Modern Vespa

I recently became a member of the Mp3 500 club, & would like to install
Handguards ( I had them on my last bike ) I'm looking for recommendations
& possible "How to" photo's.....Thanks

Checkout the MP3 topics spreadsheet. There's a number of links there for options on hand guards as well as other improvements. It's an incredible resource to all MP3 owners.

If you happen to decide on a set of Power Madd guards, check out this thread. Shamelessly self serving, but still helpful, heh.

Also, welcome to the fold!

Fuoco Hand Guards

These guys said they would ship to the US if you're looking for a set that is specifically made for the 500/Fuoco.

Look at twistedthrottle.com. It shows what fits my bike. The Barbusters Storm S7 attach to the bar ends. I have used Barkbuster Storm hand guards on a BMW 650 bike and liked them.

No mods are needed for these guards according to Twisted Throttle. I plan on putting them on my wife's MP3 500 this fall.

http://www.chaparral-racing.com/Product/acerbis-flash-handguards/257-217908-0001.aspx

after watching the 5 minute install, I am leaning this way...

if you order power madds get the ones for 1" bars. reason being: while the grip section of the handle bars is 7/8 the rest of the bars are 1". you can see the difference on the 500's real easy by looking at the bars where the come up to the hand grips and see the taper.

I have the ones from the video, love 'em. Seconds to install, save my hands from rocks, bugs etc.

Nothing self serving about it, if I'd caught your tread before I'd bought mine, I would have saved some money. I just bought a K & N air filter kit off another member, so it help's me keep this hobby cheap and I've never had a problem buying off other members. Plus when I do the 1/4 mile races with the vintage scooters it might help take a second or 2 off my time (hoping anyway). Actually we should start a just MP3 (For Sale) section as most of the stuff is just for MP3's anyway. Guess I should go bug the admin for this.

Since I've hit this thread I'm going to try these as well. I like the lighted aspects of these.


Anyway welcome to the forum and and have fun,


Tross

Definitely get the 1" if you can. I had the original 3/4" size since I got mine second hand from oldspice, and I bored them out to fit. I have had them off and one several times now since I remove them for winter riding and put the bagsters on, and the tapped aluminum is about done. I do like the PowerMadds though, with the changeable wind guards, and they are the only type I can use with the Throttlemeister bar ends. I can attest for their effectiveness against bugs and gravel.

Sure like the look of those Acerbis gaurds though!

Are you saying there is a 1" version of the tri-mount kit; because Powermadd only lists the 7/8" on their website. Or is there a different mount kit entirely that you're talking about?

Well, mine are still for sale. Unfortunately, I can't really bump the thread because of the way the For Sale section is set up (which was due to rampant thread crapping when replies were allowed). It makes selling things through here... difficult. I could repost it, but that seems more like spamming.

So yeah, if you're interested in a set of Power Madd's check out my for sale post.

yes the tri mount kit for 1 1/8" bars part number PM14252 or PM14250 looks like the 14252 kit would be the better one of the 2.

edit just saw these that attach to the mirror base. http://www.powermadd.com/products/PowerXScooter.html

Now I like the mirror mounts you sent the link on.

I have a pair of acerbis handguards for my 400, i like them alot and they were easy to install

Here's my thoughts on both:

Acerbis

For looks and the option of having those great led lights, acerbis will be the best for you. Just don't expect any/much protection from rain and anything heavier than leaves and bugs. Easy to install but keep the Allen key under your seat as it can come loose as I have a bad habit of putting my helmet on the mirror which would always moved my acerbis. The other problem is that if you like using your bar end weights there is no way really lock them in at one angle, plus you'll have to get a longer bolt. I also wonder how long the semi exposed led lights and battery pack will last over time to the elements. For looks: Number 1


Powermadd

These where my first and are now back on my scoot. Having to make a 600 mile round trip that involved what looked lots of rain, I had to make a choice . So having looking at both, back go on the powermadd's as they offer different hand-guard extensions and even take out the standard one for more air flow. Getting really lucky this trip and having only hitting a few thunderstorms, they kept my hands dry and not having to stop to change to my rain gloves. Biggest beef with the powermadds is some of the bolts are rusting. Easily replaced but should not have happened on something exposed to the elements.

Since it only takes 5 min to change between the two, I'll keep both, I do really like the led lights on the Acerbis, but for protection (which is really why I bought them) powermadd wins.


Cheers,
Tross

OAD - I have been in communication with PowerMadd handguard customer service guy and he is telling me that the tri mount only comes in 7/8" then have no 1" handlebar mount. So I'm having a FAB shop make me a set that fits on the end of an L shape rod with threads on each end. Going to cost me $50 for the pair of hand guard brackets to get a different than PowerMadd handguard to work on my 500.

But at least this FAB shop said they could make that piece that fits on the handlebar down in the "U" area of the middle of the bar. with the "L" shape rod that came with my tri-mount.

FM


Bracket for 1" handlebar


Bracket on handguard. Works perfectly.


my handguard brackets

Last edited by FunkyMonkey on Tue Oct 08, 2013 7:34 pm; edited 3 times in total

Could anyone who has the Barkbusters please elaborate on the install?
i'm not very mechanically inclined but i really do try my best- usually with mixed results....i managed to loosen the right bar end. Unfortunately- i've stripped the one on the left side (the Allen key popped out and rounded the metal in the process)- and it STILL hasn't budged. Sprayed a bit of wd40 in there last night and going to try heating the screw a little before i do any more damage...
Not sure where to get replacements for these screws- or the sizes- Can i use the ones that came with the handguards? They look like they are sized slightly different than the ones on the scoot now.
To top it off-
Looking at the S7 installation option instructions, i'm kind of confused on the proper route to take to install (for the side i've managed to get loose).
Can i keep my heavy bar ends on there and put the new adapter on the end? (option C in the instruction sheet)

thanks for any advice.

http://www.chaparral-racing.com/Product/acerbis-flash-handguards/257-217908-0001.aspx

Piaggio sells them also

are from the Yourban and cost 65.- euro

WD40 is not a penetrating oil and will do nothing to help loosen the screw, get some BP Blaster at your local auto parts store.

I think I am going to attempt to add a strip of bright LED white lights to my handguards. I think they will fit on the front side of the handguards and run the small wire back near the iron "L" shape bar that attaches to my handlebar brackets for the handguards ... to a power source.

The only thing is, if I'm riding in temps 40F and below, I will probably have my Hippo Hands covering the handguards to cover the handlebars too.

Last time I rode Funky with the Hippo Hands, I noticed that the wind pushed the hippo hands' cover back onto my hands (this was without the handguards). So with the handguards now attached, that shouldn't happen.

I know that with the wind pushing against the Hippo Hands, every once in a while the Hippo Hands would hit the kill switch and I'd be having to really pay attention to where I was going while I rolled to a stop. So the handguards will help prevent this when using additional cover of the hands besides just the handguards.

Only bad thing about things like handlebar covers to protect your hands in cold weather, is those riders that are basically new to the MP3, do not know where the buttons, switches or gizmo's added where it is safe to ride the MP3. You lose your eyesight to see what to use with your fingers.

My opinion.

FM

or get the best stuff on the market.

Barkbuster S7's just ordered from twistedthrottle... will be able to offer an update sometime next week.

This is what I have on my 500. Nice look, easy to install (once you finally get the left bar end bolt to finally release). You will be satisfied with them.

the only thing I didn't like about the Barkbuster is the way it had to use the end of my grip to connect to the handlebar. Then my throttlemeister cruise control wouldn't fit correctly.

Holy Guacamole AND Great GooglyMoogly!!! Twisted Throttle is out of this world! Ordered the Barkbusters Wednesday... received Saturday!

Had a migraine yesterday (Saturday), so will be installing today.

Will post pics and opinions later this week.

Installation complete, and couldn't be easier!

There are 3 options provided... option "C" is what I went with.

And since it went so quickly, I took some time to re-adjust the Madstad. Got an angle app for the phone, finally figured out how to properly use it and ultimately set the angle @ 55.

Which do you think would do a better job of protecting the brake levers in the event of a drop, the Barkbusters or the Acerbis?

My buddy's wife recently dropped his maxi scooter and ruined one of the brake levers so I have renewed interest in hand guards.

barkbusters

I'm still loving the powermadd's after all these years. They've held up well and I love the removable price for ventilation during those hot summer days.

Cheers,
Tross

Somehow this didn't make an impression on me when this thread was new; but based on what I read here I ordered a set of Barkbuster S7s just a few days ago.

anyone have or have seen revies on these? Acerbis Black Vision:

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Acerbis-Black-Vision-LED-Handguards-8-Watts-Fits-ATV-MX-Off-Road-2367700001-/261571060581?hash=item3ce6d9a365&vxp=mtr

nope, you can be the first to report on them though.

Thinking about it. Wondering if these are a bit more functional than the previous lighted Acerbis. Powermadds looks good too and I have those bookmarked as well.

A friend of mine has installed and really only compliments ...

see more ....


front view

off

ON

Thank you! Merci beaucoup!

I'm going to guess that your friend upgraded the light as well, as I've from on Amazon that it's a standard MR16 LED. I'm also trying to find more specifics about the bulb mounting.

Interestingly, the first time I saw a MP3 500 or a Gilera Fuoco was in Paris, and I started looking for one upon my return. =)

I have exactly the same problem. Have you succeeded in getting the left hand weight bolt undone yet and if so how did you do it?

These look great I will get the same.
Thinking it will make the bike a little slimmer to get thru the cars.

Just tried fitting the Acerbis vision on the mp3 500 they clash badly with the windscreen !