Modern Vespa

I have to make it clear that Marcel has made these nice windshields that are not even Dept of transportation approved.

I am a so sorry butt because when i opened up the box and all the cling wrap i found the Ev II shield with only 4 tiny holes, not the required 8 needed for a MP3 250.

I sent him a nasty gram cause of the flawed design. It does not even clear the mirrors umong other things. If you want to know more PM me!

Hugh

I am so fortunate! Marcel got upset with me for following up after each of his promised ship dates. He unilaterally cancelled my order and refunded my money.

His windscreen may be the best thing in the world. Now after seeing the conversations about the F1 windscreen delivery and quality on this board. I doubt it!

I am so glad to move onto more useful solutions.

I was going to bite my tongue on this one but feel I have to speak out for the sake of other MP3ers that might be tempted to purchase one of these windshields from Marcel July aka F1 Windshields.

I ordered and paid for a slide windscreen from Marcel 5 weeks ago. One week ago my windscreen arrived, or what should have been my windscreen. Instead of a slide screen he sent me an Evo II screen. Not what I paid for.

Now when I had questions to ask of him prior to receiving my screen I would get a reply from him the next day. Now that I have a complaint I am yet to hear back from Marcel.

I have literaly sent him over 30 emails in the last week. It really sh*ts me that he will not reply back. I have now taken to sending him 10 emails at a time with really large attatchments in the hope of annoying him enough to get some sort of a response out of him.

Absolutly shocking customer service and a product that in my opinion is not far behind. Wind tunnel tested my arse. I Adjusted the screen as per his website instructions, so now instead of the wind hitting my throat I cop it straight in the mouth and nose, making it virtually impossible to breath when doing speeds above 60kms/h.

The design of the hand guards is dangerous also. When you turn the bars full lock the brake levers push up against the windshield. I found this out the hard way when getting my scoot out of the driveway. I was at full lock left, bam the brakes went on and down my scooter went. Luckily I was on the grass and there was no damage to the scoot.

Imaging this happening when trying to do a U turn on the road. Could have catastrophic consequences.

All in all not a very positive experience and not a very well thought out or executed design. Think twice before sending your hard earned money to this guy.

It is definitely wind tunnel tested. . . .ha . ha . in a tunnel somewhere in FL on a windy day . . .

Could it be that Chef Ramsay from Hell's Kitchen is doing his thing in Marcel Restaurant . . hence Marcel is kinda preoccupied for now

Well - my initial impressions are that the wind performance is better than the Givi at least. It hits the top of my helmet but absolutely no turbulence - so in that respect I'd have to say that there's something working right. I did notice the hand "wings" being very close to the brake lever - but they did not hit at full turn. Perhaps tweak them with the hairdryer. I will also say that the fit is a bit iffy - I had to put mine under tension to get the screw holes to line up indicating a bit of "flexibility" with tolerances.

I like the F1 standard (that I bought). Then I was asked by Marcel to try the adjustable and agreed. After that, Rob said he found the windshield came too close to his face. Maybe it does for a taller person. I'm a little under 5'6" and have had no problems with it, not even on a 500 mile road trip.

After hearing from Rob I checked the adjustable when it came in and decided that the extension (5.5") might cause a problem for me so I didn't install it and emailed Marcel a suggested to angle the windshield differently by casting a wedge into it. I have not been able to discuss it with him. I do like the idea of an adjustable if it works properly.

I don't have a problem with the standard one but others might. I like the fact it does not require additional mounting hardware supports. It is substantially stronger than the Givi but the Givi is more upright. The money spent on a windshield doesn't bother me. If I did not like the F1 I would get the Piaggio. It is more upright and has a substantial support system (built from tubing like in the bike). I earlier tried to post information (which is the purpose of a forum, as I understand it). I'm sorry if my postings caused anyone a problem.

ADDED EDIT 3/17/09 -- I have had my F1 now for 8 months. I STILL like the F1. I have a 500, not a 250, and the holes is fine for mounting it. There are only 4 holes on the 500 - a 5th hole below the symbol. The F1 is VERY thick and clears the handlebars for turning and locking. (I do not, however, move my bike with the handlebars locked to the left so don't know if it would fall. I push it around with the front two wheels locked all the time without a problem.) I don't think the F1 would crack under any circumstances short of the bike being totaled. I have over 3,500 miles on my bike now. Since installing the F1 I did a 500 mile road trip, have ridden at 93 mph (according to the speedometer - probably actual 85 or so) and have had NO problems. I would buy it again tomorrow before I would a Givi because I've read how Givi cracked with a few people and it is more difficult to install. I've seen a Givi and it is much thinner material.

I might buy the Piaggio if I could see one (still no place to see one in Dallas) and get it for $350 (as some have seen it on special) but the Piaggio was not available in Dallas when I bought my windshield. There is a lot of discussion of windshields on this forum. What I'm saying after 3,000 miles of use under all conditions I am pleased with the F1. It is, in my opinion, a good windshield. It has another feature that is good -- you can heat it with a heat gun and bend it up or down to suit.

Hi Jerry

I am grateful for your posting and would hate to discourage anyone from posting something new that they had found for our scoots. I realize that when you buy something online there is a chance that things could go wrong.

It is not your fault that Marcel is as crooked as two left feet. I just hope that the information shared in this post helps people make a more informed decision as to whether they want to deal with him or not.

Whoa there buddy! Crooked is pretty harsh word that can get you in legal hot water. I have not dealt with Marcell directly. His wife has been nice and helpful. The screens that have been delivered came from somewhere - which means he actually does make them. Poor bastards probably swamped and made no allowances for volume. Internet response can be surprising. Yes he hired more people. That also means he has to train them and then some folks don't work out. Aggravating as it is it doesn't mean it's ok to call for a hanging.

If I receive what I paid for from Marcel I will eat my words and humbly and publicly apologize to him. Until then, that is my story and those are my feelings on the man.

Are you offering legal advice now?

Most lawyers put a disclaimer at the end of such posts...

I don't think redfone is in too much danger unless, of course, you are representing Marcel.

In which case I am sure red could call on the services of IDEFENDM.

Cheers, and all the best

Trevor G

PS I don't have much sympathy for anyone who has ordered, and received bad service from F1. Marcel's general ineptidude and lack of professionalism has been well documented in here for several months.

Only order from F1 if you can afford to receive:

1) poorly fitting components

2) items with missing compents

3) wrong items, items not ordered, and not receive the items you have ordered

4) unfulfilled promises in regard to shipment of your order, over many weeks.

5) long delays (many weeks) between order, payment and shipment

6) no response when you try to contact Marcel by phone or email in regard to any of the above.

Other than that F1 stuff looks OK, as long as you don't mind a screen which comes dangerously close to the rider's head (too much sweep back).

Oh, and it could foul brake controls or reduce steering lock. However, I am sure someone has advised Marcel to include warnings about these potential problems with his product shipment?

No? You don't even get fitting instructions?

All the above have been well-enough documented in this forum.

At this point Redfone, you might be lucky to have not received the adjustable screen,
as long as he will credit you for the correct price
( and from my experience, he will) for the one
you did receive.
All reports indicate the adjustable screen is very
obtrusive to the rider,- unacceptably so.
Overall, I have not been happy with Marcels product,
or his typical lack of response. But I really don't
think he is a bad guy out to wrong anyone intentionally.
At this point, I imagine he is at witts end, and after coping with
a huge amount of orders, he is now seeing some real
criticism of his design, and his poor customer relations.
I do not imagine F1 is a very happy place right now.
That is no excuse for not responding to customers though,
or putting out an iffy design. I really hope you get some resolution to your issues soon.

Trev_G

I am a lawyer and I know there is sfa that he can do if I call him crooked...bent...bowed...awry...cockeyed...distorted...catawampus...misshapen...gnarled.....

On a positive side the package came with the local Florida newspaper which made for some interesting reading......oh and 4 rubber washers.

Because Marcel would send me a screen for testing I have tried to contact him.
Today I received an e-mail that he was not available for a while because he had a crash at a race.
My screen was stuck in customs and send back.
He will send it out now ASAP.
I still hope everything turn out well.
I promise to give a proper review when I have the screen an done some testing with it.

Not too sure how far the innocent gaze and "honest yer Honor - I didn't mean in the criminal sense of the word" would fly here in the US. I understand folks that haven't gotten theirs yet being angry. Marcel has done nothing to alleviate these complaints either which is too bad. Maybe I am a tad more sympathetic because I knew a guy once that was in the same situation. He built the proverbial better mouse trap, got the word out and then was genuinely stunned when he discovered that he couldn't keep up with the orders. Many older business people simply don't have a deep understanding of "Internet Scale" and are unprepared to jump right on several thousand immediate orders. Anyway - my take is I feel for the guy and think he's simply over his head right now and no intentional subterfuge is involved. Not sure what to think about his product. It works well in one respect, deflecting air, but fails in other respects such as potential hazards to the rider. I also need to retract a previous statement - the handlebar "wings" will in fact affect the brake lever. With your hand on the lever it will in fact exert pressure on the brake lever in a tight turn. I'll be bending mine out ASAP to avoid this potential issue.

I don't get this "internet scale" thing. Nobody was forcing him to accept orders he could not deliver on. Instead it appears he misled customers on expected delivery times, took their order and charged their credit cards. As a small business owner myself I know some of the challenges in running a business but this is incompetence bordering on the criminal.

Now his reputation is in the toilet and there are serious concerns over his product it is doubtful he will get many more customers from this site. If he had my money, I would be concerned.

After waiting 9 weeks for my F1 Evolution II adjustable screen, I finally
received it 3 days ago. The mounting was easy, just 5 screws into
stock bike screw holes. But I did have to squeeze the screen some to get
the windscreen holes to align with the existing holes in the bike's frame.
Pros:
1. Wife and Marcel pleasant, if you can reach them...
2. Diverts wind at high speeds much better than medium Fabbri screen.
3. Made of sturdy plastic.

Cons:
1. Slants dangerously close to rider's face when raised to full height.
2. Flimsily mounted with only the 5 existing small screws. No sturdy mounting brackets.
3. Will tear off front covers if bike falls & hits ground on either side.
4. Interferes with brake levers.
5. Will hit rider in the head or throat with even a minor head on collision.

Overall product rating of 3 out of a possible 10.
I would rate his customer service a 1 out of possible 10.
Marcel never credited me the $80.00 for my Fabbri screen (see prior thread), nor did he give me the 10% he promised for joining his website.

I will be selling his windscreen shortly.
After viewing the new Piaggio Wide Windscreen mentioned by JimC,
I like that one much better because it sits up straighter, has very sturdy
mounting brackets, and is very sturdy plastic similar to the F1.
I wish it was tinted but will have a local tint shop put dark tint on
2/3's bottom of the screen. The cost of $500.00 is steep, but considering
the $135.00 for the medium Fabbri and $315.00 for the F1 screen I've
spent already, it would have been worth the money to avoid all the waiting and disappointments.

Although the F1 screen probably works tremendously for the Cam Am
Spyder for which it was originally designed, I can not recommend to any MP3 owner purchasing Marcel's screen until he's made some serious improvements, both in product and customer service.
Shane of Upland

That's a relief!

I wonder if any of his disastisfied customers have been posting on his equally-amateur forum? That's the place to register approval or otherwise.

If he is selling so many screens it surely cannot be just to MP3 forum members - where is he advertising his great deals?

Burnt customers owe the rest of the world a true report (via his forum) of what happens when they deal with him.

All the best

Trevor G

Then your sympathy is wildly misplaced.

It's the customers who have sent their money and are not receiving their goods or aftermarket service with whom our sympathy should rest.

Then again, since they have had all the bluff from Marcel right from the beginning, and still fallen for his lines, they probably deserve what they are getting (in a metaphorical or rhetorical sense).

I don't like to see anyone harmed, neither Marcel nor his customers, but I (and I am sure many of you) have seen many people over the years promise the world but fail to deliver.

Now how many F1 customers are selling their product straight away and at a considerable loss??

All the best

Trevor G

I also think that Marcel has a lot to do about his customer service.
He has to make sure he is reachable and do something about his very long delivery times. I had problems reaching him to, but overall the contact I had was plesant and informative
Also he has to make sure that he sends out the right screens with al the parts needed.

I have not received the screen yet but I still like to say something about it.

I understand the screen has no need for brackets like the Piaggio oem screen. I have the Fabbri large screen and it also has no brackets and it keeps up very well even at high speeds there is hardly any movement.

All available screens untill now where very upright, the F1 screen is not.
For that you have to understand that Marcel comes from the racing world and has a different filosofy on this.
I asked him about it and this was his answer:
Quote:
We try to get as close to the rider as we can.
This makes the windshields more effective and quite.
We do not like those huge "upright" windshields because they won't work and also slow the scooter's to much down because of the drag there are producing.

You may not agree with him but this is the way he thinks about how a screen should be and that is why he makes them that way.
If I where him I would mention this on the webside so people know they get a screen that comes very close.
I am not sure if I will like that but i will find out when the screen is there.
I intend to use the screen for a longer period to see if I get used to having the screen close to my face.

I know that I am in a different position because I am getting this screen for free. But I want to keep an open mind and try to make an objective judgement on the screen once I have it and tested it.
Marcel asked me to test the screen and if I think it is a good screen I wil mention that in my review, If I dont like the screen or think it is of poor quality I will also mention that in my review.
Like I said, at this moment I keep an open mind.

You are making the mistake of confusing sympathy with taking sides I can sympathize with them too - the world isn't as one-sided as you seem to think. You're talking aout your ass here - people have in fact received their merchandise. Some not as quickly as they'd like, but the proof is there that this is a legit operation. Not the most well-run but certainly not a grab-the-cash-and-run outfit. Hmmmm - you mean like folks putting $500-$1000 down on an MP3 with no confirmed delivery dates? Folks have waited months for their scoots with no possible confirmation from the dealer as to when they would get in a shipment because Piaggio apparently shipped on a whim? If you're gonna bitch then why stop at some poor guy trying to make a go of it - go for the guys who certainly ought to be able to meet your high standards for customer srvice and delivery times. And what would that meaningless statistic do for you? I bought my Givi and got rid of it after one day. Hated it. Shawn bought it and loves it. I've had the F1 on for a few days now and find that I like it in spite of the faults because it actually works. I simply have to resolve the pros with the cons as to whether I stick with it or go to something else equally questionable. Face it - the MP3's are not the easiest beast to design a windscreen for. As Dutchman rightfully pointed out Marcel is a racer. He designed his screen from that perspective. If you don't agree with that perspective then that's ok. Don't buy it. If you bought it after seeing the videos, the pictures and the descriptions... well... I don't see why you feel like you have grounds to start throwing flaming barbs and spewing about everything...
Oh - as far as parts. It comes with a single screw that obviously replaces the one under the Piaggio badge. The holes in the screen miraclulously coincide with the holes on the original screen. There are 5 rubber washers one of which is extra large. Does it really take slaying a few trees for an instructional pamphlet to put these things together and figure how to mount it? Sheesh....

Sure you do. I *know* you get it. What he did was screw up on his ability to deliver in what internet people consider "timely" - which is literally take my money, load it onto UPS and I expect it 3 days from when I click "Confirm Purchase". In this I agree. Bad bad bad. Even if his intent is good, this just looks bad. Not just bordering on criminal - it *is* against the law to charge before shipping unless it is agreed to by the customer. Ummmm - that would be the "if I only had an account on Modern Vespa and believed everything I read" point of view. There may be 1,000's of happy and satisfied CanAm owners out there. There are... hmmm.... 3 or people here waiting for theirs? Hardly enough to send his reputation to the cesspool since I doubt CanAm owners hang here.
The only "concerns" I've read about (besides where the hell is mine) are on the safety issues. I know that's my only issue as in "what happens if I get this thing in the face". Which is where it's pointed - at an angle that wouldn't encourage flexing. Axe blade might even come to mind. Hmmm maybe that post on seat belts was onto something. Anyway - when I have time this weekend I'm gonna do pix and such with my impressions. I'll be honest - I'm not a fan-boi but I'm not a vindictive person either. If I made a mistake buying the screen I own up to it being *my* mistake.

My "concern" is "Where the hell is mine because the one you sent me is not the one I paid for and your are not responding to my emails."

You can also add automatic braking to the axe head.

I do however have to apologze for my previous posts as I feel that I set the tone for this thread and am not too proud of it. I apologize to Marcel for saying he has two left feet and agree with BubbaJon that not all products will suit all people.

I am unhappy with the product and the service but people have to start somewhere. I hope Marcel learns a lot from this and is able to make things better for future customers.

anybody got a picture of the windshield installed? how much does one go for and who on earth is Marcel?

Several and Marcel is the owner of the company that makes the windscreen. I hate to say it but if you do a search on F1 or look for Jerry's posts you can see photos. If I can get the time this weekend I'll put up some of my own with a slant towards showing why there are safety concerns.

Yep,

I knew I was right. We should not slander someone, but we as a whole need to make sure the message gets to him in a nice manner.

As I said at the beginning. It plainly will not fit a 250 or 400. With only 4 tiny holes where screws go, he needs to buy a 250 screen and see how it stands up to his.

Without the grommets in the 6 holes to cushion and hold it together yes an accident would incur a tremendous amount of damage to YOU and the MP3.

I made a deal with my dealer and the very large Windscreen (OEM) is coming my way, and too know it DOT certified is another plus.

I tell you. I was so fracking mad, I called him immediately and told him the faults, and my money will be returned to me on the 3rd. Remember credit card members have so many rights concerning buying!

Thanks for your reply's, lets just not slander the guy. That way we wont be getting in trouble.

Hugh
San Diego

My F-1 Adjustable Windshield arrived today, for my MP3 400. After seeing all the posts about problems, I am thinking about just leaving it in the box and returning it.
Why should I put in on?
I am 6'2" and that seems to be a problem with the slant.
If it is dangerous to brake levers or to turning.
What do you guys think?
Should I just return it unopened and ask for refund on my credit card?

I would make my own informed decision after opening the box and checking it out.

You will lose shipping and a 20% restock charge
by returning it. So you decide if you want to carefully
mount it and ride it a short ways, like I did, and then
decide. As long as you don't scratch it you should be fine.
There are a few people here who are keeping theirs
and seem to like them ok.
Decide for yourself!

You should realy make your own decision.
You decided to buy it and because there are people on this forum that do not like it you do not even want to open the box, look at it and try it.
I am almost 6'5" and what I have seen in pictures I think I might like the screen being so close.
I am still convinced it is a good screen but a screen that needs growing in to. Specially for most of us who are used to the available upright screens untill now

Woa there. All the sorta of negative comments I have seen have come from the 500 owners sides. I haven't seen a F1 mounted on the 250/400 yet. There is a big difference in the 2 styles of scoots. Please look at it when you hold it up to your ride and take some pics for the rest to see.

Marcel placed a step by step installation instruction for the 250/400 on his forum. Pictures included.

You can find it HERE

For what it's worth, my OEM screen arrived today. Under one week from order to in my hands. Apparently the summer delay of 6-9wks is over.

I opened it and tried to install.
Called Marcel and he was very patient and helpful. After several conversations, he asked me to return it, so he could take a look at it.
The screen may have been made too short for my height and I had trouble getting the four screws in all the way, with the twist to the windshield. When I get one back, I will comment further.

More comments:
It has been nine days, since Marcel, had DHL to pick up my windshield, and return it. He promised that his wife, had refunded my money to my card, on the same day. As of this morning, no money has been refunded and I have not heard from him. He promised the make a proper fitting windshield and send pictures, in advance of charging me, again. I gave him a list of corrections/improvements, to make to the replacement windshield. He seems like a very nice fellow who really cares about making a good product. Why doesn't he follow thru on his words?

I am unhappy with the product and the service but people have to start somewhere. I hope Marcel learns a lot from this and is able to make things better for future customers.[/quote]

I agree with the above, and I am happy I started this thread because I am very honest, and dont want riders in a picke like me.

My money is due back in my acct on the 3rd. and if not credited by the 4th. the credit Card companies dont like to hear this but it works.

As I have said I am going to the large OEM Windshield cause it looks tough and also a rain shield hooks over that as well.

You won't get the chance to. He removes you from his forum membership. I think I've been removed twice now.

Jess, you taking notes? Now THAT'S how you run a forum! lol

Personally I find that disturbing. A good vendor should be able to take honest criticism. It *was* honest constructive criticism, right?

It takes a threat from a credit card company to get your money back.

These shields for the 250/400 are a FRAUD and dont recommend them at all. This guy races bikes and doesnot know the diference between the 500 and the older bikes. Only race bikes he might have.

I had a friend take a helicopter and scan his place. Where is the wind tunnel, none noted.

I shall be getting the ex large screen from Piaggio really soon. GO OEM!

Hugh

Is there a link to a picture of this screen mounted on a 250 or 400? There are pics on that other site linked above, but you have to register to see them. thanks

no pictures I know of because it will not fit the 250 or 400. guess thats why only 500's are shown, and also those weird can-ams which looking at it closely and talking to an owner he said he always has to work on those front wheels.

I love my 250 and will probably only get OEM parts for it, excluding new horn, tom tom, and a stereo which will be installed by a dealer.