Over the years, the Buddy has pretty much integrated all the features I think would improve it (better lighting, 12v adapter). My last holdout was having the legshield lights connected as running lights. We've learned this really puts a strain on the battery, though—they're only intended to be used as turn signals. There are a few nitpicky things that could use improvement (seat latch) but they're very minor.
1. Fuel Injection?
I think it's highly probable the Buddy will be fuel injected next year or by MY 2011. Pretty much all scooters companies are moving to injected engines due to emissions standards. The injected BuBu (aka Buddy) is already available in Taiwan as the iBuBu 125.
(If there was any doubt the BuBu is primarily marketed to women in Taiwan, check this out.)
The iBuBu up close:
No kickstarter! The Taiwanese versions show both black and metallic transmission cases.
The Taiwanese sites show several colors, but the colors there have always been different than in the US. They have actually adopted some of the Buddy colors into their lineup.
2. eBuBu in the US?
We know Genuine wanted to have a more earth-friendly model in their lineup this year but it just didn't work out. PGO has an all-electric version of the Buddy for sale in Asia and, more importantly, Canada (as the eMetro). While not quite on the cutting edge of electric scooter technology, the eBuBu has a top speed of 36mph and a range of 32 miles which can be extended with additional batteries. Unfortunately, they're using lead acid batteries in combination with lithium, which is somewhat less green, adds weight, and is less efficient.
The window for breaking into the e-scooter market is pretty much right now. Though the eBuBu specs seem meager, they fit a lot of potential buyers' expectations and needs. With Vectrix folding, no one is really offering a viable e-scooter in the US right now. That's going to change quickly; the KLD e165 is coming in late 2010 (they say). If the KLD delivers the kind of performance they're claiming (similar speed and range as the Vectrix) at the current estimated price point (under $4K), it could be a huge hit. Other competition is coming as well, including more scooters, small bikes like the Ikoo and electric bikes like the Ultra Motors.
If the eBuBu was introduced at the right price point—$2500 or so—it might just take off.
3. CC bump?
A few people have said they've heard rumblings that the Buddy line, much like computers, will be getting a power bump and be offered as 150cc and 175cc versions, with the 125cc being phased out. I've heard no such thing. At this point, I'm not putting much stock in the rumor mostly because it would mean that PGO was making new, non-injected engines just for the US market. Still, it's a possibility. Heck, anything is possible.
4. New Colors?
While I don't think the yellow Bubu will be coming the America, it feels like it's time to refresh some of the colors and introduce new Internationals. In particular, I think there may be a new blue model to replace the St. Tropez (again, this is purely a guess). How about a red & white Taipei edition with the Chinese graphics in the photo above? (Kidding! Really!)
As far as the non-International colors, I think seafoam green is most likely to be replaced. I also think it would be interesting to replace the black 125 with a new color (or just phase it out) so that the Black Jack is the only noir Buddy.
That's all I have. Anyone else have any rumors, rumblings or things you'd like to see on the Buddy in upcoming years?
