First Two Up!

[Coffeejunkie]

So I finally got the wife down to my local shop and bought her helmet. When we got home she couldn't wait to toss on some gear and give scooting a try. Long story short we played it safe and just putted around our neighborhood, but all in all it really went well.

Of course now that she's been bitten by the bug, I caught her eyeballing a red Buddy 50.

[jasondavis48108]

My wife and I both have 50s and we love riding around together. If you have a 150 then she might want to consider something larger than the 50 otherwise it will be impossible for her to keep up with you unless you really make an effort to ride slow Its one of the many reasons that I'm keeping my 50 when I get something bigger. Then again, if your wife really wants a 50 then maybe you could justify picking up two 50s one for your wife and one for you. Just tell her that you just really want to support her in her entry into the scooter world.

[Dooglas]

There is nothing about a Buddy 50 that makes it easier to ride than a 125/150. Beginners often think so but ain't true. A 125 for her would make a lot better pairing for your 150.

[BuddyLicious]

There is nothing about a Buddy 50 that makes it easier to ride than a 125/150. Beginners often think so but ain't true. A 125 for her would make a lot better pairing for your 150.

Exactly,plus she would very soon want to move up in cc's and have to sell the 50cc at a loss.Might as well start with a 125/150 right off the bat.I think the OP's wife probably doesn't have her motorcycle endorsement,thus the reason for a 50cc. Yea?

[Quo Vadimus]

Here we go again.

50 riders, unite!

Oh, and I do think a 50 is easier.

[TVB]

There is nothing about a Buddy 50 that makes it easier to ride than a 125/150.

The fact that it doesn't require taking a class and passing a test does in fact make it easier to start riding. I know that's not what you were talking about, but it is something that someone without a motorcycle endorsement is going to think about.

A 125 for her would make a lot better pairing for your 150.

Good point. If one of the goals is to ride together, having bikes with mismatched capabilities might not be a good idea. But iit's not as important if she's primarily interested in having her own scooter so she can ride places herself.

Exactly,plus she would very soon want to move up in cc's and have to sell the 50cc at a loss.

Not all 50cc riders regret that choice or "outgrow" it. Sure, from time to time I wish my Buddy 50 could handle hills a little better, but overall I'm quite happy with the speed I get out of him and I have no interest at all in selling and buying something else. Your Experience May Vary.

[jasondavis48108]

here! here! I love my little 50 and wouldn't dream of selling it. I do want something bigger for sure but not because I don't want my little SheBeast I just want two scooters. I see a Blur 220 in my future if the retro touring scoot doesn't come out this year. The Blur will be my main commuter, stock workhorse type scoot and the SheBeast will finally get the performance mods she so richly deserves! One of the best things about 50cc scooters is that you don't need the liscense, I have mine now but I got it because I wanted to be able to register my 50 as a motorcycle and thus needed the cy endorsment. Now my kid and I go scoot'n all over ann arobor and he loves it. My wife has a 50cc Ruckus with no plans to move up to a bigger scoot. 50's rock! Power to the 50!

[LuvMyScoot]

I predict that in the near future Victoria is going to have to share her parking space with the Lady in Red!

[Dooglas]

The fact that it doesn't require taking a class and passing a test does in fact make it easier to start riding. I know that's not what you were talking about, but it is something that someone without a motorcycle endorsement is going to think about.

I should probably take a pass here, but I will rise to the bait anyway. I am saying nothing about the merits of 50s versus 125/150s when I say that I don't agree with the proposition that 50s are better because you can ride them without knowing what you are doing. (or to say it differently - it is only easier until you fall off)

[jasondavis48108]

The fact that it doesn't require taking a class and passing a test does in fact make it easier to start riding. I know that's not what you were talking about, but it is something that someone without a motorcycle endorsement is going to think about.

I should probably take a pass here, but I will rise to the bait anyway. I am saying nothing about the merits of 50s versus 125/150s when I say that I don't agree with the proposition that 50s are better because you can ride them without knowing what you are doing. (or to say it differently - it is only easier until you fall off)

What you say is incredibly true, but once again, it does make it easier to get into scooters (for better or for worse) I probably never would have bought a scooter or took the MSF class if I had not bought my 50. I do have to admit though that I see quite a few folks in my area who do some pretty stupid things on their 50cc scooters that they probably would not do if they had to take the MSF course and get liscensed. Then again, I see a whole lot more race bikes doing stupid stuff and they all have thier liscenses.

[Quo Vadimus]

Thanks Jason. I spend about half an hour formulating my response but you hit the points in half the time.

With all the space saved from me not commenting, how about I instead remind folks of the joyousness of the original post, the fact that Coffee didn't ask for any of our opinions on 50s, and let you know that I'm starting to feel a bit touchy about this debate.

Coffee (or anyone else with recent experience starting out with a passenger), judging from that first ride, how long do you think it'll take to get to feeling comfortable enough to go out on more serious trips 2-up? I'm looking forward to having the opportunity someday, now that I've got a 150.

[chloefpuff]

There is nothing about a Buddy 50 that makes it easier to ride than a 125/150.

The fact that it doesn't require taking a class and passing a test does in fact make it easier to start riding. Your Experience May Vary.

That's exactly why I started on a 50. Too intimidated by getting my license right from the start, plus not realizing I'd eventually want it. Everyone's experience and learning curve is different.

[jmazza]

Of course now that she's been bitten by the bug, I caught her eyeballing a red Buddy 50.

My wife had the same reaction when we got my (our?) scooter. Unfortunately that was over two years ago and we are still a one-scooter family. She rides a good amount though, we just don't have a great need or available time to ride together often so we've never gotten a second.

I'll say that in my opinion one of the best ways to make someone... significant other or otherwise... want their own scooter is to make him/her ride 2 up on a Buddy! It works, but I don't find it fun at all.

(now the discussion that is brewing can turn to 2 up riding- see how I did that?)

[jasondavis48108]

Of course now that she's been bitten by the bug, I caught her eyeballing a red Buddy 50.

My wife had the same reaction when we got my (our?) scooter. Unfortunately that was over two years ago and we are still a one-scooter family. She rides a good amount though, we just don't have a great need or available time to ride together often so we've never gotten a second.

I'll say that in my opinion one of the best ways to make someone... significant other or otherwise... want their own scooter is to make him/her ride 2 up on a Buddy! It works, but I don't find it fun at all.

(now the discussion that is brewing can turn to 2 up riding- see how I did that?)

very sneaky!

I ride two-up with my son. I'm 6'1" 200lb and he's about 5' and skinny. We fit on the scoot, but its not exactly comfortable. Theres no way we could take a long ride, but its great fun for a trip to a diner

[TVB]

I don't agree with the proposition that 50s are better because you can ride them without knowing what you are doing.

I didn't say they were "better". I said that it makes them easier for people to start riding... and it does. Whether that's a good thing or a bad thing (or just a thing) is a complex question that involves issues of personal freedom, public safety, and probably quantum mechanics.

[Lostmycage]

I'll say that in my opinion one of the best ways to make someone... significant other or otherwise... want their own scooter is to make him/her ride 2 up on a Buddy! It works, but I don't find it fun at all.

Haha, I'm a friggin idiot then! When my wife decided that she didn't want to ride solo, I focused on bikes that could do 2-up comfortably. My current stable can handle the both of us without breaking a sweat. That's been awesome for getting us together, but it's been absolute crap for getting her to reconsider a scoot for herself (which I desperately want). I will say that riding 2-up on the Buddy was pretty friggin miserable for us. That's mostly me, as she's fairly dainty. I'm North of 200lb and 6ft. She's way South.

2-up riding promotes a pretty thick sense of intimacy. There's a ton of trust (it goes both ways) between the riders that you simply won't get with 2 separate bikes. There's also a sense of efficiency (one bike that gets 40-60 mpg is far superior to two bikes that get 70-90 mpg between 2 people). The only thing missing is a sense of self reliance and independence.

It all comes down to one thing: if both parties are happy, everyone wins. That advice extends far past anything to do with wheels (2, 4 or otherwise).

[jmazza]

I'll say that in my opinion one of the best ways to make someone... significant other or otherwise... want their own scooter is to make him/her ride 2 up on a Buddy! It works, but I don't find it fun at all.

Haha, I'm a friggin idiot then! When my wife decided that she didn't want to ride solo, I focused on bikes that could do 2-up comfortably. My current stable can handle the both of us without breaking a sweat. That's been awesome for getting us together, but it's been absolute crap for getting her to reconsider a scoot for herself (which I desperately want). I will say that riding 2-up on the Buddy was pretty friggin miserable for us. That's mostly me, as she's fairly dainty. I'm North of 200lb and 6ft. She's way South.

2-up riding promotes a pretty thick sense of intimacy. There's a ton of trust (it goes both ways) between the riders that you simply won't get with 2 separate bikes. There's also a sense of efficiency (one bike that gets 40-60 mpg is far superior to two bikes that get 70-90 mpg between 2 people). The only thing missing is a sense of self reliance and independence.

It all comes down to one thing: if both parties are happy, everyone wins. That advice extends far past anything to do with wheels (2, 4 or otherwise).

Oh don't get me wrong- my comment is specifically aimed at the Buddy! Both my wife and I are on the small side but I still don't find it fun to be scooted up on the seat so much and, with the small size of the Buddy, don't enjoy the extra effort on turns.

We've talked about getting a second Buddy or a larger scoot but it just would fit our needs at this point. I know, I know.. since when are scooters about needs...

[Coffeejunkie]

Thanks Jason. I spend about half an hour formulating my response but you hit the points in half the time.

With all the space saved from me not commenting, how about I instead remind folks of the joyousness of the original post, the fact that Coffee didn't ask for any of our opinions on 50s, and let you know that I'm starting to feel a bit touchy about this debate.

Coffee (or anyone else with recent experience starting out with a passenger), judging from that first ride, how long do you think it'll take to get to feeling comfortable enough to go out on more serious trips 2-up? I'm looking forward to having the opportunity someday, now that I've got a 150.

Thanks Quo for embracing the scooty joy that was our first two-up, and to answer your question, the ride lasted about 10 minutes. Also since Victoria is a Blackjack the racing seat certainly made it feel a little cramped. That being said both my wife and I are on the small side so it works.

As far as how long, I think her and I will take it day by day. The one thing I've learned in the past year is that it takes as long as it needs to. There's really no set time limit, but I'm sure we'll be out there soon enough.

As far as the debate goes, we will cross the 50/125 bridge when we get to it. My wife and I are very safety concious so we wouldn't even think of getting her on two wheels without a safety class. So regardless of what she gets she'll be ready.

Also I will say this about the 50 vs. the 125, it just seems to fit her better. She's about 5'1"and has sat on both 50s and 125s, and there's a noticeable difference with how much contact her feet has with the ground. Also we have a good shop here in Atlanta, and I know the guys will not put her on something that doesn't fit her right, or something she's not happy with. I know everyone is passionate about their Buddies (It's one of the reasons I like this forum so much.), but please it really is her decision on what or if she buys anything.

Who know's she may decide she really likes being a passenger, and I will be forced to by a Stella with a side car.

[jasondavis48108]

"I will be forced to by a Stella with a side car. " I often wish I had a pet chimp for the very same reasons. I've had dreams about riding around in a stella with a side car with my pet chimp riding shotgun Every Which Way But Loose style

[Medusa Padlock]

I learned on a 50cc metropolitan and it was easier to me than my buddy 125. HOWEVER, I may have learned on a 50 but I would never go back to it. just for the record, I'm 5' 1" and have NO problems with my 125.

[Kaos]

Thanks Jason. I spend about half an hour formulating my response but you hit the points in half the time.

With all the space saved from me not commenting, how about I instead remind folks of the joyousness of the original post, the fact that Coffee didn't ask for any of our opinions on 50s, and let you know that I'm starting to feel a bit touchy about this debate.

Coffee (or anyone else with recent experience starting out with a passenger), judging from that first ride, how long do you think it'll take to get to feeling comfortable enough to go out on more serious trips 2-up? I'm looking forward to having the opportunity someday, now that I've got a 150.

Thanks Quo for embracing the scooty joy that was our first two-up, and to answer your question, the ride lasted about 10 minutes. Also since Victoria is a Blackjack the racing seat certainly made it feel a little cramped. That being said both my wife and I are on the small side so it works.

As far as how long, I think her and I will take it day by day. The one thing I've learned in the past year is that it takes as long as it needs to. There's really no set time limit, but I'm sure we'll be out there soon enough.

As far as the debate goes, we will cross the 50/125 bridge when we get to it. My wife and I are very safety concious so we wouldn't even think of getting her on two wheels without a safety class. So regardless of what she gets she'll be ready.

Also I will say this about the 50 vs. the 125, it just seems to fit her better. She's about 5'1"and has sat on both 50s and 125s, and there's a noticeable difference with how much contact her feet has with the ground. Also we have a good shop here in Atlanta, and I know the guys will not put her on something that doesn't fit her right, or something she's not happy with. I know everyone is passionate about their Buddies (It's one of the reasons I like this forum so much.), but please it really is her decision on what or if she buys anything.

Who know's she may decide she really likes being a passenger, and I will be forced to by a Stella with a side car.

I understand the height thing, I'm 6'3" and my wife is 4'8" and we ride two up fairly often, its not awful, but could be a bit more comfortable. She's tried to ride my bike by herself before but apart from it's speed scaring her a bit, she's just too short to reach the ground on it. She's sat on a Buddy 50, and it IS a bit shorter. That being said, I'm building her a scoot from several other wrecked ones that I've been given that will be MUCH shorter(Its on a Metro frame) and should still be fairly quick(90cc 2T when I'm done with it.) so height is absolutely something to think about.... That being said I'm thinking of a sidecar Stella in my future as well

[Vic]

There is nothing about a Buddy 50 that makes it easier to ride than a 125/150. Beginners often think so but ain't true. A 125 for her would make a lot better pairing for your 150.

Exactly,plus she would very soon want to move up in cc's and have to sell the 50cc at a loss.Might as well start with a 125/150 right off the bat.I think the OP's wife probably doesn't have her motorcycle endorsement,thus the reason for a 50cc. Yea?

Also, just a warning to any readers of this thread, be sure to check YOUR state's specific regulations, not all states will let you go without a license even if it is "only a 50". In Ohio, it is not on the official list and you will need a license to ride a Buddy 50.

I actually was gassing up the Sym and a cop stopped to ask me the usual questions and admire my scooter skirt and mentioned that they have been cracking down and one dead giveaway is no pedals means you need a license.

Different states have different rules, so know the rules for your specific state (Ohio also requres tags).

-v

[jasondavis48108]

In michigan the Buddy 50 is technically illeagle. Our law states that it must be under 50cc and not capable of over 30mph on a flat road. Its the 2nd part that makes the BUddy 50 illeagle but I've never heard of anyone being ticketed for it. I have horrible luck with cops though so I figured better safe than sorry and got mine registered as a motorcycle

[Kaos]

In michigan the Buddy 50 is technically illeagle. Our law states that it must be under 50cc and not capable of over 30mph on a flat road. Its the 2nd part that makes the BUddy 50 illeagle but I've never heard of anyone being ticketed for it. I have horrible luck with cops though so I figured better safe than sorry and got mine registered as a motorcycle

I think thats actually the case in most states(I know it is in Oregon) but I've never heard of anyone being busted for it.

[jasondavis48108]

Yup around here they ride thier 50s in shorts and flip flops with no helmet or eye protection and I've never seen one pulled over since you don't have to wear a helmet with a moped.

[bpatrick5]

I have a Int'l 150 and my girlfriend has an Int'l 50. My girlfriend feels more comfortable with her 50. I'm okay going a little slower when we ride together. There are a few places we can't ride together because of the speed of traffic, but only a few. Most importantly, she's confident enough to ride the 50 without me. If she's happy, I'm happy.

[Quo Vadimus]

Have I ever told you guys about my idea to mod my 50 with a digital level, so that a governor would be switched on ONLY on perfectly level roads? (The Michigan law says incapable of speeds over 30 on a level road).

The problem I think I'd run into is that my strict interpretation of the law would invite strict interpretation by a judge of my ability to do over 30 just after a downhill, so I'd have to have some kind of system that literally instantaneously went from 45 to 30, which might be slightly dangerous... Then there's the consideration that probably NO road in Michigan is actually level...

[jasondavis48108]

"Then there's the consideration that probably NO road in Michigan is actually level" yup, michigans potholes the size of moon crators pretty much garentee that! I almost got swallowed up by a pothole this weekend.

[TVB]

The problem I think I'd run into is that my strict interpretation of the law would invite...

...a judicial ass-whupping. If there's one thing a judge hates, it's a smart-ass defendant trying to get off on a technicality.