Just purchased my first scooter

Hipnerd · Post by **Hipnerd** » Thu Apr 01, 2010 9:11 pm

So I bought my very first scooter, a Genuine Buddy International St. Tropez. I have virtually zero experience on motorized two-wheeled vehicles, but it just seemed like I was a scooter guy.

It's a 2009 and I got a discounted price from the dealer, and no "freight and handling" fees so I saved a bunch of money, but I missed out on the free accessories promotion.

Since I just plopped down a large sum of money (for me) on a scooter, naturally, my first thought is "What else can I spend money on?"

Thoughts?

Tocsik · Post by **Tocsik** » Thu Apr 01, 2010 9:22 pm

Welcome to the family!
Go away! (please search for this; it's a compliment!)
You have picked out a great scooter and an even better forum!

1. MSF course
2. Prima pipe (unless you really want it quiet)
3. Gear: jacket(s), gloves (I need three different season gloves), neck gaitors, face masks, etc, etc. (if you plan on riding "year-round)

Then, chrome stuff like racks.
Whatever you want!

nissanman · Post by **nissanman** » Thu Apr 01, 2010 9:32 pm

Industrial strength smile remover... don't want everyone always asking you "why are you so happy?" Scooters tend to have that effect on people

Scalpel · Post by **Scalpel** » Thu Apr 01, 2010 10:24 pm

A copy of "Proficient Motorcycling", a book that you will find invaluable for learning good scootering habits.

masterofillusion · Post by **masterofillusion** » Thu Apr 01, 2010 11:18 pm

Welcome, and yes that is an excellent book. First thing before you ride you need to get the right mind set.

Hipnerd · Post by **Hipnerd** » Thu Apr 01, 2010 11:43 pm

OK. So I need to prioritize. Safety first. I need:

1. Gloves.
2. Jacket
3. MSF Course
4. "Proficient Motorcycling" -- based on two recommendations.

I already have a helmet and a leather bomber jacket that is getting me by until I get a proper motorcycle jacket. I went full-face. I have two little girls and I'm putting a premium on safety over looking cool.

The Prima Pipe is intruiging, but it would void my very nice two-year warranty, correct? Perhaps a mod for later.

I was thinking of a rear rack/top case. I understand the Genuine top case is a bit flimsy, but it would match. That does count for something.

Lostmycage · Post by **Lostmycage** » Fri Apr 02, 2010 12:17 am

Hi and welcome to MB. Be sure to check out the new members topic and the Guide and FAQ section.

I'd say avoid the Genuine case. They make great scooters, and most of their accesories are pretty top notch, but unless something's changed, there's much better top cases out there. Givi, Coocase and Shad have all gotten some pretty rave reviews. Givi and Coocase have breaklight options, but the Shad has color match plates specifically for the Buddy paint colors. I'm a huge fan of Shad luggage.

<a href="topic14636.html#186222">Still tempted...

</a>

Hipnerd · Post by **Hipnerd** » Fri Apr 02, 2010 1:50 am

Lostmycage wrote:<a href="topic14636.html#186222">Still tempted... </a>

Screw you.

Lostmycage · Post by **Lostmycage** » Fri Apr 02, 2010 2:09 am

Hipnerd wrote:
Lostmycage wrote:<a href="topic14636.html#186222">Still tempted... </a>
Screw you.

Well done! Now go away.

jmkjr72 · Post by **jmkjr72** » Fri Apr 02, 2010 2:10 am

big+ on the msf and gear
some idiot in a cage towing a boat changed lanes into me last year and thanks to gear i just had a few bruises
gloves jacket and a good helmet i also have pants
jafrum.com has some good deals on gear that is good quailty and in the bidget minded price range
with the jafrum brand jacket they say go up one size i would say go up 2 sizes

bigbropgo · Post by **bigbropgo** » Fri Apr 02, 2010 2:26 am

welcome and enjoy.

Post by **ericalm** » Fri Apr 02, 2010 3:30 am

Congrats! I'll second most of the recommendations so far, especially gear, MSF and Proficient Motorcycling.

http://www.newenough.com has great deals on gear and you can donate to ModernBuddy if you buy there. (It's actually a credit deal; the money goes to prizes for site contests and so on, not into my pocket.

)

It's always better to buy gear wisely rather than going for the best cheap deals. It took me 6 pairs of gloves, a couple jackets and 2 helmets to learn this lesson.

As to whether the a pipe will void your warranty, have a look at our warranty FAQ:
viewtopic.php?p=174434#174434

Once you take care of the high priority items, the real fun begins!

iMoses · Post by **iMoses** » Fri Apr 02, 2010 8:06 pm

Don't buy a top case... go retro and get a milk crate...
welcome to the Buddy system...

pugbuddy · Post by **pugbuddy** » Fri Apr 02, 2010 8:29 pm

Welcome and enjoy!

MSF course is HIGHLY recommended. After that, priorities will be mixed!

Hipnerd · Post by **Hipnerd** » Fri Apr 02, 2010 8:39 pm

OK. I've been talked out of the Buddy Top Case, I think. I'll go with another brand that I can play with at the dealer, or maybe a Prima bag.

I ordered "Practical Motorcycling" from Amazon this morning. Picking up gloves this evening and the local shop is calling me when they get the Corazzo Ventata in stock (two weeks).

The shop has a MSF that they recommend for scooter folk. I'll get info when I pick up the gloves.

I want way too much stuff right now. My budget will only allow so much, though. So I think the safety items will be my focus for the next month.

lmyers · Post by **lmyers** » Fri Apr 02, 2010 8:47 pm

I can't believe no one has mentioned the most important item, the SPAZ patch. Here's hoping we can begin pre-orders soon!

ache4dalake · Post by **ache4dalake** » Sat Apr 03, 2010 1:19 am

Just bought a black Buddy a week ago. I installed a black rear rack and a Prima black metal "milk crate" yesterday. I think it looks cooler than the painted top boxes myself.

Hipnerd · Post by **Hipnerd** » Mon Apr 05, 2010 6:14 pm

I just picked up a new rear chrome rack from eBay for $39.99 + $7.95 shipping.

A dealer is liquidating old stock and he misspelled the word "Geuine." I think that's the only reason it hadn't been nabbed by someone else.

So I got my first accessory. Now I just need for it to stop raining. I want to ride.

xteraco · Post by **xteraco** » Mon Apr 05, 2010 6:18 pm

You got your first scooter! Good. Do you still have it? If so GO BUY AN ALARM SYSTEM. Nuff said.

http://www.amazon.com/Scorpio-SR-i900-M ... 449&sr=8-2

Hipnerd · Post by **Hipnerd** » Mon Apr 05, 2010 6:24 pm

xteraco wrote:You got your first scooter! Good. Do you still have it? If so GO BUY AN ALARM SYSTEM. Nuff said.

http://www.amazon.com/Scorpio-SR-i900-M ... 449&sr=8-2

I was actually thinking of one of those (Xena?) disk brake locks/alarms as a concession to price. I'm running pretty broke.

xteraco · Post by **xteraco** » Mon Apr 05, 2010 7:58 pm

I'm pretty broke too. I don't have one of those alarms yet but its on my immediate list of things to buy when I get some extra cash. Until then I'm thinking of parking next to my window, moving my bed next to the window, chaining the scooter up, and listening for bolt cutters while I sleep.