I responded to your PM, but anyway I cannot believe they are not shipping those like nuts to Hawaii. I saw 50cc Bubus (aka Buddy 50) there, but no 125's. It looks like sym 50's are now more popular than bubu's. There are some Vespas...but not as many as you would think given sky high gas prices and year round great weather. It is a real head scratcher.
From what I can tell about scooter scene in Hawaii (have been to all islands but Lanai)
50cc are everywhere-don't require M endorsment. They define them as "mopeds" legally
Then everyone else on 2 wheels seems to drive MC's or Maxi Yamaha or Honda scoots. Only 150s I saw were a few Vespas and Big Ruckus'. I cannot believe there is not a huge market for small frame 125-150cc's. I am guessing people figure if they are going to go through the trouble of getting a MC endorsement, they might as well go huge?
Shops in Hawaii rent 50cc's to anyone. I have tried each trip to rent a larger displacement engine scooter for MC rental companies-but they only have maxi scoots which are too heavy for me. I tried asking them if they ever thought of renting smaller frames ie 125cc-200cc-and they patronized me as some dumb chick- "well sweetie you need a MC endorsement" . Don't they realize how much business they are losing with choices being moped (too slow), chopper, maxi scoot (both too big for many)?
As far as sales, there are "moped" shops everywhere, but scooters only seem to be at motorcycle shops. sigh....what a missed biz oppurtunity for someone. If only I had money and knew more about scooters (I only know I love them)
I wonder if noho can send some popular parts to you. The repair manual is probably on this site. I would print it and have ready for the shop. I hope you post some pics of Buddy in paradise.