So long Buddy 170i, hello BV350
Moderator: Modern Buddy Staff
- pinthea
- Member
- Posts: 57
- Joined: Sun Jul 01, 2012 12:50 am
- Location: Portland, OR
So long Buddy 170i, hello BV350
Hello,
Thanks to some incredible incentives from Piaggio and a healthy mark down from my local scooter shop, today I traded in my beloved 2012 Buddy 170i Pamplona on a 2013 Piaggio BV350.
Having owned and riden maxi-scooters before (a Burgman 400 and a Majesty 400) I really like the bigger scoots and as fun as my Buddy was, I was ready for something new after 2 great summer riding seasons with my Buddy.
Today's experience reminded me how awesome my local scooter shop is (Vespa Portland) and I wanted to give them a shout-out and a high recommendation from a satisfied repeat customer.
We've bought 3 scooters there in total, and a ton of accessories, and I couldn't be happier with the shop or the owners, a nice couple (Paul and Maggie) who really connect well with the scooter enthusiast energy, you can tell that, to them, it's not just a business...
Now it's cold and rainy in Portland, and the beautiful new BV350 now sits in the garage just aching to stretch its legs... =)
Thanks to some incredible incentives from Piaggio and a healthy mark down from my local scooter shop, today I traded in my beloved 2012 Buddy 170i Pamplona on a 2013 Piaggio BV350.
Having owned and riden maxi-scooters before (a Burgman 400 and a Majesty 400) I really like the bigger scoots and as fun as my Buddy was, I was ready for something new after 2 great summer riding seasons with my Buddy.
Today's experience reminded me how awesome my local scooter shop is (Vespa Portland) and I wanted to give them a shout-out and a high recommendation from a satisfied repeat customer.
We've bought 3 scooters there in total, and a ton of accessories, and I couldn't be happier with the shop or the owners, a nice couple (Paul and Maggie) who really connect well with the scooter enthusiast energy, you can tell that, to them, it's not just a business...
Now it's cold and rainy in Portland, and the beautiful new BV350 now sits in the garage just aching to stretch its legs... =)
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- Member
- Posts: 958
- Joined: Sat Nov 10, 2012 12:27 pm
- Location: Ball Ground, GA
I have considered the BV350 for down the road. It should be a great ride for you. Having just bought a 1978 Honda CB400A as a restoration project I will
stick with my 2012 Buddy 170i as my main ride for hopefully quite a while. Enjoy the BV350 and let us know how it does for you.
stick with my 2012 Buddy 170i as my main ride for hopefully quite a while. Enjoy the BV350 and let us know how it does for you.
Growing old is inevitible, being old is not.
So be your self. Every one else is already taken!
So be your self. Every one else is already taken!
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- Member
- Posts: 958
- Joined: Sat Nov 10, 2012 12:27 pm
- Location: Ball Ground, GA
- Dooglas
- Moderator
- Posts: 4368
- Joined: Sun Jul 08, 2007 2:17 am
- Location: Oregon City, OR
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- Member
- Posts: 59
- Joined: Fri Oct 12, 2012 12:10 am
- Location: Ft. Collins, CO
I was on the fence about the BV350 for quite some time. It handled traffic and expressway riding quite well, but that heavy wet clutch at the rear hub contributes more to unsprung weight than I prefer (only a problem on rough roads). Also, the linked brakes preclude the 'power and rear brake' low speed tight u-turn drill.
When I tested a used TMAX, it actually was easier to u-turn than the BV350, while its frame-mounted engine, transmission and wet clutch reduces unsprung weight which makes it handle amazingly well, even my sport bike standards. The older BV250 suited our needs better, but the long maintenance intervals and excellent smooth-pavement manners of the 350 were quite tempting. Had I not found really good deals on the TMAX and BV250, I would likely have purchased the BV350.
I am certain that you will enjoy your new ride; keep the shiny side up...
When I tested a used TMAX, it actually was easier to u-turn than the BV350, while its frame-mounted engine, transmission and wet clutch reduces unsprung weight which makes it handle amazingly well, even my sport bike standards. The older BV250 suited our needs better, but the long maintenance intervals and excellent smooth-pavement manners of the 350 were quite tempting. Had I not found really good deals on the TMAX and BV250, I would likely have purchased the BV350.
I am certain that you will enjoy your new ride; keep the shiny side up...
Freedom is a package deal