thanks guys.
Yep I wouldn't be surprised too if the generic one is of the same build as the OEM, I ended up ordering it so will see how it goes. $375 is just extortion for a euro scooter with no kick starter. It has begun to put me off piaggio's.
I've ridden my mates kymco and even though its abit rougher running, everything just makes sense on it from indicator reminder noise, to immediate crank start, to seat staying up when filling up, to auto flip up kick stand, to metal mirrors instead of cheap plastic ones, to the most important feature, a bloody kick starter lol.
Thanks for the GPSIMPORTS link. I'll keep them in mind if anything else breaks on me.
Cheers!