"Long" ride on the Buddy 50

[Clydeo]

When we bought our Buddy 50 a year ago, we got her for the usual reasons: as a convenient "errand runner", as a bike for my wife and daughter to learn on, and as a fun bike to play on. She has exceeded our expectations in every way, and we are very happy with her. But in the back of my my mind, I always wondered, "Could I actually take this thing for a real ride; could she manage a weekend camping tour?"
Well, this morning I found myself on my own. The kids were are all busy, my wife was at a wedding shower, and no one had called about going riding or canoeing, so I decided to run down to Gettysburg, and to ride the Buddy, just to see how she would do. I took Rt. 34 most of the way. It is a two lane highway, an ancient road dating back well before colonial times. The speed limit varies between 35 and 55; the road passes through medium size cities (like Carlisle) and small towns (like Shermansdale). It passes over several "mountains" (in PA, 2600 feet makes for a mountain. We aren't talking Mt. Everest here) and is twisty enough to be fun. It is a fairly busy road, but it has a lot of relatively quiet sections as well. In other words, it represents what is typical of a secondary hi way here in PA.
How did the Buddy do? Just fine, of course. The total trip was 167 miles long, and It took me s total of 2 hours and 45 minutes of travel time. I could keep up with traffic most (75%) of the time, but I did pull over about 8 times while going up steep hills to let people by. The bike ran smoothly and quietly, and was fairly comfortable, and I liked being able to move my feet around to different positions, something I can't really do on the motorcycle. The seat became uncomfortable after an hour, but that's normal for me on any bike. And when I got caught in traffic (there is a car show going on in Carlisle. I missed that somehow.) I really appreciated the automatic transmission. All in all, a very successful trial.
So yes, the Buddy 50 CAN be a touring bike. If one isn't in a hurry, and if no divided highways are involved. I am already planning a ride up to Smethport this Fall, if my daughter and wife will let me have the Buddy long enough, that is!

[viney266]

Love it!

They do great if you have the time. At my size (6'3" and 260) it ALWAYS amazes me that a little 49cc cylinder is pulling me down the road at 40 MPH.

[viney266]

My longest day on a 50 was about 310 miles. The seat got really old(forgot the gel pad), and the last 50 miles drug on, BUT the bike never missed a beat.

[Syd]

You should search the forum for member TVB's MI way rides. Touring Michigan on his Buddy 50.

[PeteH]

You should search the forum for member TVB's MI way rides. Touring Michigan on his Buddy 50.

Oh, yeah. He did just about every county in Michigan over the years.

[skipper20]

When we bought our Buddy 50 a year ago, we got her for the usual reasons: as a convenient "errand runner", as a bike for my wife and daughter to learn on, and as a fun bike to play on. She has exceeded our expectations in every way, and we are very happy with her. But in the back of my my mind, I always wondered, "Could I actually take this thing for a real ride; could she manage a weekend camping tour?"
so I decided to run down to Gettysburg, and to ride the Buddy, just to see how she would do. I took Rt. 34 most of the way. It is a two lane highway, an ancient road dating back well before colonial times. The speed limit varies between 35 and 55; the road passes through medium size cities (like Carlisle) and small towns (like Shermansdale). It passes over several "mountains" (in PA, 2600 feet makes for a mountain. We aren't talking Mt. Everest here) and is twisty enough to be fun. It is a fairly busy road, but it has a lot of relatively quiet sections as well. In other words, it represents what is typical of a secondary hi way here in PA.
How did the Buddy do? Just fine, of course. The total trip was 167 miles long, and It took me s total of 2 hours and 45 minutes of travel time. I could keep up with traffic most (75%) of the time, but I did pull over about 8 times while going up steep hills to let people by.

It sounds like a great ride and I'm glad you made it safely. But 167 miles in 2 hours and 45 minutes? Wow, that's one screaming fast Buddy 50!!

Bill in Seattle
'14 170i Hooligan Matte Green
'15 170i Hooligan Titanium (AZ scoot)

[Clydeo]

Lol! Your not kidding! Sorry, that was a typo I obviously missed. It was 117 miles, still a pretty good clip for a 50. I average about 40 mph, but it's a hilly trip. The speedometer read everything from 25 going to McClures Gap to over 60 heading back down. Sorry about the typo; my fingers are too fat for the IPhone keyboard!

[bigmike7801]

You should search the forum for member TVB's MI way rides. Touring Michigan on his Buddy 50.

What Gel Pad do you use?