a windshield question

[smarkum]

Hi guys,
Over the weekend I sold my much beloved 2008 Stella . I have developed an arthritis condition and working the clutch was becoming quite difficult. I bought a new 2009 Blue Buddy125 . Pics to follow!
I got in on a spring special which is a $300 gift card for accessories. So, I plan to get a windscreen with the card. I have read and re-read the windscreen posts and I'm still struggling to figure out what my best option is. I'm not questioning IF but which one. I had a tall screen on my Stella and that is what I'd like for the buddy. I didn't have the "sail" for it, but one slightly smaller. The tall cuppini windshield is the closest one I have found. I realize it may need to be cut down some but I think I can manage that. I cannot tell though if there is any tint to it. and, if not, can that plastic be tinted by a shop? Just would be going for a little tint. Had that on my stella screen. . . And, does anyone have pics of you sitting behind your windscreen? I have read descriptions, but I need pics to get a real sense of what the sizes are.
I hope to be quite active on my buddy as the weather turns nicer. I had just over 10,000 miles on my Stella when I sold her. I love to ride! I was fairly active over on Stella Speed. I hope to be just as active here on MB. Thanks for any info/pics!
edited to include pics! New scoot first



Now the Stella with a pic of the windshield that I'd like to find for the buddy. . . isn't she BEAUTIFUL


Just put a few miles on the Buddy even thought there is some snow on the ground. . . but, the coldness reinforced I need to get a windshield ASAP!

[ericalm]

There aren't any Buddy windshields with as much coverage as the one you had on your Stella. I think the Cuppini style and Prima are fairly close in height, but neither offers much in hand coverage.

If I recall correctly, the TALL Buddy windshield was only made for the '06 models with the smaller headlight.

As far as tint, there are adhesive films you can use that would be most cost-effective. There are also some dyes available, and there are several tutorials online for tinting plastic using Rit fabric dyes.

[pdxrita]

Take a look at Slipstreamer windshields. That's what I have. http://slipstreamer.com/html/scooter.html

Mine is something like the Scoot 66, so I look over the top of it, which is what I prefer. But they have some taller ones. Since they mount using the mirror mounts, they're not really brand specific.

[smarkum]

thanks pdxrita. I will check those out. I would see over the top of mine, but I could easily duck behind it for shielding from the elements as needed. Do you happen to have any pics of that shield installed on your scoot?

[AWinn6889]

I have the Slipstreamer Scoot 66 too... haven't installed it yet though. It's been pretty darn cold.

EDIT: I don't know what happened to the rest of my post!?

Anyway, I have the windshield sitting next to the scooter in the garage, and it's not terribly tall. I might even end up sawing some of it off because of the way it curves forward at the very top... it would be more like driving a wall than having the air flow over the top of me. We'll see once I get it on there and take it for a spin. I'll post pictures also.
...maybe Saturday. I'll add it to my long list of stuff to do before "spring" gets here, as if it isn't already. Keeping my fingers crossed!

[MYSCTR]

Go to your dealer and ask to see the Cuppini - we use three of these on our three scoots and love them.

Installed a promo Prima on a scoot we sold - and we did not like the set up or shape or size... just did not care for it.

Hey it's like FREE money - pretty cool!

[BoneGirl]

This is one of the tall Buddy windshields and they are the most awesome windshields ever because they cover your head and your hands. They don't make them to fit the current Buddy headset so I had to cut this windshield to size (which sucks!). I have no idea why Genuine doesn't try to have these made because you can't beat it for winter riding.

[smarkum]

Thanks for that pic bonegirl. . . can you tell me what you had to cut to make it fit? That is what I'm looking for . . . only maybe a tad shorter. . .
And, YES, it is free money! WOO Hoo!!!!

[BoneGirl]

Thanks for that pic bonegirl. . . can you tell me what you had to cut to make it fit? That is what I'm looking for . . . only maybe a tad shorter. . .
And, YES, it is free money! WOO Hoo!!!!

Look around the headlamp (black strip of rubber). The rubber had to come off and a saw used to make that half circle of windshield larger to accommodate the bigger headset on the newer Buddy models. We really like the tall windshield but once the temps hit around 69 degrees and stay there, it has to come off because you roast behind it (which just goes to show how well it works!).

[smarkum]

so the brackets all fit and everything . . . just the cut for the headlight?
And, how tricky was the cutting of the cutout? I've read about the blue tape and the practice cuts. Is it fairly simple?
Thanks for the info! I appreciate it.

[BoneGirl]

so the brackets all fit and everything . . . just the cut for the headlight?
And, how tricky was the cutting of the cutout? I've read about the blue tape and the practice cuts. Is it fairly simple?
Thanks for the info! I appreciate it.

We had two of the original tall windshields for our 2006 Buddys. My husband cracked the first one ($100 down the crapper) when he tried to make the center larger. So he tried again on his and it worked pretty good. He used a "Rotozip" type tool to cut it. It's a power tool used for cutting holes in drywall and the like. http://www.ryobitools.com/catalog/18v_o ... otary/P530

Not super simple but he had an idea by the second one what he needed to do different. Doesn't really answer your question but it gives you an idea.

Again, it sure would be nice for Genuine to have these made for the newer models.

[Syd]

I have no idea how well this would work, but another option might be an old-school coping saw, like this one.

)I mention it because I remember someone cutting theirs with a jig saw.)

[smarkum]

Thanks for that tip Syd. I never knew that thing was called a coping saw! I have one and use it a lot. Also use my rotozip a fair amount too. Seems like i might be set!

[MYSCTR]

Just remember - the finer the blades - the smoother the cut. Blue tape helps as you can draw your line to follow with a fine line permanent marker without drawing on the acrylic. A fine high speed disc grinder or even the end of a belt sander can help to clean up the cut edge to smooth it out or ease the edges so you don’t get cut on it too. Keep in mind the better supported the acrylic is the less chance of a mishap (broken windshield). Use a towel or blanket under it while making your cut to help keep it from being scratched. Work slow; don’t get in a hurry and custom create your own windshield!

[smarkum]

great tips guys! thanks.

[michelle_7728]

Hi guys,
Over the weekend I sold my much beloved 2008 Stella . I have developed an arthritis condition and working the clutch was becoming quite difficult. I bought a new 2009 Blue Buddy125

Welcome smarkum!

I too have developed arthritis lately (mainly in my right hand), so feel your pain (no pun intended!).

I think you will really enjoy your Buddy. Looking forward to seeing pix with your new windshield all installed.

[smarkum]

Thanks michelle_7728 for the welcome! So far, the Buddy is EASY on the hands! I'm quite grateful for that. Although, a quick ride on Saturday (it was much colder out than I realized ... and riding sans windshield makes it feels way colder) left both hands frozen and numb. YIKES.
There WILL be pics! A package has been ordered that contains a variety of accessories. I think the med. windshield will be included, but Genuine is sending it to my dealer and then the dealer will put it all on for me at NO cost! Woo Hoo I'll try out whichever one they send and hopefully it will be perfect! But pics, yes, definitely pics.

[michelle_7728]

...Although, a quick ride on Saturday (it was much colder out than I realized ... and riding sans windshield makes it feels way colder) left both hands frozen and numb. YIKES.

Gerbings Hybrid heated gloves. Expensive, but worth every penny!