i love my buddy but...

HMBscoot · Post by **HMBscoot** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 7:30 pm

I think my buddy is great but i'm already wanting to get on a motorcycle! i would like to shift some gears and more freeway speed would be nice. I have been looking at suzuki sv 650's or honda nighthawk. i'm i just crazy or does anyone else feel "the need for speed"?

chokepuppy · Post by **chokepuppy** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 7:33 pm

SV has a better suspension and handling.... Go for it..

I love em...

MikieTaps · Post by **MikieTaps** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 7:35 pm

I have a wicked desire for a sport bike. I am on several dealers lists for used CBR 600RR's if they come in...

I feel the need...

Xena · Post by **Xena** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 7:36 pm

No need for speed here!

I just completed the MSF course and I was more than positive that I had no desire for a motorcycle now that I knew how to ride one (somewhat).

I am quite happy on my scooter just scooting along...

Good luck though!

chokepuppy · Post by **chokepuppy** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 7:39 pm

I'm kinda a honda loyalist. CBR RR BAD A>> bikes. I put 60,000mile on my last one. It had track time and I road it hard even stunting, stoppies wheelies, you name it. I probably tossed it 4 or 5 times as well mostly low sides. Other than changing clutches, chains, sprockets and fork seals. I never had to do anything to it. Much love for the cbr. The knew ones are insane.

Queen · Post by **Queen** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 7:39 pm

I just switched the other direction, after 35 years on motorcycles I bought a Buddy. I don't miss the speed or highway riding...maybe I'm just getting old.

n00b4life · Post by **n00b4life** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 7:40 pm

I like the SV650 too and have thought about getting one from time to time.

Check out the 650 V-Strom too. It has the same bloodlines as the SV650, but a very different personality. I love it and miss mine.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=349774

Cheshire · Post by **Cheshire** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 7:40 pm

A Nighthawk is what I was looking at before I discovered scooters.
FYI: drum brakes both wheels, roughly 70-75 mpg and top speed of roughly 75-80 mph, and a 250cc air-cooled engine, from what I've gleaned. Not too far off from the Buddy, except for the need to shift.

bunny · Post by **bunny** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 7:41 pm

I like not having to think about a clutch, or shifting or braking with my foot and hand...

7eregrine · Post by **7eregrine** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 8:10 pm

Friend brought his bike over the other day and taught me shifting and all that. Yes, it was a nice solid ride, but that thing was so damn heavy.
I'll stick to my Buddy. It's a commuter not a road warrior.

Post by **illnoise** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 8:17 pm

SVs are the perfect first mid-size bike, especially if you have a little experience on something smaller. Look at that new-ish Versys, too, I like those:

http://www.kawasaki.com/products/Detail.aspx?id=246

Bb.

pdxer · Post by **pdxer** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 8:22 pm

you might try to look at the honda 599 also. it's got a little more horsepower than the sv but very friendly. i've owned both and i'm to the point i prefer the convenience of the scooters....much more practical in my opinion. one nice thing about the sv650 is the availability of aftermarket accessories.

rickko · Post by **rickko** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 8:36 pm

My girlfriend's son bought the SV 650 a year ago this month. He mainly uses it to commute to work and to the gym. He loves it!

His only mods so far are, cutting off the rear grab bar, more sleek looking mirrors and a nice, nice exhaust (don't know the name but carbon fiber wrap on outside. Sounds good. Looks good! He wants to remove all the clutter of the license plate mount and stick his plate under the rear fender somehow.

..rickko..

MPA · Post by **MPA** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 8:49 pm

I had an 03 SV650 (naked

) and it was a blast to ride - lots of torque! if I were to get another one I would probably get the S as the wind blast on a naked bike isn't too fun.

k1dude · Post by **k1dude** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 9:09 pm

Nope. Had motorcycles before. Much prefer a scooter. More fun. Very practical. I also used to have cars with manual transmissions before. Now I like automatics. Shifting seems cool when you're younger. Usually when you get older you just think it's a pain in the arse.

Gevence · Post by **Gevence** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 9:18 pm

I think of my Burgman 650 as an automatic motorcycle. Great on the highway riding two up and really comfortable. I ride the Buddy 125 around Manhattan as it does everything a little scooter does best- skipping through traffic and better mpg.

anndelise · Post by **anndelise** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 9:38 pm

I don't have a need for speed, but I do have a desire for heavier weight.
I'm not liking how light the buddy feels when I'm having to do over 40amph, particularly when a large truck passes in the opposite direction, or when it's even a bit windy out.

This is funny to me, because one of the complaints I had about the Vespa was that it felt so heavy. But then, I was totally new to the whole thing, didn't know how to even start one, and didn't think I could even hold a Vespa up. (I'm not saying I want a vespa....just saying that i want something heavier.)

charltons · Post by **charltons** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 9:44 pm

HMBscoot wrote:I think my buddy is great but i'm already wanting to get on a motorcycle! i would like to shift some gears and more freeway speed would be nice. I have been looking at suzuki sv 650's or honda nighthawk. i'm i just crazy or does anyone else feel "the need for speed"?

I hear ya. Me too. I'd like a mid size cruiser, like the Suzuki s40 or 50's. I'm going to wait, save some money, pay off some bills, then get one. For right now, my Pamplona is all I need. A MC is really a luxury.

Othergods · Post by **Othergods** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 10:43 pm

I too would like to get a bike once we pay off the wife's car. It would be a total pleasure bike, I would stick to the Buddy for commuting. I am still trying to decide between a sport bike and a cruiser.

I like the Victory Vegas but that is alot of bike.

ScootScoot · Post by **ScootScoot** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 10:46 pm

I love my scoot, but I really love my Ninja 250.

GFridrich3 · Post by **GFridrich3** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 11:31 pm

No way I am ever getting rid of my Blur, but next spring/summer, I am definitely getting something with moar powah. I just need to finish paying the loan on my car. I can't justify two loans at the same time. The Blur was a cash purchase. The next one, Im financing so I can justify spending a little more on something nicer and "new". I really dont like buying someone elses vehicle and the mysterious history behind it... I want to break it in myself and call it my own.

MikieTaps · Post by **MikieTaps** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 11:45 pm

my lust...

dont tell my buddy...

pamalama · Post by **pamalama** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 12:13 am

It's funny that this discussion came up today, I thought I was alone in thinking about getting a motorcycle. I love my Buddy, but I am also getting bored just tooling along on my little automatic, lately all I've been thinking about is a motorcycle. I love the gas mileage, the reliabilty of my Buddy and the fact that she's so darn cute, but I'm still lusting for a pink motorcycle or an olive green H-D Nightster 1200, it looks like an old bike!! I've been looking online comparing different ones, and even looking on E-Bay and Craigslist to see what's out there. My main concern is the weight of a big bike, I wonder if I'll really be able to handle it if I do decide to get one. Shifting AND hundreds of pounds....can I do it, heck I'm only 125 pounds myself? I'm also thinking I should get the bike and make sure I like it before selling my Buddy. I feel like a traitor to my Buddy!! I'm too old and don't like the laying down idea of a crotchrocket, so I've been looking at Harleys. Think that will be a mistake?? HELP, I'm so torn! Anyone wanna buy a sweet, pink Buddy with windshield, rear rack, air horn and matching top case??

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 12:36 am

I think a pink 125 Buddy to an olive green 1200 Harley Sportster is a pretty interesting step. Sounds like you should keep them both as they do very different things.

pamalama · Post by **pamalama** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 12:59 am

That's the wonder of me! Always doing interesting things...quite compulsive too!

heavypetting · Post by **heavypetting** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 1:14 am

Former motorcyclist myself, I prefer scooters now.
Much easier to maneuver and park, cheaper insurance and payments.
Not to mention ease of picking Buddy back up after a fall!
Riding a motorcycle on the interstate is more comfortable, but still not a cake walk.

More power = more danger, from my experience.

My Nighthawk 250 never got past 65mph!

marsturm · Post by **marsturm** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 1:41 am

The Buddy is my first motorscooter. I've had motorcycles for too many years to mention. I never enjoyed freeway riding even when I could cruise comfortably at 90+. What I enjoyed was the 2 lane scenic roads that could be driven at a 50-55mph pace.
I chose routes that took me off the interstate whenever possible. On numerous occassions I've been tailgated by cagers while doing well over the speed limit, just let them by.
I find the Buddy more enjoyable than any of my previous motorcycles. However, I believe a 250cc scooter is in my future.

Elm Creek Smith · Post by **Elm Creek Smith** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 5:37 am

I like riding my Budd which is a good thing since I put at least 35 miles a day on it.

However, there is this:
http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/models/military.html

ECS

Tysonviolin · Post by **Tysonviolin** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 8:06 am

Elm Creek Smith wrote:I like riding my Budd which is a good thing since I put at least 35 miles a day on it.

However, there is this:
http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/models/military.html

ECS

SWEET! but looks like it's not available in CA.

BigColdMartini · Post by **BigColdMartini** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 12:52 pm

I bought my Buddy to commute back and forth to work and it's been great for that. However, my wife is now riding it more and more so I'm looking at a BMW 1200 and just let her use the Buddy for her daily driving around our 'burb. I have a 60 mile round trip commute and the Buddys suspension is killing my back. I figure the BMW will be a little more gentle on my old bones.

Artisan · Post by **Artisan** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 4:08 pm

pamalama wrote: My main concern is the weight of a big bike, I wonder if I'll really be able to handle it if I do decide to get one. Shifting AND hundreds of pounds....can I do it, heck I'm only 125 pounds myself?

A friend of mine who has been riding big bikes for over 50 years says that if cannot lift it then don't ride it. That being said there are bars that you can attach to help you lift the bike. I agree with the older posters on this thread. I have no desire now for a big bike. Now an automatic Stella with a sidecar...

The friend I mentioned when she comes back for the winter is most likely going to look for a trike to replace her two bikes as she has difficulty lifting them now. I'm hoping to talk her into a large 3 wheel Piaggio instead.

Artisan · Post by **Artisan** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 4:18 pm

Elm Creek Smith wrote: However, there is this:
http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/models/military.html

ECS

The dealer that I bought my Buddy from had them in stock. I love the look and I understand that like Harleys they have groups and there is a big mystique with them. But the dealer told me that with them being from India take quite a bit of owner maintanance. The dealer also had the Moto Guizzis (spelling that right?). Anyway I liked the look of those a lot better than the new Harleys. They are also a lot cheaper and one had a great vintage look also. But then again I like my automatics so I would not get one.

MikieTaps · Post by **MikieTaps** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 6:15 pm

Artisan wrote: I'm hoping to talk her into a large 3 wheel Piaggio instead.

mmmmm MP3 500... (Drooly Face)

jfrost2 · Post by **jfrost2** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 6:18 pm

I like the aprilia mana, it's CVT and auto trans like a scooter, gas tank is actually storage, and under seat storage is actually the real gas tank.

It can simulate shifting gears if you desire, or go to twist and go like a scooter.

MikieTaps · Post by **MikieTaps** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 6:20 pm

how much $$$?

jfrost2 · Post by **jfrost2** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 6:34 pm

3k out the door....just kidding.

10,000 dollar msrp, so maybe 11k out the door.

It uses electronic "shifting", if you set it to manual transmission, you can shift with buttons on the handle bars instead of your feet, or you can use your feet + clutch. Otherwise automatic transmission, it's like a scooter. The electronics just force the bike to simulate gears in manual, but there are no gears. It keeps your RPM's and speed down to the "gears" like a real motorcycle.

I think it's a one of a kind bike, plus you know it's quality since it is made in italy (piaggio owns aprilia)

AxeYrCat · Post by **AxeYrCat** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 6:35 pm

From someone who went from a Buddy to a motorcycle, I can tell you for sure that the grass is greener.

Don't get me wrong: I really love riding the Triumph, but for commuting/practicality/low cost of operation, scooters cannot be beat.

jfrost2 · Post by **jfrost2** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 6:40 pm

The mana cost as much as the Mp3-500 out the door. It's got 850cc and only 2 wheels. 1 wheel less, but 350cc more power. I think the mp3 500 looks like a ATV, like it'll just run you down and smash you.

It can fit a full face in the storage too!

DennisD · Post by **DennisD** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 6:43 pm

AxeYrCat wrote:From someone who went from a Buddy to a motorcycle, I can tell you for sure that the grass is greener.

Don't get me wrong: I really love riding the Triumph, but for commuting/practicality/low cost of operation, scooters cannot be beat.

Ditto!
I too love my Triumph but... what he said.

MikieTaps · Post by **MikieTaps** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 6:48 pm

I plan on keeping my buddy, but I want something to really attack the mountain twisties...

When I get a sport bike it will be for weekend rides, and it would allow me to look at next jobs outside of the city...

StL_Stadtroller · Post by **StL_Stadtroller** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 7:40 pm

I've been rockin' my own Royal Enfield (Military) Bullet this week. Just 'cause I was startnig to feel like I was neglecting it

I <3 big singles. One of my dream bikes is a Moto Guzzi Falcone. And the Ducati A350 Swiss Condor.

bulldog1967 · Post by **bulldog1967** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 8:07 pm

My "other bike" is a 6-cylinder 1520cc Honda Valkyrie:

BigColdMartini · Post by **BigColdMartini** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 6:06 pm

I went and looked at the BMW R1200 yesterday and changed my mind. Not because of the price but because that thing is HUGE. I know that there are small women that ride them but I had no idea it was that large. I felt like I was sitting on the hood of my car holding some handlebars.

I do like the way that Aprilia Mana 850 looked in the pictures. Nearest dealer is almost 400 miles away though. I'm thinking now of just getting the biggest Vespa they make. I heard they're coming out with a 300cc in 2009.

Tocsik · Post by **Tocsik** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 2:19 am

Yeah, I feel ya on the MC front. I used to ride MC's in my youth but have been away from them for a coupla decades. When I recently took the MSF course with the intent to buy a scooter, I rode a MC for the class.

It caused some real mixed feelings! I love shifting and feathering the clutch but one of my reasons (OK, excuses) for buying a scooter was economy. I have three teenagers including twins that are 15 and have their permits so the scooter delays the family's need to buy another vehicle. But, the 90+mpg was a real selling point for me! You can't get that from many motorcycles. The small bikes can get 50 or 60 mpg but it still isn't 90! Plus, my Buddy 150 cost $3400 OTD and there certainly weren't any new MC's for that price.

Best of luck on your decision. I would bet money you end up with both if you can afford the annual insurance and registration!

Whatever happens, ride safe!

Modern Buddy

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