Taking my Buddy 125 on a nearly 3000 mile trip. Help?

[amandamanduh]

Hi! Just registered a second ago. Found this site while hunting for saddlebags. Thought maybe you guys could give me some advice.

I am moving from Salt Lake City to Chicago in a couple of weeks. Despite a handful of people telling me it's a terrible idea, I plan on driving my scooter and just shipping the rest of my things. I mapped out a route that completely avoids highways and allows for me to hit up three Genuine dealers on the way for check ups and oil changes. Before I take off, I'll have my local scooter shop change out the oil and make sure everything else is good to go.

I am super excited about this trip, but I am pretty clueless about scooter maintenance/mechanics. Also, I've managed to put nearly 6000 miles on it in just the year and a half I've had it. I've never gone long distance and am concerned it might have issues and end up stranded in the middle of no where.

I'm assuming some of you guys have done pretty long trips before or at least know a lot more about them than me. Any advice/tips on how to not get stranded?

Another thing, back to those saddlebags... I want saddlebags that are big and waterproof. Any idea where to find a pair that aren't unaffordable?

Thank you in advance for any input!
-Amanda

[SonnyD]

Well, it sounds like you have started out right with mapping out your trip. Now, I can't give you a lot on the ability of the Buddy, actually you didn't mention what you were riding on your trip...is it a Buddy, a Stella,??? what size if it's a Buddy?
I can tell you though, as someone who has ridden for 50 years, that riding a a small bike on a long trip takes some patience....with the little guys... I've done my share of time riding smaller bikes longer distances. I try to avoid Full Throttle long runs. I don't like to run more then 75-80% throttle. Clean oil is a must in a 4 stroke. Probably the biggest thing is just the over heating prospect.. We know the motors will go over 10,000 mile and maybe double that... but I don't know when you factor in almost maxed out motors for long periods of time, day after day.
Most anyone here can tell you a lot more about the Buddy then I can..Since I've had mine less then a month and 400 miles. I admire your sense of adventure.... Hope you have lots of fun and enjoy your trip... I'm sure the responses will come for your questions.....
Regards Sonny

[CapnK]

What I would want to have:

Make up a basic tool set containing wrenches of each size you need to be able to tighten 90%+ of the bolts on the Buddy. Check them before the days run, paying most attention to those involved with engine/drivetrain.

Screwdrivers (flat & Phillips, sm and lg), adjustable wrench, med vise grip, pliers, sm/med hammer.

Gorilla or gaffers tape, zip ties, maybe a little JB weld or epoxy stick, some wire, a decent sized piece of 1/4" nylon braid rope.

Spare light bulbs.

Tire repair kit, air pump.

Carry extra oil.

Good riding gear. Sheepskin or extra seat cushioning.

Are you camping? I would want at least a lightweight nylon poncho that could be used as rain gear *or* an emergency tarp/shelter under which to stay/work on bike if needed. Should pack up to the size of a grapefruit.

That's a start, to be able to maintain your ride and/or deal with mechanical issues on the road. Good luck and have a blast!!!

[tortoise]

I am pretty clueless about scooter maintenance/mechanics.

Carry a few spare parts . . trigger pickup, AC-CDI & ignition coil (standard units), and a 743-20-30 belt. Parts resource. At least have a conceptual understanding of how the ignition system works. Also consider running Harley Davidson 20W-50 oil.

<object width="560" height="315"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/UU4S0Ov9q4c?hl ... ram><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/UU4S0Ov9q4c?hl ... on=3&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>

<object width="560" height="315"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FtxZ7Bme-Xc?hl ... ram><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FtxZ7Bme-Xc?hl ... on=3&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>


Other considerations . . $10 Bracken knee pads from Lowe's garden department . . one or two $2 silicone pot holders from Family Dollar for seat pads.

[jrsjr]

I mapped out a route that completely avoids highways and allows for me to hit up three Genuine dealers on the way for check ups and oil changes. Before I take off, I'll have my local scooter shop change out the oil and make sure everything else is good to go.

Good. Make sure you have a fresh tire on the rear when you leave. Rear tire life is the Achilles Heel of long-distance scooter riding. The shops ahead of you will have tires in case you need them in an emergency. Since you have 6000 miles on your scooter, it might be wise to go ahead and have a fresh CVT belt installed. CVT belts frequently last longer than 6000 miles, but you're going to want your mechanic to check out your CVT before you hit the road and they might as well change the belt (and variator rollers) while they've got the cover off.

I have ridden various scooters across the country four times now and I can tell you that fatigue is the enemy. According to the little map I made up below (YMMV), it's approximately 1500 miles each way. I mention that because you OPed about a 3000 mile trip, which I assume meant a two-way ride, right? Thinking about a one-way 1500 mile ride, I'd plan on 5 days. That's an average of 300 miles per day. You'll want to do more, but you'll find that, somewhere between 300 - 350 miles on a Buddy, fatigue will get you. 300 miles per day is a reasonable, sustainable pace. Travelling from west to east, you should have the wind at your back, which will help. Riding into a strong wind on a Buddy will slow you down enough to add hours to your riding day.

I can't help you much with saddlebag choice, I'm afraid. I prefer topcases and (if I need more space) a roll bag that lives on the rear seat.

P.S. That section of northwest Nebraska is a trip. It's so desolate that it's like being on another planet. I loved it, but others on that ride were somewhat less impressed.

[skully93]

I would carry some basic tools, get familiar with your sparkplug (its easy, even for mechanical twits like me), and a tire repair kit in the very least.

From my experience on 100-300 mile days on the Buddy:

1) Plan to stop @ every 80 miles for fuel and a rest. Even if it's just 10 minutes of staring at a wall and drinking a gatorade, you want some rest. You may push some to 100 miles or whatever the range is before fillups, but plan for @ every 80. After burning through a tank of fuel, it's a good idea to let the scoot rest for 20-30 min.

2) carry a few little snacks and some emergency water. Even if you needed a tow, you don't wanna wait for it in the hot sun and get sunstroke, or get poured on.

3) carry way more clothes/rain gear than you need.

4) Have fun!

There are folks with 30k+ miles on their machines, with only regular maintenance. I wouldn't worry about it too much if you've been diligent. You're probably like me where you just bought one, and started riding the tar out of it. In 16 months I'm at 7200 miles.

if you post your route, maybe there are some MB folks that could give you some 'escort' time along the way!

It may not be the best idea, but....I think it's very possible, and you'll be 10x the rider that most people are for doing it. Good luck!

[Howardr]

I'll go a little against the grain here. If you do not possess the skills or knowledge to repair your scooter, save the weight and space of the tools and extra parts. Only bring tools enough for the repairs you are actually able to make yourself.

Instead, make sure you have a good roadside assistance plan, either through your insurance, or through a separate company like AAA.

Definitely good to your current dealer and have them check out the whole bike and I would certainly have the belt and roller replaced as well as the rear tire, as previously mentioned.

With only 6000 miles on your scooter, assuming you've maintained it, you should have no difficulty making the trip. As Skully said, keep it to about 300-400 miles per day and you should be fine. My experience is that going 300+ miles the first day is pretty easy, but each day is a bit harder than the last.

One other suggestion, buy a pair of cycling shorts to wear under your pants. They do a great job of wicking the moisture away from your hind parts and make the ride much more comfortable. A sheepskin pad to put over your seat also makes the ride a lot easir on the bum.

Howard

[Throwback7R]

you should be riding right by me " In IL , If you do let me know when you will be in IL and maybe we can meet up for a ride for a while. Always helps to meet a few people on the way and to re energize

[gar1013]

The longest I've done on a motorcycle was making the stupid decision to go from the Bay Area to Disneyland for 4th of July. 13 hours door to door, including stops and lane splitting.

Having done a bunch of trips on a HD Sportster with a solid-mount engine of somewhat shorter lengths, as well as cross country car trips, I do have some thoughts on the subject, here are my top ten:

1. Good protective gear. Make sure you're wearing something that will stand up to a crash, but also for getting rocks/gravel thrown up at you and hitting insects that feel like they are small birds.

2. Full. Face. Helmet. Period. You'll want the wind/dust/dirt protection, but it'll also reduce the impact on your ears. Consider earplugs as well.

3. Know how to keep cool. If you're in a hot & dry area, dousing yourself with water and opening jacket vents is a great way to cool off. If you're in a humid area, you're pretty much SOL.

4. Plan for bad weather, and decide how you're going to deal with it.

5. Windshield. Get one.

6. Hydration & electrolytes. Make sure you're replacing lost fluids as well as electrolytes. Keep some gatorade handy. Leg cramps SUCK when you're riding.

7. Allow for delays and extra travelling time. Then allow for more. And more. In fact, pad your schedule so that you have at least a full "rest day".

8. GPS, smartphone, some way to charge, and paper maps. Redundancy is your friend.

9. File a route plan with family/friends, and have a check in schedule. If you haven't checked in, then people will know there's a problem. Redundancy is your friend here as well.

10. Bring medications. Assume that you'll need pain relievers, all sorts of allergy type medications, and pretty much something for every possible digestive related issue you could have.

[TVB]

I haven't done 3000 miles in a single trip, but I've done it in two or three trips combined, so maybe my thoughts will be helpful.

I would question to wisdom of trying to undertake a trip of 3000 miles when you have fairly limited experience with the scooter... but that would make me a hypocrite. (I took a 1500-mile trip just a few months after I got mine.) I will point out, however, that I did a shorter test excursion first, to make sure I'd really figured out what the hell I was doing before I hit the road for real. I'd suggest at least 48 hours on the road, so you know what it involves to ride for hours, end up at a motel, get up at a motel, ride all day, end up at another motel, and ride for hours again.

I'm assuming you plan to stay at motels, not camp. Camping's great – it's how I travel – but... I don't recommend it for this trip, not when your main objective is to get from Point A to Point B. It adds a whole layer of complexity and difficulty to a trip that's already going to be challenging enough.

You don't say how long you plan to take to do this. There seem to be two different mindsets that people go into this sort of thing with: a) covering as much distance as you can each day, to get there in the least possible time, or b) taking as many days as it takes, to ensure that you don't kill yourself (literally or metaphorically) in the process. I'm a big fan of the latter (putt-putt-ing along at 40mph, which is (IMHO) the ideal speed to really experience the places you're going through). But with that approach you could take a month (or a year) to do it. On the other hand, with the opposite approach you could find yourself in Chicago with no clear recollection of what you just did, which would be oh so very sad. Try to find a middle road.

[BuddyRaton]

I would suggests checking the CBR site for some tips

http://www.scootercannonball.com/

Good to have the dealers planned out. I would figure at a minimum you will need a rear tire, belt and rollers during your trip...depending on daily mileage.

Long days at speed wear parts much faster than similar mileage around town. I would also bring along a tire plug kit, a hand air pump coil, cdi and a stator maybe a spare variator too.

No telling exactly what the dealers will have on the shelf.

[amandamanduh]

Thanks for all the great input, guys!

And I was way off about my mileage. It's only going to be 1500, even with the stops at dealers along the way. I am not sure where I got the 3000 from.

I will definitely have the local place here change my belt and back tire. Never thought about using a hot pad for my seat. And thank you for those tutorial videos. I feel a little less nervous about making this trip now.

[gitsum79]

Fresh belt, new rear tire, new spark plug, valve adjustment, air filter, oil change, gear oil change, maybe a fuel filter. Handpick some tools and make a toolkit. Tire patch kit and a hand pump. If it's a 1500 mile trip at higher speeds in the summer, I would plan one oil change at the mid-point.

It's a Genuine, have a nice trip and don't worry

[amandamanduh]

Fresh belt, new rear tire, valve adjustment, air filter, oil change, gear oil change, maybe a fuel filter. Handpick some tools and make a toolkit. Tire patch kit and a hand pump. If it's a 1500 mile trip at higher speeds in the summer, I would plan one oil change at the mid-point.

It's a Genuine, have a nice trip and don't worry

Perfect. Thank you!

[SonnyD]

Well now, 1500 is not nearly so Bad, you will be fine......It's easy for me to rack up 100 miles in an afternoon on my Buddy 125. Sounds like a Fun Trip, enjoy it....

[BuddyRaton]

Well now, 1500 is not nearly so Bad, you will be fine......It's easy for me to rack up 100 miles in an afternoon on my Buddy 125. Sounds like a Fun Trip, enjoy it....

Depends on riding style. If 300 miles per day around day 5 is when thngs will need tending to such as tire and possibily belt.

[Th17kit]

The Buddy's 1 gallon tank might not get you all the way to the next gas station when you're in nowhere Wyoming. Someone who has done the route might be able to verify/deny this, but I would be concerned about it. Maybe look into how to bring some extra gas (nalgene bottle?) for use in a pinch.

[Syd]

Unless you already know the gas stations you will be stopping at you should carry some extra gas. And at each gas stop take a few minutes to relax. That also lets the Buddy engine cool down, and as a post above mentioned continuous high engine temps will hurt your Buddy. Just an extra 5 or 10 minutes at each fuel stop should be enough to refresh you and your ride.

What route are you taking?

[gar1013]

The Buddy's 1 gallon tank might not get you all the way to the next gas station when you're in nowhere Wyoming. Someone who has done the route might be able to verify/deny this, but I would be concerned about it. Maybe look into how to bring some extra gas (nalgene bottle?) for use in a pinch.

I don't think a Nalgene would be a good cannister for fuel.

Here are some links worth checking out:

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=88506

http://www.tourtank.com/portable.html (tell me these don't look like hip flasks for alcoholics)

[JohnKiniston]

Thanks for all the great input, guys!

And I was way off about my mileage. It's only going to be 1500, even with the stops at dealers along the way. I am not sure where I got the 3000 from.

I will definitely have the local place here change my belt and back tire. Never thought about using a hot pad for my seat. And thank you for those tutorial videos. I feel a little less nervous about making this trip now.

If your having your shop change your belt have them give you the old belt to keep as a spare, That way if you break your new belt you can have any other shop put the old one back on.

[TVB]

I don't think a Nalgene would be a good cannister for fuel.

Definitely do not use a plastic water container. I carry a metal 20-oz MSR fuel bottle full of gas (and labeled accordingly, just in case someone were to find it and mistake it for stove fuel) for emergencies. You don't want to let it lull you into getting inattentive about refueling, but having 10-15 miles in reserve for when I miscalculate has come in handy for me a couple times.

[Rob]

From the "Reviews" area, here's something on the Formosa saddlebags
topic7212.html

I've always thought this looked like an interesting product, but I've never made this purchase. I'm not sure if they would be considered large, and they are water resistant, not waterproof.

Good luck on the 3K adventure. I'm planning on riding the entirety of route 66 in the next couple of years from Chicago to LA, but that will be on my comfy cruiser.

It seems we have quite a few MB'ers in the Chicago area these days. I know I've missed a few recent events, but we'll have to get some folks together for a ride.

Rob

[ericalm]

I carry a pair of Brunton 1L fuel bottles on long rides. (2 liters &#8776; .5 gallons.) More compact than a gallon container and easy to carry. I own 4 of these:
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/brunto ... m~p~2963h/

(Out of stock many places, but Primus, MSR and Optima are also good brands.)

On the higher end, I really like the Kolpin Fuel Pack (but don't own one… yet), which would probably be very easy to attach to a front rack:
http://www.kolpinpowersports.com/produc ... ck-jr.html

Just watch out for too much weight on the racks! Gas weighs about 6.1 lbs./US gallon.

[ericalm]

Would you care to share your route? Others might be interested! I am!

Also, good thing for touring I recently bought: super-compact mini foot pump for inflating tires: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-Mini-F ... 0559024078

About $7!

[JohnKiniston]

Also, good thing for touring I recently bought: super-compact mini foot pump for inflating tires: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-Mini-F ... 0559024078

About $7!

Woah! I'm totally getting one of those.

[ericalm]

Also, good thing for touring I recently bought: super-compact mini foot pump for inflating tires: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-Mini-F ... 0559024078

About $7!

Woah! I'm totally getting one of those.

It's not the sturdiest thing ever made, but I've gotten more than $7 of use out of it and it could inflate a flat with some effort.

[olhogrider]

AAA has roadside assistance but in N. Cal you have to buy RV coverage to get it. Carry some extra fuel and a can of flat fixer. Frogg Toggs are a paper-like rain suit. Check the website for closeouts. They pack really small and light. Sometimes in the Great Plains there is just no shelter. I like to listen to music on long rides. Etymotic makes ear buds that don't fall out.

Sounds like a fun ride!

[ericalm]

AAA has roadside assistance but in N. Cal you have to buy RV coverage to get it. Carry some extra fuel and a can of flat fixer. Frogg Toggs are a paper-like rain suit. Check the website for closeouts. They pack really small and light. Sometimes in the Great Plains there is just no shelter. I like to listen to music on long rides. Etymotic makes ear buds that don't fall out.

Sounds like a fun ride!

Not sure if it's stilk this way but in NorCal, they used to only offer roadside if you bought their insurance. SoCal, you can just buy motorcycle/RV coverage for an extra yearly fee. I think the policies vary by location.

Some insurance companies offer it, though.

[jrsjr]

AAA has roadside assistance but in N. Cal you have to buy RV coverage to get it. Carry some extra fuel and a can of flat fixer. Frogg Toggs are a paper-like rain suit. Check the website for closeouts. They pack really small and light. Sometimes in the Great Plains there is just no shelter. I like to listen to music on long rides. Etymotic makes ear buds that don't fall out.

Sounds like a fun ride!

Not sure if it's stilk this way but in NorCal, they used to only offer roadside if you bought their insurance. SoCal, you can just buy motorcycle/RV coverage for an extra yearly fee. I think the policies vary by location.

Yes, for certain. I have the AAA RV+ policy in Virginia (which covers motorcycles) without having their insurance, but I've been told repeatedly that it's not that simple in California. I've had it since 2004, so their policies may well have changed here, too, but they haven't kicked me off (yet) and I've been towed twice over the years, both times on long rides when I was fahrfromhomenugen.

[BootScootin'FireFighter]

This hasn't been mentioned yet, but also invest in a set ofCANYON DANCER straps.

Good to have, get the ones without the plastic cups on the ends so it will pack easier, and a pair of ratchet straps. Also, a heavy duty chain lock and hydration pack. If you're a caffeine junkie like me, get a Nathan brand sport bottle with bite valve. Great for an extended cup of coffee while on the go and it fits in the front bin.

[olhogrider]

I have the AAA towing without their insurance in N.Cal.

[Dooglas]

A sheepskin pad to put over your seat also makes the ride a lot easir on the bum.

I second this one. It makes a big difference for me on a long ride.

[cdwise]

Since you mentioned ADVRider have you checked this thread http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=265598 Two Buddys going from Arizona to Canada and back. Might give you some useful information and questions to ask.

[JohnKiniston]

Other considerations . . $10 Bracken knee pads from Lowe's garden department . . one or two $2 silicone pot holders from Family Dollar for seat pads.

I stopped to look at one of those pads based on the picture.

Your seat must be tiny!