Buying my scooter today!

clementine · Post by **clementine** » Tue May 13, 2008 3:37 pm

I'm very excited to report that I'll be buying my new scooter today!

Oh, and also to introduce myself. I'm so happy to have found this website, after just lurking for a couple of days I've found so much great information.

I live in San Diego and will be making the plunge today after recently selling my car. Only a few more hours until the Buddy 125 is mine! I plan on taking the MSF scooter course, but am still trying to get some more info on it. I still need to get all the gear as well. And, I'll definitely be taking it slow for the first couple of weeks, with a lot of practice in my quiet neighbourhood.

Wish me luck and I'll be back to report my progress.

Clem.

jfrost2 · Post by **jfrost2** » Tue May 13, 2008 3:46 pm

Lean when turning! Dont use your handle bars to turn! And make sure you have some throttle on when leaning, dont wanna fall over.

brimstone · Post by **brimstone** » Tue May 13, 2008 3:59 pm

welcome and congrats!! you're going to have a blast. remember no sharp turns on sand or gravel, don't brake hard while turning and you'll be fine. cruise around your neighborhood and you'll get the feel for it. have fun and ride safe.

KRUSTYburger · Post by **KRUSTYburger** » Tue May 13, 2008 4:04 pm

WOOHOO! Welcome! Get ready for some good times... What color have you decided on? Be sure to post pics of you and your new scoot in the gallery!

BadBrains · Post by **BadBrains** » Tue May 13, 2008 4:08 pm

And don't brake in a turn! Make sure to brake and slow down before you initiate a turn, then accelerate out of the turn. And whenever you do need to brake in an emergency, make sure you level out into a straight line quickly before braking.

These are just some handy tips to keep the scoot upright until you get to take the MSF. I took the course just this weekend and you'll learn a lot of things you might not have anticipated.

Post by **ericalm** » Tue May 13, 2008 6:22 pm

Check out this pamphlet with some basic riding tips for scooterists:
http://www.msf-usa.org/downloads/Scoote ... screen.pdf

Also, if you plan on doing much riding before you take the MSF, consider getting David Hough's book, Proficient Motorcycling. Practice a lot in parking lots and side streets (especially those turns!). And don't hesitate to look here for answers to any question!

Who's going to be your dealer in SD? Whether or not you but your scoot from them, you're lucky to have Motorsport Scooters, one of the best shops in the country for parts and accessories, right in your backyard.

clementine · Post by **clementine** » Tue May 13, 2008 7:03 pm

Thanks for all the advice and tips, much appreciated!

I will actually be purchasing from Motorsport Scooters, they seem like great people and they are literally just about in my backyard.

I've been looking into the MSF scooter school and it seems as though there are no scooter schools at all in California at this time, which really surprises me. So, right now I'm looking into a school that has a scooter for me to use or allows me to use my own.

I'm planning on the orange 125, although I really do wish it was the sunset orange...

Post by **ericalm** » Tue May 13, 2008 8:11 pm

clementine wrote:Thanks for all the advice and tips, much appreciated!

I will actually be purchasing from Motorsport Scooters, they seem like great people and they are literally just about in my backyard.

I've been looking into the MSF scooter school and it seems as though there are no scooter schools at all in California at this time, which really surprises me. So, right now I'm looking into a school that has a scooter for me to use or allows me to use my own.

I'm planning on the orange 125, although I really do wish it was the sunset orange...

There are a bunch of classes available in SD in June!
http://www.saferide4u.com/calendar.php? ... &year=2008

One of the links on the national MSF site is broken. I had to go the back way through the state program site to find this.

Full list of locations:
http://www.ca-msp.org/RiderCourse_Locat ... ations.htm

clementine · Post by **clementine** » Wed May 14, 2008 10:14 pm

Thanks, I'll definitely be signing up for a class soon. I was hoping not to have to take it on a motorcycle, but it looks like that's my only option.

I've got my new buddy, but I haven't ridden her yet... going out to get all my safety gear tonight. Can't wait!

Thanks again!

brimstone · Post by **brimstone** » Wed May 14, 2008 11:39 pm

don't worry about taking in with a motorcycle. same principle apply and now you'll have the experience in case you want to get on in the future.

pamalama · Post by **pamalama** » Thu May 15, 2008 1:32 am

I live in Ohio and wanted to take the Scooter class...none of course available, I think it's an Urban Legend. When I checked into the MSF class it says you have to use their motorcycles unless you have a reason like a handicap adapted bike etc. I have no desire to learn to ride a motorcycle...shift?? Are you kidding me?? I'm new at this, that's why I want to take the darn class! I'm lucky to use the throttle smoothly...almost ran over my man the other day!! So...I e-mailed them and said I had a scooter and didn't want to ride a motorcycle, could I pleeeeeeeease take the class on my scooter??? I guess he felt sorry for me when I told him my little Buddy was pink, that same day he e-mailed me his permission....so I get to take my class on my Pink Buddy "Pandora". All he ask in return was to send him a pix of my scoot, said he hadn't seen a pink one. Check into that and see if you can do the same...doesn't hurt to ask. Have fun on your scoot!

Modern Buddy

Buying my scooter today!

Buying my scooter today!

MSF Classes