Dilemma opinion please

rfman81 · Post by **rfman81** » Sun Oct 30, 2011 1:30 am

So, I would like some guidance here. At this point in time I am looking for a new scoot. I currently have a Honda metro. Has been a ton of fun, great for driving back and forth to work but I would like something bigger. Now I live in the nashville area.
I looked at several different scoots but the three I keep coming back to are this.
1. Buddy 125 ( unfortunately the only place that sold buddies here closed beginning of this month. I went and sat on some and would say the fit/ handlebar placement felt great with my height 6'3")
2. Get a used buddy 150 black jack or international, I would like the extra cc's for speed and hills. (no dealer support however I think there is a mechanic from east side scooters opening his own shop)
3. Purchase a kymco people 150 (actually have a dealer network here which is a major plus, but I am not in love with the look or the feel of sitting on the scoot, I have not driven one yet)

That's where I am at. I am leaning for the kymco cause of the dealer support but man I love the look of the buddy.

So I would appreciate your thoughts. Those of you with expereience with both scoots I would really appreciate your thoughts.

beastmaster · Post by **beastmaster** » Sun Oct 30, 2011 2:13 am

is it a used kymco or new ?? theres really good deals on used scoots no mater were you live , i would look around test drive a few and go from there any thing under 4 or 5 thousand miles is a steal at half the mrsp

pdxrita · Post by **pdxrita** » Sun Oct 30, 2011 2:29 am

Both are great scooters and if you really prefer the Buddy over the Kymco, that's what you should get, especially if you're going to buy used. If you were buying new, I could see where the dealer support is important because otherwise, you wouldn't be able to take advantage of the warranty. But if you buy used, there's no warranty anyhow. Have you asked at the Kymco dealer if they'd service a Buddy? I take mine to the Kymco dealer, just as a personal choice, and they're fine with working on it.

Post by **jrsjr** » Sun Oct 30, 2011 3:19 am

I love the Genuine Buddy scooters, but the Kymco People 150 is a famously great scooter. If you have local dealer support for the Kymco, the decision would be a no-brainer for me.

If part of your hesitation is that you're afraid you won't be welcome here on this forum, that is not the case. There are plently of folks here who do not currently own a Genuine scooter. The only thing you will really miss is occasional technical information that is specific to the Genuine scooter.

Hope this helps rather than making you more perplexed.

Post by **Lostmycage** » Sun Oct 30, 2011 4:35 am

At your height, I'd look for a used SYM HD200. The Buddy is a fantastic scoot, but I found myself wanting for more room shortly after it's purchase, which is why I got a Blur. The Blur is also another really good option for you.

For reliability, all the options you mentioned are good candidates, but they're all fit for a more vertically compact person except maybe the Kymco 150, but I haven't seen one of them in person.

I'm not very helpful at all, am I?

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Sun Oct 30, 2011 6:00 am

To me it's a no brainer....buy the used Buddy.

Skootz Kabootz · Post by **Skootz Kabootz** » Sun Oct 30, 2011 6:26 am

BuddyRaton wrote:To me it's a no brainer....buy the used Buddy.

Ditto. And personally I would get a 150.

easy · Post by **easy** » Sun Oct 30, 2011 11:13 am

get a used buddy if the shop can fix a kymco they can keep a buddy on the road. I just would not buy a new buddy with no dealer support there's no point in it without a local shop for warranty work. With the cost of oil changes it really pays to do it yourself.

Cheshire · Post by **Cheshire** » Sun Oct 30, 2011 4:23 pm

How much of the year do you plan on riding, and over what kind of terrains? One of the things that's going to greatly factor into my next scooter is tire selection/cost. 10" tire selection is fantastic for the buddy: summer, higher-speed rated (if you want to go voodoo), winter, etc. Also, 10" tires are dirt-cheap, especially compared to motorcycle tires. (My normal Vee Rubber tire runs 25-30 each...cheaper than my bicycle tires.)
I have no clue about the kymco.

rfman81 · Post by **rfman81** » Sun Oct 30, 2011 6:04 pm

Thanks for everyone's response. Good points on if I buy used it should not matter regarding dealer network. I will check out the sym hd200. I like the older look though of the buddy.
Currently I drive year round as long as its not snow or ice. I continue to plan to ride that way. Cold and rain don't stop me. It's all urban riding no off roading. Don't really need to use interstate as I can get everywhere without it.
Chershire very good point on tires, I had not thought of that and the kymco board has several people complaining options for tires.

Thank you all for your opinions and help. Would love to hear from some people who own kymcos.

k1dude · Post by **k1dude** » Sun Oct 30, 2011 7:23 pm

If you want a new Buddy, I still say go for it. They are so reliable I doubt you would run into problems. And if you did have problems, I'm sure Genuine would work with you on warranty repairs at a Kymco dealer. Especially since you don't have a local dealer. At your size, I'd also go with the 170i if you're going to buy a new Genuine.

If you're handy with tools, I'd also consider getting a Buddy if that's what you really want. Many have experienced less than stellar service at authorized Genuine dealers, so many do their own wrenching. It isn't that difficult and there are some awesome online resources available (like Modern Buddy and the Service Manual).

Both scooters are excellent choices. But go with your heart or you'll always wish you had gotten the one that you really wanted.

scootavaran · Post by **scootavaran** » Sun Oct 30, 2011 7:45 pm

You should go down to the Kymco dealership and just ask if they also work on buddys.
If the bikes your main transportation you might want the dealer support.

AND! whats wrong with ugrading to a bigger honda? huh? Huh!

k1dude · Post by **k1dude** » Sun Oct 30, 2011 7:48 pm

scootavaran wrote:AND! whats wrong with ugrading to a bigger honda? huh? Huh!

Simple reason. Cost.

Those Honda's are nice, but dayum!

uncleralph · Post by **uncleralph** » Sun Oct 30, 2011 9:48 pm

I was in a similar situation. I just sold my Honda Met and was looking for a replacement with some more speed. I really like the Buddy and seriously considered one, but the closest dealer is 40 miles away. Having a close dealer is an important consideration for me. I have a very good local Honda dealer, but new Hondas are pricey. My solution was to keep looking for used scooters. Last week I bought a 2010 Honda Elite with 2,300 miles for $1,500 - half the price of a new one. There are good deals out there if you keep looking.

I realize this will not have the top speed of a Buddy, but I don't have the need (or desire) to go more than 50 mph, so the Honda should fit my riding just fine. This is a great forum and was a contributing factor in my interest in a Buddy. I will continue to hang around here even though I bought another Honda.

KABarash · Post by **KABarash** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 2:21 pm

Being that rfman81 is kinda tall-ish and has been riding a Honda Met with no issues and also says that the feel of sitting on a Buddy seems to 'fit' I'd say go for the Buddy!!
I too stepped up from a Met to a Buddy, haven't regretted the decision! I purchased a used Buddy 150 with no dealer 'support' within 50miles, possibly more as the closest dealer at the time didn't want anything to do with me as I didn't buy from him! Philadelphia (90miles) was then closest to me......

Oh, I actually do have one regret: I still have my Met and 'he' has been for the most part neglected since I got the Buddy....

iMoses · Post by **iMoses** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 6:53 pm

You may want to sit/test ride on each of the three. That way you can get a feel for how it fits you. I have a Buddy 125 and a HD-200, I love them both.

rfman81 · Post by **rfman81** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 9:45 pm

Yes I am sorta tallish, and I can't really say I fit the Honda Met. Lets just say my friends always get a good laugh seeing me pull out. Tall guy on a tiny scooter apparently is pretty funny.

But you get used to it and make it work. I did fit the buddy well, the placement of the handlebars was just right, or it might be i am so used to the metro that anything feels better. Ha! Thanks everyone for your thoughts and opinions.

slusher5 · Post by **slusher5** » Tue Nov 01, 2011 3:33 am

dealer support is over-rated, just buy the buddy and find a mechanic who knows what he is doing.. assuming your town has several scooter/motorcycle shops

pcbikedude · Post by **pcbikedude** » Tue Nov 01, 2011 2:49 pm

rfman81 wrote: I will check out the sym hd200. I like the older look though of the buddy.

First, my recommendation is to avoid SYM HD200 not because of quality of scooter. It is top notch. However, I have some reservations about the distributor's ability to procure parts.

My first scooter was a Buddy--Top quality, bulletproof, nervous ride, quick and nimble. Sold it.
My 2nd scooter was a Kymco People 150--Top quality, bulletproof, smooth ride, faster than the Buddy 125 & 150 but not as nimble. Still running strong at 21K Km
My 3rd scooter is a SYM HD200-Better ride, top quality, bulletproof, very quick and nimble for a large scooter, not particularly attractive, currently non-op because of an accident.

Dealer support is important. They can get parts faster than a non-dealer.

Keys · Post by **Keys** » Wed Nov 02, 2011 1:45 am

pcbikedude wrote:
rfman81 wrote: I will check out the sym hd200. I like the older look though of the buddy.
First, my recommendation is to avoid SYM HD200 not because of quality of scooter. It is top notch. However, I have some reservations about the distributor's ability to procure parts.

I don't think that's as big a deal as you might think...I have an HD200 and last month ordered a belt and rollers from my dealer. A week later they were there. I'm thinkin' Alliance will do well for us.

--Keys

pcbikedude · Post by **pcbikedude** » Wed Nov 02, 2011 2:23 pm

Keys wrote:I don't think that's as big a deal as you might think...I have an HD200 and last month ordered a belt and rollers from my dealer. A week later they were there. I'm thinkin' Alliance will do well for us.

--Keys

For small consumable items, they are coming through. Larger items, there seems to be issues.

rfman81 · Post by **rfman81** » Fri Jan 06, 2012 9:00 pm

Just wanted to update everyone what I ended up with. I ended up getting a new Buddy 125 in wonderful orange. I got such a great deal on a new one that I could not pass it up. Looking forward to driving the new scoot around. Now I need to figure out what to do with my trusty Metro. Anyone interested in a Honda Met

.

Thanks all who contributed.

Raiderfn311 · Post by **Raiderfn311** » Fri Jan 06, 2012 10:06 pm

That effin orange color is AWESOME. I like getting new stuff. You know where its been and whats been done to it. Very solid choice and IMHO the best choice you had. Congrats and post pics.

michelle_7728 · Post by **michelle_7728** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 7:16 am

rfman81 wrote:Just wanted to update everyone what I ended up with. I ended up getting a new Buddy 125 in wonderful orange. I got such a great deal on a new one that I could not pass it up. Looking forward to driving the new scoot around. Now I need to figure out what to do with my trusty Metro. Anyone interested in a Honda Met .

Thanks all who contributed.

Nice choice! I was going to suggest buying new anyhow, if the dealer that was going out of business could give you a deal.

The orange ones are the fastest ones too! (though the black ones are a close second)

If you have the option, you might want to keep your other scooter. I "round robin" my scoots, so the miles don't all pile on to one so fast...plus each scooter has it's own brand of fun....and you just never know when having an extra will come in handy.

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 8:09 am

yeah. I love my Zuma, and unless I can get rid of it for a really high price, I can't see why. I'm still secretly hoping that my other half will catch the bug, but I don't think so.

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 8:22 am

rfman81 wrote:Just wanted to update everyone what I ended up with. I ended up getting a new Buddy 125 in wonderful orange. I got such a great deal on a new one that I could not pass it up. Looking forward to driving the new scoot around. Now I need to figure out what to do with my trusty Metro. Anyone interested in a Honda Met .

Thanks all who contributed.

WE WANT PHOTOS! No pics it didn't happen!

Congrats on the new scoot!

And sorry...no...I'm not interested in the Met.

rfman81 · Post by **rfman81** » Mon Jan 09, 2012 5:50 pm

Thanks everyone.
As requested crappy cell pic. Old 3GS. Sorry photography is not one of my fortes. The rear rack and top case came in the price of the scoot. I have only bought the cowl protectors.

As for the Honda Met. I have mulled keeping it, problem is I do not have a shed/garage so both sit in my driveway. My wife does like riding it... we shall see. Just not sure I want to have to keep up with both maintenance wise.

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Mon Jan 09, 2012 6:02 pm

Congrats!

I love naming the scooters. Why? they each have their own personalities...

jprestonian · Post by **jprestonian** » Mon Jan 09, 2012 6:05 pm

Curious, rfman -- did you get this from Chris a/k/a Rooster, d/b/a Eastside Motorwerx, Inglewood?
.

rfman81 · Post by **rfman81** » Mon Jan 09, 2012 6:16 pm

He helped facilitate the transaction. Picked it up from his shop. Chris is a nice dude. I had been eying this for awhile at East Side but wasn't the right time. I was surprised to see it at his shop when I went there. The deal was too good to pass this time.

I have seen you on the scoot nashville site. Been meaning to join up just seems things stuff just gets in the way. Gonna see if I can slip away from the fam for a ride or two this year.