Modern Buddy

BootScootin'FireFighter

The Buddy has been good to me for the past 5 years. I've finally accepted, however, that it will not able to live up to the demands I place on it for 300+ mile days at WOT and sometimes several days in a row. I continue to blow up Buddy components and find myself stranded without a functioning bike....

BootScootin'FireFighter

BootScootinFireFighter did it on a Buddy. The other Buddy rider in 2012 was our own "thatscooterguy", Claude, from southern Illinois. He managed to pull it off without any major issues (that I know of). I showed up with a faulty stator at the start and didn't realize it was a stator until...

BootScootin'FireFighter

congratulations to everyone who participated! It was pretty epic from all the daily ride reports. Bears, snow, wind, rain, cold, breakdowns, all the elements that test a riders endurance and patience. Much respect for everyone who made it to the start. I noticed "Cochid" only posted points...

BootScootin'FireFighter

I'll keep my eyes open, I'm just a mile north of there in the Arlandria area. I've had one of my Buddy's stolen when I was living in N. Arlington, even when it was locked up with a chain around the body. Somehow, the thieves managed to get the loose hoop up and over the handlebars, leaving just the ...

BootScootin'FireFighter

http://www.meetup.com/dcspindoctors/events/183811862/ our local meetup group usually has a few riders turn out for this. Meet up for breakfast at the IHOP in Fairfax and ride in the convoy of thousands under police escort from the Patriot HD dealership just down the street. I'll be working OT, so de...

BootScootin'FireFighter

Showboating... or "stuntin" is becoming an epidemic in Baltimore and the east side of Washington.

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BootScootin'FireFighter

good luck Eric! Some advise that I wish I took heed of in 2012... Make the most of the trip, and the people. The spirit of cannonball and the parking lot camaraderie each night is what makes the trip even more amazing. While I did get some parking lot time each night, I spent too much time over-wren...

BootScootin'FireFighter

I'm dealing a similar problem. A little over 33,000 miles, and fortunately after I got back from a 600+ mile trip, the next day, 6 miles from home, the bike started to stall and crap out. Upon further investigation, the spark plug threads were completely stripped off of the casing. Next step was swa...

BootScootin'FireFighter

Hate to say this, but I gotta finally pull the plug on this ambitious plan of mine. Sadly, I won't be able to represent the Buddy scooter and make this journey. The past few weeks have been trying for my beloved scooter, which has had several issues come up making it more doubtful than confident for...

BootScootin'FireFighter

Well I was able to do the engine swap. No lift, no help, but like wrestling an alligator to get it up and lined up, then inserting the mounting rod. What a bear! It fired right up, but started to make a clacking sound. I pulled the valve cover, the valve clearance was perfect, oil was good, everythi...

BootScootin'FireFighter

nice fleet! I make it downstate to Richmond every now and again, maybe we'll cross paths at some point. I recognize the Ruckus from the Five and Dime ride, but I don't recall meeting you. That was a trip, I was on the Black Buddy wearing that sinful ugly yellow jacket. I don't recall what month that...

BootScootin'FireFighter

I think that's a very good idea considering the epic journey on which you are about to embark. You want everything to be shipshape if not sparkly new when you you hit the road, because WOT all day every day for three weeks is going to take its toll. It might be a good idea to carry a spare stator i...

BootScootin'FireFighter

I saved those links that gearhead posted a while back about disassembling the cylinder head, I will reference them for a later date. In the meantime, I think my best course of action is to drop the entire engine, cvt, rear wheel, shock, and exhaust assembly as one piece and swap it out from the othe...

BootScootin'FireFighter

I have the time and the tools. Where do I begin? Is it something that needs to drain all the oil out and simply disassemble and reassemble in the same order, or is there something critical and unusual that I need to make sure I do that isn't obvious?

BootScootin'FireFighter

Has anyone ever dealt with this issue? I had my bike cut out on me, and upon further investigation, the spark plug and cable were wiggling loose. It will run, but after a little time, it will vibrate itself free. It will initially thread in, but once a little snug, start to come loose. It is obvious...

BootScootin'FireFighter

Brother, I'm sorry to hear this. But at least you're being smart about this. Gotta know when to hold em', know when to fold em'. I know exactly what you mean about how it's going to be expensive. I'm paying for it in shift trades. Seems like I'm working twice as much as normal this spring to build u...

BootScootin'FireFighter

I've used Michelin S83s before on my Buddy. They are good tires. I've since switched to Heidenaus. Did you run with the 3.5x10 or the 100/90/10 size? Reason I'm asking is because another CB rider offered to drop an S83 in a 3.5x10 near the start for me to switch to at the same price I would pay on ...

BootScootin'FireFighter

agrogod wrote: Just curious, did you have the spreader opened up fully when you tried to use it, or it was just plain too big to fit?

It was too big for the application, even when fully closed.

BootScootin'FireFighter

well I got the spreaders, but they were much too big for the little calipers. I opened the reservoir and was able to get a screwdriver to wedge them apart. I have no idea how to get the shoes off though, so I left them on. I got the piston back open fully, mounted the brake, closed the reservoir, th...

BootScootin'FireFighter

not stupid at all....

BootScootin'FireFighter

You will need a small C-clamp or brake spreader tool to press the calipers open. And here's how you do that. http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/Great-Neck-C-clamp/_/N-25qf?itemIdentifier=66271_0_0_ http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/OEM-Disc-brake-pad-spreader/_/N-26l5?itemIdent...

BootScootin'FireFighter

I had my frontline Buddy sidelined for some time while I was rebuilding the fork assembly. I had removed the front brake caliper from the rotor and it was left hanging freely below the bike. After some time when I tried to reassemble everything, the calipers had locked shut and I am unable to get it...

BootScootin'FireFighter

Airhawk 2, medium. Go for it, you're keyster will love you for it!

BootScootin'FireFighter

So I am probably just taking my 2013 Buddy 50. I think I will eventually end up in North Carolina but who knows. I will essentially be living off of the bike and visiting several Buddhist centers on the west coast this summer. Good luck, safe travels! Keep us updated on your progress. Look me up if...

BootScootin'FireFighter

I was surprised that the Buddy riders in CBR 2012 left all the panels on. You can get a lot more air flow and cooling by just removing the panel down by your feet. It was a consideration of mine, except for the Kevlar tool bag I had to carry on the floor. This time around, I'm thinking I will drill...

BootScootin'FireFighter

Albuquerque! This. Albuquerque has been working hard to sell itself as a more laid back and charming city with a booming art scene. It's working too. And there is a good showing of scooterists there with the local Pharoahs. You can't go wrong with pretty much most of the state. I really enjoyed my ...

BootScootin'FireFighter

I'm not planning to stay at the host hotel. If my wife makes the flight out, we'll be staying offsite about 4 blocks away and making it a 50/50 split between Amerivespa activities and exploring the city on our own. If she's not able to make it, I'm most likely getting a small private room at a nearb...

BootScootin'FireFighter

I'm looking for something that can be wired right from the battery to stay charged all day. I also would like to find something that I don't need to use a bunch of flash drives for. I was hoping with the GoPro Hero 3 that I'd be able to hard wire it for power, then run the USB feed directly to an ex...

BootScootin'FireFighter

BootScootin'FireFighter

I can see a visible crack on the crossbar, the thin flat bar that connects the 2 round bars, right at where the center screw goes in. It's been on my list of things to replace.

BootScootin'FireFighter

the "mothership" has been down for coming up on 6 months now. I had a minor crash back in late July. Spent the first almost month waiting on a shop estimate that ended up being more than I was able to pay for the job that I felt like tackling myself. I got it home and went to ordering a ne...

BootScootin'FireFighter

Seriously?? The OP coming from New Mexico? Ya'll are soft, like pudding. Most of us have no merit to complain about winter except those in the upper Great Lakes, far northern New England, and Canada. It's winter, it's supposed to get a little cold. And unless there's accumulating snow or freezing ra...

BootScootin'FireFighter

Pretty much this is a dealer only part. I paid $145 for wheel, bearings, and spacer. I installed myself. Price has gone up since then. With labor est. $200-250ish. Hard to find used wheels. I'm in the process of rebuilding the front wheel with all new components. Do I need to pack the "spacer ...

BootScootin'FireFighter

I was browsing some Groupon offers for New Orleans, planning ahead for dining and city deals. While most of these are expiring before Amerivespa, these deals frequently reappear on Groupon every few months. They have a deal from Big Easy Scooters for a 24 hour rental that's normally around $100 mark...

BootScootin'FireFighter

Brother, those are some good pointers. Lots of good advice that could save your ass if you pay attention and take every ride seriously. We don't live in a carefree world like you see in the scooter postcards or catalogues, or the moped rentals casually cruising on the beach in flip flops and board s...

BootScootin'FireFighter

that's pretty scary dude! sucks hitting the pavement at a decent clip, but at least your on the winning end of things physically. Heal up and get back in the saddle when it's ready.

BootScootin'FireFighter

Thanks for the suggestion Todd! I'll have to field test it a little bit and see how well it goes. My only hiccup during cannonball is that halfway on my trip out to Hyder, I plan on "going dark" and disabling my data feature so I don't end up with a $2000 bill from Verizon. Somewhere near ...

BootScootin'FireFighter

Weren't you thinking about next year's Cannonball Eric? I thought it got to NOLA after Amerivespa? Yup. I'm past thinking about it — already got my plane ticket to Alaska! It's going to be epic! We'll be crossing the Pontchartrain Causeway as we roll into NOLA. The time officially ends at a local w...

BootScootin'FireFighter

Todd, during the dayride at the ECC in Wildwood, we lost a rider a few towns north into the massive dayride. I can't remember what kind of bike he had, but it was an older 2 stroke and somehow the nut that was supposed to be holding his back wheel on had worked itself off and his rear wheel came off...

BootScootin'FireFighter

ScooterLoungeOnline is another good place to try. They have or can get just about anything. They make it easy.

http://www.scooterloungeonline.com/

BootScootin'FireFighter

That's a pretty significant climb your 12hp machine is pulling. The weight of you and your bike under normal flat propulsion is one thing, but fighting gravity more is only going to stress the bike significantly. Sounds to me like a pretty steep grade, which seems like it handles how it should be ex...

BootScootin'FireFighter

I love my HJC IS-MAX. I ride with it open when it's nice out and I have the option to throw it closed on faster roads or incliment weather. On big adventures, I like the ability to use an aqua pack easily or have a conversation at a red light. I think I paid less than $150 for it. It also has pocket...

BootScootin'FireFighter

once in a while, I wouldn't think much of putting it on a downtown sidewalk. Doing that on a consistent basis, you're bound to attract the wrong kind of attention. My suggestion is that you find a closeby underground garage that has an arm gate to enter and exit, usually you can fit right around tho...

BootScootin'FireFighter

Syd wrote:Riding to the start of CB14?

something like that

and thanks for the Bartletts suggestion, I'll have to check it out!

BootScootin'FireFighter

BootScootin'FireFighter

OK, see what you think, Go ahead and run LSD so you can say you did it.....LSD ends at Ridge, North of downtown.....you can only go W. on Ridge...2 blocks to Sheridan Rd.....you'll love it...follow the Sheridan Rd. signs....it makes many turns and runs through the real high $$$ area of N/E Il.........

BootScootin'FireFighter

Robbie wrote:Southern Wi. where?
Need a zip code for destination.

I live just N/W of Chi. and often zip up to Lake Geneva....several routes available.

Rob

Anywhere in Southern Wisconsin, preferably further west than Janesville. I'm trying to connect to La Crosse and on towards the Twin Cities.

BootScootin'FireFighter

Awesome!! I was just checking the Drive on Google Earth streetcar... found this guy heading southbound on a tangerine Buddy. Good for him!

BootScootin'FireFighter

Hello Chicago!! I'm planning on passing through in mid to late May of next year. I was quite frustrated going through NYC on the scoot last spring without having the easy of the interstates. I have to get past Chicago, and as cool of a city as it is and I'd love to ride through.... How easy or diffi...

BootScootin'FireFighter

got it, thanks for sharing!

Modern Buddy

Search found 2027 matches

my new bike :)

I'm out now too :(

spark plug threads stripped off

Re: I'm Out of the Cannonball

Front Brakes locked up

Amerivespa - scooter rental discount

Re: A Year of Crashes

Chicagoland area - passing through