Some advise, please

crumvoc · Post by **crumvoc** » Mon May 12, 2008 1:32 am

My wife and I bought a Zuma last fall on a whim... I'm sort of hooked on the idea of having a scooter. I decided that I wanted something bigger, so a few months ago I bought a used Suzuki Burgman 400. Nice machine, but after a while I came to the conclusion that it is just more bike than I need or want. I recently sold the Burgman and now am trying to decide what used scooter to get. I will be riding mostly in town, mostly less than 20 miles from home, mostly city street speeds, with occasional bursts to about 55. I am trying to decide between a Buddy, a Vino, or maybe a bigwheel scooter of some sort, 200 cc or less. I've also found an Aprilia Scarabeo 150 in fair shape in the price range. Price range is $1500 to about 2,400-ish I do have concerns that the Buddy is too small (I'm 6', 200 ish pounds). I value comfort, safety and reliability most. Any advise is appreciated.

jrsjr · Post by **jrsjr** » Mon May 12, 2008 1:42 am

Do you have a good Aprilia dealer near you? If not, I'd take a pass on that scooter. And, that really goes for all the other scooters I'd recommend for you, too, including the Genuine Buddy (which may be a bit small for you) or the Kymco People 150 which is a "big-wheel" scooter which might fit you a bit better than the Buddy.

P.S. Welcome to Modern Buddy!

jfrost2 · Post by **jfrost2** » Mon May 12, 2008 1:43 am

Some riders here fit on the buddy, but for you to really know, go sit on it and see it yourself. Only in person will you know if it is the right bike or not.

Bit expect to pay $2900-$3100 out the door for a new buddy. If not, try a sym 200 or kymco people 200, both bikes are actually only 161/171cc but both bikes can hit about 65-70mph top speed.

healingpath · Post by **healingpath** » Mon May 12, 2008 1:46 am

Sounds like for your needs, something in the 150cc area would be perfect, and would give you great gas mileage too. I don't ride a Buddy, and I wonder about your comfort on such a small bike. Given your price range (up to $2400-ish) you could even buy a good, used (maybe almost new) 250cc if you wanted to, but you wouldn't need it for what you describe.

I'm sure you'll be hearing from Buddy enthusiasts who will tell you that its size, and its light weight, are of no concern even at your stature. Different strokes, etc.

I'd venture to say that any of the 150's from the well respected manufacturers would serve your needs admirably. I'd also suggest that you don't make yourself crazy trying to find "the perfect scooter". There isn't one.

Good luck, and ride safe.

crumvoc · Post by **crumvoc** » Mon May 12, 2008 2:21 am

healingpath wrote: I'd also suggest that you don't make yourself crazy trying to find "the perfect scooter". There isn't one.

Good luck, and ride safe.

That is really good advice... thanks to all..

jfrost2 · Post by **jfrost2** » Mon May 12, 2008 2:44 am

Could look into a blur, genuine is clearancing them for as little as a new buddy, plus tax. Good deal, fits taller people, speeds up to 65/70mph.

nissanman · Post by **nissanman** » Mon May 12, 2008 2:51 am

If you like the Zuma but need more speed the Rattler may be to your liking. The Blur can do it too.

schlagle · Post by **schlagle** » Mon May 12, 2008 2:55 am

I'm 6'1" and 230# and find the Buddy very comfortable. It looks a little small under me but it's not. It quite zippy too even with my weight.