Fellow Genuine Owners

maroman · Post by **maroman** » Thu Nov 05, 2009 10:02 pm

I have been riding a 50cc buddy scooter for the past year and have fell in love with the scooter community. For school i am working on a marketing project on Genuine Scooters, I would really appreciate if any of you scooter enthusiasts would take a few minutes to answer some questions for me. To begin
Age:
Location:
Which Scooter do you own:
How Often do you drive it:
education level:
Occupation:
Why you chose Genuine over other companies???

jijifer · Post by **jijifer** » Thu Nov 05, 2009 10:25 pm

Age: 36

Location: Carlsbad, CA (north san diego county)

Which Scooter do you own: 2009 Buddy 125 (kitted to 161cc)

How Often do you drive it: Daily Commuter - only means of transport

education level: Some College

Occupation: Executive Assistant.

(edit) oh yeah - I picked genuine in the end due what I could learn about the different scooters under $3k OTD in the end I bought used. But yeah, I wanted reliability and from what I learned in my local shop and here on MB was Buddy's are terrific scooters

Good luck with your project!

peabody99 · Post by **peabody99** » Thu Nov 05, 2009 10:27 pm

Age: 41
Location: cleveland
Which Scooter do you own: Buddy 125 (and vespa 250)
How Often do you drive it: as much as possible-to work, to work appointments, recreation
education level: masters
Occupation: human services
Do you drive your scooter year-round? yes, except when there is ice (most of jan and feb, plus some well before and after those months)
Why you chose Genuine over other companies??? I chose genuine in 06 b/c I loved the design,price and size of the Buddy. Back in those days (

) we did not know how reliable they would turn out to be, or how good the support would be. Both were excellent. I would have likely stayed with Genuine to get a 250, but they kept draggin' their feet with regard to releasing one. I could not wait for more power.

Dibber · Post by **Dibber** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 12:06 am

Age: 57
Location: Sauk Rapids, MN
Which Scoot: Buddy 125
How often ride: Daily until it snows
Education: College Grad
Occupation: Retire Military/Property & Inventory Manager.
Do you ride year around: No to dangerous in winter, Black Ice sucks.
Why choose Buddy over others: Dependable, fast, great dealer, great Importer, easy to maintain, good looking scoot......Just really like the Buddy.

Tricia · Post by **Tricia** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 12:07 am

Age: 23
Location: Ventura, CA
Which Scooter do you own: 08 Pamplona
How Often do you drive it: Every day, unless it's raining. Which is never.
education level: Some college
Occupation: Recruiter, HR admin
Why you chose Genuine over other companies??? Reliability, design, price, community

lmyers · Post by **lmyers** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 12:25 am

Age: 45
Location: Tulsa, OK
Which Scooter do you own: 02 Genuine Stella
How Often do you drive it: Daily, unless the streets have snow, ice or there's lightning. I REALLY don't like riding during thunderstorms
education level: Some college
Occupation: Administrator
Why you chose Genuine over other companies??? Because I really didn't want to restore a vintage Vespa (then).

fobbish · Post by **fobbish** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 12:31 am

Age: 24
Location: Alameda, CA
Which Scooter do you own: Buddy 125
How Often do you drive it: 2-3 times a week
education level: Bachelors
Occupation: Engineer
Why you chose Genuine over other companies???

The style was the first thing that attracted me. Reviews considered the Buddy reliable, quick and easy to drive. When I found a $1800 deal for a brand new Buddy 125, that sealed the deal!

gr8dog · Post by **gr8dog** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 12:51 am

Age: 47
Location: Neenah, WI
Which Scooter do you own: Orange Buddy 125
How Often do you drive it: Daily from May through October
education level: College
Occupation: Full time Photoshop for 11 years now.
Why you chose Genuine over other companies??? One ride on the Buddy sole me on the fun factor.

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 12:58 am

Age: 44
Location: Grand Rapids MI
Which Scooter do you own: Buddy 50
How Often do you drive it: 5-6 days/week (weather permitting)
education level: College (twice)
Occupation: Computer Technician / Artist
Why you chose Genuine over other companies? The Buddy was a well-reviewed bike at a good price, and the fact that I could buy it from a local dealer for a small Midwestern company was icing on the cake.

Tocsik · Post by **Tocsik** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 1:40 am

Age: 45
Location: Denver, CO
Which Scooter do you own: Buddy International Pamplona 150cc
How Often do you drive it: 5 days/week minimum and about 50 miles/day
education level: College graduate
Occupation: Pediatric Cardiac Sonographer
Why you chose Genuine over other companies??? Went to local scooter shop and spoke with salesperson (excellent resource with unbiased opinion and owner of several scooters). Test drove about 6 different scooters and picked the best of the litter.

I drive year round unless there is ice/snow on the road or forecast.
I have put about 9K miles on my scooter in one year and that was with one month of not riding due to broken ribs (from a scooter accident. Oops

)

pinkfaith · Post by **pinkfaith** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 1:43 am

Age: 25

Location: San Francisco, CA

Which Scooter do you own: 2009 Buddy Italia, 150 cc

How Often do you drive it: Once or twice a week, usually weekend errand running.

Education level: BA in t minus 4 weeks. Holla!

Occupation: Can I still say student? What pays the bills? Senior Administrative Assistant.

Why you chose Genuine over other companies??? It had great reviews and was a great scooter for the price. Vespa's were out of my price range and although other scooter brands may have been cheaper and had bigger wheels, they were kinda ugly. I wanted something super cute and fun to ride. Also, the people at S.F. Scooter Center were uber nice and helpful so I wanted to give them my business. I also heard about this site and saw how great Buddy owners were so I felt this would be a great brand to start with.

kmtscoot · Post by **kmtscoot** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 1:55 am

Age: 59
Location: Kalispell MT
Which Scooter do you own: Buddy 125 now sold. SYM RV250.
How Often do you drive it: Daily unless the roads are slick.
Education level: University graduate.
Occupation: Retired electrical engineer.
Why you chose Genuine over other companies??? I liked the look of the Buddy. I read that it was a high qauality brand. I downloaded the service manual and liked how they were put together. I bought one and sure 'nuff, I decided they're built rock solid.

pdxrita · Post by **pdxrita** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 1:59 am

Age: 43
Location: Portland, OR
Which Scooter do you own: Buddy Italia 150
How Often do you drive it: daily commuter
education level: Bachelors Degree
Occupation: IT
Why you chose Genuine over other companies??? Due to my being severely vertically challenged, I needed something short enough, to start with. That narrowed down my choices considerably. It came down to a Vino or a Buddy (125 or 150). After reading various opinions, I settled on the Buddy.

mattgordon · Post by **mattgordon** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 2:32 am

I don't think we've been introduced......

bluebuddygirl · Post by **bluebuddygirl** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 2:56 am

Age: 41
Location: Akron OH
Which Scooter do you own: 2008 Buddy 125 Blue
How Often do you RIDE it: As much as possible. Average 7000 mi/yr.
education level: Masters Degree (terminal in my field)
Occupation: Adjunct Art Professor (Adjunct- fancy title for part-time)
Why you chose Genuine over other companies???[/quote] Recommendation of a friend, cost, warranty, and looks. It was carried by a scooter shop in Cleveland that carried only good brands so I trusted it. Found out later how great the company really is.

kooky scientist · Post by **kooky scientist** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 3:08 am

Age: 49

Location: Salem, MA

Which Scooter do you own: Blue Buddy 50

How Often do you drive it: everyday, only mode of transport beside bicycle. Over 8,000 miles in 1.5 years.

education level: college grad

Occupation: Musician / Medical Records

Why you chose Genuine over other companies??? Price / Reputation / No sales tax, bought in New Hampshire when there was no dealer in MA / Build quality / Size / 2 stroke engine / fast, but Prima pipe is very loud.

bigbropgo · Post by **bigbropgo** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 3:26 am

mattgordon wrote:I don't think we've been introduced......

Mock marketing eh. Interesting

dakotamouse · Post by **dakotamouse** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 4:30 am

Age: 51
Location: Bismarck, ND
Which Scooter do you own: Italia 150
How Often do you drive it: daily to work while the weather permits
education level: Bachelor of Arts
Occupation: Over worked under paid lab tech
Why you chose Genuine over other companies??? Reputation

Post by **ericalm** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 4:56 am

Age: 40
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Which Scooter do you own: Vespa LX 150 and '06 Buddy 125
How Often do you drive it: daily
education level: college grad
Occupation: art director
Why you chose Genuine over other companies???
We bought our Buddy the first month they were for sale in CA. I'd been riding for about a year by then and was on Modern Vespa. A lot of MV members had test ridden or bought one and they all spoke very highly of it. At the time, I knew about the Stella but didn't know much else about Genuine (especially since the Stella had never been sold in CA). We'd been looking for a scooter for my wife and she loved the Buddy. And that was that.

Sombre-clair · Post by **Sombre-clair** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 5:08 am

Age: 20
Location: Salt Lake City, Ut
Which Scooter do you own: 125cc Black 2009
How Often do you drive it: I was driving it almost everyday untill the weather has gotten bad, now she is in storage

education level: High School Graduate
Occupation: Dog Groomer
Why you chose Genuine over other companies??? I liked the warrenty, look and price. Also out of all the shops I visited the dealer here was most helpful.

iwabj · Post by **iwabj** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 5:17 am

bgwss · Post by **bgwss** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 12:04 pm

Age: 41
Location: Wichita Kansas
Which Scooter do you own: 2008 Buddy 150 Italia
How Often do you drive it: commute to work 5 days a week until it starts snowing
education level: Masters of Divinity
Occupation: Receiving/Inventory Manager
Why you chose Genuine over other companies??? Loved the look and warranty

KABarash · Post by **KABarash** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 1:13 pm

Age: 50

Location: South Central Pa.

Which Scooter do you own: St Tropez 150cc

How Often do you drive it: Was primary vehicle during summer, as often as I can in the colder weather

education level: College grad, multiple degrees

Occupation: Land Surveyor (Unemployed)

Why you chose Genuine over other companies??? Looks, price, relyabilty and this forum's support and input...

beeporama · Post by **beeporama** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 1:26 pm

Age: 35
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Which Scooter do you own: BlackJack '09
How Often do you drive it: for my commute, weather permitting (dry days above ~40F)
education level: bachelor's degree (some graduate classes)
Occupation: database administrator
Why you chose Genuine over other companies??? I knew I wanted an automatic in the 100-200cc range requiring minimal maintenance for my commute. Genuine had a good price/feature ratio and a supportive online community. Unfortunately, I don't like the service the local dealer provides, so I might not choose them again in the future.

B02S4 · Post by **B02S4** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 1:39 pm

bigbropgo wrote:
mattgordon wrote:I don't think we've been introduced......
Mock marketing eh. Interesting

farrellcollie · Post by **farrellcollie** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 2:34 pm

Age: 48

Location: midwest

Which Scooter do you own: Buddy 125, vespa gt200, Piaggio bv500
How Often do you drive it: the buddy is my daily commuter vehicle except in thunderstorms or snow
education level: J.D.
Occupation: attorney
Why you chose Genuine over other companies??? my first scooter was the buddy because of the value, size, reputation and style

Keys · Post by **Keys** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 5:05 pm

Age: 54
Location: the Arizona Highlands
Scooter: Rattler 110
How Often I Ride: Always
Education: Why does it matter? Enough that my grammer, spelling
and vocabulary is better than most.
Occupation: Detention Officer / Musician
Why Genuine: Nobody else had a comparable 2-stroke hotrod

--Keys

KRUSTYburger · Post by **KRUSTYburger** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 7:58 pm

bigbropgo wrote:Mock marketing eh. Interesting

I don't care if it's a 'mock marketing project' or real marketing survey, stats is stats.

Post by **polianarchy** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 8:11 pm

B02S4 wrote:
bigbropgo wrote:
mattgordon wrote:I don't think we've been introduced......
Mock marketing eh. Interesting

The OP's IP addy resolves to Suffolk University, so I'm inclined to give 'em a break, despite this being their very first post. maroman, I think it would be good form to inform us where you go to school & which class you're taking. You'll probably get a load more responses if ya do!

Age: 31

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Which Scooter do you own: 2006 Buddy 125 & 2008 Stella 150

How Often do you drive it: Buddy every day, Stella every week

education level: Masters degree

Occupation: Librarian

Why you chose Genuine over other companies??? I didn't choose Genuine the company, I chose their products. I lusted over the Stella for YEARS, but when it came time for me to buy, LML had stopped production. In came the Buddy, and I was hooked. I did some casual online research on the reliability & history of the Buddy (as PGO's BuBu), and it seemed like a great idea. Fast forward two years, and I was so satisfied with my local scooter shop & the reliability of Genuine's customer service I bought a brand new Stella instead of a [much cheaper] used one.

rednblktx · Post by **rednblktx** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 8:55 pm

Age:58
Location: Austin Tx
Which: 2009 Buddy 125 (black) Also 2005 Honda Ruckus
How often ridden: Daily when I am in town (2nd home)
Education: BS Engineering
Occupation: General Manger - Oil and Gas Firm
Why a Geunine: did quite a bit or research. Kind of hoped Honda would build a 125 Ruckus. but alas. After riding the Buddy and a Vespa, really thought Buddy was the best value. Wife has a red Buddy 125 (can't tell her age)

KRUSTYburger · Post by **KRUSTYburger** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 11:07 pm

I PMed my response before I realized everyone was just posting it on the thread.
I'm Interested to see what the result of the project is.

broke · Post by **broke** » Sat Nov 07, 2009 1:25 am

Age: 40
Location: Hillsboro, OR
Which Scooter do you own: ORANGE! Buddy 125
How Often do you drive it: Commute M-F + fun rides when possible
education level: Bachelors Degree
Occupation: Test Engineer
Why you chose Genuine over other companies???
Got lucky. Shopping for Vespas and the dealer also sold Genuine. Seemed like a no-brainer based on cost difference. Since then I've been sold on the dependability of the Buddy.

iwabj · Post by **iwabj** » Sat Nov 07, 2009 1:53 am

cmac · Post by **cmac** » Sat Nov 07, 2009 2:51 am

Age: 20
Location: Florida
Which Scooter do you own: 07 Stella
How Often do you drive it: Every sun shining day
education level: Associates Degree
Occupation: Student
Why you chose Genuine over other companies: Got a good deal on a vintage type scooter

chloefpuff · Post by **chloefpuff** » Sat Nov 07, 2009 3:35 am

Age: 50 (just)
Location: West Michigan, by beautiful Lake Michigan
Which Scooter do you own: Pink Buddy 125
How Often do you drive it: April - October, several times a week, commute most days and rides for fun on weekends
education level: bachelor of arts
Occupation: social worker
Why you chose Genuine over other companies??? I was shopping for a Vespa and didn't realize there were other choices. The Vespa dealer also carries Genuine so I researched (mainly by reading this forum). The price, reputation and this online community convinced me to go Genuine. I'm on my second scoot in 2 years (started with 50cc, upgraded to 125cc) and am jonesin' for my third when the Genuine 300 comes out next year.
Yup, I'm a Genuine Girl! (Yes, you are, I checked, says my husband)

irishtim · Post by **irishtim** » Sat Nov 07, 2009 4:05 am

Age: 50
Location: Cleveland, OH USA
Which Scooter do you own: '08 Buddy 125, '08 Stella
How Often do you drive it: 3-4x/week
education level: Masters
Occupation: Risk Mgt
Why you chose Genuine over other companies??? Value, excellent local dealer (POC), reputation, fun!

Cheshire · Post by **Cheshire** » Sat Nov 07, 2009 4:25 am

Age: 30
Location: Asheville, NC
Which Scooter do you own: Buddy 125, black
How Often do you drive it: almost every day and nearly everywhere.
education level: almost finished with an associate's degree.
Occupation: student, trying to become self-employed.
Why you chose Genuine over other companies???

My local options were Vespa, Piaggio, Kymco, and random off-brand. Reliability ruled out the off-brand. Vespa and Piaggio were way out of my budget and didn't get the kind of fuel economy I wanted: I could have gotten a 250cc motorcycle like a Nighthawk for less money and better mpg. Genuine out-performed what I'd seen and heard about Kymco, but at the time of researching the Kymco dealer was 2 miles from my door while the nearest Genuine dealer was about 150 miles. I researched further and decided on a Genuine: could do everything I needed it to better and was looking at who I could borrow a truck or trailer from when the local Triumph and Ducati dealer picked up Genuine. That was beginning of this year. 11,500 miles later, I'm still happy with my choice.

michelle_7728 · Post by **michelle_7728** » Sat Nov 07, 2009 6:07 am

Age: ........................................ 47
Location: ................................. Renton, WA (about 15 minutes from Seattle & Bellevue)
Which Scooter do you own: ..... Buddy 125
How Often do you drive it: ...... Most nice days
education level: ..................... Bachelor's Degree
Occupation: ........................... Analyst 4, Telecom
Why you chose Genuine over other companies???
.............................................. Really good referrals from my uncle and his girlfriend in San Diego.
.............................................. His comments were right on the mark!:
................................................... Fun, great gas mileage, fun, very reliable...did I mention fun?

bendbuddy · Post by **bendbuddy** » Sat Nov 07, 2009 5:23 pm

Age: 55
Location: Bend Oregon
Which Scooter do you own: Buddy 125, w/mods
How Often do you drive it: every day it doesn't snow
education level: masters
Occupation: education
Why you chose Genuine over other companies??? bang for the buck, size, weight, reliability

PeterC · Post by **PeterC** » Sat Nov 07, 2009 5:47 pm

Age: 73
Location: Southern AZ
Which Scooter do you own: 2005 Stella, 1980 Vespa P200E
How Often do you drive it: Daily
education level: 1 year graduate school
Occupation: Writer
Why you chose Genuine over other companies??? Nobody else was making a 2-stroke, manual-shift classic scooter.

Oli · Post by **Oli** » Sun Nov 08, 2009 2:19 am

age: 34
Location: OKC,OK
Which Scooter: Italia '09
How often: Daily, as much as possible
Education: College grad, going back to get msa.
Occupation: whatever I can
Why Buddy: manual, style, and recommendation.

Leeroy Jenkins · Post by **Leeroy Jenkins** » Sun Nov 08, 2009 4:41 am

Age: 27
Location: Nashville, TN
Which Scooter do you own: Cream 2007 Buddy 125
How Often do you drive it: depends I put 12K on in two years.
education level: B.S.
Occupation: TV/Film
Why you chose Genuine over other companies: everything else was too expensive or too boring.

GrittyTacoman · Post by **GrittyTacoman** » Sun Nov 08, 2009 8:16 pm

Age: 37
Location: Tacoma, WA
Which Scooter do you own: St. Tropez 150
How Often do you drive it: Depends on the season. Average 1 or 2 days/week.
education level: MFA
Occupation: Educational advisor
Why you chose Genuine over other companies??? Price, style, quality, happy customers.

myras_girls · Post by **myras_girls** » Sun Nov 08, 2009 8:26 pm

Age: 34 (almost 35)
Location: Fort Collins, CO
Which Scooter do you own: Buddy 125
How Often do you drive it: daily
education level: High School
Occupation: Office Manager/ Bookkeeper
Why you chose Genuine over other companies??? Geniune's excellent reputation in the scootering community as well as financial value. (Vespa's sure are pretty but $$$$! I had a Honda Met before but at the time Honda didn't offer anything over a 50cc.)

Coffeejunkie · Post by **Coffeejunkie** » Mon Nov 09, 2009 12:42 pm

Age: 32
Location: Atlanta, GA
Which Scooter do you own: 150 Buddy Blackjack
How Often do you drive it: I try to ride every day, but I do take my cage
when I have errand that requires more than
carrier.
education level: B.S.
Occupation: Editor (TV news)
Why you chose Genuine over other companies??
I'd looked at a long list of companies and settled on Genuine due to their prices, reliability (as my dealer said, "You don't push a Buddy."), and the simple fact that it's something a little different from a Vespa. I've had my Blackjack (aka Victoria) since late April, and I can certainly see myself getting another Genuine scoot when the time comes.

rvajma · Post by **rvajma** » Mon Nov 09, 2009 2:17 pm

Age: 37
Location: Richmond VA
Which Scooter do you own: 09 Blackjack, 84 Vespa ETS
How Often do you drive it: 4-5 times week
education level: BA
Occupation: Wine Sales
Why you chose Genuine over other companies??? Design, affordability and my local Genuine Shop

twoscoots · Post by **twoscoots** » Mon Nov 09, 2009 2:58 pm

Age: 38
Location: Richmond, VA
Which Scooter do you own: 2008 Buddys, one tangerine, one black
How Often do you drive it: depends on where the kids are - recreation
education level: some college
Occupation: firefighter
Why you chose Genuine over other companies??? Customer service at the local scooter shop (hi, Chelsea!), 2yr warranty, value.

Asburyjer · Post by **Asburyjer** » Mon Nov 09, 2009 3:11 pm

Age: 34
Location: Lexington, Kentucky
Which Scooter do you own: Buddy 125 Red (the fastest color)
How Often do you drive it: Its my commuter vehicle
education level: Masters of Divinity
Occupation: Pastor
Why you chose Genuine over other companies? Price, warranty, style, engine size, comfort, friendly sales person.

MYSCTR · Post by **MYSCTR** » Sun Nov 15, 2009 9:15 pm

Well, since we have three scooter riders in the family...

Age: 18
Location: Home
Which Scooter do you own: 125 RED Buddy ! ! !
How Often do you drive it: Not Ridden Yet - Too Cold
Education level: College
Occupation: College Student
Why you chose Genuine over other companies??? (edited 1/09)

Age: 45
Location: McKinney TX
Which Scooter do you own: 150 Italia
How Often do you drive it: Every Day (above 40 degrees)(commuting/shopping/officiating/refereeing)
Education level: Some College
Occupation: IT
Why you chose Genuine over other companies??? (see below)

Age: 49
Location: McKinney TX
Which Scooter do you own: 150 St Tropaz
How Often do you drive it: 3-4 x Week (above 25 degrees)
Education level: Some college
Occupation: Sales
Why you chose Genuine over other companies??? Fun, cost effective, reliable.

pyrocpu · Post by **pyrocpu** » Sun Nov 15, 2009 10:16 pm

Keys wrote: Education: Why does it matter? Enough that my grammer, spelling
and vocabulary is better than most.
--Keys

Ummmm... I believe "grammar" has been misspelled...

Modern Buddy