy** » Wed May 30, 2007 11:55 am

Hello,

Here's a picture of my Buddy with saddle bags and rear case.

MrNatural · Post by **MrNatural** » Wed May 30, 2007 5:11 pm

ICEMAN wrote: One question, I was considering getting the Cowl Protectors for my New buddy so the wife will have some nice footpegs, do you think that will interfere with the saddle bags?

http://www.scooterworks.com/Cowl_Protec ... 44C291.cfm

ICE,
Other options for foot rests that have appeared here.
http://www.scooterwest.com/item_detail/ ... -rest/232/

codemonkey · Post by **codemonkey** » Wed May 30, 2007 5:17 pm

Okay, the cowl protectors are freaking hot! I definitely need that!

Tbone · Post by **Tbone** » Wed May 30, 2007 5:21 pm

IF I get the Vespa, I'm getting the chrome kit. The wife decided that one for me and I didn't put up much of a fight.

IF I get the buddy, I'm doin that Cowl protector and the foot pegs thing (If it's the same item. Looks like it from the photo.) Once i feel more confident I DEFINITLY want to take the wife 2 up for cruisin around town!

Those do look HOT SAUCE!!!

ICEMAN · Post by **ICEMAN** » Thu May 31, 2007 4:47 am

codemonkey wrote:Okay, the cowl protectors are freaking hot! I definitely need that!

I ordered the cowl protector........had to have it..........so now I have cuppini windscreen on the way, cowl protector and saddle bags on the way......pick up my new 125 today at 10:00 AM..........YEE HAW! I am waiting to see the NEW Hard Top case for the buddy and will decide between that or the Prima soft case.........anyone have the NEW buddy hard case?

pesqueeb · Post by **pesqueeb** » Thu May 31, 2007 5:16 am

Iceman,
My wife has the Prima bag on her scoot and loves it. Its way roomy and tough. We looked into the genuine hard case and neither of us liked it very much. Tomorrow I'll take a pic and post it.
Cheers!

ICEMAN · Post by **ICEMAN** » Thu May 31, 2007 5:23 am

Excellent..........looking forward to seeing your pictures.........

Tbone · Post by **Tbone** » Thu May 31, 2007 4:06 pm

Are the footpegs in that picture part of the Cowl Kit or seperate?!

Edit I think I answered my own ? by relooking at the photo. I think it is part of that kit...right?!

http://www.scooterworks.com/Cowl_Protec ... 44C291.cfm

bwilms · Post by **bwilms** » Thu May 31, 2007 5:00 pm

Yes, footpegs are part of the deal. Note: Cleveland Scooters informed me that a rear rack is required for installation of the cowl protector.

Post by **ericalm** » Thu May 31, 2007 5:02 pm

Tbone wrote:Are the footpegs in that picture part of the Cowl Kit or seperate?!

Edit I think I answered my own ? by relooking at the photo. I think it is part of that kit...right?!

http://www.scooterworks.com/Cowl_Protec ... 44C291.cfm

Yup, footpegs are integrated into the Buddy cowl protectors. You can get separate footpegs (those for a Vespa ET fit the Bud), but for the money you may as well get the whole thing.

MrNatural · Post by **MrNatural** » Thu May 31, 2007 5:20 pm

The Cowl Protector is just about twice the price of the footpegs alone.

Post by **ericalm** » Thu May 31, 2007 5:50 pm

MrNatural wrote:The Cowl Protector is just about twice the price of the footpegs alone.

On Scooterworks, the footpegs are $90, cowl protectors $140. Also, because they're for the ET, you can get deals on the footpegs and find used ones. I think Motorsport had them as a special not too long ago.

IMHO, the cowl protectors are somewhat ironically-named. Though they look awesome, replacing the plastic covered by the protectors will run less than the cost of the chrome. Maybe, if you're unlucky enough to slide, twist and ruin both the side and rear plastic panels and take out a tail light, you may wind up needing more than $140 in parts. But at that point, you'll have other concerns because chances are you've ground an unprotected engine or mechanical part. And, well, road rash.

That said, I'd still get some just for the aesthetic appeal. They look much better than I'd imagined, even.

EBee · Post by **EBee** » Thu May 31, 2007 7:05 pm

bwilms wrote:Cleveland Scooters informed me that a rear rack is required for installation of the cowl protector.

I'm confused...cos when you look at the picture it looks like you'd have to take your rack OFF to put this on, like it's all one piece? If you have a black rack, what does that do to the look?

Tbone · Post by **Tbone** » Thu May 31, 2007 8:22 pm

MrNatural wrote:The Cowl Protector is just about twice the price of the footpegs alone.

Considering the other scooter i"m looking into, the chrome kit is an extra $1000 on top of the cost of the bike...I'm not that worried about a $200 purchase

I was just trying to figure out IF I go with the buddy if I'd have to buy all the pieces separetly. Front/back rack, cowl, pegs...etc or if It's like the Vespa Chrome kit. Buy it get (in this case it looks like) back rack, cowl and pegs.

Does that Cowl kit work on a SI or just regular Buddy? I tried searching on their site and couldn't tell.

Iceman or a mod: I'd also add to the title: & Cowl Kit

ICEMAN · Post by **ICEMAN** » Fri Jun 01, 2007 1:38 am

Ahhhhhhhhhh....what a long DAY!!!!

I picked up MY NEW 2007 Black BUDDY 125 Today.......

I got the PRIMA PIPE and rear rack from the Dealer.....I am waiting on the other accessories to arrive via mail............

Saddle Bags

Cuppini low windscreen

Cowl Protector

Once all are installed I will take pics and post........I had a blast riding around today.. very different ride from my Kymco zx-50.........Took the wife to dinner on it and the rear rack was rubbing her back a little when we hit bumps.....I am 6'1" tall so I have to sit back a little, I am going to buy a little bike Pad to put over that bar on the Rear Rack.....should work perfectly it looks like the right size for one of those pads.....just have to find one that will fit with the bike and that should provide more comfort for the little woman........

For those looking to purchase the Cowl Protector I bought mine from scooterworks, it has shipped and will be here on the 4th, the Dealers near me did not have them in stock and dont know when they are going to be getting them.

Tbone · Post by **Tbone** » Fri Jun 01, 2007 4:04 pm

Iceman, Congrats on the new ride!!!

Also, edit your original post to include Cowl Protector in the title please!

If you get White Walls then you're describing the bike I will get if I can't score an Italia!

Can't wait to see the pics!!!

What other modifications are you planning at this time?

For me I'm gonna go with the Stebel Horn or something else. The wife won't let me get the Prima Pipe...yet. Too loud and I'll be firing up my bike in the 6am hour most days. Don't want to wake her and the rest of the neighborhood up!

ICEMAN · Post by **ICEMAN** » Sat Jun 02, 2007 1:20 am

Too Loud? I disagree, its a soft rumble, you should go listen to one live if you have not already, its no louder than my f150 truck is........you wont be able to resist it..........it calls to you! LOL!!!!!!!!

Still waiting on saddlebags,cowl protector and wind screen..........have not decided on a top case yet.............still thinking on that one........my aprillia case wont fit on the buddy rack so I will just wait and see how much space is in the saddle bags and then decide if I need more room.........the rear rack was bothering the wife on a ride so I bought one of those NOODLES that float in the water for kids at walmart for $1.50, I took some CHROME waterproof type duct tape I bought from Home Depot and wrapped it.........she is set up now.......it looks pretty good too.......that tape is some awesome stuff.......used it on the swamp cooler 2 years ago and it still looks brand new.........its not grey either.....it really is a shiny chrome color so it doesnt stand out.............gotta make the wife happy and keep her bum from getting sore on rides.................did I just say that? LOL!!!!!!!!! I better stop.........

ICEMAN · Post by **ICEMAN** » Sun Jun 03, 2007 8:39 pm

o.k. I found a cool little bag for the buddy rear rack and have taken pictures of it..sorry the images are so big......i am just learning how to upload and post these images.....my apologies.......

EBee · Post by **EBee** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 1:46 pm

Now I like the looks of that bag...where'd you get it, what's the name?

rickyd410 · Post by **rickyd410** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 3:26 pm

Oo.. Where did you get that bag?

Tbone · Post by **Tbone** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 3:58 pm

Nice looking ride!

I doubt the dealership (Being they signed up to be a dealer last month) will have much if anything but a few bikes. I'd love her to HEAR the prima vs stock pipe. Again, I can get it later. If I even wind up getting the Buddy.

We were discussing that last night. Final decision will be me test riding the buddy and the Vespa and deciding from there.

ICEMAN · Post by **ICEMAN** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 4:46 pm

THe bag is a Nelson Rigg bag...for scooter,motorcycles,atvs etc.....has nice hooks and straps..........I took a standard binder and cut the sides off of it..inserted one in the fwd part of the bag...one in the bottom of the bag and one underneath between the bag and the rear rack......worked perfectly....that is my only complaint with the bag..it is expandable on the side pockets and will expand verticle as well.........still waiting on saddle bags to arrive and other accessories.......hopefully today......I will post pics at each upgrade..........this is fun..............and I am working on a little project so stay tuned.........once I finish it and install it I will post pics.........ya gonna love it!!

oh yea and I bought the bag from a polaris dealer......but Imagine if you just google nelson rigg you may find it many places or at most big motorcyle dealers. I paid $106.00 for it......kind of pricey but I had to have it...........

ICEMAN · Post by **ICEMAN** » Tue Jun 05, 2007 3:00 am

just got my new Givi saddle bags today and the Cowl protector! I had time to throw on the saddlebags........FRIGEN AWESOME! but no time to put the cowl protector on yet.......no instructions so it will be a peek at the picture on the genuine site and try to make sure I put the spacers in the right spots..........should not be too difficult.......I will have it all put together bags and all and have some pics of it by thursday night......

the bags go perfectly with my nelson rigg top bag.....just waiting on a windshield to arrive now.......it was nice to be able to throw an extra coat and my lunchbox in the saddle bags....lots of room in them.......

ICEMAN · Post by **ICEMAN** » Wed Jun 06, 2007 2:04 am

I installed the New Saddle Bags and the New Cowl Protector with foot pegs and then took the little woman on a ride, she likes the foot pegs much better and said she is very comfortable now, the saddle bags do not rub against her and are not in her way at all......in fact she likes the thought of being able to access things like maybe a drink or something she could slide into the bags..

The whole installation was pretty easy and took about 40 minutes tops, but I was taking my time making sure everything lined up, where the cowl protector joins in the back there is a black rubber boot that goes over it...that slip in joint is the only thing that was not perfect about it..and I imagine that is why they provide the little black boot because it does not insert all the way and if that boot was not provided it would look funny.

otherwise everything lines up very nice and the saddlebags now are positioned off the scooter so there is an air gap between the bags and the cowling because the bags now rest against the cowl protector.

I can have the saddle bags on and off within less than 30 seconds..1 bungee cord provided with the Givi bags and the two velcro straps are all that are needed and it looks SWEET! I will post pics on thursday night of this week and I am monitoring my fuel mileage with all the added accessories and will update on any fuel mileage changes due to the extra weight and obvious now wind drag from the bags, have not noticed any decrease in performance though........she still gets up and goes! looking like a Baby harley now with the bags........ I should name it the SIDEWALK KING CLASSIC!

polianarchy · Post by **polianarchy** » Wed Jun 06, 2007 2:29 pm

Awesome! Can't wait to see more photos of all your new gear.

ICEMAN · Post by **ICEMAN** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 4:02 am

I know I said I was going to post some more pics tonight but did not get around to taking them today......Will try tomorrow......

Now with a little update on the Cowl Protector, I am 6'1" tall and if anyone is considering getting the cowl protector that is shorter than I then you need to know this...depending on where you sit on the seat when you go to put your feet down the rider pegs are positioned right in the way...so you have to maintain a wider stance to support the bike now or move farther fwd on the seat which I cant really do and be comfortable..if they would have made the pegs about an inch or so shorter it would probably not be an issue for me...

I dont really like the looks of the PEGS which are in reality hand grips on the bars.........I will be cutting those off and modifying the cowl protector with some more attractive pegs that fold up and out of the way and even when they will be down they will not affect me.....even with my saddle bags there is more than enough room to move these pegs back a few inches and still have the rider be very comfortable.......my wife loves the pegs and said it makes her feel more stable on the scoot........I will post pics of it all once I do the mod on the cowl protector....

Modern Buddy

Saddle Bags/Top Cases/Front Bags/Cowl Protector

Saddle Bags/Top Cases/Front Bags/Cowl Protector

Buddy Loaded Up

Re: Buddy Loaded Up

Re: Buddy Loaded Up

Re: Buddy Loaded Up