If you could change one thing (anything) about your Buddy...

Discussion of the Genuine Buddy, Hooligan, Black Jack and other topics, both scooter related and not

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Portland_Rider
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If you could change one thing (anything) about your Buddy...

Post by Portland_Rider »

Most of us here at MB love our Buddy scoots. I'm simply curious, if you could change one thing about your Buddy...what would it be and why?
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Kaos
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Post by Kaos »

My Buddy isn't fast enough. It needs to be faster :P
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peabody99
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Post by peabody99 »

better ride or suspension
maybe a metel body?
truthfully though, it is a great bike.
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Post by carreybat »

wings.
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laxer
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Post by laxer »

Well, not a buddy, but I'd like more speed, Speed, SPEED!!
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Mr Miller
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Post by Mr Miller »

13" wheels please!
• 171.3cc NCY Big Bore kit
& bunch of other stuff...

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db
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Post by db »

+1 on bigger wheels
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Post by KRUSTYburger »

I don't think the wheel size is a problem, but I'd like to see some alloy rims since mine are getting pretty rusty.
And like someone else said I think the suspension could be better. Of course there are already aftermarket
shocks available, they're just too expensive. Honestly that's about it, maybe a cushier seat? I dunno.

One thing I hope they NEVER change is the totally flat floorboard because
a ton of other scooters don't have that and it comes in handy ALL THE TIME.
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fobbish
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Post by fobbish »

I love my buddy so much. Although I'm completely satisfied with my purchase, alloy wheels and fuel injection would just take me straight to heaven!
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Post by nissanman »

Hmmm I'm on a Ratt, but Alloy Wheels and a 3spd transmission!
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takora
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Post by takora »

A larger capacity gas tank!
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Post by Elypia »

I second the larger gas tank. I SECOND THAT SO HARD.

I wish I hadn't got the black metal basket on the front of mine. I use it like crazy, but I like the look of the Buddy better without my trash can (it currently holds a chug o' milk from this morning) sitting on the front of it.

It -is- the perfect size for a six-pack of Yuengling, though.
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Tocsik
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Post by Tocsik »

takora wrote:A larger capacity gas tank!
+! X infinity!

My other wishes:

built-in clock
trip odometer
improved electrical system to run extra lights, heated gear, etc.
a few better quality stock components like shocks, variator (things they did to the BlackJack 'cause it made it better!)
.::I know the voices in my head aren't real, but man do they come up with some great ideas::.
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Post by Skootz Kabootz »

What I want is coming... a bigger engine on a heavier scooter for longer distance highway riding! Sweeeeet....
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Post by dakotamouse »

Better mirrors, better suspension and just a tad more speed. :wink:
Ride what you like so you'll love to ride!
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Post by jfrost2 »

I'd want it fuel injected, maybe a fancier seat, better suspension, 3x the color choice.

It's already a great bike the way it is, any more improvements and it would be a top class finished bike like a vespa. Probably a top class price tag too.
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Leeroy Jenkins
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Post by Leeroy Jenkins »

rear disc brake, larger fuel tank.
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Post by Vic »

A clock! It drives me crazy that I don't have a clock.

I would also like a beefier electrical system so the plug can actually be used for something, but a clock is my first choice.

-v
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Post by ericalm »

What's one thing you would change that wouldn't significantly raise the price or alter the fundamental design? :)

I used to say I'd want the running lights connected but it's apparently that way because they're intended to be turn signals and draw too much power as running lights (without more modification than a simple wiring connector).

I don't think they need to be any faster. They're exactly what they should be for 125/150cc scooters this size. You can always go the mod route, but stock, they're great.
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Post by Portland_Rider »

My turn. Since I started this thread, I held off entering in my own one-thing that I'd like to change wanting to first read the posts of others. I agree with most of the posts that their ideas are good ones.

Here is mine:
I'd like bigger wheels though I don't have enough scooter knowledge and experience to know specifically how big.

My 'why' is that I understand larger and wider wheels will give greater tire tread to the road support at higher speeds, in winds and rain, and on bad uneven roads and with pot holes too.
Last edited by Portland_Rider on Tue Sep 29, 2009 3:41 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Kaos
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Post by Kaos »

ericalm wrote: I don't think they need to be any faster. They're exactly what they should be for 125/150cc scooters this size. You can always go the mod route, but stock, they're great.
Stock? I totally agree. The Buddy 125 is already the fastest stock 125 around, what more could you want from a stock bike? :)
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Post by DennisD »

Increased ride time. That's all. Anything else, just buy a different scooter.
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Post by pdxrita »

I'd agree with a clock - that would be nice.

Something that I'd love, but probably no one else would (hence why it's not happening): I'd like it to be shorter by about 3". I can reach nicely on a 50cc (i.e. Honda Metro, Kymco Sento), but I need more speed than 50cc's can produce to make it practical for me. So a full size engine coupled with a very low seat height is my dream scoot. The Buddy, as it is, comes close.
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cmac
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Post by cmac »

About the clock thing, you could always mount a cheapo watch on there pretty easily if you really wanted one.
I would like to see more leg room on a buddy, my knees is a killins mes when I sits on ones.
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Post by ScootStevie »

Better mirrors, and bigger gas tank. But I love my buddy
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Post by Cheshire »

I adore my scooter. It's best in its class in just about everything.

Hmm...most things I find lacking in what I want from my scoot can be gained from modifying. The one thing that occasionally makes me look at craigslist? Clearance. I wish the Buddy could lean further. My center stand foot peg is starting to look really, really rough. I wish I could lean farther without having to do math in my head for how much further I need to lean to compensate for the scooter's limit.
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Post by KABarash »

I aggree with the bigger gas tank, Since I love my Bud so much I'm seemingly ALWAYS getting gas, every 110 miles or so!!!!!
Also a slightly softer seat, as I have no built in padding, I need/want to add to the seat.
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Post by petunia »

Better stock headlamp.
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Portland_Rider
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Post by Portland_Rider »

KABarash wrote:I aggree with the bigger gas tank, Since I love my Bud so much I'm seemingly ALWAYS getting gas, every 110 miles or so!!!!!
Also a slightly softer seat, as I have no built in padding, I need/want to add to the seat.

KABarash,

I too don't have much built in padding. I'm looking into getting a Sheepskin Buttpad by Alaska Leathers. Prices seem reasonable.

http://www.alaskaleatheronline.com/servlet/StoreFront
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Post by MarsR »

My Buddy is almost perfect, but here's my short list:

- Clock (lighted, I can't see my stick-on one in the dark)
- Real fold-away passenger footpegs
- Larger gas tank
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pyrocpu
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Post by pyrocpu »

Here's my wishlist...

* Larger fuel tank as others have mentioned
* Fuel injection
* A centerstand that doesn't sit so dang low when the scoot's in operation!
* A lot less vibration
* A rear brake that has feel and one that actually works, dangit!
Update: "Bought the motorcycle, still have the Blackjack... wife wants me to sell Blackjack..."

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Post by Lil Buddy »

The name.
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Post by KRUSTYburger »

Lil Buddy wrote:The name.
:lol:
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Sailboat13
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filler up

Post by Sailboat13 »

Double the gas tank size.
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ericalm
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Post by ericalm »

For those who want a larger gas tank: Would you give up the ability to store a helmet under the seat for one?
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prrfan53
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one change for the Buddy!

Post by prrfan53 »

Fuel capacity!!!! Even at my average MPG, it wants pet food too often!
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Post by Portland_Rider »

My intent with making this post was to learn what others are feeling about their Buddy ride. I'm curious to learn about what others are experiencing in comparison to my own riding.

My big challenge right now is not feeling stable, safe, or in control when I go beyond 45mph on uneven roads and/or with a wind hitting me. So my wish is for bigger wider wheels and tires to hopefully give me more stability.

Your wish list or single wish does not have to be real-world practical.

If someone wants to be overly creative and post about having the ability to press a button that will turn their Buddy into a super-cycle like the one Batman rides, that is fine too.
Last edited by Portland_Rider on Tue Sep 29, 2009 8:58 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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MarsR
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Post by MarsR »

ericalm wrote:For those who want a larger gas tank: Would you give up the ability to store a helmet under the seat for one?
Well, my FF helmet doesn't fit under the seat, but I do keep it full of other stuff that I would rather not give up. So no, I wouldn't want to give up that space, nor significantly increase any physical dimensions of the scooter. I might could go with an extra 2-3" in total length allowing for a larger tank and extra room for the passenger. In reality, a larger tank might not be practical, but sometimes it sure would be nice. :wink:
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one change...

Post by prrfan53 »

I'd give up some of the under-seat space for more gas capacity! Alarger topper eases that change. I regularly cruise 55-65 MPH true; this 150 seems solid on well maintained New England roads. I'm 200# so don't feel the wind/ truck turbulence blasts too much.
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Post by ScootStevie »

ericalm wrote:For those who want a larger gas tank: Would you give up the ability to store a helmet under the seat for one?
I guess not, you can't have it all :shock:
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Post by jasondavis48108 »

all I want is better aftermarket support. Give me 10 inch spinners! but seriously, I really want better aftermarket support like the ruckus has.
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Post by mjm1374 »

Larger gas tank, this could be done without giving up underseat storage, you push the tail out a little more or a little wider ass.

rear disk brakes

oh and hover jets, maybe lasers :D
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Post by polianarchy »

I wish it had more legshields & cowls than it does. The Buddy's are so puny, and they're the only thing keeping it from looking as cute as the Honda Metropolitan.
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Post by verdecalavera »

i wish i was still in posession of my buddy. :evil:
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Post by peabody99 »

verdecalavera wrote:i wish i was still in posession of my buddy. :evil:
I was given sage advice by more than one person to NOT sell my Buddy when I got the Vespa. I took it! :D
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Post by blue88 »

ericalm wrote:For those who want a larger gas tank: Would you give up the ability to store a helmet under the seat for one?
Of course not!
And don't delete the kick starter either!

My list:
More gas cap (like 1.5x or more).
More backlight on the gauges.
More capacity on the back rack.
bit more speed.

Wouldn't mind a better place for the battery either.
And of course if a more comfortable seat would always be nice.

-B
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Post by C2 »

Bigger wheels would be nice, but another 3" of floorboard would be even better. I'm 6' 2" and my size 13 stomp-boots don't quite fit they way I would like them to on the floorboard.

C2
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If you could change one thing (anything) about your Buddy...

Post by michelle_7728 »

takora wrote:A larger capacity gas tank!
ditto! A two and a quarter or two and a half gallon tank would be way cool. I'd like to be able to put 2 gallons in at each fill-up... :roll:
Past bikes: 08' Genuine Buddy 125, '07 Yamaha Majesty 400, '07 Piaggio MP3 250, '08 Piaggio MP3 500, '08 Aprilia Scarabeo 500
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Post by Anachronism »

Manual shift.

Or a way to "trim" CVT gearing while riding. I'm sick of getting stuck in high gears while climbing a hill, knowing I would be going faster if the CVT would downgear.


If a bike comes out with a way to have human input into changing the CVT gearing on the fly, I will buy 6.

This is a big reason why I bought a Stella.
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Post by r0sa »

i dont like the way the stock exhaust looks/sounds, i need something louder and looks cleaner.
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