Well, barring any (more) dissasters... the new bike is....
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- neotrotsky
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Well, barring any (more) dissasters... the new bike is....
Going to be this exact one (if it can hang around until the 7th):
An orange Buddy 125!
OK, so I'm not so keen on orange, but after shopping around for the past few months in preparation, there were only a handful of bikes that fit the criteria I was looking for. Originally I had set a budget of only $2500 (since I still have to replace some critical audio gear for work that I lost during the off season), but I wanted a dead-reliable machine that could achieve 60mph with a good dealer network and with a design I knew wouldn't leave me stranded like the Rattler constantly did.
The Stella was my first choice, but the newest 4-strokers were way out of my budget, and the selection of 2-stroke bikes in Arizona have been beaten to death. They look good on paper, but when you see them in person, you can tell they had NOT been loved.
Piaggio? Great bikes... horrible dealer network. They may have places that sell them, but getting parts and service for them is a nightmare. That and the "Vespa Tax" isn't something that I find much value in anymore. Sure, they are good bikes, but that doesn't offest the negatives that the Modern iteration of Vespa has developed.
SYM did tempt me with the Symba: A bike I could actually afford new if I tweaked the budget, a great look and a solid design that is proven. But, the dealership network and lower top speed kind of killed it. The local dealer seemed like a nice enough fellow, but he didn't have any bikes on the floor for me to check out and SYM hasn't had the best support in the US. If by some small miracle they do get some in and I get some time in the saddle, that is probably the only bike that will change my mind at the moment. But, it isn't looking likely. I do very much like the design.
The Buddy 125 is on end-of-season clearance (although we have year round riding weather here) for just under $2800 OTD. For Phoenix, that is considered a good deal. They are fee crazy around here! It's a 2012, not a leftover 2009 and it has a full 2-year warranty. It is as proven as it gets (as I preach to the choir around here) and should of been the bike I was to get as a daily driver as opposed to thinking with my heart and getting the P200e last season. Am I dead set on trying out the new "Plasti-Coat" craze sweeping the bike world on the orange panels. I figure a nice gloss grey may look great with some chrome bits. But, I won't know for sure until the 7th, which is the target day for the cash to end up in my grubby hands and in theirs.
I would of been able to secure it sooner, but the slum of a house we're renting flooded during the storm last night, and our landlord (who is actually sub-letting the place) really didn't do much to attend to the situation. So, finances had to be juggled and a part day off had to be taken. BUT... the plan is still on!
So I guess the Kool-Aide took a while to sink in from around here... but sink in it did.
An orange Buddy 125!
OK, so I'm not so keen on orange, but after shopping around for the past few months in preparation, there were only a handful of bikes that fit the criteria I was looking for. Originally I had set a budget of only $2500 (since I still have to replace some critical audio gear for work that I lost during the off season), but I wanted a dead-reliable machine that could achieve 60mph with a good dealer network and with a design I knew wouldn't leave me stranded like the Rattler constantly did.
The Stella was my first choice, but the newest 4-strokers were way out of my budget, and the selection of 2-stroke bikes in Arizona have been beaten to death. They look good on paper, but when you see them in person, you can tell they had NOT been loved.
Piaggio? Great bikes... horrible dealer network. They may have places that sell them, but getting parts and service for them is a nightmare. That and the "Vespa Tax" isn't something that I find much value in anymore. Sure, they are good bikes, but that doesn't offest the negatives that the Modern iteration of Vespa has developed.
SYM did tempt me with the Symba: A bike I could actually afford new if I tweaked the budget, a great look and a solid design that is proven. But, the dealership network and lower top speed kind of killed it. The local dealer seemed like a nice enough fellow, but he didn't have any bikes on the floor for me to check out and SYM hasn't had the best support in the US. If by some small miracle they do get some in and I get some time in the saddle, that is probably the only bike that will change my mind at the moment. But, it isn't looking likely. I do very much like the design.
The Buddy 125 is on end-of-season clearance (although we have year round riding weather here) for just under $2800 OTD. For Phoenix, that is considered a good deal. They are fee crazy around here! It's a 2012, not a leftover 2009 and it has a full 2-year warranty. It is as proven as it gets (as I preach to the choir around here) and should of been the bike I was to get as a daily driver as opposed to thinking with my heart and getting the P200e last season. Am I dead set on trying out the new "Plasti-Coat" craze sweeping the bike world on the orange panels. I figure a nice gloss grey may look great with some chrome bits. But, I won't know for sure until the 7th, which is the target day for the cash to end up in my grubby hands and in theirs.
I would of been able to secure it sooner, but the slum of a house we're renting flooded during the storm last night, and our landlord (who is actually sub-letting the place) really didn't do much to attend to the situation. So, finances had to be juggled and a part day off had to be taken. BUT... the plan is still on!
So I guess the Kool-Aide took a while to sink in from around here... but sink in it did.
"Earth" without Art is just "Eh"...
<a href="http://slowkidsscootergang.wordpress.com/">The Slow Kids Scooter Gang</a>
<a href="http://slowkidsscootergang.wordpress.com/">The Slow Kids Scooter Gang</a>
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- JohnKiniston
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You can always come down to Tucson and our awesome Genuine dealer if it doesn't work out. I'm sure Scoot Over would be happy to hook you up.
I saw them sell a couple Symba's but I cant recall when the last time I saw one on the floor was. I think they may have finally sold their last Sym Wolf Classic and now just have the Enfields for motorcycles.
I saw them sell a couple Symba's but I cant recall when the last time I saw one on the floor was. I think they may have finally sold their last Sym Wolf Classic and now just have the Enfields for motorcycles.
- Drum Pro
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- agrogod
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Will you be using Genuine's finance option? I know it may run abit more in the long run, but low monthly payments as opposed to a big, one time out of pocket payment, may be easier on the wallet.
"When your mouth is yapping your arms stop flapping, get to work" - a quote from my father R.I.P..
always start with the simple, it may end up costing you little to nothing
always start with the simple, it may end up costing you little to nothing
- BuddyRaton
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I still think a Buddy 125 is by far the best bang for the buck you can get in a new scooter. Nice score!
"Things fall apart - it's scientific" - David Byrne
www.teamscootertrash.com
'06 Cream Buddy 125, 11 Blur 220, 13 BMW C 650 GT, 68 Vespa SS180, 64 Vespa GS MK II, 65 Lambretta TV 175, 67 Vespa GT, 64 Vespa 150 VBB 64 Vespa GL
www.teamscootertrash.com
'06 Cream Buddy 125, 11 Blur 220, 13 BMW C 650 GT, 68 Vespa SS180, 64 Vespa GS MK II, 65 Lambretta TV 175, 67 Vespa GT, 64 Vespa 150 VBB 64 Vespa GL
- Wheelz
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Yeah! Good luck Neo!
The effects of the kool-aid are subtle, you may feel a bit dizzy at first, but all you gotta do is ride. Then it smacks you over the head, and you can't quit smilling....
as a very happy Rat owner, your problems with it really bummed me out. I'm glad you've found the one and am keeping my fingers crossed for the 7th as well.
The effects of the kool-aid are subtle, you may feel a bit dizzy at first, but all you gotta do is ride. Then it smacks you over the head, and you can't quit smilling....
as a very happy Rat owner, your problems with it really bummed me out. I'm glad you've found the one and am keeping my fingers crossed for the 7th as well.
"Hey You, yeah, all you'se thoughts, specially you, creepy wierd one in the corner, Screw you guys, I'm going for a ride..."
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...what John said. Shelby and Mike are the best!JohnKiniston wrote:You can always come down to Tucson and our awesome Genuine dealer if it doesn't work out. I'm sure Scoot Over would be happy to hook you up.
I saw them sell a couple Symba's but I cant recall when the last time I saw one on the floor was. I think they may have finally sold their last Sym Wolf Classic and now just have the Enfields for motorcycles.
"Life without music would Bb"
- pumpedoncaffeine
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Painting it would devalue it. While I don't like the orange either I ride the same color bike. It is bright and one of the safer colors IMO. It could be pink, wouldn't that be terrible. I bought a flat black helmet and thought I was dumb later so I put an orange Mohawk on top. I've ridden all over the metro kc area and every time I go somewhere I get "hey I saw you at so and so the other day". Or "did I see you at [insert someplace 25 minutes away]?".
The only thing I would add is a black rack, bungie straps, running lights, and maybe some reflective tape.
The only thing I would add is a black rack, bungie straps, running lights, and maybe some reflective tape.
- neotrotsky
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The folks in Avondale have been very nice and willing to answer any question I have. They actually discouraged my interest in an Agility stating that they really were not worth the price cut. And, the only reason I'd be getting an Agility is so I could have more funds to finance a Stella build. If I do need to hunt for a new Buddy elsewhere, I may look into Tucson, but then the trick is finding the time between working two performance venues, school and my wife's full time job. But, right now this is looking like a solid thing.
As for financing, I'm electing to pay cash on this one. With bikes, I find it easier to own outright just in case the unexpected happens and you're left with a heavily damaged/malfunctioning bike. Nothing worse than some idiot hitting you and you're stuck making payments on a totaled bike because the idiot didn't have insurance or it's tied up in court.... or if you tried to do an engine mod and *really* screwed it up. Even the Rattler I had proved that you can do everything to factory spec, but still be out a bike due to bonehead and deceitful dealers or other factors.
Both shops have a great rep, and I'm not worried about that. I just wish there was ONE Genuine dealer anywhere in the Phoenix downtown area! With the growing urban population they would make a killing down here. I bet you could sell a TON of Buddy's down on Roosevelt and get all the hipsters up on the scooter craze with the right placement. But, I digress...
I will keep everyone posted this coming week
As for financing, I'm electing to pay cash on this one. With bikes, I find it easier to own outright just in case the unexpected happens and you're left with a heavily damaged/malfunctioning bike. Nothing worse than some idiot hitting you and you're stuck making payments on a totaled bike because the idiot didn't have insurance or it's tied up in court.... or if you tried to do an engine mod and *really* screwed it up. Even the Rattler I had proved that you can do everything to factory spec, but still be out a bike due to bonehead and deceitful dealers or other factors.
Both shops have a great rep, and I'm not worried about that. I just wish there was ONE Genuine dealer anywhere in the Phoenix downtown area! With the growing urban population they would make a killing down here. I bet you could sell a TON of Buddy's down on Roosevelt and get all the hipsters up on the scooter craze with the right placement. But, I digress...
I will keep everyone posted this coming week
"Earth" without Art is just "Eh"...
<a href="http://slowkidsscootergang.wordpress.com/">The Slow Kids Scooter Gang</a>
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- RoaringTodd
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Maybe it's time for a life and career change, Neotrotsky?neotrotsky wrote: I just wish there was ONE Genuine dealer anywhere in the Phoenix downtown area! With the growing urban population they would make a killing down here. I bet you could sell a TON of Buddy's down on Roosevelt and get all the hipsters up on the scooter craze with the right placement. But, I digress...
- michelle_7728
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Congrats! I always feel more visible on my orange Buddy vs my black one. I've had mine up to 75 indicated, which is probably 63 to 65, but I haven't checked it with GPS yet, so I can't say for sure. That's on flat ground, not down hill. Uphill...not so much.
I don't do engine mods of any type, as I've heard too many cases where that causes issues.
I don't do engine mods of any type, as I've heard too many cases where that causes issues.
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- TroutBum
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Re: Well, barring any (more) dissasters... the new bike is..
When I saw the picture of the scooter this popped up in my head. I hope you get it!neotrotsky wrote:Going to be this exact one (if it can hang around until the 7th):
An orange Buddy 125!
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- neotrotsky
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When I get my bike, I don't know how many local rides I will be able to attend between full time work, full time school and yet ANOTHER move to a different apartment. Will try my best but I may be lucky to hit one or two rides out to the Scottsdale Pavilions car show on non-show nights before January, but after that I won't have a life again until the summer.
"Earth" without Art is just "Eh"...
<a href="http://slowkidsscootergang.wordpress.com/">The Slow Kids Scooter Gang</a>
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- michelle_7728
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Around 170, with my laptop and top case. I have synthetic oil and a windshield also. I will say that I've noticed about a 3-5 mph increase in speed the last month or so as I've been closing in on 6,000 miles.RoaringTodd wrote:How much weight was on the scooter? I'm trying to decide if I should buy a 125... and I weight 215 on a good day... Would love to get 65mph...michelle_7728 wrote: I've had mine up to 75 indicated, which is probably 63 to 65,
RT-
My black Buddy, with just over 1,000 miles on it (synthetic oil and windshield also) has been topping out at 70-72 indicated.
- bigbropgo
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- neotrotsky
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I feel I chose quite wisely with the P200e. I just chose it at the wrong time. I will always kick myself for being unable to afford to keep that scooter!! I also bought that when I was still working a fill-in job during the "great layoff" period. If I knew I'd have the job I have now, I would of kept it.k1dude wrote:This time, you have chosen wisely.
But, the numbers don't lie on the Buddy. They are bulletproof and the warranty can't be beat. Me and my wife need reliable. I'll save the Stella project for the summer build up for AmeriVespa '13. This will be for the daily grind. Now, to figure out which mic and cable bags can fit where on a Buddy with racks...
"Earth" without Art is just "Eh"...
<a href="http://slowkidsscootergang.wordpress.com/">The Slow Kids Scooter Gang</a>
<a href="http://slowkidsscootergang.wordpress.com/">The Slow Kids Scooter Gang</a>
- theflash784
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the new bike is...
I bought my orange Buddy a year ago. I had a choice between it and a black one. I thought the orange would be more visable so I went with that. My crafty friend helped me put reflective pinstripes on it. I have a rear rack, windshield and the crowl protectors. I wish I had more time to ride it- hopefully with the granddaughter going to school I will. The only trouble I have is with the mirrors. They come lose and you need Loctite to keep them steady. I would get different mirrors. Other than that- it has been a great scoot. I hope yours is as well.
- neotrotsky
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Re: the new bike is...
I'm thinking that the full black crashbar/rack treatment and some black rally stripes will do it well and give it a more urban look. I figure the black/orange thing will work well enough. If I *really* tire of the look, I can always plasti-dip spray the panels and see how I like that. As for color for "safety", I figure cars don't see bikes for shit in Phoenix anyways, so defensive driving and smart lane placement are how I've survived riding here as long as I have.theflash784 wrote:I bought my orange Buddy a year ago. I had a choice between it and a black one. I thought the orange would be more visable so I went with that. My crafty friend helped me put reflective pinstripes on it. I have a rear rack, windshield and the crowl protectors. I wish I had more time to ride it- hopefully with the granddaughter going to school I will. The only trouble I have is with the mirrors. They come lose and you need Loctite to keep them steady. I would get different mirrors. Other than that- it has been a great scoot. I hope yours is as well.
That and the racks are going to be a must since this will be my daily commuter when I don't need to haul gear. My only worry is hauling some of the mics I use for my main venue. They can grow to be quite numerous and I don't dare leave them at the theater (some of them cost upwards of $2,500 EACH!). So, I'm trying to devise heavy paniers/top cases that can detach and come with. The average scooter fare doesn't quite work. It will probably be a work in progress since I haven't had to haul this much gear until this season
"Earth" without Art is just "Eh"...
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- pdxrita
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Re: the new bike is...
I don't think that different mirrors would resolve this issue since they still have to go on the same mount points. Since you have a windshield, I'm guessing that it mounts between the stock mirror holes and the mirrors? That throws off the entire assembly and causes issues. What I've found is that it's key to try to screw the mirror post in as far as possible before you use the mirror bolt to finish tightening it. The more you rely on the bolt, the less likely it is to stay tight. Also, I just crank down on that bolt as hard as I can and that seems to help. Don't crank down on the posts too hard, though, as we've had people snap them off by doing that.theflash784 wrote: The only trouble I have is with the mirrors. They come lose and you need Loctite to keep them steady. I would get different mirrors. Other than that- it has been a great scoot. I hope yours is as well.
- Dooglas
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Re: the new bike is...
Nothing wrong with using Loctite (blue) as well. The stuff works and causes no problems. (this loose mirror thing is hardly unique to the OEM mirror or to Buddys in particular)pdxrita wrote:What I've found is that it's key to try to screw the mirror post in as far as possible before you use the mirror bolt to finish tightening it.theflash784 wrote: The only trouble I have is with the mirrors. They come lose and you need Loctite to keep them steady.
- theflash784
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the new bike is...
pdxrita- You are right about the mirror post. I will try to do as you suggested. I was trying to tighten it but didn't have any luck. My dealer put on Loctite on the right mirror last fall and it has held up very well. I was going to have the same done to left one. Thanks all for the suggestions.
- michelle_7728
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Re: the new bike is...
Depending on the size of the microphones in question, hauling stuff on the Buddy shouldn't be an issue.neotrotsky wrote:That and the racks are going to be a must since this will be my daily commuter when I don't need to haul gear. My only worry is hauling some of the mics I use for my main venue. They can grow to be quite numerous and I don't dare leave them at the theater (some of them cost upwards of $2,500 EACH!). So, I'm trying to devise heavy paniers/top cases that can detach and come with. The average scooter fare doesn't quite work. It will probably be a work in progress since I haven't had to haul this much gear until this season
- neotrotsky
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Re: the new bike is...
I remember that thread!michelle_7728 wrote:Depending on the size of the microphones in question, hauling stuff on the Buddy shouldn't be an issue.neotrotsky wrote:That and the racks are going to be a must since this will be my daily commuter when I don't need to haul gear. My only worry is hauling some of the mics I use for my main venue. They can grow to be quite numerous and I don't dare leave them at the theater (some of them cost upwards of $2,500 EACH!). So, I'm trying to devise heavy paniers/top cases that can detach and come with. The average scooter fare doesn't quite work. It will probably be a work in progress since I haven't had to haul this much gear until this season
I'm not terribly worried about if, it's just the logistics of "how". Nice to see the Orange Buddy's are the workhorses of the Genuine stable People insist their red ones are the fastest, but you just proved the Orange ones are the strongest!
"Earth" without Art is just "Eh"...
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