Want a buddy but was offered a Vino- Any suggestions?

photogal85 · Post by **photogal85** » Thu May 22, 2008 5:48 pm

Hi everyone- This will be my first scooter and I've been searching all over for a Buddy for around 2300 or less. My husband has found a brand new Yamaha Vino 125 for 2400 tax and all...

What do you think? I'm open for opinions on this matter. Should I wait or jump on this deal?

MPA · Post by **MPA** » Thu May 22, 2008 5:54 pm

Here's a review I've seen - they compare it to a Vina 125
http://www.justgottascoot.com/buddy.htm

Orange Guy · Post by **Orange Guy** » Thu May 22, 2008 6:00 pm

My dad did very little research and bought a Vino 125. A few weeks later, I had my Buddy 125.

He likes his Vino, but loves my Buddy. The Vino is a good scoot with dealers and parts everywhere, but the Buddy has way more readily available accessories. And obviously the Buddy is better looking.

photogal85 · Post by **photogal85** » Thu May 22, 2008 6:12 pm

What do you think about the price for the 07 Vino (2400 out the door)- Does that seem like a good deal if I did decide to go for the Vino?

I haven't been able to find any Buddy scooters around my area that fits my price range. I did find one across the state and someone snagged it up within the day it was listed.

DennisD · Post by **DennisD** » Thu May 22, 2008 6:16 pm

And obviously the Buddy is better looking.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

If its a 125 Vino that's a very good price since it includes everything. Jump on it. The Buddy 125 (I have one)gets the nod for performance. The Vino 125 (I have one) gets the nod for looks and isn't that far off in performance. Owning both, I have found things about both of them that are not as good as the other.

Either is a good scooter and will make you smile. I would buy them both again. Either will serve you well.

Dennis

Othergods · Post by **Othergods** » Thu May 22, 2008 6:23 pm

I was going to get a Vino, but then came across the comparison listed in a post above and decided for the Buddy and I am very happy with it. If you are looking for a new Buddy I do not think you will be able to find one for $2400.

photogal85 · Post by **photogal85** » Thu May 22, 2008 6:27 pm

I'm not necessarily looking for a *new* Buddy but would like one that is in good shape and will get up and go without me having to do any immediate work on it.

This Vino 125 is brand new- something like 8 miles on it- the dealer had it listed for 2500 and my husband talked him into 2400 tax and everything. He told me that it's my decision. I can either go with this one (which I do like the looks of it and I've heard good things) or I can wait and see if a Buddy comes up around my area in that same price range.

I'm just wondering if I should jump on this deal or stick it out and see if a Buddy comes around.

Othergods · Post by **Othergods** » Thu May 22, 2008 6:46 pm

Have you sat on either? I would try that if you have not. That alone may answer this question for you

photogal85 · Post by **photogal85** » Thu May 22, 2008 6:51 pm

Nope- Haven't sat on either one...I can't find either one around here to sit on!! You'd think being in Memphis there would be a dang dealer locally, but the only ones here sell Honda or off brands.

I think the Vino guy said his offer was good for 48 hours....So the clock is ticking...

jmazza · Post by **jmazza** » Thu May 22, 2008 7:06 pm

Tough choice- I was swayed to the Buddy by that review posted above and the quickness of the Buddy is something I love and NEED everyday in my commute. I've never heard a Vino owner claim that the Vino performs better than the Buddy.

However, I really like the looks of the Vino in a lot of ways. Sitting on one of each is a good idea.

If this is your first scooter, consider that having a new scooter means you have a warranty. Genuine has said that the warranty is not transferable so if you buy a used Buddy you won't have a warranty at all. Both scoots seem to be pretty solid performers, but still for a first scoot a warranty isn't the worst thing to have.

Good luck- it's a tough call! The only thing I'd add is that scooters tend to be very passionate things for their owners so buy the one that speaks to you. If you buy one solely based on the logical facts when you really wanted the other, you'll regret it to a point.

photogal85 · Post by **photogal85** » Thu May 22, 2008 7:10 pm

Well- I've been doing my research on scooters for the past couple of months or so and I gathered that a Buddy is the best out there....That is the reason why I was only looking for a Buddy. I've never been opposed to getting something else.

Honestly, I like the looks of the Vino better. But I've never driven either one.

Thanks for everyone's great advice. You're scooter enthusiasm is CONTAGIOUS!

jmazza · Post by **jmazza** » Thu May 22, 2008 7:14 pm

photogal85 wrote:Well- I've been doing my research on scooters for the past couple of months or so and I gathered that a Buddy is the best out there....That is the reason why I was only looking for a Buddy. I've never been opposed to getting something else.

Honestly, I like the looks of the Vino better. But I've never driven either one.

Thanks for everyone's great advice. You're scooter enthusiasm is CONTAGIOUS!

Glad we can all help- there is something about the Vino looks- more classic, the wider legshield, etc. Test drives aren't super common (unless of course you're buying used) so you almost have to rely on forums like this one. I test rode my Buddy about 500 yards total before buying it, lol.

gt1000 · Post by **gt1000** » Thu May 22, 2008 7:15 pm

As a Buddy owner, I obviously prefer it to the Vino for a number of reasons. One reason is performance, the Buddy feels quicker and a bit more nimble than the Vino, at least to me. The other reason I steered away from the Vino is the dealer situation locally. Suffice to say that I prefer to buy my scooters from a shop that lives and breathes scooters.

That said, if I had stumbled onto a Vino 125 for $2400 out the door (including tax?! Really?) I'd jump all over it. That's an excellent deal on a very good scooter.

Othergods · Post by **Othergods** » Thu May 22, 2008 7:38 pm

Head over to orlandoscoots.com on the Forums there is a guy named Frankenscoot, he lives and breaths his Vino from what I have read while lurking. I have seen him on someother board when I was first shopping also hyping the Vino, I know he has modded his a bit and has some videos of his speed on Youtube.

Could not hurt asking his opinion.

JokerJim · Post by **JokerJim** » Thu May 22, 2008 8:41 pm

I would get the Vino. Seriously doubt you will find a used Buddy for that price.
I see you're in Memphis. ROCK CHALK JAYHAWKS

Joker

photogal85 · Post by **photogal85** » Thu May 22, 2008 8:44 pm

I forgive you for the JayHawks remark...Just wait til this year.

I really do appreciate the advice. I'm a newbie to this scooter thing although I've been a jealous lurker for a while.

DennisD · Post by **DennisD** » Thu May 22, 2008 8:54 pm

The Vino headlight is superior to the Buddy.
The Buddy seat is narrower than the Vino and seems a tad softer.
The Vino floorboard is bigger than the Buddy. More foot move around room.
The Vino handlebars are wider than the Buddy.
The Buddy gas tank is under the seat. Not good, not bad.
The Vino gas tank is behind the seat. Yes, you can still mount a top box and get to the gas cap, just mount a bit further back.
The Vino looks better (to me) than the Buddy.
Buddy has a bit larger gas tank.
I have never had to take the Vino into the shop for warranty work. (2 yrs)
I have never had to take the Buddy into the shop for warranty work. (Its new)

Pick, pick, pick! I could go on and on, but you get the point.

Its tough to choose between the two, but for the price you were given to take home a brand new Vino... MY MY! That is a gooooood deal! You will NOT find a new Buddy at that price. Maybe a newer used one.

Which one speaks to you?

Dennis

Dennis

jfrost2 · Post by **jfrost2** » Thu May 22, 2008 9:01 pm

Dont jump and buy the bike till you can sit on it and see it for yourself, I'd forget about that vino, the guy is giving you such a small deadline, you may regret purchasing it because it may have problems.

photogal85 · Post by **photogal85** » Fri May 23, 2008 12:00 am

It was a 48 hour deadline on the offer he gave me before he put it back for auction on Ebay...I guess I sort of set that deadline for myself so I could get the good deal before someone else snagged it up.

I'm pretty sure I'm gonna get it. I've been wanting a scooter for quite a while and haven't been able to find a Buddy in my price range. Who knows? Maybe I'll be soooo in love that I'll start collecting scooters!

Othergods · Post by **Othergods** » Fri May 23, 2008 12:09 am

photogal85 wrote:Maybe I'll be soooo in love that I'll start collecting scooters!

Careful what you wish for, I am already looking at some of the restored 1960's Vespas on Ebay lol

brimstone · Post by **brimstone** » Fri May 23, 2008 12:09 am

get the vino...then buy a buddy, and give your hubby the vino.

KRUSTYburger · Post by **KRUSTYburger** » Fri May 23, 2008 12:14 am

Either one you get I think you will wonder how it could possibly be any better than it is... that is, until you ride the *other* one. Others have said it, they're basically equal and the deciding factor is usually price, availability, or just which one FEELS better. Only you can control your own destiny... Don't worry, we'll still let you hang out in the MB club.

nissanman · Post by **nissanman** » Fri May 23, 2008 1:40 am

If you haven't sat on either yet, but the Vino was close enough to home for your husband to negotiate on it for you, would I be wrong to assume that a Yamaha dealer is closer to you than a Genuine dealer? That may influence your decision to buy the Vino as well. I've read good things about both but I've always been a fan of buying local so if you have an issue it's easy to resolve. I can speak from experience... I hate solving problems for people that couldn't give our shop the courtesy of at least checking us out. If we had a chance and blew it that's a different story

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Fri May 23, 2008 2:33 am

What DennisD said. We also own one of each. The Buddy is definitely quicker but the Vino has its virtues including a very high quality finish. I think it comes down to which fits you better and which has a good, reliable dealer close at hand. I don't think there is any reason to hestitate over a Vino if the price is good and you are comfortable on the scoot.

illnoise · Post by **illnoise** » Fri May 23, 2008 2:54 am

If it's an independent seller and not a Yamaha dealer, make sure the Vino is a Vino and not one of the six million Vino knockoffs out there. There are about six hundred factories in China making bikes that look exactly like a Vino 125.

They don't generally forge the badges or try to pass it off as a real Vino, but a secondhand seller might try anything.

Make sure the title and paperwork all read "Yamaha Vino", or just check the VIN and manufacturer plate, the VIN should start with LPR or JYA. LPR is Yamaha's Taiwanese-run factory in mainland China (Which is not an issue, most Vinos have come from there for the past few years, they're just as good as the Japanese ones) and JYA means it was made by Yamaha in Japan.

If it starts with "L" but isn't LPR, it's a knockoff, not a Vino.

photogal85 · Post by **photogal85** » Fri May 23, 2008 3:54 am

It's from a Yamaha Dealer- I've checked their website also and they are legit.

Thanks for all the great advice. No kidding- You guys are FULL of useful information.

So, I paid the deposit tonight and I will be getting my new scooter on SATURDAY!!!! Oh my...the excitement!

However, I still plan on floating around this place despite being a Vino owner instead of a Buddy owner....I'll be like the kid with glasses that sits on the bench while the rest play kickball.

Except I'll be sitting on that bench with a huge grin on my face because I can't wait to drive my scooter!!!

jmazza · Post by **jmazza** » Fri May 23, 2008 11:47 am

OK folks let's wrap it up. We tried out best but we lost her. Get this mess cleaned up and let's move on.

Just kidding! Congrats! I think you made the best choice - that price is great. When I was buying my scooter, I was torn between a Buddy and an Aprilia Mojito (which was about $800 more) and even though a part of me really wanted the Mojito, I bought the Buddy and couldn't be happier!!

enjoy the Vino and please do stick around- I read about six scooter forums regularly and this one, even though it's Genuine Scooter specific, still seems to be the most helpful and informative of all of them!

A couple others to check out:

Easy Peasey Scooter Posse- Great bunch over there, some members from here post. I think one of the mods rides a Vino. Seems to be a lot of Vino love happening there.

Urbanscootin'- This is a Honda forum, but Vinos get a lot of love there too. A few people over there seem to not like the Buddy but they're just jealous!!

Have fun!!! Get some good gear!! Ride safely!

Post by **ericalm** » Fri May 23, 2008 9:30 pm

Othergods wrote:
photogal85 wrote:Maybe I'll be soooo in love that I'll start collecting scooters!
Careful what you wish for, I am already looking at some of the restored 1960's Vespas on Ebay lol

Careful what you look at! There are a lot of nice-looking on the outside/horrible on the inside restos on eBay. As in, most of them, unfortunately. Don't want to hijack this thread, but I can send you more info if you PM me.

DennisD · Post by **DennisD** » Fri May 23, 2008 9:49 pm

Congratulations! I know you are excited. Here's another site you will want to look at: http://www.provoscooter.com/shop/. There is a Vino 125 group on the forum. Also you can download a pdf of the Yamaha Vino 125 service manual there. I downloaded one and printed it out. Great reading on slow days at work.

Dennis

photogal85 · Post by **photogal85** » Fri May 23, 2008 11:20 pm

The one I'm getting is blue...As in Memphis Tiger Blue.

It's going to be so utterly fabulous and if I do say so myself, I'm going to look dang good cruising around on it.

Drumwoulf · Post by **Drumwoulf** » Sat May 24, 2008 5:08 am

photogal85 wrote:The one I'm getting is blue...As in Memphis Tiger Blue. It's going to be so utterly fabulous and if I do say so myself, I'm going to look dang good cruising around on it.

Check out the Vino owners groups on the Yahoo.com forums. A while back (before I got the Buddy) I also almost got a Vino. The Vino owners groups over at Yahoo are excellent!! One group has a very good guru who helps lots of folks with his extensive knowledge of that fine scooter, and the other group is a Vino women riders group!

I like the Vino a lot; to me it's a better looker than the Buddy, with it's almost classic lines. (It looks like a smaller version of my Vespa GT!) And I test rode it and enjoyed that too. But then I took a test ride on the Buddy, and it's handling was more exciting to me...
But I'm not a noobie, and the things I was looking for are prolly not all that important to a scooter noobie. Indeed, you'd prolly like the ride of the Vino better as it's a bit more solid on the road, with more stable handling than the fast, but quick darting, Buddy...