Where to buy in Portland, OR

Travel Nurse · Post by **Travel Nurse** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 10:17 pm

I am looking to test ride/ buy a Buddy 50 or 125 in Portland, OR. I just moved to this state and found that one of these 2 models would be great for city travel. I would like a 50 because my wife does not have a motorcycle license nad would be riding it also. I worry though if 50 cc will be enough power for my 200 lbs. frame and the hills around the city ( especially up to the OHSU hospital)
My other concern is that there are no dealers in the area. I tried calling scooterking....but no one answers the phone. The next closest dealer is a ways away. Any help would be great....Thanks....New User David

MikieTaps · Post by **MikieTaps** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 10:19 pm

You can get it up here in seattle then ride it down to portland… it will be a great ride to get used to it, kind of jump in head first

jrsjr · Post by **jrsjr** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 10:56 pm

Vespa Portland (Showroom)
808 NW 23rd (Nob Hill)
Portland, OR 97210
(503) 222-3779

Service Center and Sales
3255 NE Broadway
Portland, OR 97232
(503) 473-8763

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 10:59 pm

Vespa of Portland on NW 23rd is the local Buddy and Stella dealer. They are excellent and had a good selction of Buddys still in stock as of last week. Scooter King is their service site and I understand it will be moving soon. Just go into the retail display room and talk to the sales guys.

My advice about Buddy 50s versus 125/150s is that the 50 will really not meet the variety of needs for riding around in traffic, terrain, load, etc. The two scoots are identical in size and there is nothing about the 125 that makes it more difficult to ride or learn on. You will be happy with a 125 or 150 and won't be seeking to upgrade by the end of the year.

MikieTaps · Post by **MikieTaps** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 11:04 pm

i totally agree with the 125 or 150 over the 50. It is only going to cost a couple hundo extra, but the versatility will at least double. If you are worried about the licensing, have her go take the written learners permit test, and she will be legal to ride, during the day, no passenger for 3-6 months, at which point she can retake the written and get another permit, and by then she will probobly be comfortable enough to take the driving test and get endorsed. If she cant pass that, she probobly shouldnt be riding on the street. $0.02

jrsjr · Post by **jrsjr** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 12:04 am

Dooglas wrote:Vespa of Portland on NW 23rd is the local Buddy and Stella dealer. They are excellent and had a good selction of Buddys still in stock as of last week.

They're real scooter folks, too. Plus the part of town where their showroom is located is so hilly it will give you a feeling for whether the 50cc scooter is the right one for you.

Whatever you get, ride safe and enjoy it!

Kurzer · Post by **Kurzer** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 3:42 am

You'll need the 125 at the very least, the 50 won't do well with those hills around OHSU. I test drove a 150 and actually plan on upgrading my 125. If you go with the 50 you'll be stuck in the flat areas, there are very few routes... actually now that I think of it just the one, fo going between Portland and Beaverton.

I regularly travel around Portland, Beaverton and for fun, around Skyline Blvd as far out as North Plains and that's with the 125. It's up to you and your riding style but I would highly stress that the 50 won't be enough for this area.